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AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Mortal Shell 2 is the latest game to join the Grand Theft Auto 6 release crush, but I don’t think it has much to worry about because it looks sick as hell

Mortal Shell 2 is set to be released at the end of August to avoid competition with Grand Theft Auto 6. The game features impressive aesthetics and gameplay mechanics, focusing on brutal combat and drawing inspiration from the modern Doom series. It has a high ranking on Steam’s most wishlisted games and is positioned to be a standout title of the year.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

A Mobile Headon: Body Cam Shooter Is Coming to PC – Wishlist Now on Steam 🚀

Headon: Body Cam Shooter Game is expanding to PC after its success on mobile platforms. The PC version is in development and will launch in Early Access, allowing players to provide feedback for continuous improvement. The game aims to enhance the existing experience while maintaining core elements that players enjoy. The development team is focused on delivering a high-quality shooter experience for both existing fans and new players. Players can add the game to their Steam wishlist for updates.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Doom dev Id is now “about the same size we were when making Doom 2016” after layoffs

Id Software has experienced significant layoffs, with 136 team members affected, which is over half of its workforce. This reduction is part of broader job cuts by Xbox, totaling 3,200 positions across Microsoft. Despite the layoffs, Id Software has communicated that it has sufficient staff to continue game development and maintain its creative output. The studio's current team size is reportedly similar to that during the development of the 2016 Doom reboot. Id Software is known for its influential titles and proprietary Id Tech engines, and it recently released Doom: The Dark Ages.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

A piece of GTA modding history that was considered lost has been rebuilt from scratch and fixed 22 years later

The Ghost City in Grand Theft Auto 3 was a hidden location that became lost over time, particularly after the original mod allowing access to it was hosted on a now-defunct site. ModSaver, a hobbyist, recreated the mod from scratch after the original was deemed "Lost Media," enhancing it by adding new collision files to make the area fully playable for the first time in over two decades. This revival highlights the gaming community's dedication to preserving gaming history.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

I tried the new Google Photos Android app redesign, and now I want it in every Google app

Google has started rolling out a design update for the Google Photos app on Android, changing the navigation bar from a ribbon-style format to a floating pill shape. This new design includes a circular button for search functionality and offers a more intuitive user experience. The navigation bar remains fixed during scrolling, allowing for more screen space and reducing confusion. Users can access three main views: Photos, Collections, and Create. While this update enhances the app's aesthetic and functionality, it diverges from Google's Material 3 Expressive guidelines regarding the recommended number of in-app destinations. Other Google applications still use the older ribbon-style design.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Minecraft Movie Build Challenge winner announcement

The Tree Village Build was removed from Grand Prize consideration due to an oversight in the admission process, as it incorporated blocks from multiple biomes. However, it will receive a special mention and be featured in the movie alongside the finalists and overall winner. The Tranquil Taiga Tower, another semifinalist, will also be included in the final movie. A Minecraft Movie Squared is set to release on July 23, 2027. All Finalist Builds will transition to the movie, with minor adjustments possible. The exact placements of the Builds in the movie are not disclosed, and the Tree Village Build is included to honor its popularity within the community. Warner Bros. will determine the placement of the Build in the movie.

Winsage

July 11, 2026

The Windows Central Podcast breaks down the Copilot OS leaks, the latest Microsoft layoffs, and what all of this means for the future of Windows and the company’s AI strategy

Microsoft has laid off 4,800 employees, particularly in the Xbox division, raising concerns about the effectiveness of its management structure, which includes 14 layers of middle management. A leaked internal project, "Project Aion," proposes a web-native operating system integrated within Microsoft Edge, replacing the traditional Start menu with Copilot. The podcast discusses consumer skepticism regarding AI adoption and the high costs of cloud-based large language models. Upcoming products include the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12, which will feature a new 24 GB RAM configuration and more affordable 8 GB options. Additionally, Microsoft has confirmed the discontinuation of the 10-inch Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go lines.

