gaming industry Archives

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Hideo Kojima posts a cryptic message about ‘editing’ something and an awful lot of people are convinced it means Death Stranding 2 for PC will be announced later this week

Death Stranding 2 is currently not available on PC, but there are hints that it may be released soon. Hideo Kojima shared an image on his X account that suggests a PC version might be in the works, alongside a calendar for Death Stranding set for 2026 that appeared on the ESRB website in November 2025. A State of Play showcase is scheduled for February 12, which could potentially include an announcement about a PC release or a 'Director's Cut' version. The response to Kojima's hints has been optimistic, with speculation about a PC announcement growing.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Could Be Merged with PC Game Pass and Expanded with More Third-Party Services

Microsoft is reportedly considering merging the Xbox Game Pass Premium console subscription with the PC Game Pass. This information has been corroborated by multiple sources, indicating substantial interest in this direction. The current features of both subscriptions differ in price, platforms, first-party day-one access, EA Play inclusion, cloud gaming capabilities, online multiplayer options, and game library size. The potential merger could introduce a new subscription tier that includes cloud gaming, EA Play, and first-party day-one access, likely at a higher price point. Additionally, Microsoft is speculated to be exploring bundled third-party services to enhance Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. There are also rumors about a next-generation Xbox console launching in 2027, which may be a hybrid model capable of running PC applications.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Epic Games Store quietly offers two PC free games ahead of usual gieaway schedule

The Epic Games Store has established itself as a strong competitor in digital distribution by securing exclusive deals with developers, enhancing its library with titles like Fortnite and Control. The platform engages users through regular giveaways of popular titles and seasonal events, fostering community interaction. It continues to grow its user base and library while investing in technology and user experience to maintain its market position.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Minecraft Steam rumors reignite, after insider says more Xbox games will land on Valve’s PC store

Windows Central reports that the GamingLeaksandRumors subreddit has become a popular source for gamers seeking information about upcoming game releases, hardware innovations, and industry trends. Recent discussions include speculation on anticipated titles, next-generation consoles, and shifting market dynamics. TheGamer emphasizes the significance of community insights in shaping the gaming industry's future.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

After 21 years, GTA: San Andreas speedrunners discover a wild 31-step skip that lets you beat the original PC port in under an hour

A new speedrunning technique for the PC version of GTA: San Andreas allows players to complete the game in under an hour using a method called the Arbitrary Jump in Script (AJS) skip. This technique involves approximately 30 precise steps and was detailed by Reddit user Vitosi4ek. The AJS skip enables speedrunners to execute a JUMP instruction that leads directly to the game's conclusion. The discovery comes 21 years after the game's release, reflecting its lasting popularity and the innovative efforts of the speedrunning community.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Addicted Gamer Sues Fortnite and Minecraft Over Video Game Addiction

A US gamer, Cayden Breeden, has filed a lawsuit against Epic Games, Microsoft Corporation, and Mojang Studios in New York, claiming that Fortnite and Minecraft are designed to exacerbate video game addiction. The lawsuit alleges that the companies failed to inform players about the dangers of excessive gaming and did not implement safeguards against compulsive gaming, which Breeden characterizes as negligent and fraudulent. He describes his gaming habits as compulsive, leading to withdrawal-like symptoms when not playing, and seeks compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and related costs. The case argues that the design mechanics of both games promote extended play and addictive behaviors, despite lacking traditional gambling elements. This lawsuit is part of a growing trend of legal actions against gaming companies in the US. Community reactions on Reddit have varied, with some users expressing skepticism about the lawsuit's viability and others discussing the balance between personal responsibility and corporate accountability in game design. The outcome of the case could impact future game design and regulatory compliance in the industry. No formal statements have been made by the defendants regarding the lawsuit.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Amazon Games boss Hartmann reportedly leaving as firm retreats from PC and console

Christoph Hartmann, head of Amazon Game Studios, is leaving the company, which is shifting its focus from PC and console gaming to prioritize its Luna cloud streaming service. This change coincides with Amazon's layoffs affecting approximately 16,000 roles, following a previous round of 14,000 layoffs in October 2025. The gaming division may face challenges due to this strategic pivot, and significant reductions have already occurred in Amazon's gaming operations. The project New World Aeternum is scheduled to go offline in January 2027. Hartmann joined Amazon in 2018 and has over two decades of experience from 2K Games.

BetaBeacon

January 29, 2026

For mobile gamers: Epic Games Store launches new free game giveaway

The Epic Games Store offers developers a larger share of revenue from game sales compared to traditional platforms like Steam.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Valve faces lawsuit over developer commissions on Steam

Valve is facing a legal battle over allegations of imposing excessive commissions on publishers using its Steam platform, with potential damages reaching £656 million. The lawsuit, initiated in June 2024, represents the interests of up to 14 million UK consumers who purchased games via Steam since 2018. Vicki Shotbolt leads the case, claiming Valve restricts publishers from offering lower prices on competing platforms and locks customers into its ecosystem. Valve's commission is reportedly as high as 30 percent. The London Competition Appeal Tribunal has allowed the case to proceed, despite Valve's objections. This is not the first scrutiny Valve has faced; a previous antitrust lawsuit from Wolfire Games was dismissed in late 2021 but was refiled and merged with another claim in 2022, gaining class action status by November 2024.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Valves faces $900 million lawsuit, accused of abusing its dominance in PC gaming to over-charge for games and DLC, as UK court says the case can continue

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal has allowed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging that the company has used its market dominance to charge inflated prices for games and downloadable content (DLC). The lawsuit, set for 2024, seeks £656 million in damages, claiming that up to 14 million UK gamers may have overpaid between £22 and £44 since June 5, 2018. Vicki Shotbolt, an advocate for children's digital rights, is the proposed class representative for the case, which is part of her campaign "Steam You Owe Us." A judgment on January 26 confirmed the case can proceed to trial, but it does not indicate the merits of the claims. The tribunal's decision suggests there may be grounds to explore allegations of unfair pricing practices by Valve. Additionally, a UK court has ruled that in-game gold can be classified as "property," making it subject to theft laws.