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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'
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.
Trains are taking over the survival genre: there are a half-dozen survival base-builders on rails coming in 2026
AppWizard
January 28, 2026

Trains are taking over the survival genre: there are a half-dozen survival base-builders on rails coming in 2026

A shift in survival gaming is occurring with the introduction of mobile bases on trains, with at least six or seven games set for release in 2026. Frostrail, developed by FakeFish, is a solo or co-op first-person shooter where players navigate a frozen world aboard a train, scavenging for resources and upgrading their engine for survival. EverRail allows up to four players to use drones for reconnaissance and engage in combat, featuring a respawn mechanic where players take on new characters after death. Enginefall is inspired by Snowpiercer, featuring a megatrain where players loot and battle through various train cars, transforming them into strategic bases. Frostliner combines city-building with survival as players manage a train filled with citizens, upgrading it and ensuring their safety while exploring with additional vehicles. Steel Artery: Train City Builder focuses on constructing a steampunk city on rails, requiring resource management and strategic planning for economic success. Railborn features a customizable train system for traversing different biomes, allowing players to scavenge and rebuild ecosystems while creating unique train cars.
New Path of Exile 2 patch notes nerf the ARPG's game-breaking temples, but GGG might have gone too far
AppWizard
January 3, 2026

New Path of Exile 2 patch notes nerf the ARPG’s game-breaking temples, but GGG might have gone too far

New patch notes for Path of Exile 2, specifically the 0.4.0c hotfix 13, aim to address the dominance of certain Vaal Temple layouts by introducing changes to room modifiers and restricting the locking of anything below tier three. The update includes diminishing returns on modifier values for room types after four or more of a specific type are used, primarily affecting lower-tier rooms. This change is intended to improve server performance and reduce the potential of high-value temple layouts, which previously generated hundreds of Divine Orbs per run, now averaging around 20. The rooms associated with Golem Works and Spymaster have been swapped to encourage variety in temple setups. Additionally, the use of Juatalotli's Medallion is restricted to tier-three rooms, leading to backlash from players who feel disadvantaged by this change. The patch is now live, and while it aims to mitigate top-end currency drops and curb inflation, it may disproportionately affect average players.
How I Fell Back In Love With Minecraft After 10 Years Away
AppWizard
January 3, 2026

How I Fell Back In Love With Minecraft After 10 Years Away

The author first played Minecraft in 2010 and was captivated by its charm, comparing it to a digital Lego set. Over time, they drifted away from the game due to burnout and political controversies surrounding its creator, Markus “Notch” Persson. The author visited Mojang in March 2011 when Minecraft had sold over a million copies, a figure that has since grown to over 350 million. Persson's demeanor changed after the game's acquisition by Microsoft for .5 billion in 2014 and the emergence of GamerGate, leading to the author's negative feelings towards the game. The Donut SMP server, created by YouTuber DrDonut, peaked at nearly 46,000 players in a single day and features an in-game economy where players can buy and sell resources. The author's son initially sought a Minecraft Realm for his classmates but later requested to join the Donut SMP server after tensions arose in the Realm. The author, initially hesitant, found common ground with their son on the server, leading to collaborative gameplay that involved resource gathering and crafting. They created a secret base and automated systems, learning about supply and demand in the game's market. This experience rekindled the author's joy in Minecraft and strengthened their bond with their son.
The city builders of 2026 will let us build in some wild places, including a Pokémon-style world filled with collectible creatures
AppWizard
January 3, 2026

The city builders of 2026 will let us build in some wild places, including a Pokémon-style world filled with collectible creatures

Nova Roma is set to release in January 2026, allowing players to reconstruct a fallen Rome while facing challenges from vengeful gods. DarkSwitch will arrive in March 2026, where players create an elvish metropolis around a sacred tree in a dark fantasy realm. Steel Artery will take players on a moving train in a steampunk universe, managing a diverse population of orcs and elves. Beyond These Stars invites players to build cities on the back of a cosmic whale. Tamer Town features a vibrant economy of collectible creatures called Mokiton, with over 130 creatures to gather. Metropolis 1998 combines retro aesthetics with modern simulation mechanics, enabling players to personalize every building in their city.
It was a good year for survival crafting sickos, and I'll be playing some of these well into 2026
AppWizard
December 27, 2025

It was a good year for survival crafting sickos, and I’ll be playing some of these well into 2026

The author is actively involved in a community focused on survival crafting games, exploring various titles such as Dune: Awakening, Grounded 2, and Abiotic Factor. They have a nostalgic connection to Pax Dei, which features a grind-heavy, player-driven universe but faces challenges in player retention. Misery, currently in early access, offers a melancholic atmosphere with potential for future development. Recent updates to Rust, including a new jungle biome and blueprint system, have sparked renewed interest. Abiotic Factor, recognized as the Best Co-op Game of 2025, remains the author's favorite due to its charm and homage to the Half-Life series.
Anonymous messaging app NGL is acquired by the EarnPhone maker Mode Mobile
AppWizard
December 23, 2025

Anonymous messaging app NGL is acquired by the EarnPhone maker Mode Mobile

NGL has partnered with Mode Mobile, known for its “EarnPhone,” which allows users to earn money through everyday tasks while viewing advertisements. NGL gained popularity in late 2021, becoming a notable anonymous messaging app alongside others like LMK and YOLO, but faced controversies related to bullying and harassment. In 2022, Snapchat banned third-party apps like NGL after a lawsuit related to a suicide. NGL also reportedly sent fake messages to users, leading to a fine from the FTC and a prohibition on offering services to minors. Following the acquisition, NGL's founders will step back, and the remaining employees will integrate into Mode Mobile, which monetizes user attention through rewards for engagement in activities like listening to music or browsing the internet.
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