gaming journey Archives

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

DayZ creator Dean ‘Rocket’ Hall has over 2,000 hours in Kerbal Space Program and played the original XCOM at Mount Everest base camp: ‘I think when I die, I will still be playing that game’

Dean Hall, the founder of RocketWerkz, began his gaming journey with a Commodore 64 and developed a passion for computers after a challenging five-hour gaming session. He is currently developing Icarus, a space survival game that has recently become profitable after a difficult launch. Hall has logged 1,400 hours in RimWorld, where he has released two popular mods. He enjoys playing Ostranauts, accumulating at least 150 hours per playthrough, and is looking forward to its upcoming update. Hall has also played the original XCOM for around 600 hours over the past year. He has nearly 5,000 hours in Stationeers, a game developed by his studio, and over 2,000 hours in Kerbal Space Program. His favorite game is Space Station 13, where he plays a character named Colton Murphy. For non-gaming software, he relies on Rider for programming development. Hall maintains a very clean desktop, regularly organizing it for security and efficiency in his game development process.

AppWizard

April 5, 2026

I bought a PS5 on launch day but I won’t be buying a PS6, even though its exclusives aren’t coming to PC anymore

Jess Kinghorn, a hardware writer, has been exploring indie games like Sato Killing Time Chat.exe and D14L-ogue. She pre-ordered her PlayStation 5 in 2020 for £450, which has since increased to £570/€650 due to a memory supply crisis. Sony may delay the PS6's release until 2028 or 2029. Jess is reevaluating the costs of console gaming, noting that major game releases add to the financial burden. She feels disconnected from PlayStation-exclusive titles due to limited availability on PC and is fatigued by big-budget games. Jess prefers smaller games like Home Safety Hotline, Perfect Tides, and Ambrosia Sky: Act One, which are more affordable. While she enjoys some PS5 titles, she is cautious about future console investments. In contrast, she finds the anticipated Switch 2 appealing at £396, despite hardware issues like Joy-Con stick drift.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Xalavier Nelson Jr, director of Space Baby Warlord Trading Simulator, will never uninstall Warframe and would love to see an Outriders 2: ‘I think that game would have been really special’

Xalavier Nelson Jr., founder and creative director of Strange Scaffold, began his gaming journey on consoles and was influenced by watching his father play PC games like Battlefield 2 and Age of Empires. He considers Sid Meier's Pirates! a pivotal game that shaped his perspective on gaming. Currently, he is revisiting Outriders with friends, appreciating its unique storytelling and lamenting the cancellation of its sequel. He has logged the most hours in Worms: Crazy Golf, a childhood favorite shared with his sister. Nelson Jr. vows never to uninstall Warframe due to its continuous evolution and engaging experience. He relies on Audacity for audio editing as a voice actor. His desktop is organized with only essential icons and a few critical text files, and he has a completed game project waiting for release.

BetaBeacon

March 28, 2026

The Best 13 Android Games You Must Play in 2026

- Monster Hunter Outlanders completed its first round of closed beta testing in 2025 and is one of the most anticipated new mobile games of 2026. - Genshin Impact remains at the top of the free-to-play mobile scene with continuous updates to the story and events. - Honkai: Star Rail is a turn-based RPG with high-end action game polish and style, now available on Android phones and PC. - Destiny: Rising adapts the excellent shooting skills and MMO-style growth system of the console version to the mobile platform. - Goose Goose Duck, a mobile game released in 2026, attracted 5 million players in its first month and offers unique gameplay with a large number of characters. - Among Us is a global sensation in social deduction gaming where players must uncover the impostor among them. - Spaceteam is a local multiplayer game designed for 2 to 8 players to play together by shouting out technical terms to keep the spaceship running. - Chrono Trigger and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night are classic RPGs now available on Android devices. - Gwent: The Witcher Card Game and Hearthstone are deeply strategic card games with rich deck-building options. - Marvel Snap is a fast-paced competition game with Marvel heroes and a three-minute gameplay duration. - Nizhan Future is a sci-fi shooting game developed specifically for mobile platforms with a season-based design and data interoperability between PC and mobile platforms.