Tech Optimizer

July 11, 2026

Microsoft closes RoguePlanet vulnerability in Defender: SYSTEM privileges via the antivirus engine

A vulnerability known as RoguePlanet was identified in Microsoft Defender, tracked as CVE-2026-50656. This flaw allows local privilege escalation to the NT AUTHORITYSYSTEM account, requiring an attacker to have local code execution capabilities. It can be exploited through methods such as opening malicious email attachments. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-59: “Improper Link Resolution Before File Access” and involves a race condition that affects the Defender engine's operations. RoguePlanet was disclosed by security researcher Nightmare-Eclipse on June 10, 2026, and confirmed by various security firms. Microsoft released a fix in version 1.1.26060.3008 of the Microsoft Malware Protection Engine, which should be installed automatically in standard Windows configurations. Users can verify their engine version using PowerShell. The vulnerability affects both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems with the June 2026 security updates, and disabling real-time protection does not reliably mitigate it.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

45% of Playstation fans considering switching to PC

Push Square has established itself as a significant player in the gaming industry by offering in-depth analysis, timely news, comprehensive reviews, and opinion pieces. Its editorial team prioritizes quality content, fostering a loyal readership. The platform features interactive elements that encourage reader participation and user-generated submissions, enhancing engagement. Push Square is well-positioned to adapt to emerging trends in the gaming industry, focusing on new technologies, gaming events, and industry shifts. It actively engages with its audience through social media, building a sense of community and gathering valuable feedback for editorial decisions.

Winsage

July 11, 2026

This Windows feature has been eating users’ RAM for years, Microsoft still hasn’t fixed it

Memory leaks have been reported with the Phone Link feature in Windows 11, specifically the Cross Device Service, which is consuming excessive amounts of RAM. Users have noted that this service can use between 15 to 30GB of RAM, leading to significant system slowdowns and reduced internet speeds. Complaints about this issue have been ongoing since early 2023, with users often needing to manually intervene via Task Manager to restore system performance. The Cross Device Service is intended to facilitate features like clipboard sharing and notification syncing but appears to malfunction and enter a loop that increases memory usage. Microsoft has not officially acknowledged the problem, and while generic troubleshooting steps have been suggested, they may not resolve the issue for all users. Disabling the Phone Link feature has been proposed as a potential solution to mitigate memory consumption.

Winsage

July 11, 2026

Windows 11 Has a Hidden Tracker – Here’s How to Limit It

Peter Stokes allegedly used sophisticated methods to obscure his identity during a breach at a luxury retailer, but the FBI uncovered his identity through a Global Device Identifier (GDID) linked to his Windows installation. GDID is a persistent device-level identifier that uniquely identifies a Windows installation and remains unchanged through operating system updates, only resetting upon complete reinstallation. Users cannot disable GDID, and attempts to remove it may disrupt Windows activation. To minimize data associated with GDID, users can opt for a local account, limit diagnostic telemetry, disable Activity history, and be cautious during reinstallation. VPNs do not prevent Microsoft from logging GDID, IP addresses, and URLs, making them ineffective for privacy on Windows. GDID has been described as a covert tracking beacon, and security experts advise against using Windows for sensitive tasks, suggesting alternatives like Linux.

Tech Optimizer

July 11, 2026

Norton 360 Deluxe by Gen Digital Inc. – multi-device security with VPN bundled

Norton 360 Deluxe is a subscription service from Gen Digital that combines antivirus, firewall, VPN, and password management tools, covering up to five devices across various platforms. It includes features such as Norton Secure VPN, cloud backup for Windows PCs (up to 50 GB), Norton Password Manager, a smart firewall, and real-time malware scanning. The service is priced at €34.99 for the first year in Germany and around .99 in the U.S., with higher renewal prices. It is designed for households and small offices, providing multi-device coverage and ease of use. Norton 360 Deluxe is available through Norton’s website and retailers like Amazon, and it is recommended by review platforms for its comprehensive security features.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Epic Games Store Makes $50 Worth of PC Games Free

The Epic Games Store is offering two free games from July 9th to July 16th: Tattoo Tycoon and Nova Lands. Tattoo Tycoon, developed by CrazyBunch and released in October 2025, allows players to manage a tattoo parlor, featuring isometric management mechanics and a mini-game for tattoo application, though it has received criticism for clunky controls. It holds a “Mixed” rating on Steam. Nova Lands, developed by Behemutt and launched in June 2023, is a base-building simulation with a retro 2D art style, averaging a score of 79 on Metacritic and also holding a “Mixed” rating on Steam. Players gather resources to automate processes and expand their bases, with simplistic combat mechanics. The next free titles will be Echo Generation: Midnight Edition and Luto, available from July 16th to July 23rd.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Destiny 2 players get a final farewell gift from Bungie

