Realms Archives

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

If you love hundreds of games for $10 and hate ICE, then boy does Itch.io have just the bundle for you

Indie developers on Itch.io have created the "No ICE in Minnesota" bundle to raise funds for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM), which provides legal representation to low-income immigrants and refugees. The bundle includes over 1,400 items, such as video games, tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), books, and soundtracks, with more than 1,000 TTRPGs included. The fundraising goal is 0,000, and it has already reached 80% of that target with a month remaining for contributions. Additional donations are welcomed to support the initiative.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

A Pokémon-like gacha game should be such an obvious win that I’m shocked I can’t find much to like about Aniimo

Aniimo is a creature-collecting gacha game currently in closed beta, aiming for a broader launch in 2026. It features multiplayer functionality, allowing players to explore and battle together, and includes interactive elements with aniimos in the open world. Despite some intriguing features, Aniimo struggles to stand out in a crowded market of gacha games. Industry sentiments indicate growing fatigue with the genre, and competition from upcoming titles like Hoyoverse's Honkai: Nexus Anima may impact its success.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

The magic and majesty of British Minecraft YouTubers

In the early 2010s, British YouTuber Stampylonghead gained popularity among young gamers for his Minecraft series "Stampy’s Lovely World." His videos featured imaginative adventures, whimsical constructions, and a positive atmosphere, fostering a sense of community and creativity. Viewers, including the author, found joy and inspiration in his content, which included interactions with characters like his dog Barnaby and friends IBallisticSquid and Sqaishey Quack. As the author grew older, they drifted away from Stampy's world but recognized the lasting impact of his optimism and creativity on their life. Andy Robinson is a member of the Class of 2027.

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition is down at $20 today

Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition is available for .97, down from the regular price, at 9to5Toys Specials. The bundle includes both the Java Edition for PC, Mac, and Linux, and the Bedrock Edition for console and mobile users. The Java Edition supports modding and custom content, while the Bedrock Edition allows cross-platform play and access to the Minecraft Marketplace. The package includes lifetime access and all future updates, with a 33% discount off the standard price.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Bluey, the inescapable Australian cartoon dog, is getting official Minecraft DLC

In Australia, the animated series Bluey has influenced various aspects of life, inspiring merchandise such as Christmas ornaments, slippers, and snacks. The show's appeal extends to adults, sparking conversations about episodes. Bluey is set to enter the gaming world with a Minecraft DLC launching on February 5, following a full video game release in 2023. Pricing details for the DLC are not yet available, and there are hopes for future collaborations with other games like Fortnite and Rocket League.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock Realms Crash Spurs Social Media and Reddit Backlash

Minecraft players experienced significant connectivity issues with Bedrock Realms over the weekend, starting Saturday afternoon, which led to server connection failures, realms not loading, and blocked gameplay access. At the peak of the outage, over 4,000 players reported difficulties. Many users remained unable to connect for several hours, leading to frustration expressed on social media and forums. Players highlighted the impact on multiplayer functionality, with reports of connection timeouts when trying to join games. Concerns were raised about subscription value, particularly since the issues occurred during the weekend, a prime gaming time.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

Once and for all, which game has the best art?

Videogame art captivates audiences, with enthusiasts collecting special editions, design works, and vinyl soundtracks featuring concept art. The Dishonored Soundtrack Collection exemplifies the artistic talent within the franchise. Iconic artists like Viktor Antonov have created striking visuals that blend gothic architecture with futuristic elements, contributing to the lasting impact of games like Half-Life 2 and Dishonored. Character art in Dishonored includes contributions from Cedric Peyravernay, Sergey Kolesov, and Piotr Jabłoński, enhancing the game's visual narrative. In Destiny, Rory Norris highlights the captivating concept art of a post-apocalyptic Chicago and the enigmatic Vex architecture illustrated by Jesse van Dijk. Tyler Colp admires Elden Ring's concept art, which translates into stunning visuals, showcasing detailed character designs. Ted Litchfield expresses excitement for Avowed, noting its comic book-style illustrations and inventive designs that evoke nostalgia. The artistry in gaming enhances gameplay and creates emotional connections with players.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

To celebrate the imminent launch of a new Styx adventure, Epic is giving away Cyanide’s last two goblin-flavoured stealth games for free

In the early 2010s, Cyanide Studios’ Styx was a notable stealth title in a sparse gaming landscape. Styx, a goblin character, gained attention before being overshadowed by the Hitman franchise. In February, a new installment titled Blades of Greed is set to release, and Epic Games is offering the previous titles, Styx: Master of Shadows and Styx: Shards of Darkness, for free on Steam. Both games focus on stealth mechanics, encouraging evasion and cunning rather than direct confrontation. Master of Shadows established the series with intricate environments, while Shards of Darkness improved nonlinear exploration and cooperative play. Blades of Greed promises expansive gameplay with three vast environments, new mechanics like a glider, and a more proactive role for Styx as he assembles a crew for heists from his airship. The game is scheduled for release on February 19, with a demo available on Steam.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock Realms crash over the weekend; Reddit and social media erupt with complaints – The Times of India

Minecraft Bedrock Realms experienced significant connectivity issues over the weekend, preventing thousands of players from accessing their worlds. Reports of server connection failures and loading issues began on Saturday afternoon, with over 4,000 players reporting difficulties at the peak. Players expressed frustration on social media and forums, sharing their experiences and concerns about the outage, particularly during weekends when they typically play. Some players highlighted issues connecting with friends across different platforms, while others voiced dissatisfaction with the subscription value due to the outage occurring during peak gaming times.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Is Minecraft colonial?

In a Minecraft world, approximately 50 villagers are confined in a basement, contrasting with the idyllic town above. Players manage villagers by using fishing rods to guide them into trading halls, where they can be traded with for resources. The game, launched in 2009 by Mojang Studios, allows players to explore and build in an open-world environment. The construction of villager trading halls reflects themes of exploitation, likened to chattel slavery, as players seek enchantments through trading. Critics note that the game's mechanics mirror colonial ideologies and contemporary global supply chains. Techniques like update suppression enhance farming efficiency, suggesting a deeper layer of exploitation in gameplay. The villager trading hall serves as a processing puzzle, emphasizing the functional role of villagers rather than their individuality. The game encourages innovation and manipulation of reality within its grid-based structure, reflecting broader societal trends in technology and information.