studios

AppWizard
October 4, 2026
Martin Klima, co-founder of Warhorse Studios, expressed fatigue with conventional RPG narratives that often revolve around the 'chosen one' trope and grand missions. He believes many players are tired of this formula and seek something fresh, which inspired the creation of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Klima noted that the gaming landscape has not significantly changed, as many games still cater primarily to teenagers, despite the audience maturing. He criticized publishers for recycling proven formulas, using Ubisoft as an example, and acknowledged the high craftsmanship in their games while wishing for more innovation. He also recognized the financial constraints that limit experimentation in the industry.
BetaBeacon
October 3, 2026
Nintendo released Pictonico!, a game where players can turn their own pictures into mini WarioWare-style games, resulting in chaotic and fun challenges based on the photos.
AppWizard
September 30, 2026
Starting September 30, 2026, Google will implement changes to the Android game distribution economics through the Google Play Games Level Up program, reducing the commission on game revenue exceeding million annually from 20% to 15%. Developers must launch their games on Android simultaneously with other platforms to qualify for this discount; otherwise, they will be ineligible for six months. The new fee structure includes a baseline rate cut to 10% on the first million and 20% on earnings above that, while the Level Up program allows qualifying titles to pay 15% on revenue beyond the first million. The rollout of the Level Up program will begin in Australia, the European Economic Area, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States on September 30, 2026, followed by South Korea on December 31, 2026, and the rest of the world on September 30, 2027. If a game launches on a non-Android platform first, it will face a six-month waiting period before qualifying for Level Up pricing. Existing games launched before September 30, 2026, are exempt from this penalty.
AppWizard
September 29, 2026
Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios are collaborating to create the first-ever Minecraft theme park, named Minecraft World, which will open in 2027 at Chessington World of Adventures. The project has a budget of £50 million and will feature a roller coaster that takes guests on a minecart journey through the Nether. The park will include interactive adventures, themed dining experiences, and block-built playscapes, as well as merchandise stores. The developers are working closely with Minecraft creators to ensure authenticity. Minecraft World is located 35 minutes by train from London Waterloo.
AppWizard
September 28, 2026
Mojang Studios hosted its annual Minecraft Live event on September 26, announcing several significant updates and projects. The highlight was the introduction of The Sift, a new dimension set to launch next year for both Java and Bedrock editions, marking the first new dimension in over 14 years. Additionally, Minecraft Dungeons II is scheduled for release on September 29, featuring enhanced character customization and cooperative multiplayer options, allowing players to explore The Sift before its full integration into the main game. Mojang also provided an update on Minecraft World, a UK-based amusement park set to open in 2027 at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, which will include a coaster named Escape the Nether and a themed hotel. The studio announced a new initiative to foster creativity within the community, with ongoing improvements to tools for creators. Upcoming game updates include a new biome called Frozen Caves, the Wilderness Bound community challenge, and new Sound Effects Packs launching on the Minecraft Marketplace before the end of 2026. Minecraft is also set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, and the Minecraft: Education Edition is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
AppWizard
September 28, 2026
The Darkness has been officially released on PC, marking its first availability on this platform since its original launch in 2007 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The port was developed by portingpete, who adapted the Xbox 360 version for the Windows 64-bit operating system without using emulation. The game features original gameplay mechanics, support for gamepad and mouse controls, comprehensive video settings, and fully functional sound and save systems. Portingpete has also made the source code of the project available on GitHub, but players must provide their own Xbox 360 game files to play.
AppWizard
September 27, 2026
The development team behind Gears of War: E-Day is experiencing layoffs due to corporate restructuring at Microsoft’s Xbox division. Story director Juan Vaca announced on LinkedIn that he is seeking new opportunities after being laid off. Gears of War: E-Day has gone gold and is set for release on October 6, having sold over one million copies.
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