release schedules

AppWizard
December 3, 2025
Starting in 2026, both Bedrock and Java Edition will adopt a version numbering system that begins with '26'. While both editions will share the initial digits, the subsequent numbers will differ due to platform limitations and varying release schedules. For example, in 2025, three significant game updates were released: Spring to Life, Chase the Skies, and The Copper Age, with one more, Mounts of Mayhem, on the way.
AppWizard
November 29, 2025
Team Cherry announced the release date of Hollow Knight: Silksong, prompting several studios to reconsider their launch schedules. Steam experienced significant disruptions during the game's initial hours, indicating its immense popularity. Eight games, including Demonschool and Baby Steps, shifted their release dates in response to Silksong's launch. The announcement of Silksong's release was sudden, catching many developers off guard. The impact of Silksong's release on other games is debated, but the delays allowed developers extra time to refine their products. The gaming community is also anticipating the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in November, which may similarly affect the release schedules of upcoming titles.
AppWizard
October 25, 2025
Dispatch is an interactive storytelling game created by veterans of Telltale, designed as an interactive television experience with a structured episodic format. The first episode, titled Pivot, features players as Mecha Man, a superhero dispatcher managing missions for a team of heroes. The game adopts a release strategy of two episodes at a time, with the second episode, Onboard, enhancing the gameplay experience. Players report a desire to discuss episodes with others, reflecting a shift in mindset towards savoring the experience rather than rushing to the next installment. The first season is set to conclude within a month, with episodes released weekly, fostering community discussion and revitalizing the episodic format.
AppWizard
September 20, 2025
Generation Alpha, born in or after 2010, is increasingly influencing the gaming landscape, particularly on PC, with platforms like Roblox driving in-game purchases. Emmanuel Rosier noted that the lack of ray tracing support in Battlefield 6 is a strategic choice to avoid alienating younger players, who may not prioritize high-end graphics. He highlighted that PC gaming has a lower entry barrier compared to consoles, as many families already own computers or laptops, allowing access to free-to-play titles. Rosier expressed uncertainty about whether children transitioning from Roblox will naturally gravitate towards traditional gaming franchises like GTA or Call of Duty, suggesting that the average age of Roblox players is increasing without new older players joining. Newzoo's report also suggested that game publishers could benefit from diversifying release schedules, proposing that launching games in May could ease pressure on developers and consumers.
AppWizard
September 3, 2025
Hollow Knight: Silksong is set to launch on Thursday, September 4, with a global release and a special midnight drop in Australia marking the transition into September 5. Release times by region are as follows: West Coast US at 7 am PT, East Coast US at 10 am ET, UK at 3 pm BST, Europe at 4 pm CEST, Japan at 11 pm JST, and East Coast Australia at 12 am AEST (September 5). There will be no pre-orders or preload options for the game, which has a size of approximately 8GB. The system requirements are low, making it accessible for most PCs.
AppWizard
August 27, 2025
Hollow Knight: Silksong's anticipated release has led at least eight other games to adjust their launch dates to avoid competition. - Stomp and the Sword of Miracles has been postponed indefinitely from its original Kickstarter launch on September 12. - Faeland, initially set to debut on September 9, has been delayed with no new date announced. - Aeterna Lucis has pushed its release from September to 2026 due to Silksong's influence and development kit issues. - Demonschool's release has been moved to November 19 to avoid proximity to Silksong. - Little Witch in the Woods has changed its release date from September 4 to September 15. - Baby Steps has shifted its launch from September 8 to September 23. - Moros Protocol has delayed its release from September 4 to September 18.
AppWizard
August 23, 2025
In 2024, nearly 19,000 new games were launched on Steam, intensifying competition in the gaming industry. Team Cherry announced that Hollow Knight: Silksong will debut on September 4, prompting other developers to adjust their release schedules. CloverPit delayed its launch from September 3 to September 26 due to Silksong's release. Frogteam Games expressed challenges in gaining visibility in the crowded market, comparing their situation to "a little krill trying to not get eaten by a blue whale." Faeland postponed its full release from September 9 to an unspecified future date, and Aeterna Lucis shifted its release from September to 2026, citing Silksong as a factor. Demonschool plans to release on September 3 despite Silksong's presence. Some developers, like those behind Stomp and the Sword of Miracles, have seen increased interest after postponing their launches. Simon Carless suggested that developers may be overly cautious in adjusting timelines, as the impact on sales may not be as significant unless there is a substantial audience overlap with Silksong.
AppWizard
March 25, 2025
Game publishers are adjusting their release schedules in anticipation of Grand Theft Auto 6, which is expected to launch in 2025, likely in the autumn. Executives express concerns that Rockstar's titles dominate consumer attention and spending, making it challenging for new games to succeed. There is a preference among publishers to avoid releasing games close to GTA 6, particularly around late October or early November, to prevent competing directly with it.
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