success 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.

BetaBeacon

January 16, 2026

Cooperative Puzzle Pepelo 2: Around the World Now Available on iOS and Android

Tafusoft studio has launched Pepelo 2: Around the World, an adventure puzzle game available for iOS and Android users. The game offers the first ten levels for free, with the full version priced at 199 rubles. Players can solve logic puzzles in real-world locations like Quebec, New York, Thailand, India, and Australia. There are 50 unique levels with skins inspired by traditional costumes. The developers aim to surpass the success of the original Pepelo game released in 2021.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Owner of big gaming platform can’t believe how bad Windows 11 is – and hints are dropped about big things for Linux gamers this year

Michał Kiciński, the new owner of GOG, expressed surprise at the longevity of Windows, criticizing it as poor-quality software. Maciej Gołębiewski, managing director of GOG, noted the company's strategic shift towards Linux, driven by increasing game compatibility and the success of SteamOS. This pivot is part of a broader industry trend as developers recognize the value of alternative operating systems. GOG plans to embrace Linux more fully by 2026. Meanwhile, Microsoft has focused on integrating AI into Windows 11, which has faced criticism for not addressing foundational issues, particularly in performance and functionality.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

An 81-year-old grandma has been streaming Minecraft to pay for her grandson’s cancer treatment, and he is now “cancer free”

An 81-year-old grandmother from Arizona, Sue Jacquot, started a YouTube channel called GrammaCrackers to support her grandson Jack, who was diagnosed with sarcoma in 2024 and has undergone over 200 chemotherapy treatments. The channel has nearly 200,000 subscribers, with proceeds directed towards Jack's medical expenses. The family has raised over 0,000 through a GoFundMe campaign for Jack's treatment. Recently, Jack has been declared "cancer free" and is "feeling great."

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 16, 2026

Valve’s Steam Machine will have “fewer constraints” for games to be Verified than Steam Deck — plus, an explanation for that weird Steam Controller puck

Valve announced the Steam Machine, set to release in early 2026, which will be powered by SteamOS and designed for living room integration. It aims to bridge the gap between PC gaming and consoles, boasting hardware specifications that rival current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The Steam Machine will have a streamlined process for games to achieve the "Verified" badge, making it easier for developers to secure this status compared to the Steam Deck. The Steam Machine is expected to have a larger library of Verified games due to its enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the new Steam Controller will feature a puck accessory that serves as a wireless receiver and charger, designed to reduce Bluetooth interference.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

The studio behind the best metroidvania of 2021 has a new game coming out next month—and I’m dropping everything to play it

Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a modern metroidvania known for its class-based combat, exploration mechanics, and pixel art. Released in 2021 by LABS Works, it was notable among other metroidvania titles like Axiom Verge 2 and Ender Lilies. LABS Works is currently developing a new game called Lovish, which will be a single-screen platformer featuring straightforward combat and intricate puzzles. Lovish is set to launch on Steam on February 5, with a free demo available now. The pixel art for Lovish is created by Kap, known for his work on 1001 Spikes.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

The best parody account in gaming hangs up its hat after 17 years: Peter Molydeux is retiring

Peter Molyneux has announced that his final project, Masters of Albion, will be released in April, marking the end of his career. The Peter Molydeux Twitter account, which parodied Molyneux's game concepts for 17 years, is also concluding. Launched in 2009 by Adam Capone, the account inspired two MolyJam events where developers created games based on Molydeux's whimsical tweets. Capone noted that Molyneux's once outrageous ideas have become more commonplace in the gaming industry.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Watch: Minecraft-like RPG Hytale expects over 1 million players at launch

Previews provide a glimpse into upcoming games, highlighting innovative gameplay and stunning graphics. Reviews influence consumer perceptions and purchasing decisions through detailed analyses of games. The Nintendo Switch 2 is generating excitement with rumors of enhanced graphics, improved performance, backward compatibility, and an expanded game library. Staying informed about gaming news is essential for consumers and industry professionals, as it reveals trends and developments. Trailers serve as a marketing tool that captivates audiences and sets expectations for upcoming games.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Long-Awaited Minecraft-Like MMO Hytale Launches in Early Access and Seemingly Registers Big Player Numbers Right Away

Hytale is now available in early access after its creator reacquired the rights from Riot Games. Players can purchase the game from the official website with three options: Standard (), Supporter (), and Cursebreaker (9). The game has reportedly seen a high rate of new players, although initial claims of 2.8 million users were debunked due to server issues. The development team revitalized a dormant build in eight weeks, addressing core systems and bugs. Exploration Mode features an infinite, procedurally generated world with biomes, structures, and creatures, allowing players to explore, craft, and engage in multiplayer experiences. Creative Mode offers building tools and specialized entity tools. Modding support is available from day one, with partnerships for robust content creation. Hytale supports multiplayer across all modes and plans to introduce Adventure Mode, official Minigames, and social features. There are future plans for console launches and consideration of a mobile version.