solidarity Archives

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Doom dev Id is now “about the same size we were when making Doom 2016” after layoffs

Id Software has experienced significant layoffs, with 136 team members affected, which is over half of its workforce. This reduction is part of broader job cuts by Xbox, totaling 3,200 positions across Microsoft. Despite the layoffs, Id Software has communicated that it has sufficient staff to continue game development and maintain its creative output. The studio's current team size is reportedly similar to that during the development of the 2016 Doom reboot. Id Software is known for its influential titles and proprietary Id Tech engines, and it recently released Doom: The Dark Ages.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Doom Studio id Software Tries to Ease Concerns After Xbox Layoffs

id Software reassured its fanbase that it remains committed to game development despite being impacted by layoffs within Microsoft's Xbox division, which saw 136 employees let go. The studio stated that it still has the necessary team size to continue building games and technology, similar to when they developed DOOM (2016). They expressed solidarity with affected team members and emphasized their dedication to creating games over the past 35 years. The layoffs are part of a broader reduction of 3,200 positions within Xbox, raising concerns about the future of key projects and the id Tech game engine. Co-founder John Carmack shared his thoughts on Twitter, expressing hope for the studio's future but skepticism about Microsoft's management of the brand.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

‘To Continue Being Produced Long Term, Games Need to Succeed, Not Just Be Beloved’ — John Carmack Responds to id Software Layoffs

John Carmack, co-founder of id Software, expressed sadness over the recent layoffs at the studio, which saw 96 employees at its Richardson location and 40 remote positions cut, representing a 50% workforce reduction. This restructuring is part of a broader initiative by new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, which has resulted in 1,600 staff layoffs earlier in the week, with another 1,600 expected throughout the financial year. Carmack suggested that id Software may have been viewed as a "marginal business" within Microsoft's portfolio and noted that its financial contributions to Microsoft appear minimal compared to the tech giant's overall revenue of 1.72 billion. He reflected on the competitive nature of the gaming industry and questioned whether different strategies could have improved id Software's financial performance. Despite the layoffs, he remains hopeful for the studio's future. Fellow co-founder John Romero also expressed support for the affected staff and emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of iconic franchises like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons II date announce

A new trailer has been released, inviting individuals to engage with its narrative. A special pre-order offer will be available at select retailers from June 6, 2026, at 12 PM PDT until September 28, 2026, at 12 PM PDT, while supplies last. Each individual may secure one offer per account, with availability varying by region, platform, and retailer.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

For the sixth year running, Dontnod honors Pride Month by giving away an award-winning adventure game

Tell Me Why, a narrative adventure game by Dontnod, is available for free in celebration of Pride Month for the sixth consecutive year. The game follows twins Tyler and Alyson Ronan as they navigate their past in small-town Alaska, exploring themes of identity and connection. Critics have praised the game's representation of Tyler's identity, despite some minor character development flaws. The gaming community has experienced review bombing against the game, prompting developers to encourage support for trans creators and inclusive charities. The game is free on Steam until June 30 and is also available on Xbox.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

The internet is in an uproar after an 81-year-old gamer grandma was swatted

GrammaCrackers, an 81-year-old gamer, has been streaming Minecraft for 15 days to raise funds for her 17-year-old grandchild's cancer treatment. She has also played Fortnite, Rocket League, and Roblox. On May 19, she was a victim of "swatting," where law enforcement was falsely alerted, resulting in a large police presence at her home. Despite the incident, she remained unharmed and continues her streaming efforts. The gaming community has largely responded with support and encouragement.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

How to get the White Bear mount in Crimson Desert

The White Bear mount in Crimson Desert can be found just south of the White Wastes Sanctuary in northwest Pailune, where it roams with its two cubs. Players need to gain access to the Witch's Lair vendor, typically by Chapter 3 of the main storyline, to unlock the mount. To obtain the White Bear, players must defeat it in battle, which will yield items such as the White Bear Claws and the White Bear Helm. After defeating the White Bear, players should visit the Witch's Lair vendor, Elowen, to craft a Sigil of Solidarity using the White Bear Claws. Consuming the Sigil will unlock the White Bear as a mount, which can then be selected for use. The White Bear is a battle mount with a powerful swipe attack and a multi-swipe combo.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

How to get the Silver Fang wolf mount in Crimson Desert

To acquire the Silver Fang wolf mount in Crimson Desert, players must complete the following tasks: 1. Complete the Legendary Wolf faction quest for House Celeste in Hernand. 2. Unlock the Witch's Lair vendor by reaching Chapter 3. 3. Finish all quests associated with House Roberts and House Alfonso, and progress House Serkis to level 10 out of 13. 4. Complete the Solumen of Hernand Parish faction quest to level 4 out of 6. 5. Conclude The Hellhounds quest for House Celeste. 6. Fully complete the Vellua Fishermans' Guild faction quest. After completing these tasks, the Legendary Wolf quest becomes available, starting with "Silence From Afar." Players must then defeat the giant wolf boss in north Hernand, proceed to the Howling Hollow cave, and engage Silver Fang and other wolves. After defeating Silver Fang, players can skin it to obtain the Fang of Silver Fang and the Silver Fang Helm. The fang can be taken to Elowen's Witch's Lair to craft a Sigil of Solidarity, which must be consumed to unlock the Silver Fang mount. The mount is not the fastest but has a powerful attack.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

If you love hundreds of games for $10 and hate ICE, then boy does Itch.io have just the bundle for you

Indie developers on Itch.io have created the "No ICE in Minnesota" bundle to raise funds for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM), which provides legal representation to low-income immigrants and refugees. The bundle includes over 1,400 items, such as video games, tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), books, and soundtracks, with more than 1,000 TTRPGs included. The fundraising goal is 0,000, and it has already reached 80% of that target with a month remaining for contributions. Additional donations are welcomed to support the initiative.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Disturbing Horror Game Banned By Steam Finds New Home

This year has seen significant developments in equine-themed video games, particularly with the success of Uma Musume: Pretty Derby and the upcoming title Horses. Horses initially faced challenges on Steam but has gained support from GOG.COM, which announced its commitment to the game and provided a pre-order link ahead of its launch on December 2. GOG.COM, known for its DRM-free gaming approach, is operated by CD Projekt and has a reputation for popular titles like The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077. Horses is priced at .99 on both GOG and the Epic Games Store, appealing to gamers interested in exploring new genres.