studio Archives

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

‘Anyone mad is a cheater:’ Players are divided as Rust beefs up anti-cheat with more effective—and invasive—upgrades

The presence of a "cheat community" in Rust has led to harassment of developers, prompting Facepunch to implement security measures similar to those in other games, including Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) requirements. Starting in March, server owners will have the option to allow connections only from players with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled, with plans to potentially make this mandatory. This decision is influenced by the effectiveness of invasive anti-cheat strategies, although it has faced mixed reactions from the community regarding accessibility and system upgrades. Facepunch has also decided against bringing Rust to Linux or Proton due to these evolving anti-cheat protocols.

BetaBeacon

February 1, 2026

Two Top-Rated Games – Available for Free Right Now

The app Effects Studio allows users to apply effect filters to their photos, making them look like digital works of art.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Bluey Is Being Added To Minecraft As DLC This Month

BBC Studios, Ludo Studio, Microsoft, and Mojang will release the Bluey DLC, titled Bluey's House, for Minecraft on February 5, 2026. The DLC features the interactive Heeler House, where players can explore familiar locations from the show, find hidden keys, and unlock rooms. Players will encounter characters Bluey, Bingo, Mum, and Dad, participating in activities like ISpy, Hide and Seek, and Ragdoll. The DLC combines the playful spirit of Bluey with Minecraft's creative possibilities, allowing players to build, explore, and engage in a personalized experience.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 2 to 6

Next week, several new titles will be released for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC: - DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined Digital Deluxe Edition by SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. priced at .99, and DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined priced at .99, both releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. - MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice – Ultimate Edition, Deluxe Edition, and standard edition, all by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., with prices ranging from .99 to .99, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Carmageddon: Rogue Shift by 34BigThings, priced at .99, releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Hidden Cats in Christmas by Silesia Games Sp. z o.o., releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Play Anywhere. - Lovish by DANGEN Entertainment, priced at .99 (on sale for .99), releasing on February 4. - New Yankee: Through the History Mirror Collector's Edition by Ocean Media, releasing on February 4. - Tiny Biomes by Eastasiasoft Limited, releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play Anywhere, and handheld optimized. - Dragon Spira by KEMCO, priced at .99 (on sale for .99), releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, and Xbox Play Anywhere. - Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass by Electric Airship, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery. - MENACE (Game Preview) by Hooded Horse, releasing on February 5. - Sora – Winds of the Jungle by EpiXR Games, priced at .99, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Car Cops by QubicGames S.A., releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Play Anywhere and handheld optimized. - Dark Quest: Remastered by Brain Seal Ltd, releasing on February 6. - Un.Key by Rebelião Studio, releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play Anywhere, and handheld optimized.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

NotebookLM’s Android App Just Unlocked One of Its Most Powerful Features

NotebookLM has introduced the Video Overviews feature for Android users, allowing them to create concise videos from selected notebook content. This feature, previously available only on desktop, can be accessed through the Studio section of the app. The update also includes new customization options for infographics, such as landscape layouts, horizontal formats, and square designs. Additionally, slide deck customization is in development. The update enhances NotebookLM's functionality as a conversational research assistant, enabling users to add sources, ask follow-up questions, and generate tables, summaries, and videos on mobile devices. Availability of these features may vary by device and region.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Mighty No. 9 studio Comcept, which somehow still existed, is now officially dead and buried

Mighty No. 9 was launched through a Kickstarter campaign in 2013, led by Keiji Inafune, but faced numerous delays and failed to meet backers' expectations. Comcept, the studio founded by Inafune in 2010, has been formally dissolved, marking the end of its operations. The studio struggled with the development of Mighty No. 9 and faced backlash from backers in 2015. A partnership with Fuze Entertainment to continue development did not materialize, and Comcept's other projects, including ReCore, did not impress. In 2017, Comcept was absorbed into Level-5, and Inafune left in 2024 after launching a Mega Man-inspired NFT collection.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

A Pokémon-like gacha game should be such an obvious win that I’m shocked I can’t find much to like about Aniimo

Aniimo is a creature-collecting gacha game currently in closed beta, aiming for a broader launch in 2026. It features multiplayer functionality, allowing players to explore and battle together, and includes interactive elements with aniimos in the open world. Despite some intriguing features, Aniimo struggles to stand out in a crowded market of gacha games. Industry sentiments indicate growing fatigue with the genre, and competition from upcoming titles like Hoyoverse's Honkai: Nexus Anima may impact its success.

Winsage

January 30, 2026

Windows 8 had a 30-second ad with more creativity than all of Microsoft’s Copilot-heavy Windows 11 marketing

In 2025, users reported over 20 issues with Windows 11, leading to dissatisfaction reminiscent of past criticisms of Windows Vista and Windows 8. The original Windows 8 promotional campaign effectively highlighted its features through engaging marketing, contrasting with recent Copilot ads that faced backlash for showcasing the AI's limitations. Microsoft has shifted its focus towards AI integration, particularly with Copilot, despite negative feedback from users and developers regarding its effectiveness. Historically, Microsoft responded to Windows 8's challenges by releasing Windows 8.1, which addressed user concerns and improved functionality. A similar update, Windows 11.1, could help restore user confidence and improve the overall experience with Windows 11.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Amazon Games boss Hartmann reportedly leaving as firm retreats from PC and console

Christoph Hartmann, head of Amazon Game Studios, is leaving the company, which is shifting its focus from PC and console gaming to prioritize its Luna cloud streaming service. This change coincides with Amazon's layoffs affecting approximately 16,000 roles, following a previous round of 14,000 layoffs in October 2025. The gaming division may face challenges due to this strategic pivot, and significant reductions have already occurred in Amazon's gaming operations. The project New World Aeternum is scheduled to go offline in January 2027. Hartmann joined Amazon in 2018 and has over two decades of experience from 2K Games.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Is Reanimal coming to Game Pass?

Tarsier Studios is set to release a horror platformer titled Reanimal, featuring grotesque creatures and a narrative about a brother and sister trying to escape a nightmarish landscape. The game will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, and Tarsier Studios has not confirmed its future inclusion. However, Reanimal will be accessible through Xbox Anywhere for both Xbox and PC platforms.