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AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Crimson Desert dev says not to worry about Denuvo, because the impressive PC preview builds they’ve shown already had the DRM and are “representative of the final consumer’s experience”

Crimson Desert will incorporate Denuvo anti-piracy technology, which has raised concerns about its impact on game performance among the PC gaming community. Pearl Abyss assured players that benchmark videos and performance specifications released before launch were generated using the same Denuvo implementation that will be in the final build. A benchmark video showed Crimson Desert running at ultra settings in native 4K resolution with a frame rate of "mainly" 60fps on a Radeon RX 7900 XTX graphics card. Some players are wary of Denuvo due to past performance issues, and the presence of the "Denuvo anti-tamper" label on Steam may affect purchasing decisions. Additionally, measures have been taken to secure early-shipped physical copies to prevent spoilers, raising concerns about game preservation.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Top 5 PC games that are becoming learning tools for the new generation

Video games are recognized as valuable educational tools that enhance student engagement, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Notable educational games include: - Minecraft: Used in classrooms to teach coding, mathematics, architecture, and environmental science. - Kerbal Space Program: Teaches rocket design and orbital physics, helping students understand gravity, propulsion, and aerodynamics. - Portal 2: Aids in teaching physics, spatial reasoning, and logical thinking through puzzle-solving mechanics. - Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Familiarizes students with world history, diplomacy, and the consequences of policy decisions. - Eco: Focuses on sustainability, environmental policy, and resource management through collaborative gameplay. These games provide immersive experiences in various subjects, suggesting that gaming could significantly influence future educational methods.

Winsage

March 14, 2026

A critical Windows 11 bug has locked some users out of the C: drive, Microsoft admits — here’s what you can do if you’re affected

Selected users of Windows 11, particularly those with Samsung laptops, are experiencing an issue that makes their main C: drive inaccessible, displaying the error message "C: is not accessible – Access denied." This problem has been acknowledged by Microsoft and appears to have arisen after the February 2026 security update (KB5077181). It primarily affects users of Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 in regions such as Brazil, Portugal, Korea, and India. Microsoft is investigating the issue, which may be linked to the Samsung Share app, and has provided a potential workaround to roll back to a previous version via the Settings > Windows Update menu. Users have also suggested changing the ownership of the C: drive as a workaround, though this comes with risks.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Microsoft to eliminate shader wait times in PC games

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) technology to address lengthy shader compilation times for PC gamers. The ASD technology generates a Pre-compiled Shader Database (PSDB) from a Shader Object State Database (SODB), allowing for faster game startups by eliminating the need for local compilation. Since integrating ASD into its software development kit (SDK), Microsoft has achieved an 85% reduction in launch times for the game Avowed. NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm are also set to support ASD in their hardware. Additionally, Microsoft has updated its API to allow developers to upload pre-compiled shaders through the Xbox Partner Center, starting with the Xbox app on PC.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

This indie gem blends Devil May Cry and Darksiders, and it’s only $1 right now

Soulstice is a character action game set in the Holy Kingdom of Keidas, where players confront Wraiths as a Chimera, controlling two characters: Briar, who uses various weapons, and Lute, who provides supernatural abilities. The game features a gothic aesthetic and combo-heavy gameplay reminiscent of titles like Devil May Cry. It is currently available for £1 during the Fanatical Spring Sale, allowing players to customize their gaming experience by adding other titles from the Build Your Own Spring Bundle.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Free Sega Game Now Available to Download for Millions

Sega is offering Total War: Rome II – Emperor Edition for free download on PC through Amazon's Luna service for a limited time. This promotion requires an active Amazon Prime subscription. Total War: Rome II, released in 2013, is the eighth installment in the Total War series. Additionally, Total War: Attila was made available for free on Luna and can also be redeemed through the Epic Games Store. Total War: Attila will be available until April 1st, while Total War: Rome II can be claimed until April 15th.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Throwback XCOM successor Xenonauts 2 leaves early access in April, though the developer says the milestone ‘doesn’t mean our work is done’

Xenonauts 2 is approaching its official launch on April 2, following a three-year early access period during which it received seven major updates. These updates introduced four new alien species, five distinct UFO types, innovative geoscape systems, expanded storylines and mission types, and over 180 battlefields. The developers, Goldhawk Interactive, plan to continue patching and improving the game after the 1.0 release, with confirmed post-launch features including modding tools. The first installment of the Xenonauts series debuted in 2014 and is a homage to the original X-COM: UFO Defense.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Instagram says your chat privacy is going away, as its encryption vanishes soon

