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Minecraft inspired Hytale starts 2026 with a comeback story, becoming the most popular game on Twitch hours after entering Early Access
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Minecraft inspired Hytale starts 2026 with a comeback story, becoming the most popular game on Twitch hours after entering Early Access

Hytale was developed by Hypixel Studios, established in 2018 as a spinoff of the Hypixel server. The game features procedurally generated biomes with unique quests and monsters. In 2020, Hypixel Studios partnered with Riot Games, which later acquired the studio. However, in July 2025, Riot Games announced the cancellation of Hytale due to escalating costs. In November 2025, Hypixel Studios regained the rights to the game. Hytale entered Early Access on January 13, 2026, with pre-purchases ensuring development funding for at least two years. Upon release, it peaked at over 420,000 viewers on Twitch, although viewership dropped to just under 100,000 by January 14.
Hytale roadmap "isn't completely pre-planned," but features like friend lists and proximity chat are already in development as the Minecraft-inspired sandbox hits early access
AppWizard
January 14, 2026

Hytale roadmap “isn’t completely pre-planned,” but features like friend lists and proximity chat are already in development as the Minecraft-inspired sandbox hits early access

Hytale has officially launched into early access, with developers at Hypixel planning to shape the game's future based on player feedback. The Hytale roadmap is flexible, and key features are in early development. Early updates will be delivered quickly, addressing a backlog of enhancements. The development team consists of 50 members, and funding for the next two years comes solely from pre-orders. The team anticipates attracting over 1 million players. Their philosophy emphasizes quality, stating, “No sacrifices, no Hytale.”
‘Minecraft’-Like RPG ‘Hytale’ Launches This Week — Here’s When You Can Play
AppWizard
January 13, 2026

‘Minecraft’-Like RPG ‘Hytale’ Launches This Week — Here’s When You Can Play

Hytale, a survival crafting RPG developed by Hypixel Studios, is set to launch on January 13, 2026. The game will be available worldwide at the same time, with specific launch times for different regions: 7 am PST for the West Coast of North America, 10 am EST for the East Coast, 3 pm GMT for the U.K., 4 pm CET for Central Europe, midnight on January 14 for Japan, and 2 am AEDT on January 14 for Australia. Preloading is not available, but players are advised to download the launcher in advance due to expected high traffic. Purchasing Hytale during Early Access will unlock various in-game rewards, including cosmetic sets and capes, with no traditional preorder bonuses offered.
'Don’t toil away on the things that don’t really matter': Peak creator says its rapid development cycle has 'proved that there are definitely different, but maybe better ways to make games'
AppWizard
January 11, 2026

‘Don’t toil away on the things that don’t really matter’: Peak creator says its rapid development cycle has ‘proved that there are definitely different, but maybe better ways to make games’

Red Dead Redemption 2 is known for its realistic portrayal of horses, including details like the protagonist's horse testicles shrinking in cold weather, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail in triple-A game production. In contrast, Peak originated from a four-week game jam and gained success, leading its creators to invest more time in its development. Co-creator Nick Kaman noted the increasing demand for smaller-scale games and emphasized that while financial challenges exist, there is still a vibrant player base for innovative experiences. He remarked that opportunities for mid-sized and small studios are diminishing, highlighting a trend in the gaming industry between large-scale projects and smaller creative endeavors.
AGI Inc.'s Android app can use your phone for you
AppWizard
January 6, 2026

AGI Inc.’s Android app can use your phone for you

AGI, Inc. has a valuation of 0 million and is developing AI assistants that mimic human interaction with devices. At CES 2026, the company showcased its Android app, currently in private beta, which allows users to delegate tasks across various apps using voice or text commands. The app is powered by custom AI models developed through reinforcement learning and utilizes accessibility features to navigate and execute tasks on smartphones. AGI, Inc. aims to transition to a fully local model within six months and is collaborating with Qualcomm and Samsung. The company has received million in funding from venture capital firms and has 30,000 individuals on its app's waitlist.
After 200,000 Mobile Downloads, Classy Games Brings Orbital to PC
AppWizard
January 5, 2026

After 200,000 Mobile Downloads, Classy Games Brings Orbital to PC

Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in the gaming industry to become a key player in the global market. The government has allocated resources for local game developers and is attracting international companies. Investment funds have been established to support startups and established firms in the gaming sector. Educational programs and partnerships with universities are being developed to train future game developers. The kingdom plans to host major gaming events to showcase local talent and enhance its reputation as a gaming hub. Additionally, there is a focus on integrating gaming into Saudi culture by promoting games that reflect local heritage and values, encouraging developers to explore themes related to Saudi culture, and fostering community involvement in the gaming industry.
End of Windows 11 SE likely in 2026: See what it means for schools
Winsage
January 4, 2026

End of Windows 11 SE likely in 2026: See what it means for schools

Microsoft has confirmed that support for Windows 11 SE will end in 2026. Windows 11 SE was launched in 2021 to cater to younger students and aimed to compete with Chromebooks by providing a secure and cost-effective solution for schools. It featured restrictions to minimize distractions, allowing only IT administrators to install applications. The last release of Windows 11 SE was version 24H2, and complete support, including security patches, will conclude on October 13, 2026. Microsoft has advised schools to transition to standard versions of Windows 11, which may require additional funding for device upgrades or replacements.
Millennium Whisper and the case for ethical, on-device AI in games
AppWizard
December 30, 2025

Millennium Whisper and the case for ethical, on-device AI in games

A recent survey by Google Cloud found that 90% of game developers are exploring generative AI. Millennium Whisper, a dating sim by Parable Studios, is the first game on Steam to run a large language model entirely on-device, avoiding cloud-based inference. This approach allows for unique in-game conversations and addresses ethical data usage, as actors retain ownership of their data and receive royalties. The game uses actor-led role-play sessions for character behavior, ensuring high-quality data. Running AI locally enhances energy efficiency and sustainability, contrasting with traditional server-based models that incur ongoing costs. Millennium Whisper received grant funding from Innovate UK and is currently in Early Access. Ambrose Robinson, the founder of Parable Studios, emphasizes the importance of energy savings and the sustainability of their AI approach.
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