matchmaking Archives

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Sand publisher celebrates 300,000 copies sold: ‘We getting a half hour of air conditioning tonight!’

Sand: Raiders of Sophie, a steampunk-mechs-in-the-desert game, sold 300,000 copies after its early access launch. An update released on July 2 caused connection issues, leading to a rollback of changes. The game ranks among the top 100 most played games. The second update on June 2 faced backlash due to connectivity problems but was quickly addressed. The update included fixes for server availability, enhanced BattlEye functionality, refined character movement, and various balance changes. Known issues include characters getting stuck on ladders and transparency issues in spectator mode.

AppWizard

June 28, 2026

The Steam client was hurting PC gaming on Android — Valve’s VR headset accidentally solved it

Playing Windows games on Android has become feasible due to Winlator and open-source technologies like Wine, Box64, and DXVK. User-friendly applications such as GameHub and GameNative have emerged, enhancing mobile gaming experiences to rival dedicated handheld consoles. A major challenge was the reliance on the x86 Windows Steam client, which was resource-intensive on mobile devices. GameNative 1.0 introduced an experimental feature that eliminates the need for the desktop Steam client by using Valve's native Android libraries, improving the gaming experience significantly. Valve released Steamworks SDK version 1.63 in November 2025, which included native ARM64 libraries for Android, allowing for essential Steam functionalities without a translation layer. GameNative integrated these libraries, replacing the desktop client with a more efficient "bionic" Steam client that operates without a user interface, streamlining DRM and matchmaking processes. GameNative now supports Steam Guard TOTP sign-in, enabling smooth authentication and access to the user's Steam library. It downloads games natively, supports cloud saves, and is compatible with most single-player games with Steam DRM. The application boasts a high compatibility rate, with 221 out of 241 games in one user's library showing as compatible. GameNative 1.0 has improved performance with a Vulkan renderer and reworked controller stack. Despite its success, GameNative is not yet available on the Play Store, with nearly a million users sideloading the application. Developers aim to create a Play Store version that complies with Google's policies for easier installation.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2

Mojang is developing Minecraft Dungeons 2, a sequel that enhances the original game's mechanics and introduces an interconnected world for exploration. The game features multiplayer cooperative play for up to four players, improved matchmaking, and full cross-platform play at launch. New gameplay elements include a mini-inventory for loadout adjustments, the ability to jump and execute jump attacks, and a guiding line for navigation. Character customization has been expanded, allowing armor categorization by body parts and the introduction of Talismans, which provide passive abilities. The game includes a new Deep Dark biome with visual enhancements and a challenging boss encounter, the Twisted Warden. Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to release on September 29th for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Extraction shooter peak is finally returning and all you Arc Raiders players should definitely take note

DMZ is a mode in Call of Duty's Warzone that offers a player-versus-environment (PvE) experience, contrasting with the typical player-versus-player (PvP) focus of extraction shooters. The map Al Mazrah features locked buildings, loot rooms, and dynamic events, promoting exploration. DMZ 2.0 is set to launch alongside Modern Warfare 4, promising enhancements based on player feedback, including a revamped stealth system, dynamic weather effects, vehicle integration, and improved matchmaking for shared objectives. Story missions will become more engaging, and a new "star system" will increase difficulty by attracting tougher enemies as players engage in combat. The developers aim to maintain the core elements of the original DMZ while expanding its features, appealing to both PvE and PvP players. DMZ 2.0 is scheduled for release in October.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons II Is Rebuilding The Structure While Adding So Much More

At the Summer Game Fest, Xbox announced Minecraft Dungeons II, a sequel to the 2021 game. The sequel features a vast interconnected world for exploration, new biomes, and a feature called Guiding Light to assist players in navigating. It supports up to four players in cooperative play with options for couch co-op and online multiplayer, including matchmaking and crossplay. Quality-of-life improvements allow inventory access without pausing and teleportation between players. Combat has evolved with new movement abilities and mechanics, and loot distribution ensures fairness, with each player receiving unique drops. The game will launch on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, and will be available on day one through Xbox Game Pass.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2: Expanding Exploration and Co-op Action

Minecraft Dungeons 2 was showcased at a private Xbox event in Los Angeles. The game features an interconnected world for exploration, allowing players to pursue objectives in larger environments. It introduces verticality, enabling players to jump and execute jump attacks. The art style has been refined, with concept art used during loading screens. Multiplayer gameplay supports solo play or teaming up with up to three others, both online and locally. The combat system retains exhilarating action while introducing new items and effects, with no distinct character classes. Players can equip four armor slots and utilize new equipment types like artifacts and talismans. A mini-inventory system has been implemented for quick equipment management. The demo took place in the Deep Dark biome, featuring familiar and new mobs, and included a challenging boss fight that emphasized teamwork. Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to launch on September 29 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

A conversation with Infinity Ward about Call of Duty

Morgan Park visited Infinity Ward to discuss the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, gaining insights from multiplayer creative director Joe Cecot and design lead Jacky Reynolds. They highlighted the friendly rivalry among studios like Treyarch and Sledgehammer and discussed skill-based matchmaking complexities. A key feature is the introduction of apex attachments for weapon customization, aimed at enhancing player experience without disrupting balance. The campaign narrative will continue its “ripped from the headlines” approach, balancing realism with escapism. Map design will focus on gunplay, with a specific map called Coal featuring verticality. Details about the Warzone mode remain undisclosed. Reynolds noted the evolution of player expectations for weapon customization, and Cecot addressed the community's concern regarding the “update requires restart” prompt, stating efforts are being made to resolve it.

BetaBeacon

May 29, 2026

MODERN JET FIGHTERS ONLINE NOW AVAILABLE IN CANADA ON iOS AND ANDROID

Modern Jet Fighters Online is a fast-paced multiplayer air combat game available for free on iOS and Android in Canada, with plans for a worldwide rollout. It features competitive gameplay, deep aircraft customization, and cinematic aerial warfare. The game is designed for mobile devices with intuitive controls and quick matchmaking.

BetaBeacon

May 29, 2026

Battle Waves: Mobile is out now on iOS & Android

- The game Battle Waves: Mobile had 160,000 pre-registrations on Google Play and became the #1 Card Game in iOS pre-orders worldwide. - Six critical gameplay crashes were identified and resolved during a two-week Open Beta.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Card-driven strategy game Wyrmspan announced for PC

Monster Couch and Stonemaier Games have announced Wyrmspan, a card-driven strategy game that will be available on PC via Steam, with no specific release date provided. The game allows one to five players to assume the role of amateur dracologists in a fantastical world filled with dragons. Key features include excavating caves to construct sanctuaries, attracting over 180 unique dragons, exploring caves for rewards, and refining strategies through card selection. Game modes include solo play against the Automa, local multiplayer, and online matchmaking.