original version Archives

BetaBeacon

January 20, 2026

Underwater horror puzzle Silt released on iOS and Android

Silt, a puzzle game often compared to "underwater Limbo", has been released for mobile devices by Snapbreak Games. The game offers a dark underwater adventure where players control a diver exploring flooded ruins and ancient mechanisms. Players can temporarily "inhabit" marine creatures to solve puzzles.

AppWizard

December 6, 2025

How to Buy a Digital Game as a Gift This Holiday

The Microsoft Store allows users to gift digital games across various platforms, including Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and handheld devices like the Xbox ROG Ally. To gift a game through a console, users navigate to the Microsoft Store, select the game, and click the gift wrap icon to access “Buy as gift” options. The recipient must be in the same country for the transaction to proceed. After selecting the recipient and payment option, the friend receives a notification to redeem the game. Users can also gift add-ons and subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. For gifting through the Xbox app on PC or Xbox ROG Ally, the process is similar: search for the game, click the “…” button, and select “Buy as Gift.” Gifting via a web browser involves visiting the Microsoft Store Online, selecting the game, and choosing “Buy as a gift” after logging into a Microsoft Account. The gifting process on the Microsoft Store for Windows is also straightforward, with only the email option available for sending gifts.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

A 23GB Helldivers 2 Is Better Than A 154GB Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 was initially reported to require 154GB of storage, aimed at accommodating older mechanical hard drives in PCs. However, analytics revealed that only 11% of players used HDDs, and the main cause of slowdowns was level generation rather than asset loading. In response, Arrowhead is testing a "slim" version of the game in public beta, which is 23GB, significantly reducing the storage requirement while maintaining gameplay integrity. This change allows players to install additional games, potentially fitting at least 13 indie city-builders in the space previously occupied by the original version.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

Hytale Will Launch in Early Access in January 2026 as Creators Ressurrect Minecraft-Like MMO

Hytale, a Minecraft-inspired MMO, began development in 2015 with Riot Games as an early investor and later acquired Hypixel Studios. The game was canceled in June 2025, leading to the disbandment of Hypixel Studios. Simon Collins-Laflamme, the original creator, has repurchased the rights from Riot and plans to revive development, with an early access release date set for January 13, 2026. The team has rehired over 40 members, bringing the total workforce to 50. Collins-Laflamme has advised potential players to manage their expectations regarding the game's unfinished state during early access. The team is returning to the original game version, merging over 300 GitHub branches into a single working branch to prepare for the launch. Hytale and Hypixel Studios are now independent again, with a commitment to realizing the original vision from the 2018 trailer.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

If you’re an avid e-reader fan, you absolutely must check out this 100% free app that has tens of thousands of books, audiobooks, and magazines, and it won’t inundate you with ads or sell your data, either

The Libby app allows users to access library books from home, requiring a valid library card for setup. It has evolved from its original version, Overdrive, and integrates well with Android devices. Users can borrow books easily through the app, which is available on the Google Play Store. E-readers like Onyx Boox and Bigme are recommended for use with Libby, particularly the Boox Palma. Transferring library data from an old e-reader to a new one is simple with the Libby app. The app offers various categories for browsing books, a waitlist feature for checked-out titles, and a search function for specific authors or titles. Recent updates include an AI assistant for discovering new books. Libby is ad-free and prioritizes user privacy, making it a valuable resource for readers, especially during the holiday season.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

YouTube quietly revives in-app private messaging, six years after discontinuing it

YouTube is testing a revival of its in-app private messaging feature, nearly six years after it was discontinued due to low adoption rates. The new initiative allows users to share videos, Shorts, and live streams with friends and is currently limited to select markets and users aged 18 and older. Safeguards such as invite-only conversations, unsend options, and the ability to block or report inappropriate content are included. YouTube's initial messaging feature was launched in 2017 and discontinued in 2019. The renewed feature aims to enhance direct engagement for content creators and provide a streamlined way for regular users to converse about videos. The pilot phase is ongoing, with no timeline for a broader rollout announced yet. YouTube's move to reinstate private messaging aligns with current trends as it faces competition from platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

BetaBeacon

November 19, 2025

The first ‘official’ Android game spotted on Steam suggests you might not need to buy games twice to run them natively on the Steam Frame’s own chip

Valve's new VR headset, Steam Frame, can play games in various ways, including streaming PC VR games, emulating PC VR games on its own Arm-chip, or playing native Arm games in the form of .apk files. There is a possibility that if you purchase a game for your gaming PC, you may also be offered the .apk version for free to use on the Steam Frame. The addition of OpenXR support may make it easier to get virtual reality games working on different devices.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Beloved classic PC adventure game returns 23 years on with full remaster, but fans say it doesn’t do the original justice

The remaster of the 2002 game Syberia, announced in May, currently holds a 'mixed' rating on Steam, with some critics labeling it a "cash grab." Players have expressed disappointment over the remastering process, particularly regarding the unchanged original CG cutscenes, which contrast with the updated graphics. Some fans have humorously noted details like the "aggressively large" mustaches of characters and the placement of an automaton in a significant location. Despite criticisms, the game's charm persists, leading some fans to recommend the original version instead of the remaster. Players can purchase both versions in a bundle for a slightly higher price than the remaster alone. In contrast, the remaster of Amerzone: The Explorer's Legacy, released earlier this year, received a more favorable reception.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

GOG’s preservation program now includes Splinter Cell, Resident Evil HD and, er, Spore, while you can also get 95% of XCOM 2 in its Autumn Sale

GOG's preservation program ensures that classic PC games run smoothly on Windows machines without significant changes to their original design. The program has expanded from 100 to 250 titles, including games like Splinter Cell, Resident Evil: HD Remaster, and Hitman: Codename 47. The complete Spore Collection is available for £2.29, while Splinter Cell is priced at £1. The Witcher series, particularly The Witcher 3, is on sale for £5, and XCOM 2 is offered at a 95% discount for £1.79, with the sale ending on November 5.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

Someone squashed Windows 7 down to a measly 69.0MB, and I’m really impressed

A modder named XenoPanther has compressed Windows 7 to 69.0 MB, creating a stripped-down version that serves as a proof of concept rather than a practical tool. This version lacks many superficial elements, resulting in a stark interface, and still issues warnings about unsupported hardware. The project reflects a growing nostalgia for older operating systems, coinciding with an increase in Windows 7's market share.