Hawkins Archives

AppWizard

September 16, 2026

MindsEye developer Build a Rocket Boy may finally be closing

Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), the developer of MindsEye, is reportedly facing significant layoffs, potentially affecting all remaining employees. Since the game's release in 2025, which received poor reviews, the studio has struggled, claiming sabotage and experiencing strained relations with its publisher, IO Interactive. Multiple rounds of layoffs have occurred, and employees have raised concerns about mismanagement and unauthorized surveillance. Dan Hawkins, a talent acquisition partner at BARB, indicated on LinkedIn that his role is being made redundant, and other notable figures, including head of audio Stuart Ross, have also been laid off. BARB has not yet made a public statement about the situation.

AppWizard

March 18, 2026

From Stranger Things to Minecraft: Turn Your Favorite Show or Game into an Immersive Experience in Mexico City

An immersive experience in Mexico City allows fans to interact with beloved fictional stories. The Stranger Things Experience invites participants to the town of Hawkins to join characters like Eleven and Dustin on missions against the Upside Down. The Minecraft Experience offers challenges related to the game, such as chopping trees and mining gems, along with opportunities to connect with other fans and purchase merchandise. Additionally, La Casa de Bluey opens the Heeler family home for visitors to explore and solve games and missions, appealing to both children and adults.

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

If you’re looking for a way to fill the Stranger Things-shaped hole in your heart, the new Minecraft DLC has you covered

The downloadable content (DLC) pack for Minecraft based on Stranger Things allows players to explore iconic locations such as Mirkwood Forest and the Starcourt Mall, and includes the option to enter the Upside Down. The DLC features various levels with clues and puzzles, and players can use characters like Eleven, Suzie, Eddie, and Vecna, each with unique abilities. The DLC is priced at 1510 Minecoins, approximately .99, and includes new skins for avatar customization.

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

‘Stranger Things’ has arrived in ‘Minecraft’

Minecraft has collaborated with Stranger Things, introducing 49 unique skins and a new map. The game allows players to experience the 1980s ambiance and embark on quests in Hawkins, encountering iconic moments from the series. Players can choose from characters like Eleven, Dr. Brenner, Vecna, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Suzie, each with unique abilities. The Stranger Things Minecraft DLC is available for .99 but is not accessible to Nintendo Switch users. The Duffer Brothers have drawn inspiration from classic video games for the fifth season of Stranger Things, and there are speculations about a secret ninth episode following the finale.

AppWizard

January 4, 2026

Minecraft X Stranger Things DLC Released

Mojang has released a new DLC for Minecraft based on Stranger Things, allowing players to explore Hawkins and the Upside Down while engaging with key moments from the first four seasons of the series. The DLC is available on the Minecraft Marketplace for modern platforms but is not compatible with the Nintendo Switch due to memory limitations, requiring a minimum of 6GB of RAM. Players can interact with iconic locations and characters, including a blocky version of Murray, and experience the narrative in an open-world format. Those who purchase the DLC before January 25, 2026, will receive a Hellfire Club t-shirt for character customization. The update aligns with the release of Stranger Things’ final season and emphasizes Mojang’s focus on narrative integrity and accessibility across platforms. The DLC encourages exploration and challenges, continuing Mojang’s trend of collaborating with external media franchises.