Instagram's end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for direct messages will be removed on May 8, 2026, resulting in decreased privacy for user chats. The platform is also enhancing protections for younger users by implementing advanced AI to manage Teen Accounts, which will have restrictions on unsolicited contacts and curated content.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Eldritch Katamari-like In Full Bloom has me fattening up an all-devouring blob creature, and it’s eerily therapeutic

Entithy is a small, Play-Doh-like sphere created by Obleak Games, characterized by its cuteness and insatiable appetite. The game "In Full Bloom" combines Tamagotchi-style nurturing with Katamari-esque consumption, where players care for Entithy and guide its growth. The game features a darker thematic approach with a soundscape that evokes unease, and an art style inspired by Tim Burton. Players start with Entithy in a sandpit, feeding it various items like bugs and decayed food to help it grow. As players progress, Entithy evolves, developing teeth and the ability to consume more substantial food. The demo concludes before fully exploring Entithy’s potential, leaving players curious about its future growth. The demo is available on Steam, with a full release expected in 2026.

Winsage

March 14, 2026

Microsoft: Windows 11 users can’t access C: drive on some Samsung PCs

Microsoft is investigating an issue affecting some Samsung laptops running Windows 11, particularly after the February 2026 security updates, where users are losing access to their C: drive. This problem prevents them from launching essential applications and is reported to display an error message stating, "C: is not accessible – Access denied." The issue appears to be linked to specific Samsung software, with reports mainly coming from Brazil, Portugal, South Korea, and India, particularly involving the Samsung Galaxy Book 4. The problem is confined to Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. A workaround has been suggested that involves changing the ownership of the C: drive to the "Everyone" group, but this poses security risks, and users are advised to wait for an official fix from Microsoft.

Winsage

March 14, 2026

Former Windows chief Steven Sinofsky criticises Windows and praises MacBook Neo

Steven Sinofsky, former Microsoft Windows chief, has transitioned to Apple’s MacBook Neo, criticizing the Windows operating system as “trash.” He noted that Microsoft was a pioneer in proposing ARM-based personal computers over 15 years ago but struggled to bring the concept to market due to its hesitance to abandon the x86 architecture. In contrast, Apple has successfully launched ARM-based computers that have gained efficiency and user adoption, revitalizing the personal computer market. Analysts predict that the popularity of ARM-based devices will rise, increasing competition between platforms focused on efficiency, performance, and cost.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Starfield’s composer says the game will become ‘legendary’, Todd Howard’s a ‘visionary’, and maybe you ‘were just not ready for it’

Composer Inon Zur has worked in the gaming industry for nearly three decades, contributing to numerous titles, including Bethesda's Fallout series and Starfield. In an interview, he praised Todd Howard for his creativity and vision, despite mixed reviews for Starfield, which received a 75% score from PC Gamer. Zur described the score for Starfield as a standout feature, emphasizing the duality of vastness and motion in space. He used unconventional orchestration techniques, with woodwinds creating rapid patterns and brass and strings providing a stable backdrop. Zur aimed to capture the relationship between individuals and the enormity of space, which influenced his compositional process.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Emiru faces backlash after joining Quackity’s QSMP 2 multilingual Minecraft server as resurfaced clips and cultural debate explode online

Emiru, a gaming streamer, joined QSMP 2, a multilingual Minecraft role-play server created by Quackity, which promotes cultural exchange among creators. Her participation sparked controversy due to past clips where she discussed political issues, leading some to question her fit within a community that values cultural respect. Critics highlighted her comments on politics and immigration, while supporters argued the clips were taken out of context and defended her against accusations of insensitivity. The debate included discussions about stereotypes related to Hispanic individuals and concerns regarding the comfort of some Mexican creators with her involvement. Emiru has not publicly responded to the criticisms.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Don’t miss Minecraft LIVE!

