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Retiring Valve programmer says 'at least one' of the studio's beloved game modes was made in secret to avoid pushback from peers
AppWizard
July 18, 2026

Retiring Valve programmer says ‘at least one’ of the studio’s beloved game modes was made in secret to avoid pushback from peers

Programmer Christopher Green has had a long career in the gaming industry, working on titles such as Amiga's Flight Simulators, Ultima Underworld, and Magic: The Gathering Online. He has worked at Valve for a total of 16 years, during which he contributed to projects like both Source engines, Day of Defeat: Source, The Orange Box, and both Portal games. Green retired from Valve for the second time recently, having returned in 2023 after a six-year hiatus. He shared insights from his career in a blog post and hosted AMAs on Reddit. Green previously worked at Leaping Lizard Software, where he helped develop Magic: The Gathering Online. He noted that Valve's work culture allows for personal projects, but newcomers may face challenges if their ideas deviate from mainstream expectations. His retirement announcement included details about his home office setup, which features advanced technology, and he expressed enthusiasm for pursuing personal projects, likely to be shared on GitHub.
Free Play Days – GTA Online, Crisol: Theater of Idols, Planet Zoo, Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports, and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

Free Play Days – GTA Online, Crisol: Theater of Idols, Planet Zoo, Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports, and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2

This week, the Free Play Days lineup includes Crisol: Theater of Idols, Planet Zoo, and Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members from July 16 to July 19. Grand Theft Auto Online and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 are available for all XBOX members from July 14 to July 21 without a Game Pass subscription. After the Free Play Days, players can purchase the games at a limited-time discount while retaining their Gamerscore and achievements. Crisol: Theater of Idols offers a survival horror experience optimized for XBOX Series X|S. Planet Zoo: Console Edition allows players to create and manage their own zoos. Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports features classic sports in a chaotic 4-player local co-op format. Grand Theft Auto Online allows up to 30 players to collaborate or compete in a dynamic universe, while Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 lets players train with iconic characters and tackle raid missions online.
The designer of cult classic King of Dragon Pass says his upcoming hellish heist game is pushing the boundaries of a concept he invented in 1999: 'There's really nothing else quite like it'
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

The designer of cult classic King of Dragon Pass says his upcoming hellish heist game is pushing the boundaries of a concept he invented in 1999: ‘There’s really nothing else quite like it’

In 1999, designer David Dunham and his studio A Sharp released King of Dragon Pass, which combines mythic fantasy RPG and cattle management simulation. Although it initially faced commercial disappointment, it gained a dedicated following for its narrative experience. Later in 2023, Dunham and A Sharp will launch Thousand Hells: The Underworld Heists, described as a "systemic storybook experience" by its publisher, Kitfox Games. Dunham calls it a "tactical narrative game," emphasizing its unconventional classification. The game features gameplay elements where players use traits of party members in conflict resolution, set in a fantastical representation of Byzantium. It introduces conditional, rearrangeable storytelling elements, which Dunham claims to have pioneered in the '90s, although he acknowledges that King of Chicago may have predated him. Thousand Hells offers a unique experience in each playthrough and can be completed in one to two hours, contrasting with the longer narratives of its predecessors.
Buckshot Roulette: The Viral Horror Phenomenon Joins XBOX Game Pass Today
AppWizard
July 9, 2026

Buckshot Roulette: The Viral Horror Phenomenon Joins XBOX Game Pass Today

Buckshot Roulette has officially launched today on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, and cloud services. It is available at no additional cost for XBOX Game Pass subscribers. The game replaces the traditional revolver of Russian Roulette with a pump-action 12-gauge shotgun, where players alternate turns with The Dealer, drawing items and deciding whether to aim at their opponent or themselves. It offers a single-player experience and has integrated multiplayer support for up to four players as a post-launch update. The game has evolved from an experiment on Itch.io to a celebrated title with a vibrant community, featuring fan art and enthusiasm. Today marks its first availability on console.
Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Google Play Mega Game Sale from $0.10, and more
AppWizard
June 24, 2026

Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Google Play Mega Game Sale from $0.10, and more

A variety of Android game and app deals are available during Day 2 of Prime Day, featuring titles such as Planet of Lana, Incredibox, Same Room Same Day: Premium, Murders on Budapest, Argo’s Choice: Offline Game, Charlie in Underworld, Skel, Defense, and 7Days. The Google Play Mega Game Sale has launched, offering many games at discounted prices. Pixel smartphones are also discounted, with the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro XL starting at 4 (up to 5 off) and the Pixel 10a at a record low of 9. Additionally, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is available with savings of nearly 0 on new devices and up to 8 on open-box options from Best Buy.
As EA appear to renew the trademark for Ultima, its creator lies in wait to reclaim the game's copyright next year
AppWizard
June 21, 2026

As EA appear to renew the trademark for Ultima, its creator lies in wait to reclaim the game’s copyright next year

Electronic Arts (EA) filed new trademarks for the Ultima franchise, indicating a potential revival after nearly eight years since the last installment, Underworld Ascendant. Series creator Richard "Lord British" Garriott has expressed his desire to resurrect Ultima and is optimistic about reclaiming copyright in 2027, as creators can reclaim rights after 35 years under U.S. copyright law. However, while Garriott may regain copyright over his original works, EA retains the trademark for the Ultima name. Garriott plans to discuss the franchise's future at Dragon Con later this year.
The creator of Ultima is reportedly reclaiming the series' rights back from EA, and it could happen as soon as next year
AppWizard
June 20, 2026

The creator of Ultima is reportedly reclaiming the series’ rights back from EA, and it could happen as soon as next year

Ultima is a significant franchise in PC gaming, originally created by Richard 'Lord British' Garriott, known for its influential roleplaying series and spinoffs like Ultima Underworld and Ultima Online. The rights to the series have been held by Electronic Arts (EA) since 1992, following Garriott's sale of Origin Systems. Despite some releases, the series has largely been inactive under EA, with unsuccessful attempts at revival in 2010 and 2013. Recent developments indicate that Garriott may soon reclaim the copyright to Ultima in 2027 due to U.S. copyright law, although the trademark will remain with EA. Garriott has expressed interest in potentially creating a new title, possibly titled "Lord British's Ultima." He has attempted to revive the series multiple times during EA's ownership but has faced challenges in those discussions.
Moonana announces ‘vampire Soulsvania’ game Bathory: Heritage of Blood for Switch, PC
AppWizard
June 4, 2026

Moonana announces ‘vampire Soulsvania’ game Bathory: Heritage of Blood for Switch, PC

Developer Moonana has announced their new project, Bathory: Heritage of Blood, set for release in 2027 on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. The game features Ursula Bathory, a vampire princess seeking to reclaim her throne after being poisoned and imprisoned by her mother, Queen Regent Elizabeth Bathory. Players will explore Čachtice Castle, engage in combat using their life force, and can regenerate health by claiming blood from defeated enemies. The game includes a unique combat system with various magical attacks, the ability to steal spells, and a narrative involving the vampire underworld and a conspiracy by the Church.
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