Sanctuary Archives

AppWizard

September 21, 2026

Ads in XBOX Games Are Getting Closer: Microsoft Patent Reveals How They Will Work on Consoles and PC

Microsoft is exploring the integration of advertisements into its XBOX gaming ecosystem without increasing prices. The company filed a patent on September 3 for a system that introduces ads during non-disruptive moments in games, such as loading screens or after missions. This system includes the concept of "advertising credits," allowing players periods free from ads. XBOX plans to incorporate ads into services like XBOX Cloud Gaming, which will offer a free tier for users who engage with ads. The company aims to prioritize player experience, avoid interrupting gameplay, maintain high-quality standards for ads, clearly distinguish ads from game content, and align ads with player expectations.

AppWizard

September 13, 2026

No more Diablo 4 expansions are planned, but there’s ‘a lot of room’ for more storytelling in the leadup to Diablo 5

Blizzard Entertainment has announced that Diablo 5 is in development, taking place a century after Diablo 4, with the release scheduled for 2029. In the meantime, Blizzard will provide seasonal updates for Diablo 4, but no additional expansions for that game are planned.

AppWizard

September 13, 2026

Diablo 5 gameplay details from BlizzCon: More classes than ever before, procedurally-generated dungeons, and Diablo 2-style loot

At BlizzCon 2026, it was announced that Diablo 5 will be set a century after Diablo 4, exploring the aftermath of the demon's impact on Sanctuary. The game is projected for release in spring 2029 and aims to address player feedback from Diablo 4. The narrative will feature Diablo as a central character rather than just a final boss, and players will work to restore Westmarch. Key features include procedurally-generated dungeons, a caravan of NPCs instead of traditional towns, returning classes like the demon hunter and monk, and new classes such as the plague knight. The game will launch with more classes than any previous installment, and items will have a tiered system and occupy multiple inventory slots. Blizzard plans to provide regular updates on the game's development starting next year.

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Marketplace Content September 2026

During a summer internship at a fireworks factory, the author noted that celebrations are enhanced by vibrant colors. The Rainbow Eclipse PvP Pack by CubeCraft Games includes animated swords and armor with various colors, low fire, and short swords. The Steampunk - Original Textures pack by The Craft Stars features a retrofuturistic steampunk aesthetic. Pastel Adventures by Pathway Studios offers a pastel color palette, a custom user interface, adorable mobs, and 12 unique pastel skins. The Cube Chaos texture pack by Pathway Studios captures the essence of classic comic books. The Cherry Bonsai Treehouse by CrackedCubes provides a treetop base with cherry blossoms and unique textures. The Cute Cozy House by Heropixel Games features a dreamy design and adorable furniture. The Cityscapes Las Vegas pack by Octovon allows exploration of iconic landmarks and opulent resorts. The City Life pack by Kora Studios showcases sprawling apartment complexes and bustling city streets. The Cursed Woodland Mansion by Pathway Studios is a cleverly designed escape room set in a haunting woodland mansion. Space Mini-Golf by Waypoint Studios includes 100 distinct holes for intergalactic golfing. Mega Prehistoric Parkour by Jigarbov Productions combines parkour with baby dinosaurs. The Cute in Pink! pack by Pixel Squared offers 10 fashionable pink skins. Sakura Bliss by Yeggs features 12 cherry blossom-themed skins. The Angels vs Devils pack by Pixel Squared includes 12 skins embodying heavenly or hellish aesthetics. The Spooky Season pack by StudioU provides 13 eerie skins for Halloween. Additionally, there is a selection of Character Creator items crafted from gold.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Here’s every major Xbox and PC announcement we’ve rounded up from the Future Games Show at Gamescom 2026

Gamescom is currently showcasing the Future Games Show, which features over 40 titles for Xbox and PC, including 13 brand new games. The event began today at 10:00 am PDT / 1:00 pm EDT / 6:00 pm BST and is available for live viewing or on-demand replays on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, X, and Steam. Major game announcements include: - Worms: Galactic Tactics: A turn-based tactical game set for release in 2027 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 1/2, and PC via Steam. - Onimusha: Way of the Sword: An action-adventure game launching on September 4, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival: A side-scrolling beat 'em up releasing on September 18, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - Dioxide: A tactical FPS with Soulslike elements expected to launch in the future on PC via Steam. - Wolcen 2: An ARPG anticipated to enter early access in 2027 for PC via Steam. - Serious Sam: Shatterverse: A roguelite FPS set for release on August 31, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. - SPINE - This is Gun Fu: A cyberpunk action game launching in 2027 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. - STAR WARS: Galactic Racer: A racing game set in the Star Wars universe, launching on October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - Alkimya: House of Wisdom: A survival horror game expected to release in the future for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault: An action-RPG set to leave early access on September 2, 2026, available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Windows.

