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New Marathon update takes a leaf out of Arc Raiders' book and encourages you to play nice
AppWizard
April 15, 2026

New Marathon update takes a leaf out of Arc Raiders’ book and encourages you to play nice

A recent update to Marathon has introduced the 'CARRI' system, which stands for the "CyberAcme Runner Reinforcement Initiative," encouraging cooperative gameplay among players. This system rewards both solo players and teams for completing contract objectives and successfully exfiltrating together. Players can earn CyberAcme Commendations, which can be spent in the CARRI Armory for various rewards, including weapons and salvage crates. Solo players can earn commendations by completing individual objectives and can receive extra commendations when extracting with others. A new 'toggle to open' setting for proximity chat and an end-of-run feature called 'Stay Together' promote friendly interactions. The update also includes a 'Mercy Kit' for reviving downed players from other teams and introduces eleven new Deluxe Unique weapons, balance changes, and adjustments to gameplay mechanics, such as railgun charging and extraction timers. The update is now live.
With Humble Choice at almost half price, you can now get 8 Steam Deck-friendly games for just $1 each
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

With Humble Choice at almost half price, you can now get 8 Steam Deck-friendly games for just $1 each

Humble Bundle is offering a promotion for its Humble Choice subscription, allowing subscribers to acquire eight games for a significantly reduced fee. The lineup includes titles such as Tempest Rising and Chants of Sennaar. Tempest Rising is noted for its real-time strategy gameplay reminiscent of Command & Conquer, receiving an 8/10 review score. The subscription is priced at a discounted rate, and subscribers will have indefinite access to the games. The promotional code MARCH26 can be used at checkout, and the offer expires on April 7th.
Microsoft Addicted Kids To Minecraft And Xbox Live, Suit Says
AppWizard
April 3, 2026

Microsoft Addicted Kids To Minecraft And Xbox Live, Suit Says

A coalition of gamers and their parents has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft Corp. in Washington state, claiming that the company has designed its gaming products, including Minecraft, to be "highly addictive" and to increase engagement among younger audiences, leading to significant in-game purchases. The plaintiffs express concerns about the psychological impact of gaming mechanics that encourage prolonged play and create dependency, resulting in excessive spending on virtual items. They also criticize the lack of transparency regarding in-game spending and argue that Microsoft has a responsibility to protect young players from addictive gameplay. The case has initiated discussions about ethical game design and the responsibilities of developers in ensuring player well-being.
Netflix Games Could Soon Get Voice Chat Integration
BetaBeacon
March 27, 2026

Netflix Games Could Soon Get Voice Chat Integration

Code found in the Netflix Android app suggests that voice chat functionality tied to games may soon be introduced, with references to active voice chat status and prompts to return to gameplay. The feature could potentially compete with traditional gaming platforms and improve user engagement. The code also hints at a possible integration with Agora's cross-platform voice API for scalable and reliable voice chat. The implementation of voice chat raises questions about how it will be incorporated into Netflix's current catalog of casual and single-player titles, potentially signaling a shift towards more social or multiplayer experiences in the future. It is important to note that Netflix has not officially confirmed the development of this feature.
FUNToken Launches First Mobile Game “Bounce Helix” on Android
BetaBeacon
March 17, 2026

FUNToken Launches First Mobile Game “Bounce Helix” on Android

Bounce Helix is a fast-paced mobile game where players guide a bouncing ball through rotating helix platforms. Players receive $FUN rewards for completing levels, making it unique within the ecosystem. The game has no ads, paywalls, and offers instant rewards. It is the first in a lineup of games aiming to merge casual gaming with digital rewards.
WWE 2K26 Review - More Money, More Problems
AppWizard
March 13, 2026

WWE 2K26 Review – More Money, More Problems

WWE 2K26 features a roster of over 400 wrestlers and presents polished graphics. The gameplay includes minor enhancements, new match types like Inferno and I Quit, and the introduction of thumbtacks as a weapon. The Ringside Pass, a battle pass system with free and premium tiers, allows players to earn XP and unlock new content, but may negatively impact game modes like MyRise by making progression feel grind-heavy. The Island returns with added voice acting but remains focused on cosmetic upgrades. CM Punk’s Showcase mode offers a nostalgic look at his career, though it has limitations. Modes like MyGM and the Creation Suite have expanded, while MyFaction remains VC-heavy. The overall experience is affected by monetization strategies and a sense of redundancy in gameplay.
"Trying to build a skyscraper with hand tools": Minecraft devs swore off yearly updates after giant Caves and Cliffs patch pushed them to the brink
AppWizard
March 13, 2026

“Trying to build a skyscraper with hand tools”: Minecraft devs swore off yearly updates after giant Caves and Cliffs patch pushed them to the brink

Mojang has abandoned its annual update commitment due to challenges from the Caves and Cliffs update and is now implementing a more agile approach with smaller, more frequent updates. In 2024 and 2025, the studio released four updates each year. Additionally, Mojang is advocating for improved chat moderation on Minecraft anarchy servers to promote a healthier gaming environment.
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