studios Archives

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

New GOG owner reckons it doesn’t have to beat Steam outright, just do a few things better: “If there’s a version of the game that’s clearly better on GOG, and it has the promise that it will run forever… people will come”

Michał Kiciński, co-founder of CD Projekt and owner of GOG, is adopting a nuanced strategy for digital game distribution, avoiding direct competition with Steam. GOG's managing director, Maciej Gołębiewski, emphasizes leveraging their strengths, while Kiciński believes in the quality of GOG's offerings and user loyalty. He envisions that as gamers recognize GOG's curated selection, they will naturally choose the platform. Additionally, recent reports indicate that games using generative AI, like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Stellaris, have generated significant revenue. Kiciński focuses on building a community around quality content and user experience for GOG's future.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Hytale controller support explained

Hytale currently does not support controllers in its existing build, as confirmed by Simon Collins-Laflamme, the founder of Hypixel Studios. Controller support is a priority on their roadmap, aimed at enhancing accessibility for gameplay on devices like the Steam Deck. Kevin 'Slikey' Carstens, the technical director, advised players to wait for official controller support before making a purchase. The current version of Hytale is based on an older build, with future updates promising cross-platform play and controller support. Players can use a controller by following a setup process through Steam, which involves adding the Hytale Launcher as a non-Steam game and adjusting controller settings, although navigating menus and crafting may be challenging without a mouse.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Minecraft inspired Hytale starts 2026 with a comeback story, becoming the most popular game on Twitch hours after entering Early Access

Hytale was developed by Hypixel Studios, established in 2018 as a spinoff of the Hypixel server. The game features procedurally generated biomes with unique quests and monsters. In 2020, Hypixel Studios partnered with Riot Games, which later acquired the studio. However, in July 2025, Riot Games announced the cancellation of Hytale due to escalating costs. In November 2025, Hypixel Studios regained the rights to the game. Hytale entered Early Access on January 13, 2026, with pre-purchases ensuring development funding for at least two years. Upon release, it peaked at over 420,000 viewers on Twitch, although viewership dropped to just under 100,000 by January 14.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

A Fortnite x Minecraft Crossover Is Reportedly in Early Development

Rumors are circulating about a potential collaboration between Fortnite and Minecraft, suggesting that Minecraft characters may soon appear in Fortnite's Battle Island. The speculation began with a post by AdiraFNInfo, shared by Fortnite leaker HYPEX, who labeled the information as 'rumored.' Other leakers, including ShiinaBR, have also supported the rumors. Fans are advised to remain cautiously optimistic until an official announcement is made by Mojang Studios or Epic Games. Currently, Fortnite is in Chapter 7, Season 2, following the Pacific Break season.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Hytale and Minecraft: 5 key differences you should know about

Hytale, developed by Hypixel Studios, shares similarities with Minecraft, including expansive, procedurally generated worlds and block-based environments. The game features a more nuanced combat system with special movesets and ultimate attacks, distinguishing it from Minecraft's melee system. Hytale's crafting is streamlined, allowing players to select items from a menu rather than arranging resources in a grid, and includes a progression mechanic for crafting stations. Additionally, Hytale introduces mantling, enabling players to jump and grab onto edges of blocks, enhancing mobility and exploration.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

What is ‘Hytale’? The new viral ‘Minecraft clone’ explained

“Hytale” is an open-world sandbox game that allows players to collect resources, craft, and build unique worlds. It was developed by Hypixel Studios, which previously worked on a popular “Minecraft” server. Development began in 2015 and faced setbacks, including a cancellation in mid-2025, but resumed in November after the rights were acquired by Hypixel founder Simon Collins-Laflamme. The game is currently in early access and is fully playable, though still under development. “Hytale” is available exclusively on PC for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and can be accessed through the official website, not on Steam. The standard edition is priced at .99, with additional tiers available for .49 and .99. Early indications suggest significant popularity, with pre-purchase sales generating enough revenue for at least two years of development and over 400,000 viewers watching gameplay on Twitch on its release day.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Fable creator Peter Molyneux’s new strategy game is set to fill the Black and White void, and you can play it surprisingly soon

Masters of Albion is an upcoming game set to be released on April 22, 2026. It features a unique universe inspired by the ancient name for Great Britain and combines city-building with combat gameplay. Players will manage resources and construct a town during the day, while at night, they take on the role of a hero to fend off enemies in third-person combat. The game includes extensive customization options for warriors, the ability to recruit allies, and a god game mechanic that allows players to craft weapons and interact with townsfolk. A trailer has been released showcasing dynamic battles, and players can wishlist the game and join its official Discord community. Peter Molyneux has described it as a "reinvention of the god game."

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Hytale’s developer warned us the adventure sandbox ‘isn’t good yet,’ but it already feels pretty good to me

Hytale has launched in early access today, marking a significant milestone in the gaming industry. The game was previously canceled by Riot Games last summer but has made a successful return, receiving a positive reception. Preorders have generated enough funds for several more years of development. Initial feedback indicates a promising foundation, with players already creating mods, including a version of Doom within Hytale. The game is not available on Steam, requiring players to visit the official site to access it.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

Hytale is Twitch’s most-watched game as devs finally release Minecraft rival they’ve “waited ten years” for

Hytale has officially launched after nearly eight years since its initial announcement in 2018. The game, developed by Hypixel Studios and acquired by Riot Games in 2020, faced a temporary cancellation in June 2025 but was later revived when CEO Simon Collins-Laflamme regained control of the studio. Hytale has garnered 344,000 viewers on Twitch, surpassing all other games. The developers expressed excitement about the launch, emphasizing that it marks the beginning of the game's journey. Early player feedback has been positive, and pre-orders are expected to fund the next two years of development.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

After Expedition 33’s success, Split Fiction’s Josef Fares warns publishers not to “only do” double-A

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has received critical acclaim and commercial success, winning Game of the Year at the previous year’s Game Awards. Josef Fares, founder of Hazelight Studios, warns the triple-A gaming sector against merely replicating trends from Expedition 33's success, emphasizing the need for innovation rather than imitation. He highlights the importance of diversity in gaming, asserting that both triple-A and double-A titles have their place in the industry. Fares points out that while high-budget games face pressure to avoid risks, innovation is still possible, citing examples from studios like Naughty Dog, Rockstar, and Nintendo. He also mentions that other major studios, such as Capcom, are exploring unconventional ideas.