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Steam's tired of gift card scams, so it's killing them off for good
AppWizard
June 11, 2026

Steam’s tired of gift card scams, so it’s killing them off for good

Valve will stop restocking Steam gift cards at retail locations due to increasing scams targeting consumers, particularly the elderly. The company estimates that these cards will no longer be available by the end of 2026, although unspent cards can still be redeemed after that date. Despite the discontinuation, Valve's guest checkout feature will allow digital gifting for gaming experiences.
Steam Week in Review: 4 Backrooms games released on Steam last week, joining a list of over 500 cash-ins, parodies and legitimate contenders
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%.
Space Marine 2 is shadowdropping a free campaign mission and giving Siege Mode progression some much-needed love
AppWizard
May 21, 2026

Space Marine 2 is shadowdropping a free campaign mission and giving Siege Mode progression some much-needed love

Space Marine 2 has launched a significant update called the Purgation Update, which includes a new free PvE Operation, an expanded Siege Mode, and new weapon and armor cosmetics. A free weekend trial is available from May 21 to May 25, allowing players to explore the game. The update features a new PvE mission in the Kadaku swamps, new enemies like the Hive Tyrant and Mutalith Vortex Beast, and introduces the Bolt Carbine Sidearm. A practice area aboard the Battle-Barge is available for players to test the new weapon. The update coincides with the Warhammer Skulls event and includes access to initial campaign missions and all PvP modes during the trial. A patch with balance changes for PvP gameplay is also set to go live on May 21.
PUBG introduces a classic game mode for April Fools' Day
AppWizard
March 31, 2026

PUBG introduces a classic game mode for April Fools’ Day

PUBG is introducing a new game mode called Prop Hunt, available in the Arcade section until April 7th. In this mode, some players act as hunters while others become hiders, transforming into inanimate objects. Hunters face penalties for missed shots, losing health points, while hiders can use tools like decoys and stun grenades. The mode can be played on maps including Rondo, Vikendi, and Miramar.
The best Minecraft ideas for Spring Break in 2026
AppWizard
March 3, 2026

The best Minecraft ideas for Spring Break in 2026

Minecraft players can enhance their gameplay during spring with various Easter-themed mods and projects. Notable mods include the Painted Egg mod for crafting and dyeing Easter eggs, the Easter’s Delight mod which adds a bunny villager and Easter-themed food, and the Hendrix’s Better Spring to Life mod that introduces new creatures and elements. Players can engage in creative projects like creating Easter egg trails, designing bunny burrows, or building giant replicas of the Easter Bunny. Setting up a Minecraft server can facilitate these activities, with affordable hosting options available. Additionally, players can recreate iconic builds from popular culture during this season.
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 2 to 6
AppWizard
January 31, 2026

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 2 to 6

Next week, several new titles will be released for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC: - DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined Digital Deluxe Edition by SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. priced at .99, and DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined priced at .99, both releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. - MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice – Ultimate Edition, Deluxe Edition, and standard edition, all by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., with prices ranging from .99 to .99, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Carmageddon: Rogue Shift by 34BigThings, priced at .99, releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Hidden Cats in Christmas by Silesia Games Sp. z o.o., releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Play Anywhere. - Lovish by DANGEN Entertainment, priced at .99 (on sale for .99), releasing on February 4. - New Yankee: Through the History Mirror Collector's Edition by Ocean Media, releasing on February 4. - Tiny Biomes by Eastasiasoft Limited, releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play Anywhere, and handheld optimized. - Dragon Spira by KEMCO, priced at .99 (on sale for .99), releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, and Xbox Play Anywhere. - Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass by Electric Airship, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery. - MENACE (Game Preview) by Hooded Horse, releasing on February 5. - Sora – Winds of the Jungle by EpiXR Games, priced at .99, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Car Cops by QubicGames S.A., releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Play Anywhere and handheld optimized. - Dark Quest: Remastered by Brain Seal Ltd, releasing on February 6. - Un.Key by Rebelião Studio, releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play Anywhere, and handheld optimized.
Bluey, the inescapable Australian cartoon dog, is getting official Minecraft DLC
AppWizard
January 27, 2026

Bluey, the inescapable Australian cartoon dog, is getting official Minecraft DLC

In Australia, the animated series Bluey has influenced various aspects of life, inspiring merchandise such as Christmas ornaments, slippers, and snacks. The show's appeal extends to adults, sparking conversations about episodes. Bluey is set to enter the gaming world with a Minecraft DLC launching on February 5, following a full video game release in 2023. Pricing details for the DLC are not yet available, and there are hopes for future collaborations with other games like Fortnite and Rocket League.
Football Manager 26 is never being saved as the game just flubbed its most important sales period
AppWizard
January 20, 2026

Football Manager 26 is never being saved as the game just flubbed its most important sales period

January typically sees a surge in player engagement for Football Manager due to the reopening of the transfer window and the return to regular routines after the holiday season. However, this year, the expected increase in activity for FM26 has not materialized. Currently, only 29.78 percent of user reviews for FM26 on SteamDB are positive, making it one of the lowest-rated games on the platform, in contrast to FM24's 89.48 percent approval rating. FM26 has around 33,500 concurrent players, with a 24-hour peak of approximately 55,800, and an all-time high of 84,909 shortly after its November launch. Despite attracting players, recent data shows a flat trend in early January, with a slight decline of about 0.9 percent in peak player numbers over the past month. December saw a peak concurrency drop of over 31 percent from November, and FM26 ranks around #83 for daily active users and #119 in top sellers on Steam. Twitch viewership has also been low, with peaks of roughly 1,400 viewers. Historically, January has been crucial for Football Manager, as it is a time for players to engage with the game more deeply, but this year's stagnation in player activity is unusual and may impact the game's ecosystem and community engagement throughout the year.
Joystick Gaming Lounge has everything from board games to PC gaming!
AppWizard
January 11, 2026

Joystick Gaming Lounge has everything from board games to PC gaming!

Joystick Gaming Lounge in Dixon offers a variety of gaming options for all ages, including state-of-the-art PC gaming bays, classic retro consoles, 29 arcade games, and over 200 board games. The lounge provides a comfortable atmosphere with snacks, coffee, and meal deliveries. It features affordable pricing, including monthly "all you can play" passes and Legendary Birthday Party Packages that include a private party room, decor, a t-shirt for the birthday VIP, prizes, and food from local businesses. The lounge aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for gamers and fosters community connections.
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