pre-order Archives

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

Steam Week in Review: Steam is flooded with liminal spaces games and I approve, but I think I’ve found the best to start with

Dreamcore explores "liminal spaces," featuring environments like indoor pools, low-poly suburbia, and children's play areas, with a notable "liminal hotel" inspired by the Backrooms meme. Liminal spaces evoke feelings of transition and emptiness and have gained popularity on platforms like Steam. Since its release in January 2025, Dreamcore has introduced a new map called Dead Mall, reminiscent of 1990s super malls. Other titles in the genre include Pools, Tainted Pools, and Liminal Waters, while games like Dream Logic offer a PS1-era twist. Dreamcore is noted for its diverse themes and well-optimized performance, allowing players to explore unsettling landscapes. Steam's sales chart from May 12 - 19 lists the top games by revenue, with Subnautica 2 leading, followed by Forza Horizon 6, Counter-Strike 2, and PUBG: Battlegrounds. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Night is expected to rise in the charts, and 007 First Light is gaining traction due to pre-orders. Librarian: Tidy Up The Arcane Library ranks eighth despite its April release. A humorous user review for Bubsy 4D received attention for its candidness.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

007: First Light drops last-minute Denuvo DRM bombshell, leaving pre-order customers and fans furious — Bond title risks FPS drops and strict online check-ins, Pirates eagerly await repack as day-one cracks become the norm

IO Interactive's game, 007: First Light, will include "Denuvo Anti-Tamper" DRM to protect against piracy on PC, leading to customer frustration among pre-order users. The Steam forums show mixed reactions, with some players disappointed and others appreciative of the DRM. Denuvo can impact frame rates and requires significant resources for integration, potentially affecting paying customers' experiences. It has been reported that Denuvo was cracked shortly after the launch of Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, raising concerns about its effectiveness. Denuvo operates in user space, not at the kernel level, and players may be locked out if their internet connection fails for over 48 hours. Developers face a paradox, as implementing DRM aims to maximize sales but may disadvantage legitimate customers. Alternative strategies exist, as seen with Cyberpunk 2077, which launched without DRM and became successful. A 2017 European Commission report suggested that piracy might increase overall sales, as some users who initially pirate games later become paying customers.

TrendTechie

May 23, 2026

Задорный экшен LEGO Batman слили на торренты

The anti-piracy software Denuvo has been breached by a hacker known as voices38, who circumvented its defenses without using a hypervisor. The game LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight has been released in a portable version on a Russian torrent tracker, weighing approximately 40 GB. The deluxe edition was available for pre-order customers on May 19, with a broader release on May 22. The game offers an open-world action experience, inspired by the LEGO franchise and the Arkham series, includes split-screen support for cooperative play, and features Russian subtitles.

TrendTechie

May 21, 2026

007 First Light рискует оказаться на торрентах до официального релиза

The game 007 First Light is set to launch on May 27, but there are concerns about it being leaked onto torrent sites before its release. Players who pre-order the game can start playing 24 hours earlier than the general public, increasing the risk of piracy. Recent trends show an increase in fully functional pirated versions of major games appearing before their official launches, including titles like Pragmata and Death Stranding 2. There is no confirmed information about the use of the anti-piracy system Denuvo on Steam, and even with such protections, hackers have been able to bypass them. Factors contributing to early availability of game builds to hackers include failures in pre-loading systems and actions by reviewers. Even if a game avoids leaks initially, it is likely to be pirated eventually.

AppWizard

May 11, 2026

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight goes live early for some Xbox players as the PC version gets Denuvo DRM

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is facing pre-launch challenges, including accidental activation of pre-order codes for the Xbox Series X/S version at Walmart, allowing some players to access the game early. This early access was later deactivated, but some players retained access by disconnecting from the internet. Additionally, PC gamers are experiencing performance concerns related to Denuvo DRM in the Steam version of the game. Despite these issues, the developers aim to create a family-friendly game that celebrates the Arkham series.

AppWizard

May 10, 2026

Warner Bros Adds Denuvo to LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Right Before Launch

Warner Bros has updated the Store page for LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight to include Denuvo anti-tamper technology, raising concerns about transparency since it was not disclosed at the pre-order launch. Other major publishers, including Capcom, Square Enix, Bethesda, and Bandai Namco, have removed Denuvo from several of their titles, indicating a trend against its long-term use. The game, set for release on May 22, features a narrative-driven action-adventure experience where players explore Batman's origins and navigate an open world with various vehicles.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

I never understood the appeal of a jumbo novelty d20 until I saw one inspired by one of my favorite new RPGs

Die Hard Dice has launched a new collection of d20 dice inspired by the RPG Esoteric Ebb, which is anticipated to be a top RPG of 2026. The collection includes three products, with two sets packaged in different colored bags (purple or orange). Each set contains three standard-sized d20s representing main characters from the game: Snell (a translucent green and blue die for the goblin rogue), Meek (a purple and white die for the wearable mimic), and Ettir (a dark brown die with a gold finish for the angelic character). Each die features a unique symbol corresponding to its character. Additionally, there is a metal die called The Cleric, which has blue and white faces and an electroplated finish. The game itself is noted for its immersive experience and innovative gameplay elements introduced by developer Christoffer Bodegård. Pre-orders for the dice are available, with fulfillment expected by June.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

XChat Goes Live: X Drops Encrypted Messaging App to Rival WhatsApp, Telegram Fast

X has introduced XChat, a dedicated messaging platform emphasizing privacy and security, currently available for pre-order in the App Store. XChat is a standalone app that offers a focused communication experience, isolating messaging from social media functionalities. It employs end-to-end encryption, ensuring only the sender and recipient can access messages, and features no advertisements or tracking. Key features include encrypted one-on-one and group chats, disappearing messages, screenshot blocking, video calling, and file sharing. XChat is part of X's broader strategy to evolve into an "everything app," which may include content sharing, payments, and financial services.

AppWizard

April 27, 2026

A New ‘Minecraft’ Character Is Coming, Says New Leak—Here’s What You May Expect

A leak from Hallmark's website suggests that Mojang Studios is preparing to introduce a new character named "Blub" to the "Minecraft" universe. The character is featured in a Keepsake Ornament priced at .99, available for pre-order starting October 10, 2026. Blub is described as a creature standing on all fours with long ears. However, it has been clarified that Blub will not appear in "Minecraft Dungeons 2." The listing's authenticity as a leak remains uncertain, and Mojang has not officially confirmed the character.

AppWizard

April 26, 2026

LEGO Minecraft book exclusive minifigure revealed

LEGO Minecraft: Craft Your Quest will be released on October 8, 2026, with pre-orders currently open on Amazon. The book includes over 40 LEGO elements, a play scene, a poster, and stickers, and features an Ori minifigure resembling the one on the cover. The hardcover edition is priced at £19.99, and pre-order customers will benefit from a price guarantee. A list of book-exclusive LEGO minifigures for 2026 will also be available, featuring themes like Marvel, DC, and NINJAGO.