Mojang's Minecraft LIVE event is scheduled for March 21st at 10 AM ET, featuring a community preshow at 9:30 AM PT. The event will showcase new features and updates, including the upcoming game drop titled Tiny Takeover, with insights from developers. An aftershow will provide further engagement and live gameplay. The event will be streamed on YouTube and Twitch.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

adidas cuts Minecraft Slides to $30, Offset 3-Stripes Beanie $17, more from $14

Adidas has launched markdowns for the weekend, featuring notable discounts on various products. Highlights include: - Originals Youth Originals Remix 4.0 6-Pack Crew Socks - Originals Offset 3-Stripes Beanie - Sportswear ADILETTE SHOWER MINECRAFT SLIDES - Men’s Golf Ultimate365 Hounds Jacquard Polo Shirt - Men’s Running Own the Run Astro Knit Pants Quilted sweatshirts start at a low price, and tomtoc’s 1.5L X-Pac crossbody bag is available for . Customers can explore the full range of deals on adidas's dedicated sale page.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2026

Google confirms: Free-to-play demos are coming to Play Store games

- Google Play is enhancing its platform for gamers by introducing Game Trials for select titles. - Play is introducing "buy once, play anywhere" pricing for certain games, allowing players to access the game on both PC and mobile platforms. - Google is focusing on bringing more premium, paid games to Play, including indie games like Peaks, Sledding Game, and Low-Budget Repairs. - A dedicated tab for discovering new PC games has been added to the Play Store. - Google is expanding the Sidekick AI system for offering advice during games to select paid PC games. - Play's Community Posts forums are being expanded to support more games and discussions in additional languages.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Africa’s monetisation debate: founders weigh in on mobile, PC, and the realities of game revenue

African founders view the continent's mobile gaming market as facing significant constraints, including challenges related to payments, purchasing power, and infrastructure, rather than being fundamentally broken. Industry leaders like Hugo Obi and Abdallah Elshabrawy highlight that while monetization is a global challenge, it is particularly exacerbated in Africa due to economic realities. Advertising, especially rewarded video ads, is currently the most reliable revenue model, though lower advertising rates necessitate a larger user base for sustainable revenue. Mobile gaming accounts for about 87% of African gamers and 90% of gaming revenue, emphasizing its reach despite higher spending in PC gaming. Founders stress the importance of targeting global audiences and adapting monetization strategies to the diverse payment ecosystems and cultural dynamics across the continent. A hybrid approach to monetization, combining mobile and PC gaming, is seen as a potential future direction for the industry.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Epic Games Store PC Weekly Free Games 12/03/2026

From March 12, 2026, at 3 PM GMT until March 19, 2026, at 3 PM GMT, the Epic Games Store is offering free downloads of the games Cozy Grove and Isonzo. Cozy Grove is a life-simulation game developed by Spry Fox, where players act as a Spirit Scout on a haunted island. Isonzo is a first-person shooter developed by BlackMill Games, set during World War I in northern Italy, focusing on tactical gameplay in Alpine warfare.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Console and PC players trade hope and despair while they await Crimson Desert, as first PS5 Pro footage looks promising but Steam suddenly warns of Denuvo DRM

Crimson Desert is generating mixed reactions in the gaming community, particularly among PS5 and Xbox players who are cautious following the Cyberpunk 2077 launch. Recent console footage has showcased impressive visuals, and Digital Foundry has released a favorable analysis of the PS5 Pro version, highlighting three visual modes: Performance (upscaled 1080p at 60fps), Balanced (upscaled 1440p at 40fps), and Quality (native 4K at 30fps). However, PC gamers are concerned about the inclusion of Denuvo Anti-tamper technology, which has led to discontent on Steam and within the PC gaming subreddit due to its potential impact on performance. Despite these concerns, some industry experts have praised the game, with Richard Linneman calling it "one of the most impressive open-world experiences" and another reviewer describing it as an "overstuffed toybox" with entertainment value but lacking cohesion.

Winsage

March 14, 2026

4 new Microsoft Teams features coming next month, including AI you’ll actually use and a must-have feature for saving time

Microsoft Teams will introduce a suite of new features in April 2026 aimed at improving user experience during meetings. Key enhancements include: 1. Intelligent Meeting Recaps: Video-based recaps with highlights and narration to revisit important discussions. 2. Automatic Spoken Language Detection: Real-time recognition of spoken languages to simplify multilingual interactions. 3. Enhanced Copy and Paste Functionality: Preservation of @mentions and shared contacts when copying messages. 4. Customizable Meeting Controls: Option to hide the meeting controls toolbar for maximizing screen space. Additional improvements include expanded access for event organizers to manage private chats and an optimized experience for starting meetings with minimized windows.