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Arc Raiders' huge success gives Embark the "opportunity to do bigger things" and cook up a more "ambitious" roadmap
AppWizard
January 19, 2026

Arc Raiders’ huge success gives Embark the “opportunity to do bigger things” and cook up a more “ambitious” roadmap

12.4 million copies of Arc Raiders have been sold. The success has provided Embark Studios with new resources and opportunities to expand and enhance the game. The studio is reevaluating its roadmap to cater to a diverse player base, including casual PvE players and competitive PvP players. Plans for multiple map updates throughout the year are in place, which may include revamps of existing areas and new maps. There is interest in enhancing the trading system, particularly the NPC trading system. The possibility of transforming the underground colony of Speranza into a more interactive hub has been discussed. Future developments may introduce new circumstances and threats to deepen gameplay and player interaction.
Baby mobs are coming to Minecraft in next update
AppWizard
January 10, 2026

Baby mobs are coming to Minecraft in next update

Minecraft will introduce new baby mobs in its upcoming update, featuring miniature versions of beloved animals. The update also includes new mobs like the Nautilus and Sniffer, as well as adjustments to existing entities such as the Happy Ghast and Zombie Horse. The focus on cuteness in this update aims to enhance player interaction and exploration within the game.
Ten years in the making, Jonathan Blow's new game breaks all the rules of gaming's greatest puzzle
AppWizard
December 12, 2025

Ten years in the making, Jonathan Blow’s new game breaks all the rules of gaming’s greatest puzzle

Jonathan Blow is developing a new game titled Order of the Sinking Star, which has evolved from a modest engine test for his programming language, Jai, into a full-fledged Sokoban-style puzzle game. The game combines elements from four lesser-known freeware puzzle games and features multiple worlds, each with distinct realms and mechanics. Players will navigate challenges involving various characters, each with unique abilities that enhance gameplay. The narrative follows a deposed queen in a fantastical setting, with gameplay focused on exploration and puzzle-solving. Blow's design philosophy emphasizes the interaction of game mechanics and player agency, diverging from traditional storytelling methods. He is collaborating with a publisher for the first time to address the challenges of a saturated market.
Despite a disaster launch, Blair Witch inspired horror game sells over 100,000 copies as dev commits "to face everything head on"
AppWizard
December 7, 2025

Despite a disaster launch, Blair Witch inspired horror game sells over 100,000 copies as dev commits “to face everything head on”

Multiplayer horror games have gained popularity due to platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Recent successful titles include R.E.P.O, Phasmophobia, and Lethal Company, inspiring indie developers to create multiplayer experiences. Digital Cybercherries is developing a game called Don't Scream Together, which combines cooperative gameplay with a found footage horror aesthetic. The game faced challenges at launch, receiving negative reviews primarily due to microphone calibration issues and player confusion about mechanics. Despite this, it sold 100,000 copies within days, with 60,000 on the first day. The developers engaged with the community and addressed feedback, leading to updated reviews from some players. They released a patch to fix audio problems linked to Windows 11 Audio Enhancements and committed to improving microphone calibration. Don't Scream Together is currently available at a 38% discount on Steam until December 10.
Minecraft 1.21.11 Pre-Release 3
AppWizard
November 26, 2025

Minecraft 1.21.11 Pre-Release 3

The third pre-release for the Mounts of Mayhem drop has been unveiled, featuring enhancements such as bug fixes and spear weapon adjustments. New features include: - Spear weapon hit animation and sound effects are now synchronized. - In first-person view, the spear head rotates to a vertical position over time. Changes made: - The "See-Through Leaves" video setting is disabled in the "Fast" graphics preset. - Tamed horses avoid running into cacti or sweet berry bushes. Fixed bugs: - MC-302900: Resolved spear reach overriding player interaction range. - MC-303036: Fixed zombie nautilus hitbox size issue. - MC-303709: Addressed crash when dumping large dynamic textures. - MC-304045: Corrected spear hit sounds. - MC-304362: Resolved RGSS break when toggling hardware anisotropic filtering. - MC-304363: Fixed rendering position of copper golem statues on shelves. - MC-304407: Charge attacks now functional for mobs 3 to 4.5 blocks away. - MC-304440: Mouse cursor changes to pointing hand over inventory slots in crafter UI. - MC-304441: Mouse cursor changes shape over creative inventory scroll bar bounds. - MC-304452: Non-see-through leaves in Programmer Art display correctly. Pre-releases are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, and users can install the latest pre-release through the Minecraft Launcher. An unobfuscated version for cross-platform server capabilities is also available for download.
My new RPG obsession has a toxic player problem, but its dev refuses to "whack on a leavers penalty" and call it a day
AppWizard
November 25, 2025

My new RPG obsession has a toxic player problem, but its dev refuses to “whack on a leavers penalty” and call it a day

Fellowship, a multiplayer online dungeon adventure from Chief Rebel, has a daily peak user base of approximately 9,000 to 11,000 on Steam. Players have expressed frustrations regarding player behavior, particularly the lack of penalties for those who leave groups or queues, which affects match wait times. Community director Hamish Bode discussed plans to address these issues, including the development of an Eternal matchmaking system and improved communication tools. The team is also considering rewarding players who complete dungeons together to encourage positive interactions. Bode emphasized the need for a balanced approach to managing player behavior, acknowledging the complexities of implementing punishment systems alongside communication improvements.
With elements of Fallout and Escape From Tarkov, this brutal FPS is about to signal the end of my MMO hiatus
AppWizard
November 24, 2025

With elements of Fallout and Escape From Tarkov, this brutal FPS is about to signal the end of my MMO hiatus

Pioner is a post-apocalyptic MMOFPS set on a 50km² island that combines PvP and PvE combat, developed by GFA Games. It features social hubs and allows player choices to influence the game's world. The game has over half a million wishlists on Steam and is set to release in Early Access on December 16. A deluxe edition will include exclusive rewards such as a unique character skin, weapon skins, a weapon charm, a Japanese watch, premium currency, and an exclusive player title.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
November 21, 2025

Minecraft and Pokemon Go among winners at Golden Joystick Awards

The Golden Joystick Awards, celebrating its 43rd year, recognized standout games through public votes and an expert panel. Minecraft won the Still Playing Award for console and PC games, marking its 15th anniversary and maintaining a monthly player base of around 160 million. In the mobile gaming category, Pokemon Go received the Still Playing Award, having transformed player interaction since its 2016 launch. Donkey Kong Bonanza won the Critics' Choice Award, highlighting the character's lasting influence in gaming.
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