AppWizard
February 12, 2026
A player known as @wwYukiwww has recreated the iconic map 6 Tanglewood Drive from Phasmophobia within the housing system of Final Fantasy 14. The design uses available furnishings to mimic the haunted house's atmosphere, showcasing a ceiling fan made from four Antique Wall Shelves and a Metal Work Lantern. Yuki's project highlights the challenge of fitting intricate designs within a 400-item limit, and they have also recreated Level 974 from The Backrooms in a compact FF14 apartment. Players have a history of pushing the boundaries of FF14's housing system, employing innovative techniques to create unique designs. The community continues to thrive as Square Enix expands furniture and architectural options, fostering creativity despite the game's limitations.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
Many players find solace in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, which offers thrilling combat and a captivating narrative, alongside the joy of swinging through New York City. The game continues to be highly regarded years after its release, with the narrative following Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they face threats from Sandman, Kraven the Hunter, and Venom. It features Arkham-style combat and an open-world design that allows for dynamic movement throughout the city. Currently, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is available for .19 / £35.99 at Fanatical, marking its lowest price ever.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
The Epic Games Store offers free games regularly, which attracts new users and fosters community engagement. It has secured exclusive deals with developers and publishers, providing high-profile titles not available on other platforms. The store features a favorable revenue-sharing model for developers, taking a smaller cut of sales, which encourages innovation and attracts indie developers. Its user-friendly interface and support system help developers reach their audience effectively.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
WhatsApp is facing scrutiny from the Russian regulatory authority Roskomnadzor amid heightened tensions between the Russian government and messaging platforms. The regulator previously accused WhatsApp and Telegram of violating national laws related to terrorism and scams, particularly after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which led to a ban on Facebook and Instagram. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, criticized the Russian government for attempting to push citizens towards a state-controlled messaging app for surveillance purposes. The Kremlin is promoting a domestic messaging service called Max, which raises concerns about privacy and government intrusion. Despite restrictions, many in Russia access WhatsApp through VPNs, but the government is intensifying efforts to block these workarounds and impose fines on VPN providers. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that WhatsApp's future in Russia depends on whether Meta is willing to engage with Russian authorities, emphasizing the tension between compliance with local laws and user freedoms.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
Russia has moved to block WhatsApp entirely within its borders, aiming to redirect users to MAX, a state-supported messaging application criticized for its potential surveillance capabilities. This action is part of a broader strategy by the Russian government to tighten control over digital communication, following previous restrictions on major social media platforms and other messaging services like Signal and Viber. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that WhatsApp could be unblocked if it complies with Russian law. The government is also planning new restrictions on Telegram, which has been vital for military communications in Ukraine. MAX, the promoted national messaging app, lacks end-to-end encryption and is designed to share user data with authorities.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
The Russian government has blocked the messaging application WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, due to the company's non-compliance with local regulations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested citizens use MAX, a state-backed messaging app, which integrates government services. Critics have labeled MAX a surveillance tool, while authorities deny these claims. Meta Russia has been classified as an extremist organization, and WhatsApp has expressed concerns about the government's actions isolating over 100 million users from secure communication. Restrictions on WhatsApp began in August due to alleged failures to cooperate with law enforcement. Russian courts have fined WhatsApp for not removing prohibited content and have demanded the establishment of a local representative office, which has not been met. Users are turning to VPNs and alternative messaging platforms like Telegram.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
Russia has enacted a complete blockade of WhatsApp due to Meta Platforms' non-compliance with local regulations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the blockade and encouraged citizens to use MAX, a state-backed messaging service. Critics have raised concerns about MAX being a potential surveillance tool, which Russian officials deny. This blockade is part of a broader strategy for a "sovereign" communications infrastructure, requiring foreign tech companies to comply with Russian laws or face exclusion. WhatsApp has over 100 million users in Russia and has expressed concerns that the blockade jeopardizes user privacy and security. Following the blockade, several WhatsApp domain names have disappeared from Russia's national domain register, making the app accessible only via VPNs. Roskomnadzor has not commented, and previous restrictions on WhatsApp included limitations on calls and fines for not complying with Russian laws.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
The Kremlin has confirmed the blockage of Meta's WhatsApp messaging service, urging Russian citizens to switch to a state-backed platform called Max. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Max as an "accessible alternative" and a developing national messenger. WhatsApp has accused the Russian government of trying to "fully block" its service to push users towards Max, labeling it a "surveillance app" and expressing concern about isolating over 100 million users from secure communication. Russia's telecoms watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has targeted popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram for non-compliance with Russian legislation regarding data storage and security measures. This strategy aims to steer users towards domestic services that are easier to monitor. Critics argue this approach restricts freedom of expression and privacy while enabling government control of public discourse, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict. Telegram has faced scrutiny from Roskomnadzor, which has imposed partial restrictions on its services and stated intentions to continue these actions due to alleged failures in user data protection.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
