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Monster Train 2's first DLC is transforming the game with a giant new mode and the hammer-swinging Railforged clan
AppWizard
January 15, 2026

Monster Train 2’s first DLC is transforming the game with a giant new mode and the hammer-swinging Railforged clan

A significant update for Monster Train 2, titled Destiny of the Railforged, will be released in early February as the game's first paid DLC. It introduces a new clan, the Railforged, and a gameplay mode called Soul Savior. In Soul Savior, players battle to reclaim souls from a final boss named the Lifemother, with unique mechanics that enhance gameplay. Players can unlock and upgrade over 30 souls, each providing powerful enhancements and strategic options. The Railforged clan specializes in boosting the pyre's attack power and features new units and mechanics. Additionally, the Wurmkin clan will receive a free update with new designs and balance adjustments. Pricing details for the DLC have not been disclosed.
'Don’t toil away on the things that don’t really matter': Peak creator says its rapid development cycle has 'proved that there are definitely different, but maybe better ways to make games'
AppWizard
January 11, 2026

‘Don’t toil away on the things that don’t really matter’: Peak creator says its rapid development cycle has ‘proved that there are definitely different, but maybe better ways to make games’

Red Dead Redemption 2 is known for its realistic portrayal of horses, including details like the protagonist's horse testicles shrinking in cold weather, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail in triple-A game production. In contrast, Peak originated from a four-week game jam and gained success, leading its creators to invest more time in its development. Co-creator Nick Kaman noted the increasing demand for smaller-scale games and emphasized that while financial challenges exist, there is still a vibrant player base for innovative experiences. He remarked that opportunities for mid-sized and small studios are diminishing, highlighting a trend in the gaming industry between large-scale projects and smaller creative endeavors.
"Steam charts don't measure fun," says Splitgate dev as relaunched FPS debuts with a 90% lower peak
AppWizard
January 7, 2026

“Steam charts don’t measure fun,” says Splitgate dev as relaunched FPS debuts with a 90% lower peak

Splitgate 2, the sequel to a competitive first-person shooter, peaked at approximately 25,000 players on Steam upon its initial release but saw a rapid decline in interest, leading 1047 Games to revert it to a beta state and relaunch it as Splitgate Arena Reloaded. On launch day, the revamped game peaked at only 2,297 players, a 90% drop from its predecessor, and currently has daily concurrent player counts between 900 and 1,000. 1047 Games stated, "Steam charts don't measure fun," emphasizing that player statistics do not fully capture the gaming experience. Despite the low player count, the studio remains committed to the game and its community, encouraging players to try the free-to-play version, which features engaging gameplay elements like impressive maps and portal mechanics.
Steam just hit more concurrent players than there are people in Canada, as Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG push it to a new peak
AppWizard
January 5, 2026

Steam just hit more concurrent players than there are people in Canada, as Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG push it to a new peak

On January 4, Steam reached a peak of 41,816,052 users logged into the platform, with approximately 13.4 million actively engaged in gameplay. This user count surpasses the entire population of Canada, estimated at around 41.6 million as of late 2025. Steam's user base has nearly doubled since the initial lockdown in April 2020, driven by factors such as rising console prices and the introduction of handheld devices like the Steam Deck. Valve plans to launch the Steam Machine, which will be crucial for its market success in the gaming landscape.
PC players hand Silksong their Game of the Year gong over Expedition 33 as the 2025 Steam Awards winners are announced
AppWizard
January 4, 2026

PC players hand Silksong their Game of the Year gong over Expedition 33 as the 2025 Steam Awards winners are announced

Hollow Knight Silksong won the Game of the Year title at the 2025 Steam Awards, determined by user votes. It also received the 'Best Game You Suck At' award, making it the only title to secure two wins that year. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won Best Soundtrack. Baldur's Gate 3 received the 'Labor of Love' award, while Hades 2 was named 'Best Game on Steam Deck.' Dispatch won 'Outstanding Story-Rich Game,' Silent Hill f received 'Outstanding Visual Style,' The Midnight Walk was named 'VR Game of the Year,' and RV There Yet won the 'Sit Back and Relax' award. Arc Raiders was recognized for 'Most Innovative Gameplay.' Hollow Knight Silksong reached the 'platinum' tier of bestsellers during the Steam Winter Sale.
Monster Hunter Wilds is on my GOTY list for a reason, but after a messy year I just want Capcom to wipe the slate clean with Master Rank DLC
AppWizard
December 30, 2025

Monster Hunter Wilds is on my GOTY list for a reason, but after a messy year I just want Capcom to wipe the slate clean with Master Rank DLC

The author apologizes to Yuya Tokuda, the director of Monster Hunter Wilds, for not using the weapon swap feature despite playing the game for over 100 hours. The game has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 and is considered one of the year's best, but it has inconsistencies that affect player experience. Capcom has struggled with defining a clear direction for the game, particularly with the PC port facing performance issues. The difficulty of new quests varies significantly, leading to a lack of consistent challenge. Changes to the armor system have resulted in more powerful loadouts, but the introduction of tougher monsters may have been an overcorrection. The author's enthusiasm for Artian weapons has diminished, viewing them as tedious and detrimental to the crafting experience, suggesting they should be removed or made cosmetic.
The year of Minecraft: How Jack Black's block-tastic video game adaptation started the most chaotic cinema trend of 2025
AppWizard
December 29, 2025

The year of Minecraft: How Jack Black’s block-tastic video game adaptation started the most chaotic cinema trend of 2025

A Minecraft Movie was released on April 4, 2025, featuring Jack Black as Steve and other characters navigating the Minecraft world. The film generated significant fan engagement, with audiences cheering and celebrating during screenings, leading to some theaters requiring law enforcement to maintain order. A UK cinema banned children to curb disturbances. The film's success is attributed to Minecraft's large player base, with 1.4 million active players daily and over 50 million annual logins. The landscape of video game adaptations has improved, with successful examples like HBO's The Last of Us and Prime Video's Fallout. A sequel to A Minecraft Movie is scheduled for release on July 23, 2027, alongside other adaptations like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and a Street Fighter reboot.
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