pop culture Archives

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

Yet Another Zombie Defense HD, which is its real name, is free on Steam for a limited time

The zombie genre has gained popularity in gaming, with a notable title being Yet Another Zombie Defense HD, which is currently available for free until July 30. This twin-stick shooter features gameplay that involves shooting zombies at night and building defenses during the day. It offers local and online multiplayer options, various weapons and traps, and integrates with Steam Workshop for character customization. The game is a promotional gesture for the upcoming release of Yet Another Zombie Survivors, set to launch on August 20, which will include new enemies and maintain a similar aesthetic.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

This week’s Epic Games Store free games go spooky with mystery and psychological horror

This week, the Epic Games Store is offering two games for free: Luto, a first-person psychological horror game that explores themes of dreams, secrets, love, loss, and regret, and Echo Generation, a nostalgic adventure game inspired by pop culture references. Luto features a haunting narrative and an unsettling environment, while Echo Generation includes a vibrant voxel art style and engaging combat with button-mashing mini-games. Both games are available from July 16 to July 23 and will remain in players' libraries indefinitely once claimed.

BetaBeacon

June 18, 2026

The Pokémon Company Launches Pokémon Champions, a Battle-Focused Game for Android and iOS

The Pokémon Company has launched Pokémon Champions, a battle-focused game for Android and iOS devices. The game features turn-based battles with familiar mechanics such as Pokémon types, abilities, and moves. Players can enjoy various modes, including Ranked Battles, Casual Battles, and Private Battles, with support for cross-play with Nintendo Switch players. Special in-game gifts are available for players who log in, including exclusive Pokémon, redeemable from June 17, 2026, to September 2, 2026.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

Double the Fun? ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Sequel ‘Squared’ Unveiled

'A Minecraft Movie Squared' is set to be released in theaters on July 23, 2027. The announcement was made during the Minecraft Live broadcast by Warner Bros. and Legendary, confirming the title and release date. Jason Momoa and Jack Black will reprise their roles, with Kirsten Dunst joining the cast as Alex. Director Jared Hess and screenwriters Hess and Chris Galletta will return for the sequel. Filming is currently taking place in New Zealand. The original film, released in 2025, grossed approximately 0 million worldwide and set a record for the highest-grossing opening for a video game adaptation.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

Li’l Friday: ‘Beetlejuice,’ PC Highland Games, Venus Flytrap Festival

Every Thursday evening through Labor Day, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk hosts the Boardwalk Blast event, featuring free music and fireworks. On May 28, The Petty Mac Revue will perform at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. On May 29, the Broadway tour of “Beetlejuice” will be at the Wilson Center, with five performances from May 29 to 31. Other events include “Ten-Minute Miscellany” at Thalian Hall, “Mahalia: A Gospel Musical” by Techmoja Dance Company, “Twelfth Night” by Cape Fear Shakespeare, and a stand-up comedy show by Nick Murphy at Dead Crow Comedy Room. On May 30, the Port City Highland Games will take place at 3600 Randall Parkway, celebrating Scottish heritage and benefiting paws4vets, with over 1,500 participants expected. Other events include NC Vibe Fest, a performance by Striking Copper at Waterline Brewing, The Pop Culture Expo at Elk’s Lodge, Venus Flytrap Festival at BSL Community Center, and CFCC Riverfront Boat Show. On May 31, “Dear Evan Hansen” will be performed at Front Street Theater, with final performances from May 28 to 31. Other events include a donation drive in the Brooklyn Arts District and a concert by Titans Wilmington Symphonic Band.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Turns out you yearn for the return of PC Gamer’s two favourite genres just as much as we do

A recent poll gauged which "dead" or "dying" video game genres gamers would like to see revived. The results showed that real-time strategy (RTS) games received 29% of the votes, while immersive simulations (immsims) garnered 28%. Other genres of interest included massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) at 16% and point-and-click adventures at 11%. There was also interest in the return of text adventures and beat-'em-ups.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

TommyInnit Tops US Streaming Charts with New Minecraft Series

TommyInnit launched a new Minecraft series on May 1, 2026, which quickly gained 10 million global views within 72 hours, with 40% of the traffic from the US. The series features a custom modpack that combines survival challenges with storytelling and collaborations. It has resonated particularly well with the 16-30 age demographic in the US, evoking nostalgia for classic Dream SMP days while offering fresh content. The series is currently trending in gaming categories across various states and has sparked discussions about Tommy's evolution as a storyteller. A total of 20 episodes has been teased, with the next installment featuring guest stars from the MCYT crew.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Karl Jacobs Tops Minecraft Charts with New US Fan Push

Karl Jacobs is experiencing a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly among younger gamers, due to his recent Minecraft challenge streams that focus on intricate redstone contraptions and survival worlds. This has led to increased viewership on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, with significant engagement during evening hours. His content is praised for its creativity, and discussions on social media highlight his engaging streaming style. The timing of his resurgence aligns with Minecraft's popularity in schools and colleges, providing a stress-reliever for students. Fans can easily access highlights on TikTok, and his collaborations with creators like GeorgeNotFound and Sapnap contribute to the dynamic Minecraft scene. His use of shaders and mods appeals to tech-savvy gamers, and community discussions reflect his humor and relatable gameplay. Future interactive events are anticipated to maintain high engagement levels. Additionally, his connections to Minecraft Education Edition and podcast appearances further enhance his relevance in the gaming community.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Borderlands 4 just got its first story DLC, and you can get the full experience at its lowest price yet

Borderlands 4, a looter shooter game, initially faced challenges in securing a strong reception due to awkward humor and technical issues. However, it has improved significantly with updates, making it a good time for new and returning players to engage with the game, especially with the release of a first story DLC and discounts. Players can choose from four or five Vault Hunters, each with unique skills, to confront the Timekeeper in a more serious narrative tone compared to previous titles. The game features diverse loot from enemies and rewarding boss fights. The new Story Pack 1 introduces a new Vault Hunter, C4SH, and new bosses in the Whispering Glacier. The base game and deluxe edition are currently discounted by 38% on Fanatical, priced at .39 / £37.19 and .99 / £40.29, respectively.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

Screamer’s racing action and storytelling are impressively unique, but the game needs balancing fast

Screamer is a racing game that integrates a comprehensive narrative into its gameplay, distinguishing itself from traditional racing titles. The game features a vibrant anime aesthetic and a cast of eccentric characters involved in dramatic rivalries and corporate intrigue. Players engage with the story primarily in the main Tournament single-player mode, which focuses on character motivations and relationships. The driving mechanics in Screamer differ from conventional controls, utilizing the right stick for drifts and the left stick for steering. As players progress, they can accumulate boost abilities that can be transformed into attack capabilities, adding a strategic layer to the racing experience. However, the gameplay often revolves around maximizing boosts, which can overshadow classic racing strategies. The game presents challenges such as erratic difficulty spikes in Tournament mode, leading to inconsistent experiences where some races are disproportionately easy or difficult. The boost system is essential for most races, and developers may need to refine the mechanics to achieve better balance and enhance the overall experience.