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Moonlighter studio won't host a public playtest of its next game due to rampant AI-led cloning: 'We know we're not the only developers feeling this way'
AppWizard
October 20, 2026

Moonlighter studio won’t host a public playtest of its next game due to rampant AI-led cloning: ‘We know we’re not the only developers feeling this way’

Digital Sun Games has decided not to conduct a public playtest for their upcoming title, ReVamp, due to concerns about reverse-engineering and cloning of their game. This decision follows a trend of hastily produced clones appearing on platforms like Steam and Roblox, exacerbated by the rise of AI-driven tools that facilitate game replication. Other developers, such as those behind Drunken Goddess Reflux, have also canceled public demos for similar reasons. The number of demos available during the recent Steam Next Fest increased significantly, highlighting the issue of rapid cloning in the gaming industry.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
October 15, 2026

After Valve was criticized, devs back Steam’s refund policy by creating a 2-hour game literally called Refund This Game: “We celebrate players’ right to refund”

Mateo Covic, a developer known for Paddle Paddle Paddle, expressed frustrations about Steam's two-hour refund window, sparking scrutiny of Valve's policy. In response, developers launched a game titled Refund This Game, a first-person platformer that challenges players to navigate Steam's refund policy. The game encourages players to complete it in under two hours to earn a refund. It is priced at a promotional rate and takes inspiration from the classic rage-inducing platformer Getting Over It. Co-developer dofhouse noted that the discussion around Steam's refund policy inspired the game. Additionally, Steam recently surpassed 43 million concurrent users, an all-time high, attributed to the popularity of titles like Wardogs and Deadlock.
Vampire Crawlers brings chaotic deckbuilding to Android, iOS on Oct. 12
BetaBeacon
October 8, 2026

Vampire Crawlers brings chaotic deckbuilding to Android, iOS on Oct. 12

Poncle is set to launch its turn-based spin-off game Vampire Crawlers on Android and iOS on Oct. 12, bringing the same action and deckbuilding mechanics as its predecessor. The mobile version will be available globally for .99, with preorders open on the App Store. Vampire Crawlers is playable on various platforms and will coincide with the launch of the Death Parade patch, introducing new content and gameplay enhancements.
New Steam Game Is Like Cuphead Meets Minecraft
AppWizard
October 4, 2026

New Steam Game Is Like Cuphead Meets Minecraft

Kalit is an upcoming indie game developed by Travi Team Games, a small Italian studio consisting of two developers. It features hand-drawn animation reminiscent of 1930s cartoons and combines this aesthetic with a Minecraft-inspired survival sandbox. Players can mine resources, craft items, cultivate farms, and explore a 3D open world. The game was first unveiled in June 2025, following the studio's previous releases, including the 2023 physics-based fighting game Scroter and the 2024 found footage horror title Unknown Tapes. The studio plans to release another title in 2027, but specific details about that release are not yet available.
Yes, Gabe Newell really had a "room full of knives and blades and swords" that he learned how to make himself, says Counter-Strike co-creator
AppWizard
September 28, 2026

Yes, Gabe Newell really had a “room full of knives and blades and swords” that he learned how to make himself, says Counter-Strike co-creator

Minh 'Gooseman' Le, co-creator of Counter-Strike, shared insights about Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, highlighting his billionaire status, passion for yachting, daily engagement with Dota 2, and a humorous title as "bladed weapon maestro." Newell is described as a vibrant and sometimes contentious leader, deeply involved in the gaming industry and committed to his vision at Valve. He has been known to express frustration during discussions about platform policies, notably challenging Valve's top lawyer with a pointed question about his role. Despite stepping back from daily game development, Newell remains a pivotal figure in the industry, influencing Valve's direction with a mix of humor and intensity.
The latest co-op indie game to take over the internet is like one of my favourite board games, just with bombs
AppWizard
September 20, 2026

The latest co-op indie game to take over the internet is like one of my favourite board games, just with bombs

Bombanana is a cooperative game where players take on the roles of monkeys with restricted sensory abilities: one is blind, another is deaf, and a third is mute. This setup complicates communication and strategy, leading to chaotic gameplay reminiscent of Team 3. Players must work together to defuse bombs, with the sighted player observing the bomb's mechanisms and relaying information to the mute player holding the instruction manual. The game features escalating challenges and puzzles, creating a humorous yet tense atmosphere. Despite struggles and failures, the experience fosters laughter and camaraderie among players.
"Bombora" is working on a book about Minecraft: the cubic world that conquered the planet
AppWizard
August 19, 2026

“Bombora” is working on a book about Minecraft: the cubic world that conquered the planet

The "Bombora" publishing house is set to release a book by Artem Frolov that explores the phenomenon of Minecraft, tracing its origins to Markus Persson's Infiniminer clone. The book will examine Minecraft's cultural impact and key themes such as its procedurally generated world, building mechanics, survival mode, extensive modding toolkit, and C418's ambient soundtrack. No release date or pricing details for pre-orders have been announced.
silver Android smartphone
BetaBeacon
August 17, 2026

Dawnfolk Is Out Now on iOS & Android

Dawnfolk is a mobile game set in a world consumed by darkness where players rebuild civilization one tile at a time. The game features minimalist strategy, exploration, and survival mechanics, with a focus on approachable gameplay and meaningful depth.
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