game studios Archives

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Microsoft halts work on Avalanche’s Contraband

Microsoft has halted development on Avalanche Studios' game, Contraband, which was originally unveiled in 2021. After five years of development, the project is now "on hold," and Avalanche Studios has confirmed that active development has stopped while they evaluate the project's future. This decision reflects broader challenges within Microsoft's Xbox division, which has experienced layoffs, project cancellations, and studio closures, including Avalanche Studios shutting down its locations in New York and Montreal in 2024.

AppWizard

August 7, 2025

From Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Minecraft to Roguelite Raids: Everbloom Games Unveils Nullpoint Protocol

Everbloom Games is transitioning from creating content for Minecraft to indie game development with their first title, Nullpoint Protocol, a co-op roguelite set for release in 2026. The game focuses on MMO-style boss encounters without the grind of traditional RPGs and will feature a playable demo at PAX West 2025, Booth #648. Everbloom's origins trace back to a 2016 PlanetMinecraft competition, leading to successful collaborations with major franchises. Co-founder Tom van Berkel emphasizes the need for creative freedom as a driving force behind their shift to indie development, reflecting on the potential for growth in the industry through user-generated content platforms.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

Minecraft 1.21.100 update out now, patch notes

The Minecraft update version 1.21.100 introduces several new features, including: - The Copper Golem, which can be summoned using copper and carved pumpkins, assists players in organizing their bases by sorting items into designated chests and drops between 1 and 3 Copper Ingots upon defeat. - Copper Chests, which can oxidize over time or be preserved with wax, can be crafted using a standard Chest and Copper Ingots. - New copper tools, weapons, and armor, including the Copper Axe, Copper Hoe, Copper Pickaxe, Copper Shovel, Copper Sword, Copper Helmet, Copper Chestplate, Copper Leggings, and Copper Boots, which offer durability comparable to stone and higher enchantability than diamond. - Experimental game drop features can be explored by enabling the Experimental Features toggle in world settings. - Various enhancements and bug fixes, including screen narrator enumeration for UI buttons, adjusted tree generation in biomes, and fixes for character interactions and environmental elements.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Best space flight simulation games, ranked

Several space flight simulation games are set to release or have released recently, appealing to a broad audience. 1. Underspace: - Release date: April 10, 2024 - Platform: PC - Developer: Pastaspace Interactive - Features sandbox gameplay inspired by Freelancer, with ship customization and exploration. 2. Everspace 2: - Release date: April 6, 2023 - Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC - Developer: Rockfish Games - Offers an open-world adventure with a compelling storyline and engaging side missions. 3. Freelancer: - Release date: March 4, 2003 - Platform: PC - Developer: Digital Anvil - Allows players to traverse 48 star systems, engaging in trading, piracy, and bounty hunting. 4. Starfield: - Release date: September 6, 2023 - Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC - Developer: Bethesda Game Studios - Features customizable spacecraft and immersive dogfights. 5. Star Citizen: - Release date: December 23, 2017 - Platform: PC - Developer: Cloud Imperium Games - Known for its ambitious scope and immersive flight simulation experience. 6. Star Wars: Starfighter 1 & 2: - Release dates: February 21, 2001 / March 11, 2002 - Platforms: Xbox, PS2/3, PC - Developers: LucasArts, Blitz Games, Secret Level - Arcade-style space combat games set in the Star Wars universe. 7. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron series: - Release dates: December 3, 1998 / November 18, 2001 / October 21, 2003 - Platforms: Nintendo 64, PC / GameCube - Developers: LucasArts, Factor 5 - Celebrated for engaging gameplay and tight controls. 8. No Man's Sky: - Release date: August 12, 2016 - Platforms: Xbox One/Series X/S, PS4/5, Nintendo Switch 1/2, PC - Developer: Hello Games - Offers a vast universe for exploration and various activities, including VR support. 9. Star Wars Squadrons: - Release date: October 2, 2020 - Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC - Developer: Motive - Provides a pure flight simulation experience with engaging controls and VR support. 10. Elite: Dangerous: - Release date: April 2, 2015 - Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC - Developer: Frontier Developments - Known for its realism and immersive gameplay, allowing players to take on various roles in a living galaxy.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Behold Ventures has raised $59.2m

Swedish venture capital firm Behold Ventures has raised SEK 550 million (approximately .2 million) to invest in European gaming companies. Since its inception in 2021, the firm has allocated million across 18 companies. Of the raised capital, 54% came from Europe, 44% from Asia, and 2% from North America. Behold Ventures aims to invest in game studios as well as technology, tools, and infrastructure supporting the gaming ecosystem, with a focus on companies targeting a younger audience. Managing partner Karl Magnus Troedsson noted that younger developers often require less funding and can achieve significant results.

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

NDreams vet Tamsin O’Luanaigh founds new advisory studio Wise Cat

Tamsin O'Luanaigh, co-founder of a VR specialist, has launched an advisory firm called Wise Cat Strategy to improve working environments for game studios and businesses. She has over 20 years of experience as chief people officer at NDreams and received multiple awards for her contributions to workplace culture in the gaming industry. O'Luanaigh emphasizes the need for clear frameworks in people and culture strategies, noting that many employers struggle with implementing meaningful change. Wise Cat Strategy aims to provide tailored solutions to address the unique challenges faced by game studios as they grow.

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

Helldivers 2 Drops Free PS5, PC DLC for Existing Players

Arrowhead Game Studios released a free DLC for Helldivers 2, called the ‘Pillars of Freedom’ commemorative cape, for PS5 and PC players. This release responds to backlash over Sony's initial requirement for PC players to create a PSN account to access the game, which caused discontent among players in regions without PSN support. Following the uproar, Sony removed the PSN account requirement and is lifting region locks for its PC games. The commemorative cape is being automatically delivered to all players as a gesture of appreciation for their commitment to the game.

BetaBeacon

June 23, 2025

Top 5 mobile games like Fallout Shelter

Fact: The Elder Scrolls: Castles is a game where players are in charge of running a castle in a survival setting, making tough decisions to keep their reign intact.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

GOG now accepts donations when you buy a game, like it’s a charity or something

GOG has introduced a donation feature that allows users to contribute extra funds during checkout, as part of its Preservation Program aimed at keeping classic games playable on modern hardware. This option is available for both vintage titles and new releases. The reception on Reddit has been largely positive, with users expressing enthusiasm and some already making donations. GOG is a subsidiary of CD Projekt, which reported profits exceeding 0 million in 2024.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Xbox Games Showcase 2025 preview: The big games and developers to expect on Sunday’s livestream

The Xbox Games Showcase is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, at 10 AM Pacific. Anticipated titles include Gears of War: E-Day, Perfect Dark, Clockwork Revolution, Fable, Everwild, and State of Decay 3. The Outer Worlds 2 will have its own dedicated stream following the main showcase. Expected announcements include Forza Horizon 6 or a new Forza Motorsport, and a new Call of Duty game, likely Modern Warfare 4. There may be updates on Diablo 4 and Overwatch 2 from Blizzard, and a look at upcoming DLC for Starfield from Bethesda Game Studios. Other studios like Ninja Theory and Double Fine are also expected to provide insights into their projects.