studios Archives

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

NetherRealm says it’s done releasing major updates for Mortal Kombat 1: ‘Our team … needs to shift focus to the next project’

NetherRealm Studios announced that Mortal Kombat 1 will conclude its major updates after approximately two years, with no additional DLC characters or story chapters planned. The studio stated that while they will continue to provide balance adjustments and fixes, the decision was made to focus on future projects. This announcement comes a year and a half after the game's release in September 2023, which is a shorter support timeline compared to Mortal Kombat 11. Fans have expressed mixed reactions, with some disappointment and others understanding the studio's direction. Mortal Kombat 1 is currently available on Steam.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

Minecraft Roll for Adventure: The Temple of the Charged Creeper Board Game Unveiled

A new board game titled “Minecraft: Roll for Adventure – The Temple of the Charged Creeper” is set to be released in August 2025, designed for 2 to 4 players. Players will take on the roles of Minecraft-inspired heroes, navigating a dynamic temple to stop the Charged Creeper. The game features modular board pieces, dice-rolling, cooperative gameplay, and elements of crafting and resource management. The game box will include 4 hero miniatures, Minecraft-themed dice, modular map tiles, monster tokens, and player boards. Pre-orders are expected to begin in July 2025.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

Five new Steam games you probably missed (May 26, 2025)

On an average day, Steam unveils around a dozen new games. "Two Strikes," a first-person paranormal investigation game, was released on May 23 by Retro Reactor. "Snacko," a life simulation and town-building game featuring a feline protagonist, was released on May 26 by Bluecurse Studios. "Tinkerlands," a resource-gathering game with survival and combat elements, was released on May 24 by CodeManu and Endless Coffee. "Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer," a sequel to the original game, was released on May 20 by Clifftop Games.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Microsoft Solitaire Turns 35 with Minecraft-Themed Deck; All You Need to Know

Microsoft has released a special Minecraft-themed deck for Microsoft Solitaire to celebrate the game's 35th anniversary. This limited-time, free deck features characters and elements from Minecraft and is available for all Solitaire modes, including Klondike, Spider, FreeCell, Pyramid, and TriPeaks. Players can download the Microsoft Solitaire Collection from the Microsoft Store and unlock the Minecraft theme at no additional cost. The cards are designed in a pixelated art style, featuring characters like Steve, Alex, and Creepers, and the game environment includes a Minecraft-inspired backdrop.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

$40 Steam Game Free for a Limited Time

Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War is available for free on Steam until May 26. After this date, it will return to its standard price. The game is not Steam Deck Verified but is categorized as Playable, meaning it may function with some issues on the device. Released in 2018 by Proxy Studios and published by Slitherine, it is the first turn-based 4X strategy game in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game has received over 14,000 user reviews on Steam, with 81% being favorable, earning a “Very Positive” rating. The narrative takes place on Gladius Prime, where ancient relics lead to a war for survival. The main campaign takes approximately 10 to 11 hours to complete, while completionists may spend 50 to 55 hours exploring the game.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

A MINECRAFT MOVIE Levels Up to Another Major Milestone

A MINECRAFT MOVIE has become one of the top 75 highest-grossing films of all time, currently ranking 75th with a global total of 0,696,673, surpassing BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. It is also the highest-grossing domestic release of the year and the second highest-grossing film worldwide. The film has received praise for its uplifting worldview and themes of friendship, courage, and redemption, though it includes action violence, mild foul language, and frightening imagery. It has been nominated for the Kid’s Choice Awards, with stars Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Emma Myers receiving individual nominations. The success of A MINECRAFT MOVIE indicates a growing trend in Hollywood towards video game adaptations, potentially leading to films based on franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Roblox.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Embracer is spinning off Coffee Stain

Embracer Group will spin off the newly rebranded Coffee Stain Group by the end of 2025, establishing it as an independent entity focused on community-driven game development and publishing. The Coffee Stain Group includes studios like Coffee Stain, Ghost Ship Games, and Tuxedo Labs, and is associated with popular titles such as Goat Simulator, Deep Rock Galactic, Satisfactory, and Valheim. CEO Anton Westbergh expressed pride and anticipation for the transition, believing it will allow Coffee Stain to thrive independently. Embracer Group's CEO Lars Wingefors supported this move, emphasizing the talent and IPs within Coffee Stain Group. This announcement follows Embracer Group's decision to spin off its subsidiary Asmodee and rebrand Middle Earth and Friends to Fellowship Entertainment.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Revenge of the Savage Planet hits 1m players

Revenge of the Savage Planet has attracted over one million players within ten days of its release on May 8th, as reported by developer Raccoon Logic on Steam. Raccoon Logic was formed by former members of Typhoon Studios, which was acquired by Google in 2019 and faced challenges due to the Google Stadia project's fallout in 2021. The developers expressed gratitude to players and are committed to improving the game with regular updates and a roadmap for future features. The game is available through Xbox Game Pass, but no distinctions have been made between purchased copies and those accessed via the subscription service.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Over 25 Years Ago, This Lemmings-Esque Puzzler Was Sent Out To Die – Its Fans Had Other Plans

Monolith Productions announced its closure earlier this year, prompting tributes to its 30-year legacy. One notable title from the studio is Gruntz, a puzzle strategy game released for PCs in 1999, which has maintained an active community despite its initial rocky launch. The game was designed by Nick Newhard, who aimed to create a game that his wife would enjoy, blending real-time strategy elements with puzzles. After Newhard's departure from the project due to internal disagreements, Kevin Lambert took over development, infusing humor and personality into the characters. Gruntz received mixed reviews upon release, but found a favorable reception in Europe. The game's inclusion of level editing tools led to a dedicated fan community, with ongoing projects like Dizgruntled and Gruntz Unityverse. The community currently has over 368 accounts, showcasing the game's lasting appeal.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

What’s driving growth in the Chinese video game industry?

The Chinese game industry has experienced significant growth, with popular titles like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong driving global interest. Black Myth: Wukong sold 10 million copies within a week of its August 2024 launch and won Game of the Year at the 2024 Steam Awards. The single-player game market in China is becoming more sustainable, with a shift in focus due to the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong. Developers are adapting their strategies, although challenges such as high production costs, competition, and issues related to work culture persist. Local governments are actively supporting game development through licensing, tax breaks, and grants, with initiatives aimed at integrating cultural themes into games. Despite layoffs in the industry, a robust social safety net exists to support affected employees.