AppWizard

August 20, 2026

Psychological Horror Game Baptiste Launches This Fall for Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series, and PC

Firenut Games and Digital Dreams are developing a psychological horror game titled Baptiste, set to launch this fall on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The game follows Tom, a young boy who releases a haunted doll, leading to a narrative focused on tragedy and loss. It draws inspiration from horror narratives like Annabelle and R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps, as well as psychological horror games such as P.T. and Outlast. The story involves Tom and his mother Sara relocating to Jagged Shore Cliff after a family tragedy, where they encounter the doll Baptiste, which comes with a warning not to release it. The game emphasizes psychological tension and emotional depth, exploring themes of trauma and the fragility of reality.

BetaBeacon

August 15, 2026

PS3 emulation on Android keeps getting better with new ARMSX3 updates

Recent ARMSX3 updates have brought improved compatibility and performance. Armored Core: For Answer, Sonic The Hedgehog, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, Saint Seiya: The Sanctuary, Sonic Unleashed, and the God Of War 3 demo are now playable. 1942 Joint Strike is also confirmed to be playable on AYANEO Pocket S Mini.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

How do PC player demographics change at 50 hours vs. 30 minutes?

GameDiscoverCo newsletter has reached 45,000 subscribers. The Video Game History Foundation launched a ‘history of E3’ collection, including an introductory video, vintage footage, and a podcast. Microsoft reported a decline in Xbox revenue for four consecutive quarters, with Content & Services revenue at approximately .75 billion (down 10% year-over-year) and hardware revenue around million (down 13% year-over-year). Asha Sharma noted over 200 million new players joined Xbox in FY2026, but the business did not grow. PlayStation's PS5 sales reached 95.3 million, with a 1.6 million increase for the quarter but a 36% year-over-year decline. Active PSN users rose to 125 million, and profit surged by 37%. Meta's Reality Labs reported a loss of .6 billion in Q2, despite million in revenue. Slotbound, a roguelike auto-battler game, achieved 50,000 wishlists and 2,900 peak demo concurrent users. Over 1,000 PC games now operate direct channels, saving developers an estimated billion in platform fees in 2025. GameDiscoverCo’s Steam Fan Snapshot data revealed that the average age of players is 31 for Clair Obscur and 25 for R.E.P.O. 37.5% of respondents find games through short-form video, while 27.9% use traditional media websites. Players of ARC Raiders show a strong preference for the Steam Deck, and as playtime increases, console playtime declines.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis needs to have this one thing or it won’t feel right

Ava enjoys immersive RPGs, MMOs, and cozy games, particularly The Sims and Dead by Daylight. The upcoming Tomb Raider game, Legacy of Atlantis, features a quote from Lara Croft's ancestor, T.E. Croft, about the burden of legacy, which resonates with fans. Anticipation for the game increased after a mini-documentary was released on July 20, with developers Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog focusing on honoring Lara's character and movement. Lead Gameplay Designer Bartek Schweiger emphasized the importance of reflecting on the series' past. Fans are eager for the return of Croft Manor, which has not been represented in a way that evokes nostalgia since earlier games. The manor provided a space for players to practice skills and has memorable elements, such as the obstacle course and the music. Legacy of Atlantis aims to unify Lara's timeline and reintroduce Croft Manor to both veteran fans and newcomers. The mini-documentary highlights the return of Charlie the fish, a character from TR Anniversary, indicating the developers' commitment to the series' legacy. Creative Director Mikał Kuk and Game Director Raul Siqueira discussed the significance of Charlie and Lara's acrobatics, suggesting a thoughtful approach to her character development and the potential for Croft Manor to play a key role in the game.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Minecraft Summer Sale Features 300+ Marketplace Items at Up to 33% Off

Minecraft is hosting its annual Summer Sale, offering over 300 Marketplace items at discounts of up to 33%, running until July 28 at 10 a.m. PT. The sale features various add-ons and packs, including: - Fainting Goats Add-On: 328 Minecoins (was 490) - HorrorCraft Add-On 1.1: 807 Minecoins (was 1340) - 3D Weapons Texture Pack: 442 Minecoins (was 660) - Dinosaur Biomes: 663 Minecoins (was 990) - Craftable Mob Houses Add-On: 442 Minecoins (was 660) - Black X Shadow Megapack: 207 Minecoins (was 310) - Fur Craft Add-On 3.0: 663 Minecoins (was 990) - Backpack Add-On: 442 Minecoins (was 660) - Ultimate Trading Add-On: 556 Minecoins (was 830) - Planes Pro 2.0 Add-On: 783 Minecoins (was 1170)