AppWizard

March 12, 2026

To celebrate Resident Evil Requiem, Fanatical’s latest sale drops the series to its lowest prices yet – including the newest horror game

The Resident Evil franchise has experienced a resurgence over the past nine years, starting with the successful Resident Evil 7 and the critically acclaimed Village. The latest installment, Resident Evil Requiem, has been well-received, blending terror and action effectively. Fanatical is currently offering discounts on a variety of Resident Evil titles, including Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil 2 Remake, Resident Evil 3 Remake, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Resident Evil 5, and Resident Evil 6, along with RE7 and Village. Discounts can reach up to 79%, making it an ideal time for both new and returning players to explore the series. Each game contributes to the franchise's rich lore, and while not every title is included in the sale, many are available at significant discounts.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

How many of these MMORPGs can you name in just 6 minutes based on a handful of vague details?

The author began their MMORPG journey in 2002 with the Korean MMO Priston Tale. They transitioned to a subscription model, requiring their mother’s assistance to pay with a money order due to their young age. Over time, they gained financial independence and now primarily play Final Fantasy 14, appreciating its nostalgic elements. The author reflects on the enduring popularity of some early MMORPGs and enjoys discussions about them with fellow gamers. They invite readers to test their knowledge of MMORPGs by identifying games based on town names or features.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

Huge Minecraft leak exposes old console edition versions

The source code for the Minecraft legacy console edition has been leaked, sparking excitement among longtime players. The leak focuses on older console builds distinct from the current Bedrock and Java editions, featuring unique menus and world generation. The files first appeared on the forum 4chan and have since spread to various archive sites. Players have expressed enthusiasm on social media, noting that the older versions work well on lower-end PCs and include multiplayer functionality. This leak is considered one of the most significant in Minecraft's history due to its scale and historical value, reviving nostalgia for players who experienced the game on PS3 and Xbox 360.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

Steam Next Fest has the perfect game demo for Disco Elysium fans, but it’s not ZA/UM’s successor

The author reflects on their gaming journey, noting a significant shift after experiencing Disco Elysium. They find that Citizen Sleeper is the closest game to evoke similar engagement, despite its different gameplay. The upcoming February 2026 Steam Next Fest will showcase two games of interest: Zero Parades, a successor to Disco Elysium, and Esoteric Ebb, which combines Disco Elysium-like mechanics with a Dungeons and Dragons aesthetic. Zero Parades promises a narrative of espionage, while Esoteric Ebb features a reimagined Thought Cabinet using D&D attributes. The author expresses excitement for both titles and encourages fans of Disco Elysium to explore these upcoming games.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Is Hytale worth playing? A lifelong Minecraft fan’s perspective

In 2010, a 14-year-old journalist began playing a beta version of Minecraft, which sparked a lasting passion for the game. Minecraft's core gameplay remains popular, supported by a vibrant community that creates mods and custom servers. Hytale, a sandbox RPG that originated from the Hypixel Minecraft server in 2015, has been released as a standalone game after a challenging development process. Hytale features familiar aesthetics from Minecraft but introduces enhancements like a structured beginning and RPG elements. It aims to capture the essence of Minecraft while offering new experiences for players. Hytale is currently in early access and reflects the spirit of innovation in sandbox gaming.

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

What Kind of Minecraft Player Are You, Really?

Minecraft is a game that allows for diverse playstyles beyond simply defeating the Ender Dragon. Players engage in various activities such as building massive automated farms, creating intricate bases, exploring for rare structures, or focusing on survival challenges. Playstyle analysis tests have emerged to better understand player behavior, categorizing them into roles like Builders, Explorers, and Hardcore Survivors based on their in-game actions rather than achievements. Builders focus on long-term projects and aesthetics, Explorers prioritize adventure and discovery, while Hardcore players emphasize skill and survival strategies. Modern playstyle tests evaluate gameplay commitment, risk tolerance, and engagement with game mechanics, producing visually appealing result cards for sharing within the community. Recent updates to Minecraft have influenced player interactions, encouraging structured exploration and enhancing automation. There is a growing trend towards valuing long-term survival worlds, with players investing more time in their projects. Most players exhibit a blend of styles, contributing to the game's replayability and the relevance of nuanced playstyle analysis.