early access Archives

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2026

If you’re struggling to play tactics sim Menace, it could be because your antivirus is randomly deleting files

Menace, a turn-based tactics game, has launched in early access with notable updates. Players are advised to whitelist the 'GameAssembly.dll' and 'Menace.exe' files due to some antivirus programs incorrectly classifying the former as malware. The first update introduces new adversaries, including pirate veteran scavengers and a pirate heavy machinegun truck. Enhancements include an optimized splash screen for ultra-wide monitors and significant balancing changes, such as a new heat mechanic for laser and plasma rifles and the addition of motion scanners to pirate EMP units.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Steam Opens the Gates: Four Major PC Games Are Free to Play This Weekend

Steam is currently offering free access to four PC games: Fallout 76, Deep Rock Galactic, Dead by Daylight, and Grounded 2. The free access for Deep Rock Galactic, Dead by Daylight, and Grounded 2 lasts until February 2, while Fallout 76 is available for free until February 5. After the promotional period, players will need to purchase the games to retain access. Discounts are available for those interested in buying: Fallout 76 is 80% off, Dead by Daylight is 60% off, and Deep Rock Galactic is 70% off. Grounded 2 is not included in the discount promotion.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Old-school MMO Project: Gorgon launches into 1.0 with an update that adds ‘by far the largest and most complex map we’ve ever made’

Project: Gorgon has emerged from Steam early access, featuring straightforward 3D graphics and a minimally guided leveling experience that encourages exploration. The recent 1.0 update introduced the capital city of Statehelm, which is the largest map created by the developers and includes 200 new quests and character progression up to level 100. The update also brought new character models, revisions to combat wisdom mechanics, crafting epiphanies for master craftsmen, and refinements to player-run vendor stalls. A notable change in the game is that "skeletons are no longer contortionists." A demo is available for players to experience the game up to level 15, and a 25% launch discount is offered until February 4, reducing the price to £15.74.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Is Hytale worth playing? A lifelong Minecraft fan’s perspective

In 2010, a 14-year-old journalist began playing a beta version of Minecraft, which sparked a lasting passion for the game. Minecraft's core gameplay remains popular, supported by a vibrant community that creates mods and custom servers. Hytale, a sandbox RPG that originated from the Hypixel Minecraft server in 2015, has been released as a standalone game after a challenging development process. Hytale features familiar aesthetics from Minecraft but introduces enhancements like a structured beginning and RPG elements. It aims to capture the essence of Minecraft while offering new experiences for players. Hytale is currently in early access and reflects the spirit of innovation in sandbox gaming.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Here’s when Code Vein 2 launches in your timezone

Code Vein 2 is set to launch at 3 pm PST on January 29. The deluxe edition will unlock three days earlier for early access. Global launch times include: Los Angeles at 3 pm PST, New York at 6 pm EST, London at 11 pm GMT, Berlin at 12 am CET on January 30, Tokyo at 8 am JST on January 30, and Sydney at 8 am AEDT on January 30. Preloading is not available for the standard edition, but the deluxe edition allows for advanced access.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Here’s when Code Vein 2 launches in your timezone

Code Vein 2 is set to launch at 3 pm PST on January 29, with the deluxe edition unlocking three days earlier. Launch times for various regions are as follows: Los Angeles at 3 pm PST, New York at 6 pm EST, London at 11 pm GMT, Berlin at 12 am CET, Tokyo at 8 am JST, and Sydney at 8 am AEDT. Preloading is not available for the game, except for those who purchased the deluxe edition, which allows early access.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Not content with its breakneck pace, Hytale dev slows down updates for the live game so it can be “more adventurous”

Hytale, developed by Hypixel Studios, has reached a stable phase in its development, attracting millions of players for its early access launch. The studio has secured significant funding and is expanding its team to support ongoing development. Founder Simon Collins-Laflamme has introduced a new update release schedule, with two major updates and many smaller patches already rolled out. Pre-release builds will be launched weekly, with the understanding that some downtime may occur. Players are advised to back up their worlds due to potential instability during pre-releases. Updates will transition to the live build only when the team is confident in their quality, with releases expected every two to six weeks. Hypixel Studios will notify the community a few days before any full release, allowing for better adaptation between major updates. The development team emphasizes transparent communication with players to enhance the gaming experience.

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

NVIDIA RTX Remix Logic Is Out Now, Allowing Modders to Add Dynamic FX to Classic PC Games

The RTX Remix Logic feature has launched through an update to the NVIDIA app, allowing modders to trigger graphics effects based on real-time in-game events without needing source code or engine access. There are over 30 in-game events that can serve as triggers, including player state, world bounding boxes, object state, time flow, and input. This feature can manipulate over 900 RTX Remix graphics parameters, such as lighting conditions, weather systems, material properties, post-processing effects, and path-traced volumetrics. A no-code node-based interface enables modders to easily implement this feature. RTX Remix Logic can be integrated into over 165 classic PC games. Additionally, new games supporting NVIDIA's DLSS technologies include Half Sword, which will feature DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation, and Code Vein II, along with the free-to-play PvP shooter Highguard, both supporting DLSS Super Resolution.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

I never thought Stardew Valley and Diablo could coexist in one game, but then I saw Emberville

Emberville is a new game combining elements of Stardew Valley and Diablo, set to release in Summer 2026. The game features an intricate class system where players earn classes through in-game discoveries and can switch between them, with some skills being transferable across classes. It includes a randomized loot system, allowing items to drop from defeated enemies, while retaining core elements like NPC interactions, farming, crafting, and fishing. The game will feature voice acting from notable actors, including Alex Jordan and Dougle Cockle, and will launch into Steam Early Access in Summer 2026.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Emberville Announced for PC; Aims to Be Like Diablo Lite Meets Stardew Valley

Emberville is a new title from developer Cygnus Cross, blending elements of "Diablo Lite" and "Stardew Valley." It is set to launch in Early Access on Steam in the summer of 2026. The game features a voice cast including Doug Cockle and Alex Jordan. Key gameplay features include a simple combat system, an inherited skill leveling system, formidable boss fights, cross-class combat skills, a weapon combo system, and a creative area for building and customizing the game world. Players can add Emberville to their wishlist on Steam.