marketplace Archives

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Try Marketplace Pass for Free

The Marketplace Content series on .net offers a variety of content available through the Marketplace Pass, with a monthly showcase of popular items. The Marketplace Pass Free Weekend allows users to participate without a credit card, but discounts on content are only available to active subscribers. Free Character Creator items are exclusive to Marketplace Pass subscribers, while various skin packs can be accessed by all players. After the Free Weekend ends, any paid content downloaded will be removed from users' accounts, although built worlds will remain. Users can retain content by purchasing it with Minecoins or by signing up for a free trial of the Marketplace Pass, which provides temporary access to subscription content.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

The next PlayStation looks more and more like a PC, and that’s not a bad thing

Sony has announced it will cease physical disc production by January 2028. A petition to reverse this decision has garnered over 200,000 signatures. A nostalgic video from PlayStation's YouTube channel has resurfaced, reflecting gamers' emotional connection to physical media. Concerns about long-term ownership of digital content have been raised, particularly after reports of purchased titles being removed from users' libraries. The trend towards digital gaming is evident, with some gamers opting for the PS5 Digital Edition for convenience. The shift may impact local retailers and the second-hand market, as well as the experiences of trading or renting games. Limited edition physical disc releases and optional disc drives for future consoles could provide a compromise for both digital and physical media enthusiasts.

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

Play Store Catalog Interoperability Goes Live July 22: Android Developers Must Decide

On July 22, 2026, Google Play will launch its Play Catalog Access program, allowing third-party Android stores in the U.S. to access app listings from the Google Play Store, including names, icons, descriptions, screenshots, and metadata. Developers will be automatically enrolled unless they opt out by the deadline. The program enables these stores to showcase app listings while downloads will still occur through Google Play Console, ensuring Google’s service fee applies. All downloaded apps will undergo Play Protect scanning, and enrolled stores must prevent malware distribution, maintaining a malware installation-attempt rate below one percent. A December 2023 jury verdict found that Google violated federal and California antitrust laws, leading to a Ninth Circuit decision that requires Google to grant third-party app stores access to its catalog, dismantling barriers to competition. The legal battle began in August 2020 when Epic Games sought changes to counter Google's monopolistic practices. A March 2026 settlement introduced a tiered service fee structure, reducing costs for developers from a flat 30 percent commission to 20 percent for new installs and 10 percent for subscriptions. Developers can choose to publish all listings to all enrolled stores, manage stores individually, or opt out entirely. If no action is taken before July 22, Google will automatically share the app's listing with all enrolled third-party stores. The Play Catalog Access program aims to address the cold-start problem faced by alternative stores but does not guarantee a competitive ecosystem, as third-party stores must still create compelling user experiences to attract customers.

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

PC gamers remain skeptical of Steam’s AI disclaimers, poll shows many believe game devs are hiding it

A poll by GameDiscoverCo involving nearly 3,800 Steam users from June 25 to July 2, 2026, found that 43% of respondents are comfortable purchasing games with AI disclosures, while 31% view such disclosures negatively, and 8% refuse to buy games featuring them. Approximately 44% of participants read AI disclosures in detail, and 45% at least glance at them, indicating that 89% consider this information in their purchasing decisions. Trust in the accuracy of these disclosures is low, with only 17% believing developers fully disclose AI use, while 25% think many are transparent, and 35% feel only some provide accurate information. Additionally, 56% of respondents believe AI-assisted development tools should be disclosed, with only 8% disagreeing. Nearly 20% of games in Steam’s recent Next Fest event included a generative AI warning, a figure expected to rise as the industry evolves.

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

Marketplace Content July 2026

Dyed Blocks++ by DogHouse introduces 930 new blocks in 16 colors for builders and designers. The Cats and Dogs add-on by Street Studios features 12 new dog breeds and 12 cat breeds with accessories. Modern Textures by Team Vaeron provides new textures and blocks for contemporary home designs. Modern Textures World by Imagiverse includes over 800 furniture items for modern decor. Space Oneblock by Honeyfrost offers a survival challenge in space starting with a single block. Enter the Dungeon by King Cube presents a customizable dungeon adventure with bosses. Safest Treehouse! by Dodo Studios is a treetop fortress with security features. Pro Mansion by Dodo Studios is a luxury multistory mansion with automatic farms and a pool. Fruitcore by Yeggs offers fruit-themed outfits, while Crystal Core by CubeCraft Games provides gem-themed outfits. TV Heads HD Skin Pack by CupcakeBrianna features nostalgic TV-themed skins. Simple Scapes Texture Pack by Giggle Block Studios emphasizes clean design. Tranquility - Calm Textures by Pathway Studios offers soothing colors for a serene backdrop. Royal Delight - Soft Textures by Pathway Studios reimagines blocks and armor with regal hues. Organic Toon Texture Pack by Giggle Block Studios includes over 2000 cartoon-inspired textures.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Google Play Store will look a little different the next time you open it

