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AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Claims that Mixtape will be delisted over music licenses are ‘a lie,’ says publisher

Approximately 87 percent of video game titles are unplayable without a physical copy or piracy, leading to concerns when games are delisted from digital platforms. Notably, since the beginning of the year, titles like Star Trek: Resurgence and 29 Disney games have been removed from digital stores. The game Mixtape has secured perpetual licenses for its soundtrack to ensure its availability, alleviating concerns about potential delisting due to music license expiration. Critics have responded positively to Mixtape, describing it as "lovely, beautiful, [and] heartwarming."

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek has no interest in writing Half-Life 3: ‘I don’t want to touch that with a 10-foot pole’

Chet Faliszek, a former writer for Half-Life 2 and Left 4 Dead, addressed speculation about Half-Life 3 in a YouTube video, clarifying that he is not involved in any current projects related to it. He expressed that creating Half-Life 3 would not be "incredibly easy" due to the complexities of modern gaming lore, which he finds challenging. Faliszek stated he does not want to revisit established franchises, including Half-Life and Left 4 Dead, due to concerns about altering long-standing narratives and the potential backlash from dedicated fans. He described sequels as a "disaster nightmare" and emphasized his preference for exploring new ideas rather than engaging with existing lore.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Lego racing game 2K Drive will be delisted next week, but online multiplayer won’t shut down until next year

Forza Horizon 6 has been released, while Lego 2K Drive will be removed from the digital marketplace on May 19, three years after its launch. Players who own or purchase the game before this date will retain access to its multiplayer features until May 31 of the following year, after which online functions will cease. Lego 2K Drive has received mixed reviews, with a critic rating it at 59%, citing "greedy microtransactions" as a downside. The game features a kart creator based on real-life Lego specifications but has faced scrutiny for its digital currency bundle aimed at children. Other games, including Disney titles and Star Trek: Resurgence, have also been removed from digital storefronts, with potential licensing issues suggested as a reason for Lego 2K Drive's withdrawal.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

The Talos Principle 3: The Trilogy Will Be Realized on PC and Console

Developer Croteam and publisher Devolver Digital have announced The Talos Principle 3 for PC and consoles, concluding the trilogy. A specific release date has not been provided, but more details are expected during gaming events like Summer Game Fest or Gamescom. The game takes place in the Anomaly, a world with altered physics, where players will solve puzzles and explore themes of existence and mortality. It features a mix of familiar and new puzzle mechanics, a narrative crafted by Jonas Kyratzes, Verena Kyratzes, and Tom Jubert, and an original soundtrack by Damjan Mravunac.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

All-girls Kingsbridge Heights team shines in NYC Minecraft sustainability competition

A group of six fifth-grade girls from P.S. 86 Kingsbridge Heights School won the Bronx championship in the Minecraft Education “Battle of the Boroughs,” competing against 3,395 students from 679 teams. They reached the Mayor’s Cup Final, where they presented a design for a cleaner, safer version of the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center. The team utilized Microsoft’s MakeCode for coding and emphasized teamwork and communication during their project. Key roles included Leeah Gonzalez as the speaker, Yafatou Bayo as the primary coder, and Zurisadai Quiroga-Vazquez as the presenter. The girls created a virtual version of their school with sustainable features and prioritized accessibility. Their teacher noted significant personal growth among the girls throughout the competition.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Steam’s New Minecraft PC Rival Needs Your $1 Support

Bonobo Software is developing a crafting RPG called Taival, which is inspired by Minecraft and features a co-op adventure for up to four players. The game has a Kickstarter campaign with a fundraising goal of £1. Taival aims to enhance community involvement and has received over 10,000 wishlists and participation from over 3,000 playtesters. Backers can pledge £1 for no strings attached, £20 for a digital copy and credits, or £900 for inclusion in the game. The developers plan to release Taival on Steam in early access later this year, with a full launch expected in 2027 or later, and potential releases on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Homey just turned your Android TV into a full smart home dashboard

Homey has launched dedicated applications for Android TV and LG webOS to integrate device controls, automations, and smart home dashboards on TVs. Users can log in by scanning a QR code, allowing for remote navigation. The app features quick access to favorites, enabling users to manage devices and automations easily. Homey has also introduced a browser-based platform at homey.tv, compatible with vehicle browsers, including those in Teslas, allowing tasks like opening garage doors remotely. The applications support Homey Cloud, Homey Pro, Homey Pro mini, and self-hosted Homey Server setups, with the LG webOS app compatible with smart TVs from 2021 or later, subject to regional availability.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

This game about being a chaotic mage might be the best indie immersive sim you can play, as I learned after destroying a mime’s house with magnetism

Rhell: Warped Worlds & Troubled Souls is a PC game that combines RPG elements with immersive simulation. Players encounter a mime in the game, who has an elaborate setup and a magnet-themed puzzle. The game features 40 spells, or runes, that can be creatively combined to solve puzzles. The design encourages experimentation and embraces failure, allowing quick respawns after mistakes. The gameplay includes slapstick animations that highlight comical misfortunes. Despite minor flaws in narrative and spell reprogramming, the game offers an engaging experience that appeals to fans of RPGs and puzzle-solving.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Steampunk colony sim Steel Artery is here, and it’s “emergent chaos” aboard a giant train

Steel Artery is a train city-building simulation game set in a moving city called Steelpolis, developed by SoulAge23. It combines elements from colony simulation games and features fully autonomous citizens with their own needs and desires. Players manage the population, production chains, and resources while navigating challenges and social tensions. The game has stunning pixel artwork and offers a unique experience with each playthrough. It is available on Steam with an 89% positivity rate from initial reviews, highlighting its complexity and management challenges. The game is priced at .24 during a promotional period, with a 10% discount until May 22.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

GTA roleplayers built a secret Boiler Room rave beneath Los Santos, complete with DJs, club photographers, biker security, and a custom party drug

An underground rave event in GTA Online has been organized in collaboration with Roleplay.co.uk, featuring an interactive elevator leading to a hidden bunker transformed into a club. The event included a roleplayed custom drug smuggled from overseas and was secured by the Arms of Outcasts motorcycle club. The first event attracted 96 attendees, and the organizer expressed hopes for a larger crowd at future gatherings. Community engagement was highlighted through photography and discussions about the event's fictional elements.