online play Archives

AppWizard

April 27, 2026

Xbox’s 50 Free Games For PC Owners Offer Comes With A Massive Catch

Asha Sharma, the new Head of Gaming at Microsoft, is leading a transformation of the Xbox Game Pass, which includes a 23 percent reduction in subscription price. However, the popular game Call of Duty will no longer be available as a 'day one' title on the service. The restructuring aims to address perceptions that the Ultimate Tier is too expensive and will introduce additional subscription tiers, including a 'Starter Edition' for PC players. This new tier is expected to offer ten hours of cloud gaming monthly and access to over 50 games, but it will not include online multiplayer capabilities, disappointing many players. The changes may reflect a shift in the approach to online multiplayer as cloud gaming becomes more prevalent.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Steam Giving Away PC Game From 2024 for Free for Few Days Only

GGTech Studios will transition their 2024 3D platformer, eWorlds, from a free-to-play model to a paid option on April 16, 2024, with a price set at .99. Players can add eWorlds to their Steam libraries for free until that date. The decision to charge is aimed at maintaining the game's multiplayer servers. eWorlds has received Steam Deck Verified status, ensuring smooth gameplay on the device, and currently holds a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, with 87% of 325 user reviews being favorable. The game is compared to Super Mario Odyssey and has a runtime of a few hours, with mixed feedback on its latter half.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Fighting game YouTuber offers $10,000 bounty for upgraded netcode in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Maximillian Christiansen, known as Maximilian Dood, is offering a financial reward for integrating rollback netcode into Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, which currently uses a delay-based netcode that affects gameplay. He previously invested nearly ,000 into a mod for Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite in 2024. Rollback netcode improves online play by anticipating player actions, resulting in a smoother experience compared to delay-based systems. Christiansen aims to enhance the online experience for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and draws inspiration from the Super Smash Bros. Melee community, which successfully implemented rollback netcode through an emulator wrapper.

Tech Optimizer

April 7, 2026

Norton 360: Comprehensive Cybersecurity for Devices

Norton 360 is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that protects consumers and businesses from digital threats, integrating features like a VPN and password manager. It safeguards various devices, including PCs and smartphones, and offers multiple editions for individuals, families, and small businesses. Key features include real-time threat detection, a smart firewall, a no-logs VPN, a password manager, parental controls, behavior-based detection for zero-day threats, cloud backup functionality, and performance optimization tools. The suite is effective against phishing, malware, and ransomware, with a 100% detection rate confirmed by independent tests. Norton 360 also caters to small businesses with endpoint protection, compliance tools, and secure file sharing. It employs heuristics and machine learning for threat adaptation and supports unlimited devices in premium plans. The software is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and offers a VPN service with servers in over 30 countries. Norton 360 competes in the global cybersecurity market, maintaining a strong presence in North America and Europe, with subscription models ranging from basic to deluxe editions. Demand for the product has increased due to high-profile data breaches, and it is available in over 150 countries. Common use cases include protecting home networks, securing client data for freelancers, and safeguarding school-issued laptops. Norton 360 is part of Gen Digital Inc., which focuses on consumer cybersecurity.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

Stormgate, the StarCraft-like RTS that launched last summer, is losing online multiplayer support because its server partner was bought by an AI company

Stormgate, a real-time strategy game, will cease online play support at the end of April following the acquisition of Hathora, its server provider, by Fireworks AI. A patch for offline gameplay will be released by Frost Giant Studios. Hathora announced the termination of support for Stormgate and other games, with a final date set for May 5. The game raised nearly .8 million through Kickstarter and private investments but has received mixed reviews on Steam, with low player engagement. Frost Giant Studios hopes to revive online play in the future if a partner is found, but current financial challenges may limit this possibility. The offline patch will allow players to engage with the campaign and solo modes.

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

Stormgate, the StarCraft-like RTS that launched last summer, is losing online multiplayer support because its server partner was bought by an AI company

Stormgate, a real-time strategy game, will end its online play support on May 5, 2025, following Hathora's acquisition by Fireworks AI. Frost Giant Studios plans to release a patch for offline play. The game raised nearly million through Kickstarter and private investments but has received mixed reviews on Steam, with less than 50% positive feedback. Concurrent player numbers have been low, peaking at 28 players recently. Frost Giant Studios hopes to restore online play in the future if a partner is found, but current financial conditions may limit options. The offline patch will allow players to continue enjoying campaign and solo modes.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 coming to PC and consoles later this year

Mojang Studios has revealed a teaser trailer for Minecraft Dungeons 2, set to launch later this year on Steam PC, PlayStation 5, Switch, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S. The original Minecraft Dungeons, released in 2020, is a hack-and-slash action game that integrates the Minecraft universe, featuring unique character progression without traditional class systems. It supports co-op multiplayer modes, including local and online play, and has received several DLC expansion packs post-launch. The original game is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Switch, and Xbox, and holds an E10+ rating.

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

Vanguard Princess PC Port DLC Launches In Early Access On Steam With Online Play

eigoMANGA has released the Vanguard Princess Mobile (PC Port) DLC in Early Access on Steam, requiring the base version of Vanguard Princess. This DLC adapts the mobile version of the 2D fighting game for PC, featuring online play and enhanced control options. The Early Access version includes Story Mode, Versus Mode, Training Mode, Tutorial Mode, and Online Mode, with online multiplayer supported by Photon Unity Networking 2 (PUN2). Players can customize controls and use various input methods, including keyboards and gamepads. The combat system retains the assist mechanic, allowing players to extend combos and manage battles. The Early Access phase will focus on gameplay balance, online stability, and performance updates based on player feedback.

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

Pokemon Pokopia follows Minecraft’s lead in featuring persistent private servers with unlimited member caps, but you’ll have to “swap in and out” as it only accommodates four at once

Takuto Edagawa, chief director of Pokopia at Koei Tecmo, announced a new multiplayer feature called the "cloud island" for the upcoming life simulation game. This feature allows players to explore vibrant worlds on online servers with an unlimited number of participants, though only four players can occupy the same space at the same time. The "cloud island" concept aims to enhance multiplayer interaction, moving away from the requirement of concurrent online play seen in previous titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Additionally, the development team is focusing on giving each Pokémon character a distinct personality to enrich gameplay and deepen player connections with their in-game companions.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

‘Pokémon Pokopia’ is ‘Minecraft’ for Pokémon, and fans will lose hundreds of hours to it

Pokémon Pokopia will debut on the Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5, developed by The Pokémon Company, Game Freak, and Koei Tecmo. Players will take on the role of a Ditto on an abandoned island, tasked with revitalizing the region by attracting wild Pokémon through environmental reconstruction. The game features a block-based world reminiscent of Minecraft, where players can manipulate their surroundings to create habitats for various Pokémon. Each Pokémon has distinct preferences, allowing players to build relationships and absorb their abilities to enhance town-building skills. The game includes an online multiplayer mode for collaborative play, enabling friends to work together on communal projects.