The Instagram app for Android is experiencing significant crashing issues, particularly related to beta version 417.0.0.0.73, causing frustration among users who report the app force-closing within seconds of launching. Problems began two days ago with crashes when liking comments and escalated to the app failing to launch. Users have encountered the error message “Something went wrong with Instagram” and have reported their photo grids disappearing, despite everything being intact on the web version. Clearing the cache provides only temporary relief, and standard troubleshooting methods have not resolved the issues. Many users are unable to disable the Early Access toggle due to errors. Meta has not yet acknowledged these problems publicly. Some users are considering installing an older APK file as a temporary solution.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
Google Photos is introducing a "Copy" button in the share sheet, allowing users to copy images directly into other applications without prior downloads. This feature, available in version v7.63.0.867680147, enables users to paste full-resolution images with slight compression into existing messages. Users can only copy one image at a time, consistent with standard copy-paste behavior on Android. Additionally, Google Photos is receiving a Material 3 Expressive redesign for its Backup settings, with updates to the Album screen and the Updates section to enhance usability and aesthetics.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
Minecraft has inspired numerous clones and voxel-based crafting simulations over the past 15 years. Recently, the upcoming game Allumeria was temporarily removed from Valve’s Steam platform due to a DMCA copyright notice from Microsoft, which claimed that Allumeria used "Minecraft content, including but not limited to gameplay and assets." The takedown was triggered by a screenshot from the game’s Steam page that depicted a world similar to Minecraft. Unomelon, the developer, stated that Allumeria does not reuse any of Minecraft's assets. The DMCA claim was generated through Tracer.AI, an AI platform used by Microsoft and Mojang to identify copyright violations. Jens Bergensten, Chief Creative Officer at Mojang, acknowledged the situation and stated he would investigate further. Approximately 12 hours later, Microsoft withdrew their DMCA claim, and Allumeria's Steam page was reinstated.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
Pokopia is a game that combines elements of Pokémon, Animal Crossing, and Minecraft. Players take on the role of a Ditto transformed into its former owner, focusing on attracting Pokémon by creating suitable environments rather than traditional capture methods. Each Pokémon has specific habitat preferences, and players must cultivate areas like long grass or set up gym-like environments to attract them. As Pokémon join the player's island, they provide abilities that enhance gameplay, such as Bulbasaur teaching Leafage and Squirtle teaching Water Gun. Players also work on revitalizing dilapidated areas of the game world, which may resemble a post-apocalyptic version of the Kanto map. They collect resources to rebuild structures like Pokémon Centers, with each Pokémon's abilities influencing their contributions to the rebuilding process. The gameplay loop encourages players to recruit more Pokémon to unlock skills and items, fostering exploration and discovery. Pokopia includes multiplayer elements, allowing players to collaborate on tasks, such as building bridges to transport Pokémon. The game draws on various influences while maintaining a connection to traditional Pokémon gameplay, promising an innovative experience within the franchise.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
Pokémon Pokopia will debut on the Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5, developed by The Pokémon Company, Game Freak, and Koei Tecmo. Players will take on the role of a Ditto on an abandoned island, tasked with revitalizing the region by attracting wild Pokémon through environmental reconstruction. The game features a block-based world reminiscent of Minecraft, where players can manipulate their surroundings to create habitats for various Pokémon. Each Pokémon has distinct preferences, allowing players to build relationships and absorb their abilities to enhance town-building skills. The game includes an online multiplayer mode for collaborative play, enabling friends to work together on communal projects.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
The LEGO Minecraft The Lush Cave Fight set, numbered 30705, was released in 2025 and contains 40 pieces, designed for ages five and above. It features Alex, who battles a skeleton in a lush cave environment, marking the first appearance of the lush biome in a Minecraft-themed set. The Alex minifigure has reddish-brown legs, a sand-green shirt, and orange hair, wielding a medium azure pixelated sword. The skeleton minifigure uses standard parts and comes with a reddish-brown pixelated bow. The lush cave model includes various Minecraft plants on a 4x6 dark blue base, with elements like glow berries and a large folding dripleaf that allows for parkour movements. The set offers a simple building experience and includes two minifigures.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
Jason Momoa has been cast in the live-action adaptation of the video game Helldivers, developed by Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions, with a release date set for November 10, 2025. He will collaborate with director Justin Lin, known for the Fast and Furious franchise. The film is based on Arrowhead's space-based shooter game, and while details about Momoa's character are not disclosed, the project has received mixed reactions from fans regarding Lin's experience with gaming. Momoa is also set to portray Blanka in the upcoming Street Fighter film, scheduled for release on October 16. Additionally, a fan-made Helldivers project is available on YouTube, created by Plot Coalition.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
Woe Industries has introduced the Adventure Game Aptitude Test (AGAT) to assess players' ability to solve puzzles from 1980s adventure games without modern walkthroughs. The test employs proctoring software, AutoProctor, to monitor participants via webcams and microphones for any violations. It will take place on February 28, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM EST. Successful participants will receive a diploma as a reward. A preliminary quiz is also available for those looking to practice their puzzle-solving skills.
AppWizard
February 12, 2026
The National System of Domain Names (NSDI) has removed 13 widely-used online platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp Web, Instagram, The BBC, and Deutsche Welle. Users can only access these sites through a virtual private network (VPN).
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