sandbox games Archives

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Over 1 million players expected: New Minecraft-style sandbox MMO enters Early Access

Hytale is a highly anticipated game that combines sandbox creativity with immersive storytelling. Key features include a procedurally generated world with diverse environments, robust customization options for crafting adventures and structures, an engaging narrative with quests and lore, and community-centric tools for modding and sharing creations.

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

“This new approach to world generation will redefine the block-game genre”: Hytale lead declares “fundamental shift” in how artists and game designers tackle Minecraft-style worlds

Hytale will enter early access next week, featuring a new "V1" world generation system developed from 2016 to 2020, with a "V2" system in progress since 2021. The V2 system aims to provide modders with intuitive tools for custom world generation without programming knowledge, using a node-based editor for real-time adjustments. The Hytale team is hiring over 15 world designers to enhance the game's handcrafted feel while maintaining procedural generation. The lead developer noted the project's remarkable turnaround from cancellation to a playable state in a short time.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Minecraft’s unofficial “WW1 update” uses the spear as artillery and lets you parry TNT

Minecraft players are innovating with new gameplay possibilities following the introduction of the spear in the Mounts of Mayhem update. The spear has been significantly buffed, making it one of the most lethal craftable weapons in the game. Players are using it to enhance TNT cannons, allowing for greater explosive range and effectiveness in combat. Additionally, players are exploring creative projects, including advanced siege engines and concepts reminiscent of World War 1, such as airships and artillery. It is now possible for players to redirect moving TNT blocks, introducing new gameplay mechanics like parrying TNT.

AppWizard

December 14, 2025

Why Is Minecraft So Expensive?

Many gamers hesitate to purchase Minecraft due to its price, questioning why it remains relatively expensive despite its simplistic graphics and long-standing presence. 1. Minecraft is a one-time purchase game, offering full access without pay-to-win mechanics or subscriptions. 2. Since its launch in 2011, Minecraft has undergone continuous development, providing numerous major updates at no extra cost. 3. Minecraft serves as a versatile creative platform for learning game design, coding, education, and community building. 4. Microsoft's ownership has led to investments in global server infrastructure, account management, and security measures, impacting the game's pricing. 5. The value-per-hour argument shows that Minecraft offers extensive gameplay hours, making it economical compared to other games. 6. Minecraft is one of the best-selling games of all time, with high demand supporting its stable price. FAQs indicate that Minecraft provides exceptional value, maintains its price due to sustained development and popularity, distinguishes itself from cheaper alternatives, does not require additional payments for core access, and offers legal ways to play at a lower cost.

AppWizard

December 14, 2025

007 First Light, the James Bond game from Hitman developers, gets a major pre-order discount months before launch

James Bond has been a popular character in video games, with adaptations varying in quality. The upcoming game, 007 First Light, developed by IO Interactive, features a young Bond on his first mission, aiming for a more relatable portrayal. This game allows players to engage in action rather than traditional stealth gameplay, appealing to a wider audience. It combines elements of Hitman and Uncharted, and is available for pre-order at Fanatical for .89 / £52.19, with a 13% discount. The promotion is expected to last until the game's release.

AppWizard

December 5, 2025

Hytale owner calls Minecraft “one of the greatest” games of all time, but his own sandbox is going in a “different direction” with crafting more like Terraria

Hytale has been compared to Minecraft due to its similar genre of blocky sandbox games with survival elements. Simon Collins-Laflamme, the game's lead creator, acknowledges Minecraft's influence but aims to create a distinct identity for Hytale by enhancing adventure gameplay and prioritizing modders' interests. After reacquiring the rights to Hytale, Collins-Laflamme has restarted development from an older build to ensure a solid foundation. Hytale will not be available on Steam at launch, as the development team believes the platform may not be necessary for their initial release to avoid early reviews from uninformed users.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Don’t sleep on this fantastic co-op sandbox game, because it’s about to add an explosive new biome completely for free

Core Keeper launched out of early access in 2024 with a 94% positive rating on Steam. The upcoming update, Void and Voltage, will be released for free on January 28. The game features exploration, combat, and crafting from a top-down perspective. The new biome, Breaker's Reach, includes new adversaries and a boss named SAHABAR. The update will introduce new automation tools, gear such as a handheld flamethrower, miniguns, and various other items. A new sub-biome called the Void will feature evolved enemy variants and new combat mechanics. Community-requested features will also be added, including echo maps, crafting statues, and improvements to minions.