When you win a jackpot using no-deposit bonus funds, you may not be able to keep all the money. It is important to read the terms and conditions or contact customer service for clarification on which games are restricted.
Minecraft has become a cultural phenomenon over the past decade, culminating in the release of A Minecraft Movie in 2025, which broke box-office records. The film's success is attributed to the shared experiences of gamers across generations, highlighting the game's universal appeal. The movie features iconic moments, such as the Chicken Jockey, which resonated with audiences in theaters, creating a communal experience. Despite critiques of its artistic merit, the film attracted large audiences, showcasing the power of nostalgia and community. Minecraft, as one of the best-selling video games, has established a significant presence across platforms, and the film emphasizes its impact on creativity and collaboration within the gaming community. After viewing the movie, many children were inspired to recreate scenes in their own Minecraft worlds, demonstrating the game's influence beyond its original medium.
The timing of video game releases has become increasingly complex for developers, with major publishers traditionally launching titles between one and three months before the holiday season. However, in recent years, many have shifted to releasing games from February to April, and even into May and June, creating a crowded market. Rockstar's announcement of Grand Theft Auto 6, initially set for 2024 but delayed to May 2026 and then to November 2026, has prompted developers to reconsider their release strategies. Team Cherry's announcement of Hollow Knight: Silksong disrupted the release schedule, forcing other developers to scramble for safer dates. Microsoft’s surprise release of Oblivion Remastered in April negatively impacted sales for indie titles like Rosewater, highlighting the challenges of coordinating release schedules in an increasingly crowded market. Upcoming releases such as Resident Evil: Requiem on February 27 and the potential launch of Fable could further complicate the landscape for developers in 2026.
Megan Ellis transitioned from Chrome to Brave and Firefox due to dissatisfaction with Google's restrictions on browser extensions. She adopted Proton Pass as a standalone password manager for enhanced security and began self-hosting services, discovering niche applications like Donetick and Jotty Page. Ellis uninstalled apps that no longer served her, such as CapCut and Duolingo, prioritizing enjoyment over obligation. She also let go of app streaks, reclaiming her time and mental space after a 720-day streak on Duolingo. Additionally, she shifted to simpler, focused apps for productivity instead of comprehensive task management tools like TickTick.
Hogwarts Legacy is available for free download on the Epic Games Store. Players can claim the game by logging into their Epic account and navigating to the store page. New users must create an Epic account, which does not require any paid subscriptions or additional purchases. Once claimed, the game will remain in the player's library permanently. The game is set in the 1800s Wizarding World, allowing players to explore locations like Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade, engage in spell-based combat, and create their own narratives.
Creative Assembly is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Total War franchise by offering players who own Total War: Warhammer 1 or 2 access to Total War: Warhammer 3 starting December 4. Players will be able to play the Immortal Empires campaign and The Lost God prologue campaign, but not the full game. The Immortal Empires campaign features an expansive map that includes all previous Total War: Warhammer titles, allowing players to engage with every faction and legendary lord. Players can purchase specific factions directly without needing to buy the base game. To access the main narrative campaign, Realms of Chaos, players must purchase the full version of the game, but an upgrade pack will be available to unlock additional content. This allows players to invest only in the factions or leaders they are interested in.
This week on the Epic Games Store, players can download two games for free: Bendy and the Ink Machine and Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit. Bendy and the Ink Machine is a first-person puzzle action horror game where players navigate an abandoned animator's workshop, typically priced at around . Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit is set in a dilapidated pizzeria, where players must survive five nights of terror, usually priced at around . Both games are available for free until next Thursday.
Unity has announced the general availability of Android XR support in Unity 6, making it easier for developers to reach new audiences and platforms with their games and apps.
Byterunners, the developer of the Drug Dealer Simulator series, is in a dispute with its publisher, Movie Games, regarding withheld profits from console sales and contractual obligations. Byterunners claims that Movie Games has not paid them profits from the console versions of Drug Dealer Simulator 1 and 2, while Movie Games argues that Byterunners is not entitled to these profits based on their contract. The disagreement intensified after Byterunners alleged that profits were contingent upon compliance with new production plans, which they believe deviated from their original contract. Byterunners has made attempts to resolve the dispute, including a settlement proposal and a formal demand for compensation, but communication has broken down. Additionally, Movie Games fined Byterunners 4.5 million Polish złoty for alleged failures to address bugs in Drug Dealer Simulator 2. Both parties acknowledge that clearer communication could have potentially alleviated tensions, but neither has taken steps to re-establish dialogue since the public statements were made. Legal confrontation appears likely as the situation remains unresolved.
Every week, the Epic Games Store offers free games for players. This week, the free titles are Nightingale and Firestone Online Idle RPG. Nightingale is a first-person action-survival game currently in Early Access, featuring exploration, crafting, and combat in a magical world. It typically costs around and will be available for free next week. Firestone Online Idle RPG includes multiplayer elements and clicker mechanics, providing a casual RPG experience. The base game is free, and a bundle valued at will be available for free next week. Next week, Gravity Circuit, an 8-bit style platformer reminiscent of classic games, will also be available for free. It typically costs around . Additionally, the Rogue Journeyman Bundle for Albion Online, valued at , will be available for free next week.