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Cognition Method, a First-Person Puzzle Game From an Ex-Cyberpunk 2077 Developer, Announced for PC
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

Cognition Method, a First-Person Puzzle Game From an Ex-Cyberpunk 2077 Developer, Announced for PC

Cognition Method is a first-person, atmospheric sci-fi puzzle game inspired by Stanley Kubrick's film, 2001: A Space Odyssey. It features a narrative centered around a mysterious artifact called The Cube and includes innovative gravity-changing puzzle mechanics. The game is developed by a three-person team led by Timur Ozdoev, a former environment artist from CD Projekt Red, and is set to launch on PC on September 1. The game draws visual inspiration from both 2001: A Space Odyssey and the minimalist architectural style of Tadao Ando. A trailer and screenshots are available, and players can add the game to their wishlist on Steam.
This viral Steam PC horror game is coming exclusive to Xbox on consoles next week, with Game Pass and Play Anywhere
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

This viral Steam PC horror game is coming exclusive to Xbox on consoles next week, with Game Pass and Play Anywhere

Shift At Midnight is an asymmetric co-op horror game developed by Bun Muen, initially set for a PC-only release on Steam. It will also be available on Xbox consoles, Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox Play Anywhere, with the PC launch scheduled for July 22, 2026. The game encourages mobility and strategy, allowing players to defend themselves by running, hiding, or shooting. Early gameplay experiences have been showcased by content creators like Markiplier and MoistCr1TiKaL, generating significant interest in the gaming community. Players have praised the multiplayer demo on Steam for its blend of humor and horror.
VK Sells RuStore to Developer’s CEO Following EU Sanctions
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

VK Sells RuStore to Developer’s CEO Following EU Sanctions

VK has announced its decision to sell 100% of RuStore to Dmitry Pankrushev, the CEO of Mnogo Prilozheniy. This announcement coincided with recent European Union sanctions against VK. RuStore was established as a domestic alternative for Android users in response to restrictions imposed by Apple and Google after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The platform currently features over 110,000 applications and games, attracting 68 million monthly users. VK did not disclose the financial details of the sale or the reasons behind the divestment, while assuring users that operations would continue seamlessly. On the same day, Russian media reported that VK-related applications were removed from Google Play and Huawei's AppGallery, following previous removals from Apple's App Store. RuStore has faced allegations of user tracking and unauthorized access to data, which it denies, stating that its practices are standard for major app storefronts.
Why Ustwo Games shifted from mobile to PC and the "mind-boggling" discovery problem
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

Why Ustwo Games shifted from mobile to PC and the “mind-boggling” discovery problem

Ustwo Games, known for Monument Valley, is transitioning from mobile to PC gaming due to challenges in profitability and creative limitations imposed by mobile platforms. CEO Maria Sayans acknowledged that the studio's reliance on mobile subscriptions, which she termed a “honeypot trap,” hindered their ability to create desired games without the support of larger companies like Apple and Netflix. The studio faces issues with discoverability in the gaming industry, criticizing platform holders for inadequate audience engagement. In response, Ustwo is launching the ‘Beautiful Games Club,’ a community initiative aimed at fostering direct relationships with players and enhancing engagement.
Two utterly unique and long lost '90s PC horror classics have been exhumed, and they're coming to Steam soon
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

Two utterly unique and long lost ’90s PC horror classics have been exhumed, and they’re coming to Steam soon

Ecstatica is a series of medieval-themed survival horror games developed by Andrew Spencer and published by Psygnosis, with the first installment released in 1994 and a sequel in 1997. The series is known for its distinctive art style, utilizing an innovative engine that employs ellipsoids instead of traditional polygonal models, creating a soft, rounded appearance. Both games feature tank controls, fixed camera perspectives, and puzzle-solving elements. They are set to be re-released on Steam and GOG later this year.
A Brazilian PC Game Is Being Remade On The Sega Master System, With A Cartridge Release "Made The Old School Way"
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

A Brazilian PC Game Is Being Remade On The Sega Master System, With A Cartridge Release “Made The Old School Way”

The Sega Master System, nearly four decades after its debut, is supported by a homebrew community that produces new content. A notable project is Devwill, a Master System port of a 2017 PC game by Brazilian developer Amaweks. Devwill is an arcade-style platformer featuring a golem on a quest, with gameplay involving combat against the undead and navigating challenging environments. Following its initial release, a sequel called Devwill Too was launched in 2019. Amaweks is set to release a cartridge version of Devwill on August 5, 2026, through LMS Retro, with a European version to be distributed by Teknamic. The game will include a hand-drawn manual, and a trailer showcasing in-game footage and stop-motion animation has been released.
Google is opening the floodgates to third-party app stores on Android next week
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

Google is opening the floodgates to third-party app stores on Android next week

Google will allow third-party app stores on its Android platform starting July 22, 2026, following a legal agreement with Epic Games. This decision comes after Google withdrew its motion to modify a court injunction requiring the inclusion of third-party stores. The new framework will enable third-party app stores to list apps and games available on the Play Store, with developers having the option to participate under the same conditions as those in the Play Store. Third-party stores will incur a ,000 annual access fee to list Play Store apps and must adhere to specific security and policy protocols.
Third-party app stores are coming to Android soon
AppWizard
July 15, 2026

Third-party app stores are coming to Android soon

Beginning next week, third-party Android app stores in the United States will gain access to the Google Play Store through the Play Catalog Access Program. This program allows developers to submit app and game listings for external Android app stores, which will be downloadable directly from the Google Play Store. Google Play's service fees will still apply to these transactions. This change follows a court order resulting from a legal dispute between Epic Games and Google, which began in 2020. A U.S. District Court judge mandated changes to the Play Store in 2024 after ruling against Google. In November, Google and Epic reached a settlement proposing modifications to enhance developer choice and competition. Third-party app stores will incur a service fee of ,000 for an onboarding security review and an annual fee of ,000 to maintain access to the Play catalog. However, these app stores cannot use the Play Store for distributing their apps outside the United States. Earlier this year, Google announced a reduction in its commission for app purchases to 10% and introduced outside billing options within the Play Store.
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