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Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions is Coming to Game Pass on Day One in June
AppWizard
June 3, 2026

Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions is Coming to Game Pass on Day One in June

New titles arriving on Game Pass in June include Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions, Solarpunk, and Junkster, with Starseeker launching on June 11. Persona 5 Royal, Undisputed, Beastro, and Frog Sqwad are also joining the lineup. The complete list of new Game Pass games for June includes: - Herdling (Available June 4) - Total Chaos (Available June 4) - Solarpunk (Available June 8) - Undisputed (Available June 8) - Persona 5 Royal (Available June 9) - Beastro (Available June 11) - Frog Sqwad (Available June 11) - Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions (Available June 11) - Junkster (Available June 16) Five titles will leave Game Pass on June 15: Jurassic World Evolution 2, Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Warhammer 40K Space Marine: Master Crafted Edition, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, which can be purchased at a 20% discount before leaving the service.
How mathematicians use Minecraft to calculate pi
AppWizard
May 25, 2026

How mathematicians use Minecraft to calculate pi

Mathematicians Molly Lynch and Michael Weselcouch developed a method to approximate the value of pi (π) within the game Minecraft using a probabilistic darts technique. They constructed a circular structure with a radius of 11 blocks surrounded by a square and introduced random events using slimes, which move randomly. By counting the number of slimes killed within the circle compared to the total number killed, they calculated an approximation of π. During their test, they killed 619 slimes, with 508 inside the circular area, yielding an approximation of π ≈ 3.283. They noted that increasing the size of the square and the number of slimes could improve accuracy.
We Pick Minecraft's 5 Best Updates Ever on Its 17th Anniversary
AppWizard
May 17, 2026

We Pick Minecraft’s 5 Best Updates Ever on Its 17th Anniversary

Minecraft has maintained its prominence for over 17 years due to a steady stream of updates that enhance gameplay and mechanics. Key updates include: - Minecraft 1.5 Redstone Update: Introduced components like hoppers, droppers, and redstone comparators, enabling automated systems for resource collection and item sorting, and introduced quartz blocks for architectural designs. - Minecraft 1.21 Tricky Trials: Released in 2024, this update focused on combat and replayability with Trial Chambers, introduced the Breeze enemy and the Minecraft Mace weapon, and added the Wind Burst enchantment for advanced Parkour maps. - Minecraft 1.14 Village and Pillage: Revitalized villages with unique architectural styles and specialized villager professions, introduced new workstation blocks, and added Pillagers and raid mechanics. - Minecraft 1.0 – Full Release: Marked the end of the beta phase, introduced brewing potions, enchanting, strongholds, and the End dimension, enhancing survival progression and gameplay experience. - Minecraft 1.16 Nether Update: Transformed the Nether dimension with new biomes like Crimson and Warped Forests, introduced Piglins for bartering, and shifted player focus towards acquiring Netherite gear. The Minecraft 1.16 Nether update is widely regarded as one of the best updates for its comprehensive transformation of the Nether dimension. The Elytra was introduced in Minecraft 1.9 Combat update, alongside End Cities and Shulkers.
Destruction sandbox Besiege's new space DLC gets far bigger than anything you've seen before
AppWizard
May 16, 2026

Destruction sandbox Besiege’s new space DLC gets far bigger than anything you’ve seen before

Besiege: The Broken Beyond is the next expansion for the sandbox game Besiege, set to release in the second quarter of 2026. This expansion introduces a universe with varying gravitational forces and features larger, immersive environments compared to previous versions. Players will encounter celestial bodies like asteroids and planets, each affecting gameplay through unique gravitational fields. The game aims to balance realistic physics with whimsical gameplay, adhering to the inverse square law for gravitational pull. Different celestial shapes will provide varied gravitational experiences, and players will face challenges such as space debris and obstacles. Further insights into the game’s mechanics, including planetary atmospheres, will be revealed as the release date approaches.
15 PC Games That Rely More on CPU Than GPU
AppWizard
May 14, 2026

15 PC Games That Rely More on CPU Than GPU

In competitive gaming, unique character abilities combined with a 5v5 format create innovative experiences, with high stakes in competitive shooters where low frame rates can lead to defeat, demanding on CPU resources. Baldur’s Gate 3 features an immersive storyline and expansive world, requiring a robust CPU due to its intricate physics and character interactions. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020 onwards) is a CPU-intensive simulation game that offers real-time world streaming, dynamic weather, and air traffic management. GTA Online allows players to engage in a sprawling open world of crime, with complex AI interactions that demand substantial processing power. Civilization VI, while not graphically intensive, requires significant CPU load for its intricate gameplay mechanics and constant calculations. Counter-Strike 2 demands high FPS and stable frame rates, making it extremely CPU-intensive due to its tactical team-based combat. World of Warcraft is one of the most CPU-intensive MMOs, requiring significant processing power for large-scale battles and exploration. Total War: WARHAMMER III places considerable demands on CPU performance due to its real-time warfare mechanics with vast armies. Overwatch relies on steady frame rates and real-time calculations, necessitating a powerful CPU, while also depending on the GPU for optimal performance. Minecraft's resource generation and real-time world building place significant demands on the CPU across various modes. Call of Duty: Warzone requires a powerful CPU to maintain fast frame rates and execute numerous physics-related calculations on a massive map. Starfield is one of the most demanding PC games of 2023, emphasizing the need for a capable CPU to handle its complex mechanics and expansive environments.
After 3 years of work, GTA 4 dev's sandbox game hits Steam as he has to tell people it's "completely different" from Minecraft: "For starters, no Steve"
AppWizard
May 8, 2026