Google is rolling out a redesigned user interface for its Play Store, specifically for the Games and Apps sections. The update features a new aesthetic with pill-shaped containers for navigation tabs and a streamlined layout. The "For you" tab has been removed and integrated as the default landing page for both sections. Users will now navigate to dedicated pages for "Top charts" or "Categories," requiring a return to the home screen via an arrow in the top left corner. The presentation of Google Play Points has changed, now appearing without a blue container, and users have noted a new design for notification badges.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Minecraft Preview 26.40.30

Players can find abandoned camps in the Pale Garden and Flower Forest biomes, which include a one-time use Straw Bed crafted from three hay bales. Cushions, available in 16 colors and crafted from three wool slabs, allow players to sit comfortably but are not currently spawning in abandoned camps. Various gameplay and graphical improvements have been made, including fixes for crafting recipes, ambient sounds, and rendering issues. Additionally, there are updates to the user interface, technical features, and stability enhancements, such as improved server self-repair capabilities and bug fixes related to commands and entity behavior.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2026

Why Anti Malware and Antivirus Solutions still matter despite Google Play Protect

Google Play Protect is a security feature integrated within the Google Play Store that scans installed applications for malicious behavior, verifies apps before download, and can disable or remove harmful software. Its primary limitation is its focus on apps from the Google Play Store, leaving users who install APK files from third-party sources at risk. Modern cyber threats include phishing links, counterfeit login pages, and social engineering techniques, which Google Play Protect does not fully address. Dedicated antivirus applications offer real-time threat detection, privacy protection, and additional features such as monitoring excessive app permissions and dark web credential leaks. For business users, mobile security platforms provide advanced capabilities like enforcing corporate policies and detecting zero-day threats. While Google Play Protect is sufficient for many users, those handling sensitive information or seeking enhanced protection should consider additional antivirus solutions. Best practices for cybersecurity include downloading apps from trusted sources, keeping software updated, and using strong passwords.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Lets Play Bobs Farming

Minecraft presents challenges in farming, such as the need to maintain soil moisture for successful crop cultivation. A new solution, Bob’s Farming by Team Workbench, is available on the Minecraft Marketplace, which simplifies farming and introduces new crops, blocks, and recipes. This update enhances crop varieties, provides new blocks for easier farming, and expands culinary possibilities, aiming to improve the overall farming experience in the game.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

Fill your Steam library without spending a single dime — scratch your shopping itch with the Steam Summer Sale Simulator

Mike Wang, a programmer and web developer, created the Steam Summer Sale simulator, a website that mimics the Steam interface, allowing users to create fictional accounts and add games to their cart with a virtual wallet balance of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the allure of building an expansive Steam library is undeniable. With some enthusiasts amassing collections worth nearly 0,000, the thrill of acquiring games can be intoxicating. However, for the majority of gamers, such extravagant spending is simply not feasible. Enter Mike Wang, a programmer and web developer who has ingeniously crafted a solution: the Steam Summer Sale simulator. A Digital Playground This innovative website mimics the familiar interface of Steam, inviting users to create a fictional account with any name they choose. Upon entering this virtual marketplace, players are greeted with a 0 wallet balance, allowing them to indulge in the joy of adding games to their cart without the burden of real financial consequences. Should users exhaust their funds, the wallet replenishes automatically to 0, effectively granting them an endless budget to explore the vast library of games. The experience is further enhanced by the playful sounds accompanying each action, making the act of adding games to the cart feel rewarding and engaging. Users can repeatedly click the + Add Funds button, watching their virtual wealth swell into the millions, all while enjoying the delightful auditory feedback that accompanies their every purchase. Once satisfied with their selections, users can proceed to the cart and click Continue to payment, where the magic unfolds. Each game is seamlessly added to their library, accompanied by sound effects that evoke the excitement of a jackpot win. This whimsical approach to gaming not only satiates the desire to collect but also provides a lighthearted escape from reality. im addicted to buying digital games on steamand the summer sale is not helpingso i made a website that gives me the same dopamine of buying games without spending actual money pic.twitter.com/PHxT75VpusJuly 3, 2026 While the Steam Summer Sale simulator may initially appear to be a frivolous endeavor, its creator emphasizes the psychological benefits it offers. By simulating the experience of purchasing games without the financial implications, users can enjoy the dopamine rush associated with buying, all in a fun and entertaining format. The site even includes achievements, such as the challenging Exact Change achievement, which adds an extra layer of engagement and competition. In a world where digital experiences are increasingly valued, the Steam Summer Sale simulator stands out as a creative outlet for gamers seeking a taste of the thrill of acquisition, minus the financial commitment. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the joy of gaming can be found in the simplest of pleasures." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] that replenishes automatically. The site provides auditory feedback for each action, enhancing the experience of adding games without real financial consequences. It includes achievements like the Exact Change achievement, offering psychological benefits by simulating the thrill of purchasing games without spending actual money.