game experience Archives

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

Minecraft rival Hytale lets you wedge a live animal into a wall, and the implications for player-made worlds are huge

Hytale is set to launch on PC on January 13, 2026, for .99. The game features a Creative Tooling menu, including an innovative Entity Tool that allows players to manipulate and create various objects within the game world. An eight-minute showcase on the Hytale YouTube channel demonstrated the ability to freely rotate and position objects, such as constructing a tavern. The video has garnered over 100,000 views in less than 24 hours. Community reactions have been enthusiastic, with discussions about the creative possibilities and mechanics of object interaction. Players can visit the official website to secure their copy and download the launcher ahead of the full release.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Attacks on Kingdom Come: Deliverance for gay romance, representation ‘only mattered to a handful of terminally online culture warriors,’ reckons KCD2’s exec producer, and probably didn’t impact the games’ reception

Kingdom Come: Deliverance has faced criticism for its narrative choices, particularly regarding the portrayal of Czech protagonists and Cuman adversaries, as well as the inclusion of gay romance and diverse characters in its sequel. Warhorse Studios, the developer, expressed a desire to move away from these cultural debates to focus on creating an engaging game. Co-founder Martin Klíma acknowledged the complexity of the controversies, suggesting they might provide visibility but could also detract from the game itself. He believes the impact of these controversies on sales and team morale has been minimal, noting that they primarily concern a small group of online critics, while the broader gaming audience remains largely indifferent. Klíma mentioned that the controversies fostered a sense of camaraderie among the development team, many of whom are unaware of the discussions surrounding the games.

BetaBeacon

January 7, 2026

Google Updates Play Store Policies for Paid Game Trials on Android

The Play Store version 49.6.19-29 hints at a new feature that could revolutionize the way users interact with paid Android games. This feature would allow users to test premium games for free for a limited time, essentially turning them into timed demos without the need for additional apps or features.

AppWizard

January 1, 2026

Teamfight Tactics Lore and Legends dev says it’s the “deepest set” to date, and it’s made even better by its system changes

Teamfight Tactics (TFT) Set 16, titled Lore and Legends, is noted for its diverse playstyles and intuitive unlock mechanics, creating a balanced gameplay experience. Gameplay director Stephen 'Mortdog' Mortimer emphasized the importance of depth over unnecessary complexity, while lead set designer Julien Camaraza discussed significant system changes, including increased gold costs to reach Level 8 and adjustments to mid-game engagement. The current meta features a variety of viable compositions, and the balance of combat pacing is maintained, with matches lasting around 15 to 25 seconds. Incremental adjustments in balance encourage players to explore different strategies, contributing to a positive reception of the set.

AppWizard

December 26, 2025

4.9 out of 5: This Video Game Is Almost Perfect

The Epic Games Store is currently offering Disco Elysium – The Final Cut for free, allowing players to permanently add it to their library. The game has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars and features a rich narrative with player choice. This offer is part of the Epic Games Store's Advent Calendar, which includes daily free premium games throughout December. Upcoming free games include Hogwarts Legacy on December 11th and others leading up to Christmas.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Dead by Daylight’s tenth anniversary celebrations include a $250 collector’s set and a huge in-person party

Behavior Interactive is hosting an in-person event to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Dead by Daylight on June 14, 2026, in Montreal's Old Port. The event will include developer panels, exclusive reveals, meet-and-greets, hands-on gaming stations, and a mini-expo. A Year 10 Anniversary Broadcast will provide insights into the game's future. A limited edition DBD Collector's Set is available for pre-order, featuring a statue, a lifesize flashlight replica, collectible pins, art cards, and a crafted artbook, priced at 9.99 / £185.99.

AppWizard

December 14, 2025

Phoenix Point’s Terror from the Void mod is so good Snapshot Games just released a massive patch to make the original game more like the fanmade overhaul

Phoenix Point, originally designed as a successor to the X-COM series, faced challenges at launch, including bugs and repetitive gameplay. The introduction of the "Terror from the Void" mega-mod significantly improved the game, leading to the Firebird update, which coincided with the game's fifth anniversary. This update includes a 20% reduction in research times, halved construction times for project buildings, simplified ammunition production, and revamped base defense missions. It also alters the Pandorans' evolution system to create a more balanced gameplay experience. Additional changes include more predictable soldier rescue missions, increased ambush missions, and the introduction of loot crates. The update is compatible with the Terror from the Void mod, and players are encouraged to update their mods. To celebrate the update, Phoenix Point is being offered at a 60% discount, reducing the price from £19.50 to £7.79, with the offer ending on December 18.

BetaBeacon

November 20, 2025

Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked is the perfect evolution of one of my favorite strategy games of all time, and now this expansive sequel redefines what I thought was possible

- Demeo x D&D: Battlemarked is a VR game that combines the turn-based strategy card battler Demeo with the universe of Dungeons & Dragons. - The game is available on Meta Quest, Steam, and PlayStation platforms in VR and non-VR versions, allowing cross-platform play. - Players can use a co-location feature to play the game together in the same room, creating a virtual board game experience. - The game features stat-based random encounters, environmental hazards, enemies, and dialog choices that players can vote on. - Demeo x D&D has two full campaigns, three "one-shot" campaigns, and maintains the Demeo style of combat and movement while incorporating elements of D&D. - The game has received praise for its visuals, dialogue, voice acting, and gameplay, making it a favorite VR game of the year.

AppWizard

November 2, 2025

Iconic Lovecraftian Board Game Eldritch Horror Is Coming to PC

Eldritch Horror, a Lovecraftian tabletop horror game, will debut digitally on PC in 2026, available on Steam in the first quarter of the year. The game is being developed by Cornerstone Software, its first project. It will feature eight fully voiced characters, four Ancient Ones, numerous monsters, and hundreds of encounters based on the original game's lore. The digital version will include an original soundtrack and new artwork, while streamlining gameplay to reduce bookkeeping. The price is set at .99 or equivalent in local currency.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

One of the most underrated survival games just got even better with a surprise DLC that turns it into nightmare fuel

The latest DLC for Pacific Drive, titled Whispers in the Woods, is now available for immediate download. It introduces a darker narrative involving cults and new survival mechanics, set in an uncharted area of the Olympic Exclusion Zone. Players will uncover the cult's secrets, interact with new characters, and utilize Artifacts that enhance abilities and alter the environment. The expansion includes new types of anomalies, offers eight to twelve hours of gameplay, and features unlockable car components and decorative items.