franchises Archives

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

Hytale shows that Minecraft needs to stop being complacent — Mojang should see this release (and its subsequent success) as a major kick in the butt

Minecraft has expanded significantly over the years, introducing new biomes, enemies, enchantments, and ores, yet major updates have been infrequent despite generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue. The RTX update, announced in 2019, took six years to reach consoles and was rebranded as Vibrant Visuals. Hytale has gained attention in the world-building community, showcasing potential that may prompt Mojang to reconsider its approach. The gaming landscape is evolving, with competitors like Battlefield 6 and Arc Raiders gaining traction, emphasizing the need for innovation. Mojang manages both the Java and Bedrock versions of Minecraft, facing challenges in implementing significant changes without compromising performance. As 2026 approaches, the demand for innovation in Minecraft is increasing.

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

Bluey is joining Minecraft with a new DLC that lets you explore the Heeler home

Bluey will debut in Minecraft on February 5, 2026, as a marketplace add-on titled "Bluey's House." This downloadable content allows players to explore the Heeler residence and interact with characters like Bingo, Mum, and Dad while playing mini-games inspired by the show. The DLC will be compatible with the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft and available across consoles, mobile devices, and PCs. Players visiting the Marketplace before March 6 can claim a free Chattermax Mask. The price for the Bluey DLC has not yet been announced.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

InXile’s steampug RPG Clockwork Empires aims to ‘bring the level of reactivity from our isometric titles into something first-person,’ Brian Fargo says, calling it the studio’s ‘most ambitious title’

In June 2025, InXile Entertainment revealed their steampunk RPG, Clockwork Revolution, after two years of silence. The project is described by InXile head Brian Fargo as the studio's "most ambitious title, probably by a factor of 10." The game aims to incorporate the reactivity of InXile's isometric titles into a first-person format, exploring morality and player choices in a complex manner. Fargo reflects on the darker themes of previous titles, like Wasteland 2, and emphasizes the unpredictable outcomes of player decisions. Clockwork Revolution currently has no release date, but it promises innovative gameplay and depth.

AppWizard

January 22, 2026

Outfit7 launches PlayValley to expand into PC and mobile game development

Outfit7 has launched PlayValley, a new division focused on creating engaging gaming experiences for PC and mobile platforms. PlayValley's first PC title will be released on Steam in the second quarter of 2026, marking Outfit7's entry into the PC gaming market. The division aims to develop games with a unique visual style and intuitive gameplay, targeting accessible and replayable experiences across various genres. Outfit7 has a history of over 26 billion downloads and up to 470 million monthly players. PlayValley operates with a creator-led philosophy, encouraging experimentation and rapid iteration in game development.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

Fortnite x Minecraft Crossover Reportedly in Early Development

A collaboration between Fortnite and Minecraft is reportedly in development, with leaker AdiraFNInfo expressing a 90% confidence level in the crossover. The launch may not occur for many months, potentially aligning with the end of Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1 in March, and could take up to 10 months. Specific details about skins or items are not yet available, but there is speculation about voxel-inspired cosmetics.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

Disney suddenly pulls 14 games from Steam, including a childhood favorite, and the preservationist in me is wincing

Over a dozen Disney-published titles have been removed from Steam, raising concerns about digital preservation in gaming. Notable delisted games include the 1996 simulation game Afterlife, along with Armed and Dangerous, Lucidity, and Stunt Island. The complete list of removed titles is: - Afterlife - Armed and Dangerous - Disney's Cars Radiator Springs Adventures - Disney's Chicken Little Ace in Action - Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell's Adventure - Disney's Hercules - Disney Pixar Finding Nemo - Disney Pixar Toy Story Mania - Disney Planes - Disney The Princess and The Frog - Disney Winnie the Pooh - Lucidity - Phineas and Ferb: New Inventions - Stunt Island The absence of prior notice regarding the delisting has frustrated fans and collectors, highlighting the fragility of digital ownership.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Disney Pulls 14 Classic Games From PC Storefronts With No Explanation

Disney has removed 14 licensed games from the Steam platform, making them unavailable for new purchases. The games, primarily from the 1990s and early 2000s, include titles like Disney's Hercules Action Game and Finding Nemo. The most recent removal is Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell's Adventure from 2014, while the oldest is Stunt Island from 1992. Some of these games were also available on GOG, and their removal from both platforms means they are now entirely inaccessible on PC for those without physical copies. The complete list of removed games includes: - Afterlife - Armed and Dangerous - Disney's Chicken Little: Ace in Action - Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell's Adventure - Disney's Hercules Action Game - Disney Planes - Disney The Princess and the Frog - Disney Winnie the Pooh - Disney•Pixar Cars: Radiator Springs Adventures - Disney•Pixar Finding Nemo - Disney•Pixar Toy Story Mania! - Lucidity - Phineas and Ferb: New Inventions - Stunt Island The reason for the removals is unclear, and Disney has not provided any official comment. This action reflects Disney's fluctuating commitment to its gaming business, which has seen a decline since the 2010s, despite a recent tentative return with new titles.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

A Fortnite x Minecraft Crossover Is Reportedly in Early Development

Rumors are circulating about a potential collaboration between Fortnite and Minecraft, suggesting that Minecraft characters may soon appear in Fortnite's Battle Island. The speculation began with a post by AdiraFNInfo, shared by Fortnite leaker HYPEX, who labeled the information as 'rumored.' Other leakers, including ShiinaBR, have also supported the rumors. Fans are advised to remain cautiously optimistic until an official announcement is made by Mojang Studios or Epic Games. Currently, Fortnite is in Chapter 7, Season 2, following the Pacific Break season.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

As the Amazon series hits its stride, these excellent Fallout games are cheaper than ever

The Fallout franchise has gained renewed popularity due to the anticipation of a fifth mainline entry, an upcoming Amazon series, and improvements in Fallout 76. Fallout: New Vegas is highlighted as a significant title in the series, known for its RPG mechanics and narrative depth. Fallout 76, initially criticized at launch in 2018, has evolved into a more enjoyable experience. The Best of Platinum Collection from Fanatical offers Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 3, and Fallout 76 for .33 / £3.33 each, along with a variety of other games. Recommendations include Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 76, Amnesia: The Bunker, and RoboCop: Rogue City, with potential discounts for purchasing multiple titles.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Minecraft has redesigned its baby mobs to be even cuter, and I need you to stop and look at them because they’re just too precious

Minecraft is introducing a new update that adds eight baby animals to the game, enhancing the farming experience. The new baby animals include rabbits, wolf pups, kittens, calves, piglets, chickens, ocelots, and lambs, each designed to reflect their infancy more accurately than previous scaled-down models. The update features unique sounds for each baby animal to enhance immersion. Players can access these updates through the snapshot functionality and the Bedrock beta/preview. Additionally, Microsoft is planning a Minecraft spinoff in collaboration with Activision Blizzard.