After 3 years of work, GTA 4 dev’s sandbox game hits Steam as he has to tell people it’s “completely different” from Minecraft: “For starters, no Steve”

Obbe Vermeij, former technical director at Rockstar Games, has launched a new sandbox game titled Plentiful in Early Access on May 5. The game emphasizes consequence-driven gameplay, where players' actions impact the environment, such as too many trees draining water and a single spark potentially causing widespread fire. While it features low-fi, blocky visuals reminiscent of Minecraft, Vermeij asserts that Plentiful is distinct, drawing inspiration from the classic game Populous. Players interact with the game world solely through a mouse cursor, without a traditional avatar.
Hytale boss doesn't want its mod browser to feel like "a shopping mall," but is exploring ways to support creators
AppWizard
May 3, 2026

Hytale boss doesn’t want its mod browser to feel like “a shopping mall,” but is exploring ways to support creators

Simon Collins-Laflamme, founder of Hytale, has addressed the issue of paid mods, emphasizing that in-game mods will be free to install with no price tags in the browsing experience. He aims to support mod creators while maintaining an enjoyable player experience. Collins-Laflamme is open to feedback from the community regarding the monetization of mods and acknowledges the concerns from both supporters and opponents of paid mods. He envisions a mod browser that resembles a community library rather than a shopping mall, highlighting the importance of accessibility for players. Hypixel Studios plans to explore ways for players to support mod creators financially, potentially through a system similar to Patreon, where the core mod remains free but players can opt to pay for additional benefits. If creator payments are implemented, Hypixel Studios would take a minimal cut to cover costs. Collins-Laflamme prioritizes a vibrant and open modding ecosystem over a profit-maximizing approach. He invites ongoing input from players and modders as the mod browser develops.
New Terraria State of the Game promises fixes for its most frustrating combat problems
AppWizard
May 1, 2026

New Terraria State of the Game promises fixes for its most frustrating combat problems

A new update for Terraria, version 1.4.5.7, is set to enhance combat by addressing long-standing challenges such as aggro management, invisible hitboxes, and offscreen attacks. The update will include adjustments to the four core classes and introduce new early-game magic options. New items catering to niche playstyles, like a sapling minion for Summoners and a revamped Daybloom plant, will also be featured. The development of this update is taking longer than previous fixes, and further tweaks may occur in a subsequent update, 1.4.5.8, before the team can finalize 1.4.5 and focus on crossplay features. The tModLoader team is working on porting to 1.4.5, but it will take several months to refine for release. Meanwhile, updates for the existing tModLoader compatible with Terraria 1.4.4 are ongoing.
Everything announced for Xbox and PC at the ID@Xbox and IGN April 2026 Showcase — new indie games on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere, and more
AppWizard
April 24, 2026

Everything announced for Xbox and PC at the ID@Xbox and IGN April 2026 Showcase — new indie games on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere, and more

Microsoft's ID@Xbox program supports indie game development and recently showcased new titles in collaboration with IGN. - Beastro: A roguelike RPG where players are chefs for heroes, releasing on May 21 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, available on Xbox Game Pass. - Deep Dish Dungeon: A survival exploration game set for Fall 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud, with Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere support. - Albion Online: A free-to-play PvP MMO now available on Xbox consoles, offering perks for Xbox Game Pass members. - Lofsong: An audio-based game with no announced release date, available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, supporting Xbox Play Anywhere. - Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School: A puzzle adventure game set for 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Cloud, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Kalanoro: An action-adventure game featuring lemurs, releasing this summer on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with Xbox Play Anywhere support. - Vapor World: Over the Mind: A narrative-driven platformer launching on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud, with a demo in June and Xbox Game Pass support. - inKONBINI: A management simulation game releasing on April 30, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with Xbox Game Pass availability. - Echo Generation 2: A sci-fi deckbuilder RPG launching on May 27, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Starseeker: A spinoff of Astroneer, available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS5, and Switch 2, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Tears of Metal: A co-op roguelike hack-and-slash game for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with Xbox Play Anywhere compatibility. - Crashout Crew: A co-op game centered around forklifts, releasing on May 28, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Steam, with Xbox Game Pass support. - RV There Yet?: A comedic co-op adventure expected to launch in May for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Solo Leveling Arise Overdrive: An action game set to launch on Xbox Series X|S in Q3 2026. - There Are No Ghosts at the Grand: A musical-themed hotel and ghost hunting game for Xbox Series X|S, PC, Cloud, and other platforms, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Golf With Your Friends 2: The sequel to the party golfing game, releasing on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch this fall. - Mistfall Hunter: An extraction RPG launching in July on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Totopia: A free-to-play party game supporting Xbox Play Anywhere. - SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed: A competitive racing platformer scheduled for July on multiple platforms, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Vampire Crawlers: A deckbuilding spinoff from Vampire Survivors, now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Screenbound: An action-adventure game where players control a character in both 3D and 2D, available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud, with Xbox Game Pass support.
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