launch

AppWizard
August 15, 2026
Amazon Prime subscribers will have access to new games on Amazon Luna in August, including the addition of "Batman: Caped Crusader – Chronicles" to the GameNight library. The Luna Standard lineup features three games currently available: "Bluey: The Videogame," "Disney/Pixar Brave: The Video Game," and "Disney/Pixar: WALL-E." Two more games, "Assassin’s Creed Valhalla" and "Assassin’s Creed Mirage," will be released later in the month. Additionally, subscribers can claim downloadable PC games, including "Right and Down," "Hiveswap Friendsim," "Pyramids and Aliens: Escape Room," "Airship: Kingdoms Adrift," "Steelrising," "Royal Romances: Forbidden Magic," "Spray Paint Simulator," "Havendock," and "Clash: Artifacts of Chaos," throughout August.
AppWizard
August 15, 2026
In June, Jagex hosted its largest live event, the Deadman All Stars, a PvP tournament for Old School RuneScape (OSRS), outside the UK. Kieren Charles, the creative director of OSRS, noted that the game has grown significantly since its launch, stating, “The game's bigger now than it was in 2007.” OSRS surpassed the original RuneScape's age in 2013 and achieved an all-time high of over one million active subscribers last August. The decision to base OSRS on the 2007 version was influenced by player preference for what they considered the "golden age," despite initial interest in the 2006 version. OSRS is recognized as a pioneering example of officially-supported 'classic' servers, balancing community engagement with official support. Regular updates, including the upcoming Varlamore expansion in 2024, aim to keep the game fresh while maintaining its nostalgic essence. New content is approved through community votes, requiring a minimum of 70% approval. Charles emphasized the importance of community feedback, preferring to reject proposals rather than invest significant development time into unpopular features. He views his role as a caretaker of the OSRS legacy, focusing on what the community wants.
AppWizard
August 15, 2026
Anticipation for the release of GTA 6 is high, with questions about its online mode and PC availability. The console version will launch without an online component to protect the revenue from GTA Online. GTA 4's online mode, discontinued in 2020, remains accessible through platforms like GTA Connected. It transformed the game’s dynamic, offering chaotic multiplayer experiences that contrasted with the serious tone of single-player mode. Players engaged in customizable game modes, such as Turf War and Mafiya modes, and the race mode combined competition with chaos. The multiplayer experience was defined by the unpredictable nature of human players, enhancing the gameplay with absurdity and excitement.
AppWizard
August 14, 2026
Mojang has released a hotfix for Minecraft, updating the game from version 26.41 to 26.43, recognized as Minecraft update 3.46. This update includes fixes for multiple crashes during gameplay and issues with missing assets when loading into a world due to network connection changes. Additionally, cloud world storage on Windows has been temporarily disabled to address recent issues.
AppWizard
August 14, 2026
Mojang released hotfixes for Minecraft Bedrock versions 26.41, 26.42, and 26.43 on August 14, appearing as Minecraft update 1.056. The update includes fixes for several crashes that could disrupt gameplay and resolves issues related to missing assets during world loading, especially with fluctuating network connections. Cloud world storage has been temporarily disabled on Windows platforms to address identified issues.
BetaBeacon
August 14, 2026
Recent developments in the DS emulation space include a significant update to the melonDualDS emulator, which has been rebranded to WatermelonDS. The new version features a revamped user interface, RetroArch shader presets, and an experimental Vulkan FastPath. Additionally, a lighter alternative called Seedless has been introduced, based on the DraStic r2.6.0.4a core and designed for modern Android handhelds with physical controls and dual-screen functionality. Sapphire Rhodonite, the developer, also plans to release a Linux version of Seedless in the future.
AppWizard
August 14, 2026
Linux gaming is gaining momentum, with 2026 expected to be a pivotal year for broader audience engagement. The Epic Games Store is considering Linux support, as indicated by a developer's emoji tease, which has generated excitement among gamers. Discontent with Windows 11 is driving gamers to explore Linux alternatives. Valve is enhancing handheld support for its Linux-based SteamOS, particularly with the popular Steam Deck. GOG Galaxy is set to launch a Linux version, and the Heroic Games Launcher currently provides access to the Epic Games Store and GOG on Linux. Anticipated advancements from both GOG and Epic promise a wider array of choices for Linux gamers.
AppWizard
August 14, 2026
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North has been re-released on Steam as a Legacy Edition, receiving a Very Positive rating. Originally launched on November 1, 2011, the game struggled to gain attention due to its release timing, coinciding with the launch of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Christian Allen, a former developer at WB Games, noted that the game's launch strategy could have been improved and highlighted the influence of quarterly revenue targets on publishing decisions.
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