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Heartopia (PC) Review
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Heartopia (PC) Review

Heartopia is a life-simulation game that blends cozy simulation elements with MMO features, allowing players to cultivate a town and interact with locals. However, the MMO aspects dilute the individuality typically found in cozy games, as multiple players receive the same accolades for completing quests. Gameplay involves repetitive fetch quests to unlock activities like home decoration and fishing, which can feel tedious. The game features a community aspect, but players may find their neighbors' homes replaced or their own home relocated between sessions, undermining familiarity. Character design is uninspired, and the user interface resembles a mobile game, lacking polish. As a free-to-play title, it includes multiple currencies that create confusion, with microtransactions for premium items. Despite these issues, the game offers engaging home-building mechanics and unique hobbies like Birdwatching and Pet Care. Overall, Heartopia struggles to effectively merge MMO elements with cozy simulation, making it a less appealing option compared to established titles like Animal Crossing.
Strava used to be my favorite running app, but now I can't stand it
AppWizard
January 1, 2026

Strava used to be my favorite running app, but now I can’t stand it

The author canceled their Strava subscription due to dissatisfaction with the platform's shift towards a premium model that restricts access to personal data and features. Upon canceling, they lost access to their workout history, personal bests, and the Year in Sport recap, which are now only available to paying users. The mapping features, including the Night Heatmap and custom route creation, are also limited for non-subscribers, raising concerns about safety. The author has shifted their focus from performance metrics to social interactions on the platform, finding enjoyment in connecting with friends rather than tracking training goals.
According to Steam, the average PC Gamer writer played 72 games this year (56% of which were new) and used a controller more than we'd like to admit
AppWizard
December 19, 2025

According to Steam, the average PC Gamer writer played 72 games this year (56% of which were new) and used a controller more than we’d like to admit

The Steam Replay for 2025 reveals that the median Steam user engaged with four games, while the median PC Gamer writer tackled 69 games. The median Steam user unlocked 11 achievements, whereas the PC Gamer team unlocked 565. The average Steam user had a daily gaming streak of six days, while the PC Gamer team achieved a streak of 36 days. Additionally, Steam users dedicated 14% of their gaming time to titles released in 2025, while the PC Gamer team allocated 56%, with a median of 63% on new titles.
YouTube quietly revives in-app private messaging, six years after discontinuing it
AppWizard
November 21, 2025

YouTube quietly revives in-app private messaging, six years after discontinuing it

YouTube is testing a revival of its in-app private messaging feature, nearly six years after it was discontinued due to low adoption rates. The new initiative allows users to share videos, Shorts, and live streams with friends and is currently limited to select markets and users aged 18 and older. Safeguards such as invite-only conversations, unsend options, and the ability to block or report inappropriate content are included. YouTube's initial messaging feature was launched in 2017 and discontinued in 2019. The renewed feature aims to enhance direct engagement for content creators and provide a streamlined way for regular users to converse about videos. The pilot phase is ongoing, with no timeline for a broader rollout announced yet. YouTube's move to reinstate private messaging aligns with current trends as it faces competition from platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Inzoi's getting multiplayer after South Korea's president told the director to hop to it: 'It almost felt like I was getting talked to by the company's CEO'
AppWizard
November 20, 2025

Inzoi’s getting multiplayer after South Korea’s president told the director to hop to it: ‘It almost felt like I was getting talked to by the company’s CEO’

Krafton's life simulation game, Inzoi, was released in early access in March and has struggled to attract a wider audience. Director Hyungjun 'Kjun' Kim announced that the development team is working on integrating multiplayer functionality, inspired by a visit from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who provided insights that influenced the decision. While details on the multiplayer feature are not yet available, reactions from the fanbase are mixed, with many players expressing concerns about existing issues in the game that they believe should be prioritized over new features. The potential for multiplayer support could differentiate Inzoi from competitors, as its main rival does not offer co-op gameplay without mods.
Arattai Rising: Can India’s Homegrown Messenger Challenge WhatsApp’s Throne?
AppWizard
October 28, 2025

Arattai Rising: Can India’s Homegrown Messenger Challenge WhatsApp’s Throne?

Arattai, a messaging app in India, gained significant traction in September and October 2025, reaching over 5 million downloads on certain days and surpassing established platforms like Telegram and Snapchat. Its rise was supported by media attention, endorsements from government officials, and alignment with Prime Minister Modi's Swadeshi initiative. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's switch to Zoho email led to a 100-fold increase in Arattai's traffic within three days. The app offers end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls but lacks full encryption for text messages by default. It has a “secret chat” feature and plans to implement comprehensive encryption. User data is stored in Indian data centers, and the app aims to maintain a privacy-focused approach without relying on public cloud providers. Arattai faces challenges in competing with WhatsApp, which has over 500 million users and offers extensive features such as UPI payments and default encryption. For long-term success, Arattai needs to standardize encryption, enhance its infrastructure, and build an ecosystem with integrated payment solutions and business tools. Overcoming user inertia from WhatsApp, establishing a strong brand identity, and navigating regulatory scrutiny are also critical for its growth.
Mother sues developers of video games Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft
AppWizard
September 21, 2025

Mother sues developers of video games Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft

A mother from Somerset County, Maine, has filed a lawsuit against major video game developers, including Microsoft and the creators of Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft, alleging that they have incorporated addictive features into their games without adequate safety measures for young users. The complaint claims that these games are marketed towards children and designed to enhance engagement and in-game purchases. The mother, Casey Henderson, states that her 9-year-old child has experienced negative effects such as diminished social interactions, loss of interest in hobbies, and severe withdrawal symptoms when gaming time is limited. The lawsuit seeks monetary relief for injuries and damages exceeding ,000, and the defendants have not yet responded to the allegations.
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