curation Archives

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Developer of ‘Spanking Exorcist’ game held up by Steam content moderation releases free ‘apology game’ where you spank him as punishment: ‘We would be delighted if you enjoy it’

Actor, the developer of Spanking Exorcist, released a free "apology game" called Apology.exe after missing its launch date on July 24 due to content moderation issues on Steam. The game allows players to humorously simulate spanking the developer as a form of retribution. Spanking Exorcist, which blends first-person exploration with unsettling visuals, officially launched on Steam six days after the missed date, priced at .99 with a launch discount bringing it to .39.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

Sony exec says killing discs won’t make the PlayStation 6 too much like a PC: ‘Going forward, we can coexist peacefully with PC games’

Sony announced its plan to transition to a fully digital gaming platform by 2028, ceasing production of game discs. This decision has raised concerns among gamers regarding ownership and accessibility, particularly the ability to trade in games and access libraries during service outages. CFO Lin Tao stated that Sony is committed to this digital shift, emphasizing the strength of curated content and the stability of the gaming environment. Tao also noted that physical discs are not a significant differentiator for their products and expressed a vision of coexistence with PC games. Additionally, estimates suggest that the material costs for the upcoming PlayStation 6 could exceed 0, raising questions about pricing and competition in the market amid ongoing supply chain challenges.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

Steam Week in Review: Take cover, because it looks like more than half of Steam games will have an AI-disclosure by 2027-2028

In June 2017, Valve introduced Steam Direct, changing the platform's game release process from manual curation to a more open system. Before this, game releases were limited, with only one month—December 2016—exceeding 500 releases. By February 2025, monthly game launches on Steam surpassed 1,500. A study by Sulka Haro analyzed around 53,600 Steam titles released between mid-2023 and mid-2026, noting that in 2024, 10.9% of new games included an AI disclosure, rising to 19.9% in 2025, and reaching 30.8% by July 2026. Non-AI flagged launches increased from about 1,030 to around 1,320 per month, while AI-flagged launches grew from approximately 13 to about 530 monthly. Projections suggest that by 2027 or 2028, nearly half of all games on Steam will have an AI flag. Despite the increase in AI-flagged titles, many struggle financially and receive mediocre reviews. The gaming industry is seeing a rise in generative AI technologies, particularly in management simulation genres. Recent notable releases on Steam include Granblue Fantasy: Relink and Palworld, with anticipation for Star Wars Zero Company on August 27.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Google Play Must Carry Rival App Stores Jul. 22

Google will introduce rival Android app stores within its Play Store starting July 22, following a court ruling that mandates the inclusion of competing app stores. This change allows cryptocurrency applications greater visibility while still processing downloads through Google Play, which will maintain its service fee. Competing app stores must be U.S.-based, keep malware rates below 1%, and pay an annual fee of ,000. The order is temporary, lasting until November 1, 2027, and prohibits Google from incentivizing device manufacturers to prioritize its own store.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Epic Games unveils Launcher V2 in re-attempt to topple Steam, says redesigned storefront is up to 6.5x faster — promises player profiles, user reviews, universal controller support, and much more

Epic Games is developing Epic Games Launcher V2, which will feature a complete internal overhaul to improve speed and expand its features. Key improvements include a complete reconstruction of the store, in-store Patch Notes, player reviews, a performance increase making the store 5 to 6.5 times faster, and universal controller support. The redesigned storefront will offer personalized game recommendations based on user preferences and will enhance game pages with more curated content. These updates will be released alongside updates to Fortnite.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Some of the cheapest Android phones are finally joining the Gemini era

Gemini is replacing Assistant Go on Android Go devices, enhancing AI accessibility for budget smartphone users. It is integrated into the Google app, allowing users to summon it easily with a long press of the Home or Power button. Users can now interact with AI without relying on browser-based workarounds. Gemini Go enables users to upload photos, documents, and other files for more accurate responses and interfaces with media playback for easy music requests. The feature will be rolled out gradually, requiring users to update the Google app via the Play Store. This update aims to make advanced AI tools accessible to budget phone owners, aligning with Google's mission to provide modern technology to all users.

AppWizard

June 1, 2026

Steam Week in Review: 4 Backrooms games released on Steam last week, joining a list of over 500 cash-ins, parodies and legitimate contenders

A24's adaptation of The Backrooms has led to the release of only four new Backrooms-themed video games on Steam, despite over 500 results for "Backrooms" on the platform. Among the released titles, 225 are available, with an estimated 150 being legitimate playable games. Recent adaptations include Backrooms Cats and Lava, Backroom Warfare II, Chained in the Backrooms, Backrooms Santa, and Skibidi Gyatrooms. Escape the Backrooms and Inside the Backrooms are highlighted as quality co-op options, while The Complex: Expedition and Within the Backrooms are recommended for single-player experiences. Additionally, a Backrooms-themed event by publisher Secret Mode aims to help players find quality titles amidst the clutter. The Sims 4 is receiving favorable early access reviews on Steam, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is currently discounted by 70%.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Why PC Gaming Has Never Been More Accessible Than In 2026

The entry point into PC gaming has become significantly easier, moving away from complex installation issues and compatibility challenges. Platforms now prioritize convenience, allowing players to transition from download to gameplay with minimal friction through pre-configured installations and one-click launchers. This evolution has attracted casual gamers who previously avoided PC gaming due to technical barriers. The variety of PC games available has expanded, with a focus on user-friendly platforms that feature large, organized libraries and straightforward download processes. Curation has become essential for accessibility, helping players discover new titles easily. There has been notable growth in simulation and survival genres, while open-world RPGs remain popular. The modding community has also contributed to the longevity of older titles by introducing new content. Overall, the trend toward accessibility and convenience in PC gaming continues to grow, making it an inviting time for new players.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

New LEGO Minecraft sets scheduled for this summer have leaked

Reddit has announced strategic initiatives to enhance user engagement and monetization, including new moderation tools for community leaders, personalized content recommendations using advanced algorithms, and monetization opportunities for content creators through subscriptions and exclusive content. The company is attracting investor interest due to its potential for growth and innovation, with a focus on diversifying revenue sources. Reddit's strategy emphasizes community involvement and user feedback in developing new features, aiming to balance innovation with its foundational principles.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Five new Steam games you probably missed (April 7, 2026)

Steam releases around a dozen new games daily. The following are details of some notable upcoming PC games: - Stiff Neck - Release Date: April 3 - Developer: 伤官制作组 Team Uranian - Description: A life simulation game where players control Kazio, a Polish man adjusting to life after losing his job at a coal mine, now working at a convenience store and facing financial challenges. - Wasteland Bites - Release Date: April 4 - Developer: CosmicDev - Description: A game where players operate a food truck in a post-apocalyptic world, cooking while defending against aliens and mutants. - It Has My Face - Release Date: April 4 - Developer: NightByte Games - Description: A roguelike game where players navigate a world filled with doppelgangers, aiming to eliminate their lookalike before being found out, featuring both solo and multiplayer modes. - Grime 2 - Release Date: April 1 - Developer: Clover Bite - Description: A sequel to a combat-focused platformer where players can mold defeated enemies into attacks, featuring a parry-centric combat system and challenging boss battles.