game studios Archives

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

A 23GB Helldivers 2 Is Better Than A 154GB Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 was initially reported to require 154GB of storage, aimed at accommodating older mechanical hard drives in PCs. However, analytics revealed that only 11% of players used HDDs, and the main cause of slowdowns was level generation rather than asset loading. In response, Arrowhead is testing a "slim" version of the game in public beta, which is 23GB, significantly reducing the storage requirement while maintaining gameplay integrity. This change allows players to install additional games, potentially fitting at least 13 indie city-builders in the space previously occupied by the original version.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Helldivers 2 devs slash install size from 154GB to 23GB, thanks to the help of PC port veterans — ditching HDD optimization, 85% size reduction accomplished by de-duplicating game data

Arrowhead Game Studios has reduced the size of their game Helldivers 2 by 85%, from approximately 154GB to 23GB, through collaboration with Nixxes Software and the use of data de-duplication techniques. This results in a storage saving of around 131GB.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

In the nick of time, Helldivers 2 rolls out a “slim version” shrinking file sizes by a whopping 85% on PC: “It’s a low-risk way to save ~131GB of space on your drive”

Arrowhead Game Studios has reduced the file size of Helldivers 2 for PC by 85%, from 154GB to approximately 23GB. A public technical beta is currently underway, allowing select users to experience the new file size and provide feedback. Players can still matchmake with others and opt-out of the beta at any time. If successful, the slim version will become the standard, with plans to phase out the legacy version next year. The latest patch also includes balance changes and bug fixes, though some players are disappointed by the removal of the feature that allowed "Factory Striders" to be launched erratically.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

New Helldivers 2 update just shaved 131GB off its PC file size with a “slim version” beta, and I’m ecstatic — here’s how to opt into the patch

Helldivers 2, launched in 2024, initially had a file size of 70GB, which increased to 154GB due to performance and technical issues. A recent update, Python Commandos Warbond, reduced the file size by 131GB to 23GB, an 85% decrease. This slim version is currently in testing and not the default; players must manually opt into it via Steam. The Xbox Series X|S and PS5 versions require 35-40GB of storage. The game is available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5, with the PC version currently on sale for .99.

AppWizard

November 19, 2025

Minecraft was nearly sold to Activision Blizzard for $1.5 billion before Microsoft secured Mojang, says former CEO Bobby Kotick: “I almost bought it”

Bobby Kotick, former CEO of Activision Blizzard, revealed in a podcast that Activision Blizzard had considered acquiring Mojang and its game Minecraft before Microsoft ultimately purchased it for .5 billion in 2014. Kotick made a formal offer for Mojang but found the price to be a significant hurdle. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, successfully completed the acquisition, and Minecraft has thrived under Microsoft's management. In 2023, Microsoft merged with Activision Blizzard, creating a connection between the two companies and linking Minecraft's legacy to Activision Blizzard. Kotick is leaving Activision Blizzard after a 32-year tenure.

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

Cities Skylines 2 dev announces split from Paradox, new studio will take over development

Paradox Interactive has ended its partnership with Colossal Order, the studio behind the Cities Skylines series for 15 years, due to disappointing reviews for recent titles. Colossal Order will continue to support the game until the end of the year, after which Iceflake Studios will take over development in 2026. Iceflake's responsibilities will include patches, ongoing work on the Editor and console editions, and future expansions. The core identity of Cities: Skylines 2 will remain unchanged despite the developer transition. Iceflake Studios has a background in mobile games and has received mixed reviews for its city-building game, Surviving the Aftermath.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

Xbox Game Studios & Activision Are Finally Teaming Up With ‘Minecraft Blast’

Microsoft's Xbox Game Studio Mojang is collaborating with Activision's King team to develop a mobile game called Minecraft Blast. This marks the first direct partnership between the two studios under Microsoft. The game will feature free-to-play modern match puzzle gameplay and allow players to unlock and build Minecraft-style spaces. Initial testing will begin on the Apple App Store, with plans to expand to more mobile platforms in the future.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Bad Brain is the latest NetEase studio to close

Sean Crooks, head of Bad Brain Game Studios, announced that the Canadian game development company will cease operations on November 17th due to an unsuccessful search for a new publishing partner after NetEase discontinued its support. The intellectual property associated with the project is available for acquisition, and both Crooks and NetEase are open to discussions with potential publishers or studios interested in continuing development. Bad Brain plans to release a sizzle reel to showcase the project and assist the team during the transition. Crooks encouraged interested parties to reach out for top-tier talent from the studio.

AppWizard

November 6, 2025

Claim Monthly PC Games with Prime — Now via Amazon Luna

Amazon has launched an updated version of Amazon Luna, offering Prime members access to over 50 cloud games at no additional cost. Prime members can enjoy monthly benefits of PC games, accessible in regions where Luna's services are not yet available. The monthly Twitch subscription, valued at .99, is also available for Prime members. The November lineup of PC games has been announced on the Amazon Game Studios blog. Currently, cloud-delivered games are available in the United States, UK, Canada, and several European countries, with plans to expand to more regions in the future.

AppWizard

November 5, 2025

A Majority of Game Developers Believe Steam Has A Monopoly on PC Game Distribution

A whitepaper from Rokky, based on a survey of 306 game studio executives, reveals that 72% believe Steam has a monopoly on PC game distribution. Among the respondents, 48% have distributed games on the Epic Games Store and Xbox PC Store, while only 10% have used GOG and 8% have used itch.io. Nearly 25% view marketplaces and e-stores as part of the gray market, which they associate with a loss of control and revenue. Concerns exist about keys falling into gray market hands leading to regional pricing manipulation, but Rokky argues these fears may be unfounded. The report suggests that exploring alternative distribution strategies could help developers reduce reliance on Steam, despite challenges like discoverability and market saturation.