playtest Archives

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

If you crave Titanfall 3, 1047 Games is building a new movement shooter for you, and playtest sign-ups are live

1047 Games is in the early stages of developing a new game inspired by Titanfall and wall-running multiplayer experiences like Call of Duty: Black Ops 3. CEO Ian Proulx emphasized that Splitgate remains the studio's primary focus while expressing enthusiasm for the new project and inviting community feedback. The studio aims to create a movement shooter that appeals to both seasoned players and newcomers. Despite challenges with maintaining a player base for Splitgate 2, the studio reassured fans that they are committed to both titles. Playtesting opportunities for the new game will soon be available for interested players.

BetaBeacon

March 19, 2026

Konami announces party royale soccer game KICK BUDS for PC, iOS, and Android

Konami has introduced a new multiplayer party royale soccer game called KICK BUDS, which is available for playtesting from today until March 25 in select countries.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Cash Is King! Officially Announced for PC by Blackbeak Games

BlackBeak Games has announced a new game titled Cash is King!, a first-person simulation set in Miami Beach. Players start with no money and aim to build a street empire through various side hustles, such as running a lemonade stand or managing vending machines. The game emphasizes collecting, investing, and upgrading while also focusing on maintaining neighborhood cleanliness and assisting locals to improve reputation and unlock new opportunities. It features mini-games and challenges, along with a cast of quirky characters. A playtest is currently underway, and a demo is expected soon.

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

Bungie share top feedback from Marathon’s playtest, including PC performance, UI issues and ammo shortages

Bungie conducted a "server slam" for the reboot of Marathon to stress-test its online capabilities ahead of the release on March 5th. Players provided feedback on various aspects, including: - UI Feedback: Bungie is collecting user input on the user interface and plans to iterate post-launch. - PC Performance: Issues reported include high CPU usage, low GPU utilization, FPS ceilings around 80-100, and stuttering. - PvP Frequency: Bungie is investigating player density on maps and welcomes feedback on gameplay experiences. - Movement and Heat Generation: Discussions about heat generation and momentum are ongoing, with players encouraged to share thoughts on movement mechanics. - Med and Ammo Economy: Feedback on the economy of medical supplies and ammunition, particularly regarding stack sizes and item effectiveness, is being collected. - Weasel Error Codes: Players have encountered Weasel error codes related to network disruptions, and Bungie is investigating these issues. The author expressed mixed feelings about the gameplay experience, noting issues with extraction-shooting mechanics and ammunition shortages, while appreciating the art direction.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

Resident Evil Requiem requirements for PC are lower than you think

The minimum system requirements for Resident Evil Requiem include: - OS: Windows 11 64-bit - GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT - VRAM: 6GB - CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500 or Intel Core i5 8500 - RAM: 16GB The recommended system requirements are: - OS: Windows 11 64-bit - GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 - VRAM: 8GB - CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 or Intel Core i7 8700 - RAM: 16GB DirectX 12 GPU is required for both minimum and recommended specifications. The download size and SSD requirement have not been disclosed. The game is likely to be playable on the Steam Deck, but its verified status is yet to be confirmed.

AppWizard

February 13, 2026

Every Xbox and PC game shown during Sony’s PlayStation State of Play February 2026

Sony's PlayStation State of Play event in February 2026 showcased several upcoming titles for multiple platforms. - Kena: Scars of Kosmora, a sequel to the 2021 game, will be available on PC and PS5, with no release date announced. - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will launch on PC via Steam on March 19, featuring PC-specific enhancements. - 4:LOOP, a sci-fi co-op shooter, will be available on PS5 and PC, with playtest sign-ups available. - Resident Evil Requiem will launch on February 27 for Xbox Series X|S, Steam PC, and PS5. - The sequel to Control will arrive on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5 later in 2026. - Beast of Reincarnation will release on August 4, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, PS5, and Xbox Game Pass. - Star Wars: Galactic Racer will be released later in 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, Steam PC, and PS5. - Bungie's Marathon will have a Server Slam beta from February 26 to March 2, with a full launch on March 5 for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5. - 007 First Light, a reimagined origin story for James Bond, will release in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2. - Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls will be available on August 6, 2026, for Steam PC and PS5. - Legacy of Kain: Ascendance (March 31) and Defiance Remastered (March 3) will be released on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, PS5, and Switch. - An untitled John Wick game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5. - Yakoh Shinobi Ops, a 4-player co-op ninja stealth game, is expected on PS5 and PC in 2027. - Crimson Moon, a gothic action RPG, will release on PS5 and PC, with Xbox availability uncertain. - Neva will receive a "Prologue" DLC on February 19 for multiple platforms. - Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, a sequel to Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse, is set for release in 2026 on PS5 and PC, with Xbox availability unconfirmed.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Minecraft-style indie returns to Steam after Microsoft DMCA scare, creator criticizes “guilty until proven innocent” system

Allumeria, a Minecraft-inspired sandbox game, was temporarily removed from Valve's Steam platform due to a DMCA takedown initiated by Microsoft, claiming copyright infringement based on screenshots. The situation was resolved after community support and intervention from Mojang's chief creative officer, allowing Allumeria's creator, Unomelon, to reinstate the game on Steam. The DMCA notice, attributed to Judith Woodward on behalf of Microsoft, alleged that Allumeria's content infringed upon Minecraft's rights, but the similarities were questioned by many. A lawyer offered to help Unomelon file a counter notice, and Jens Bergensten from Mojang expressed interest in the matter. Ultimately, Microsoft withdrew the claim, and Allumeria was reinstated, with Unomelon reflecting on the challenges faced by smaller developers and the need for reform in the DMCA process.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

This weekend is your last chance to grab eight great Steam Deck games for just $14.99

You have three days left to access this month’s Humble Choice offerings, which include games valued at .99 for a price of .99. Each game is either Steam Deck Verified or Playable. The lineup features Sonic Frontiers, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, Hunt: Showdown 1896, Etrian Odyssey II HD, Nice Day for Fishing, Metal Slug Tactics, Settlement Survival, and Wizard of Legend 2. The subscription costs .99 a month, providing eight games each month, with the option to cancel anytime while keeping the games. This month’s selection will be replaced on February 3. Additionally, subscribers receive a one-month subscription to IGN Plus and can participate in the playtest for Handmancers.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Rockstar responds to plea for a terminally ill ‘huge GTA fan’ to get his hands on the game early

Ubisoft developer Anthony Armstrong reached out to Rockstar Games on LinkedIn to request a playtest of Grand Theft Auto 6 for his terminally ill family member, who has been battling cancer and has a prognosis of 6 to 12 months to live. Take-Two's CEO responded positively to the request.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

One of my most anticipated games for 2026 is a little sandbox puzzle game that plays like the lovechild of Unpacking and PowerWash Simulator

Hozy is a new simulation game that allows players to clean and decorate various rooms in a whimsical sandbox environment. During playtests, players explored a spacious living room and a compact studio apartment, cleaning by gathering clutter into floating orbs and disposing of them in a whimsical wheelie bin. After cleaning, players can freely arrange furniture from moving boxes to create a customized aesthetic. The game encourages thoughtful placement of larger items and offers a relaxing gameplay experience, enhanced by ambient sounds. Some players experienced minor glitches, such as floating fairy lights. Hozy is noted for its engaging experience, particularly for those who enjoy order and organization, but it currently lacks a release date, with fans hoping for more content by 2026.