Bungie has released the final patch for Destiny 2, marking the end of the game's narrative while keeping it accessible to players. To commemorate this moment, players can redeem a new emblem titled Gloriabundus through Bungienet. Bungie will continue to perform periodic server maintenance and hinted at the possibility of minor updates. Some fans hope Sony may reconsider the game's future due to a surge in player activity on Steam, but this seems unlikely given recent layoffs within the Destiny team. Players can find the new emblem in the Collections section of the game, along with additional freebies to celebrate the game's legacy.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

How to get hardwood in Palworld

The Palworld 1.0 update introduces a new crafting material called hardwood, which is essential for recipes between levels 40 and 50. Hardwood can be found in the Twilight Dunes and the Dancing Sakura Shrine area. Players can unlock fast travel locations at Anubis Dunes and Moonflower Tower Entrance to access these areas efficiently. Harvesting hardwood requires a Metal Axe, and it can be gathered from twisting trees in the Twilight Dunes and Sakura trees in the shrine area. Each High Quality Wooden Board crafted at level 43 requires 10 hardwood.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Call of Duty fans surprised to discover new Black Ops 2 port preserves the emblem editor, not surprised to find swastikas being made with it

Activision has released updated ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) and Black Ops 2 (2012), exclusively for PlayStation and priced at each. The ports feature enhanced graphics up to 1080p and include the return of the emblem editor, allowing players to create custom emblems. However, the absence of strict moderation may lead to inappropriate content. Critics noted the lack of an option to disable custom emblems and the omission of Wager matches from Black Ops. Additionally, modern enhancements like field of view sliders and high refresh rates are not included in these ports.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

8 Retro Nintendo Switch Online Games That Play Better On PC

Nintendo Switch Online offers various games, but some gamers find it lacking in quality and affordability. Several titles available on the service have superior versions on PC, particularly Nintendo 64 games. - Harvest Moon 64 features quality-of-life enhancements like variable game speeds and streamlined controls. - GoldenEye 64 has been revitalized by modders with improved framerates, higher resolutions, widescreen support, and online multiplayer. - Earthbound Beginnings has a fan-made rom-hack that updates visuals and gameplay. - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is considered best experienced on PC via Ship of Harkinian, which offers performance enhancements and gameplay improvements. - The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask has PC versions with unlocked framerates, improved resolutions, and customizable day lengths. - Super Mario World PC ports upscale graphics and introduce new mechanics like a double-jump feature. - Star Fox 64 PC port runs at 60fps with higher resolutions and customizable controls. - The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap has a PC port that modernizes the game and allows for user-created dungeons.

Winsage

July 11, 2026

Windows Central Podcast: Copilot OS leaks and Microsoft Layoffs

Microsoft is undergoing significant changes, including layoffs of 4,800 positions primarily in the Xbox division. An internal memo by Asha Sharma revealed 14 layers of middle management within Xbox, raising concerns about leadership effectiveness. The podcast discussed the reasons for the layoffs and management's failure to leverage franchises like Fallout and Minecraft. Additionally, a leak regarding "Project Aion," an experimental web-native operating system for 2024, was mentioned. The hosts also addressed consumer pushback against AI technologies and the associated costs. The anticipated launch of the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 will feature a 24 GB RAM option, while Microsoft has canceled the Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go lines.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced sells 2 million copies in 1 day and achieves the ‘highest concurrent player count ever recorded for an Assassin’s Creed title’ on Steam

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced sold over two million copies within 24 hours of its launch, surpassing newer franchise entries like Assassin's Creed Shadows in player engagement on Steam. Ubisoft expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic response from players, highlighting the game's nostalgic appeal since its original release 13 years ago. The emphasis on two million copies sold rather than player count raises questions about the comparative success of Black Flag Resynced and Shadows. Industry analyst Joshua Wolens noted that nostalgia is a powerful motivator in gaming, and Martin Schelling, the brand boss of Assassin's Creed, emphasized the significance of the game's revival and its connection to players.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

‘Surprised there was anyone left to post this’: Fans react as The Elder Scrolls Online debuts seasonal content days after hundreds laid off from studio

The Elder Scrolls Online has launched its new seasonal content, Return of the Thieves Guild, amidst significant turmoil at ZeniMax Online Studios, which has seen a reduction of over half its development team due to layoffs, totaling 213 employees. The launch has generated a muted response from fans, with many expressing support for the developers in the comments on the trailer, despite some sarcasm regarding the timing of the release. Players have shown dedication to the game, highlighting its positive impact on their experiences, while also voicing frustration over the corporate decisions affecting the studio.