gamer Archives

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Epic Games Store Gets a Faster New Launcher Built With AI-Assisted ‘Vibe Coding’

Epic Games has released a public Preview of its redesigned Epic Games Launcher, featuring faster startup times, a revamped library, and reduced resource consumption. The new launcher has a cold start time of 5.47 seconds for the Store, compared to Steam's 10.07 seconds, representing a 46% improvement. Returning to the library takes 0.36 seconds, slightly faster than Steam's 0.42 seconds. The development involved a complete rebuild using a new architecture and AI tools, a process referred to as "vibe coding." The new launcher includes a redesigned library, searchable collections, dedicated game pages, enhanced download monitoring, and support for Linux, Windows, and Apple Silicon Macs. However, it is feature-incomplete, with some functionalities missing and potential bugs expected. Users can uninstall the Preview to revert to the older launcher if desired.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Google AI Studio Apps Install on Your Own Android Devices

Google announced on October 13, 2026, a new feature allowing users to install AI Studio apps directly onto their Android devices via Google Play without needing a developer account. This feature is available to users aged 18 and older in select markets, including the United States. The apps will be stored in a personal library section of the Play Store, separate from the public catalog, and will not undergo the usual review processes. Users can create apps using a prompt-based system, which generates a Kotlin project that can be tested in a browser-based emulator. These apps are limited to client-side Android apps for phones and tablets, excluding server components and certain features like Firebase and Google Workspace APIs. In the future, users will be able to share their personal apps with a select group of friends and family. For public listings, users must follow the existing professional developer account pathway, which includes reviews and quality standards. The announcement also introduced enhancements to the Play Store, including an AI-powered discovery feature called Ask Play and personalized game recommendations through Game Finder.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Google Play Just Changed Forever: Create Your Own Apps and Dial in Gamer DNA

Google Play is transitioning from a traditional app store to a personalized hub for users. A key feature introduced is "vibe-coding," allowing users to create custom Android applications using natural language prompts without needing coding skills or a developer account. Personal apps remain private to the user's profile and can later be transitioned to a standard developer account for public release. Additionally, Google Play is enhancing app discovery through "Ask Play," which enables users to ask open-ended questions for tailored app recommendations, and integrating app suggestions into conversations via Gemini. For gamers, Google is launching Game Finder, which includes features like Gamer DNA for personalized gaming profiles, custom filters, peer insights, and game playlists. The Play Store is also being adapted for various hardware formats, including vehicles and large screens.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Fortnite is coming to Linux once Epic improves Easy Anti-Cheat

Epic Games is working on expanding Fortnite to the Linux gaming ecosystem by rebuilding Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) to support Linux platforms. They plan to launch Fortnite on Linux via the Epic Games Launcher once EAC Linux v2 is functional with a critical mass of distribution maintainers. This initiative aims to enhance the gaming landscape for Linux users and encourage other developers to bring their games to the platform. Despite growing interest in Linux gaming, many major multiplayer titles remain hesitant due to security concerns. Epic is collaborating with Valve to address compatibility issues with the Steam Deck and has launched a new version of the Epic Games Store client that supports Linux.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Google AI Studio Makes It Easier to Install Vibe-Coded Apps on Android

Users can now create apps directly in Google AI Studio by providing a written prompt to Gemini, which generates the app. Once completed, the app can be sent directly to Google Play for installation on devices using a standard Google account, without needing a paid developer account. These personal apps are stored in a "personal library" section within the Play Store, remain hidden from search results, and are accessible only to the creator. This feature is currently available in the United States for users aged 18 and older, with plans to expand to other markets. Apps must adhere to Google Play’s policies, and a review will occur only if the app is made public. Future enhancements will allow sharing of personal apps with a small group and an onboarding process for creating a professional developer profile. Google Play is also introducing an AI assistant for app recommendations, a Game Finder tool, and additional gaming features, while optimizing the Play Store layout for vehicles and Android XR. An age-range feature will allow parents to share their child's age range with developers for tailored app experiences.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Google will now let anyone build apps without coding

Google is introducing AI-powered app creation on Google Play, allowing users to build custom Android apps using Google AI Studio without needing a developer account. This feature will initially roll out in select markets, including the U.S., for users aged 18 and older. Users can create personal apps that remain separate from the public Play Store and can later transition to a professional developer account if desired. Additionally, Google is enhancing app discovery with personalized recommendations through the Ask Play feature and integrating Play Store content into Gemini conversations. The Game Finder tool will provide tailored game recommendations based on user preferences, and Google is launching Game Playlists for users to curate and share collections of games. To foster community engagement, Google is introducing features like Sprints for competitive play, a Sidekick feature for recording gameplay clips, and Community Posts for interaction on game pages. Google is also expanding its PC gaming offerings with new titles and cross-play capabilities, alongside introducing Game Trials for PC games. For families, Google is implementing a privacy option for age-restricted apps through Family Link and launching Play Fest, a week-long promotion with various rewards. This overhaul aims to transform Google Play from a simple app store into a platform for app creation, community interaction, and personalized experiences.

AppWizard

October 13, 2026

Google Play now lets you ‘vibe code’ and launch your own personal Android apps

Google is updating the Google Play Store to allow users to create and deploy their own applications using Google AI Studio without needing a developer account. This feature is currently available in the U.S. for users aged 18 and older and ensures that personal applications remain private and separate from the public catalog. The Play Store is also enhancing content discovery with optimizations for larger screens, new features like "Ask Play" for app comparisons, and "Play in Gemini" for recommendations. In gaming, a new Game Finder feature will create personalized profiles for users, while "Sprints" will offer 48-hour challenges. Major games are being introduced with cross-save support between mobile and PC, and a new Family Link feature will help parents manage age-appropriate app experiences. These updates are rolling out now.

AppWizard

October 13, 2026

Google Play Now Lets You Install Your Own Vibe-Coded Android Apps

Google is streamlining the installation process for Android apps created using AI Studio, allowing users to access personal applications directly through the Play Store instead of manually sideloading APK files. This feature is currently rolling out in the United States and select markets. The Play Store will introduce a personal library for users to locate and install their uniquely coded applications, which will be kept private and separate from the public app catalog. Users will also be able to share these personal applications with select individuals, and those wishing to publish apps for a broader audience can transition to a professional developer account. Additionally, a new Game Finder tool will suggest games based on users' gaming habits, and Game Playlists will allow users to curate collections of games. Google is also introducing Sprints, 48-hour gaming challenges for small groups, and upgrading the Sidekick overlay for capturing and sharing gameplay clips. The Sports Topic Pages will expand to cover major leagues, and the Ask Play feature will assist in app comparisons. These updates will be rolled out gradually.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

The studio behind Star Wars Zero Company is hiring back some of its furloughed staff

Bit Reactor, the developer of Star Wars Zero Company, placed over 80% of its workforce on furlough before the game's launch due to sales uncertainties. Recently, the company announced a gradual return to normal operations, with payroll rebounding to over half of pre-furlough levels. The decision to furlough employees was made independently by Bit Reactor and did not involve its publisher, EA. Despite initial challenges, Star Wars Zero Company became a best seller on Steam and received positive reviews from critics.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Despite the tragic death of its lead writer, one of the scariest games I have ever played will finally come out later this month

Divine Frequency, developed by Abraxaes, is set for an early access launch on October 27, following the release of a new trailer on September 25. The game has faced development challenges, including the passing of lead writer Pablo "Artistical" Lamprea earlier this year.