game studios Archives

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

$130 Worth of Steam Games Now 100% Free

Steam currently offers eight games for free download, the highest number of complimentary titles released this year. These games are playable on PC and many are verified for the Steam Deck. The free games include: 1. The Red Lantern - A narrative-driven dog sledding adventure from 2021, available until June 18, with an 84% approval rating from 888 user reviews. 2. Happy’s Humble Burger Farm - A horror adventure cooking simulation from 2021, available until June 15, with a 93% approval rating from 1,654 user reviews. 3. Gravity Circuit - A 2D action platformer released in 2023, available until June 14, with a 95% approval rating from 2,127 user reviews. 4. Tell Me Why - A narrative adventure game from Dontnod Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios, available until July 1, with an 80% approval rating from 7,952 user reviews. Additionally, four other free games are available: - Wild Terra 2: New Lands - Free until June 15 - Eets - Free until June 15 - Linebound - Free until July 1 - PICO Park: Classic Edition - Free until June 14

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

PlanetPlay and UNICEF collaborate to support children through a PC games collection

PlanetPlay has partnered with UNICEF to support global children's causes through game-based fundraisers and awareness campaigns. The first project, the PlayForEveryChild PC Games Collection, will launch in October and will be available exclusively on PlanetPlay's games marketplace, with 100% of profits directed to UNICEF. The funds will enhance children's access to education, healthcare, climate resilience programs, and emergency response efforts. PlanetPlay is inviting game studios and publishers to contribute titles to the Collection by June 30.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Discover the Gears of War: E-Day Collector’s Edition

The Coalition has introduced the Gears of War: E-Day Collector’s Edition, which includes the Xbox Series X Premium Edition of the game and various collectible items. Pre-orders are open, with the Collector’s Edition launching on October 1, 2026, and the global release of Gears of War: E-Day on October 6, 2026. Key features of the Collector’s Edition include a 15-inch collectible statue of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, a SteelBook with artwork by Luke Preece, replica COG tags, a photograph of the characters, a premium art print of the Feral Wretch, and a thank-you note from the development team. The package also offers early access to the game, a weapon pack, customization packs, and in-game currency. The Collector’s Edition will be available for Xbox Series X and Steam, with limited quantities for pre-order.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Dive Into the Depths in Grounded 2’s Into the Abyss Update

The Into the Abyss update for Grounded 2 will launch on August 11, introducing a new area within Brookhollow Park—the pond. Players will explore both the surface and depths of the water, encountering new locations, challenges, and mysteries. New diving suits will enhance underwater capabilities, and players will meet familiar creatures like koi fish and diving bell spiders, along with new threats. The Toe-biter Buggy, an amphibious vehicle, will assist in navigating the pond's terrain. Grounded 2 is available in Game Preview for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, and in Early Access on Steam and PlayStation 5. Players can also access it through Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass. The game features survival, crafting, exploration, and allows players to hatch and ride insect companions.

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Steam Makes 4 PC Games Free for Limited Time

Steam is offering four full PC games for free, available for permanent ownership until specific dates. The titles include: - Gravity Circuit: A 2D platformer released in 2023 by Domesticated Ant Games, rated “Overwhelmingly Positive” with 95% approval from over 2,100 reviews. Available for free until June 14. - Tell Me Why: A narrative adventure game developed by Dontnod Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios, typically an Xbox exclusive, with an 80% approval rating from nearly 8,000 reviews. Available for free until July 1. - Linebound: An asymmetric local co-op puzzle platformer released on May 31, allowing one player to draw platforms while another controls a character. Available for free until July 1. - PICO Park: Classic Edition: A co-op action puzzle game for 2 to 10 players, transitioning from a premium title to free, but set to be delisted soon.

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons II launches September 29

Minecraft Dungeons II will be released on September 29 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, Switch, and PC through Steam and the Microsoft Store for a price of .99. The game features a narrative where players face a new menace threatening the realm, offering high-stakes encounters, thrilling challenges, and never-before-seen locations.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Xbox Giving Away Game for Free on Steam

Xbox is offering the game "Tell Me Why" for free on Steam until July 1. Players who redeem the game will permanently own it in their Steam library and it is playable on Steam Deck, although not Steam Deck Verified. "Tell Me Why," developed by Don’t Nod Entertainment and released in August 2020, is an Xbox console exclusive with an 80% approval rating on Steam based on nearly 8,000 reviews. The game features an adventure narrative where player choices affect the storyline, focusing on twins Tyler and Alison Ronan as they explore their childhood secrets in an Alaskan town, with gameplay lasting between 9 to 14 hours.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

‘We have a great relationship with IO Interactive,’ Amazon says, but it won’t commit to bringing the studio back for future Bond games

Jeff Gattis, the general manager of Amazon Gaming, indicated a potential shift in the development of future James Bond games, suggesting that sequels might be produced by MGM and possibly Amazon Game Studios, which could mean IO Interactive may step back from its Bond responsibilities. An Amazon spokesperson clarified that the company is not entirely moving away from IO Interactive, though future plans remain unclear. Amazon's gaming division has faced challenges, including significant layoffs and project cancellations. Gattis expressed a belief in the convergence of television and video games, suggesting that major intellectual properties will need to integrate video game narratives. He did not confirm IO Interactive's involvement in future Bond games, stating that decisions regarding the next Bond game are still being considered. IO Interactive has not publicly responded to these developments.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

007 First Light sequels will be ‘done by MGM and, theoretically, by Amazon Game Studios,’ Amazon exec says

Jeff Gattis, general manager of Amazon Gaming, discussed the positive trajectory of the James Bond video game franchise following the success of 007 First Light. Amazon acquired the James Bond film rights in 2025, which has complicated game development due to a pre-existing agreement that allowed IO Interactive to self-publish First Light. Future sequels are expected to be developed in collaboration with MGM and possibly under Amazon Game Studios. Amazon is also developing a Tomb Raider television series for Prime Video and has various projects that will connect with Prime Video intellectual properties. In 2025, Amazon shifted its strategy away from large-scale game development, focusing instead on delivering exceptional gaming experiences. The company plans to publish upcoming Tomb Raider titles and may explore cost-effective mobile games powered by AI.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Users Say New Day One Game Is a “10/10 Masterpiece”

Subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass are excited about the newly launched game, Forza Horizon 6, which has been rated a “10/10 masterpiece” by many players. It is the second-highest-rated game of 2026 on Metacritic and the highest-rated day-one addition to Xbox Game Pass this year with a score of 91. The game has received a solid 4 out of 5-star rating on the Xbox Store and positive feedback on Reddit, where players have praised its Japanese aesthetic and seasonal changes. Forza Horizon 6 is a title from Xbox Game Studios, ensuring its permanent place in the Xbox Game Pass library, although it is not currently available via the Premium tier. Certain licenses may lead to its eventual removal from the service.