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Forza Horizon 6 hits a massive milestone across Xbox, PC, and Game Pass after its explosive release — it just set a new Steam peak player count, too
AppWizard
May 22, 2026

Forza Horizon 6 hits a massive milestone across Xbox, PC, and Game Pass after its explosive release — it just set a new Steam peak player count, too

Forza Horizon 6 was launched on May 19, 2026, developed by Playground Games. It recorded over 270,000 players on Steam during its launch week, peaking at 284,139 concurrent players. The game attracted over 6 million players within one week of its Early Access release across various platforms. It achieved the largest Early Access launch in the franchise's history, with nearly 200,000 concurrent players on Steam initially. Forza Horizon 6 holds a Metacritic score of 91/100, making it the highest-rated game of 2026. The standard price is .99, with Deluxe and Premium Editions priced at .29 and .99, respectively. It is also available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.
Civ 7's massive overhaul update brings its highest Steam player count in over a year
AppWizard
May 21, 2026

Civ 7’s massive overhaul update brings its highest Steam player count in over a year

Firaxis has released the Test of Time update for Civilization 7, described as a significant free patch that acts like an expansion. Key features include the ability to maintain the same civilization across age transitions, redefined victory conditions, and optional objectives with bonus rewards. The update has led to a surge in player engagement, with nearly 16,200 users logged into Civ 7 on Steam, the highest count in over a year. However, reactions are mixed; while some players celebrate the improvements, others feel the changes may not fully revitalize their interest, citing issues with engagement and user interface. The pricing strategy for downloadable content, particularly the Right to Rule Collection, has also sparked discussions about value. Community opinions vary, with some claiming the update has transformed the game, while others remain skeptical.
Another live service game is dead just a few months after launch
AppWizard
May 20, 2026

Another live service game is dead just a few months after launch

Quantic Dream has announced the discontinuation of its multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), Spellcasters Chronicles, just three months after its launch due to insufficient audience engagement for long-term sustainability. The game peaked at 888 concurrent players at launch, which quickly declined to very few active users. The studio will halt development, likely leading to layoffs, but will continue work on Star Wars Eclipse. Players can access Spellcasters Chronicles until June 19, after which the servers will shut down, and all expenditures during early access will be eligible for refunds upon request.
Now that Subnautica 2 is out, the most wishlisted game on Steam is… a game that's been out for almost 2 years?
AppWizard
May 20, 2026

Now that Subnautica 2 is out, the most wishlisted game on Steam is… a game that’s been out for almost 2 years?

Subnautica 2 held the top spot on Steam's most-wishlisted titles since the release of Hollow Knight: Silksong in September 2025, but its recent launch has allowed Light No Fire to become the new frontrunner for the most-wishlisted game. Deadlock, which has been available for nearly two years and receives regular updates, now ranks at the top of the wishlist despite being in early access. It has a peak concurrent player count of 171,490 and an average of over 50,000 players at any given moment.
I'm not sure who the PUBG x Payday collab is for, or why it exists
AppWizard
May 19, 2026

I’m not sure who the PUBG x Payday collab is for, or why it exists

Developers of PUBG are introducing a map selection feature despite concerns that it could lead to longer wait times and more bot players. They believe this will enhance the game experience. PUBG has also collaborated with the game Payday, introducing a new game mode with monetary incentives for players. The gameplay in this mode has been described as unremarkable and feels more like a marketing strategy than a genuine enhancement. The developers expressed concerns about dividing the matchmaking pool and affecting overall quality in a letter regarding the new feature. The Payday heist mode incentivizes participation through in-game rewards but lacks the tension that has contributed to PUBG's longevity. Additionally, a 0,000 prize pool for streamers based on viewer numbers aims to draw attention to the new mode but feels inorganic. There seems to be a conflict within the development team between preserving player experience and diversifying the game, which could risk alienating the player base.
Forza Horizon 6 has already tripled the series' peak player count on Steam
AppWizard
May 19, 2026

Forza Horizon 6 has already tripled the series’ peak player count on Steam

The early access release of Forza Horizon 6 has set a new player count record, peaking at 273,148 players on Steam, more than tripling the previous record of 81,096 held by Forza Horizon 5. The game was launched in premium version on May 15 and had a broader release on May 19. The standard edition is available on Game Pass, which may increase the total player count beyond half a million. The game's Japan setting and strong review scores have contributed to its popularity.
Subnautica 2 has sold 2 million copies in 12 hours, with 9x the players as the first, and at this point I figure that Krafton CEO is already on his second bottle
AppWizard
May 16, 2026

Subnautica 2 has sold 2 million copies in 12 hours, with 9x the players as the first, and at this point I figure that Krafton CEO is already on his second bottle

Subnautica 2 sold two million copies within 12 hours of its launch, with one million copies sold in the first hour. Peak concurrent players exceeded 651,000 across platforms, with over 467,000 on Steam. A judge ordered the reinstatement of former CEO Ted Gill due to a breach of contract by Krafton, which must fulfill its financial commitments. The rapid sales of Subnautica 2 may help meet the criteria for the reinstated leadership's payout.
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era sold 250,000 copies and 'broke even on development costs' in 1 day
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era sold 250,000 copies and ‘broke even on development costs’ in 1 day

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era sold over 250,000 copies within its first day of early access. It received 91% positive reviews from more than 3,500 user reviews on Steam, achieving a "very positive" overall rating. The game reached a peak concurrent player count of nearly 52,000 on Steam and is currently among the top-selling games on the platform. The first patch for the game has been released, which includes bug fixes, network enhancements, balance adjustments, and localization fixes.
Arc Raiders' Riven Tides update didn't fix the game's biggest problem: Cheaters
AppWizard
April 29, 2026

Arc Raiders’ Riven Tides update didn’t fix the game’s biggest problem: Cheaters

The Riven Tides update for Arc Raiders introduced a new map and the Turbine threat but did not resolve ongoing cheating issues, leading to player dissatisfaction, including Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins' departure from the game. Since its launch in October 2025, player engagement has declined, with the average player count dropping from 241,000 in January 2026 to 76,000 in April 2026. Cheating has become widespread, affecting many players and compromising gameplay integrity. Embark Studios has acknowledged the problem and is working on solutions, but community frustration is growing, with many players leaving the game.
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