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Skyrim's lead designer reckons releasing Elder Scrolls and Fallout games faster risks 'disappointing fans'
AppWizard
June 28, 2026

Skyrim’s lead designer reckons releasing Elder Scrolls and Fallout games faster risks ‘disappointing fans’

The Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises from Bethesda have not released new titles for many years, with Fallout 4 reaching 11 years and Skyrim nearing 15 years since their last major releases. Microsoft is working to expedite the development of these games. Bruce Nesmith, lead designer of Skyrim, cautions that prioritizing speed over quality can lead to complications in game development, as large budgets and teams do not guarantee success. He emphasizes the importance of careful resource management and suggests that allowing franchises to rest can prevent fan fatigue. Nesmith estimates that creating a new game in these franchises would take at least five years from inception to completion.
Spyro speedrunner says a PC port of the original game is in the works, and it's being made with 'no AI'
AppWizard
June 28, 2026

Spyro speedrunner says a PC port of the original game is in the works, and it’s being made with ‘no AI’

Spyro the Dragon has been remastered in the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, available on Steam. Developer Toys for Bob is working on a new game, Spyro: A Realm Beyond, set to release in 2027. A fan group is developing a PC port of the original Spyro the Dragon, with 88% of the game's functions and 58% of its bytecode decompiled. The port features 60FPS gameplay, true widescreen support, perspective correct textures, and no polygon wobble. It is being developed without AI, runs at 320FPS, and is still in early stages with some visual artifacts. The release of the port may come sooner than expected.
Creative Assembly wants to know which factions you wish to play as in Total War: Medieval 3, but whatever you do, don't ask to play as the Pope
AppWizard
June 28, 2026

Creative Assembly wants to know which factions you wish to play as in Total War: Medieval 3, but whatever you do, don’t ask to play as the Pope

Creative Assembly is developing Medieval 3, a new installment in the Total War series, which is currently in its early stages. The studio is engaging with fans through preproduction livestreams and a survey to gather input on which factions to include in the game. Key factors for faction inclusion are recognition, uniqueness of starting situation, and potential for distinctive gameplay mechanics. Certain factions, including England, France, the Holy Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Kingdom of Jerusalem, and the Sultanate of Rum, are confirmed, while feedback is sought for smaller factions like the Italian city-states, Scandinavian kingdoms, and notable Muslim nations. Factions that will not be included are the Russian Principalities, the Mongol Empire, and the Papal States, the latter being considered too unique in playstyle.
Edge suddenly feels less bloated — after Microsoft retired its “creepy” AI history search feature to the company's digital graveyard
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Edge suddenly feels less bloated — after Microsoft retired its “creepy” AI history search feature to the company’s digital graveyard

Microsoft is refining the Windows 11 interface through the Windows K2 initiative, which includes reducing the visibility of Copilot. In a recent update, Microsoft has discontinued the AI-powered history search feature in Microsoft Edge to prioritize user privacy and security by keeping sensitive data off cloud storage. This change is noted in the Microsoft 365 Roadmap dated June 25, 2026.
Minecraft's new, free inventory-expanding backpack has been eating players' loot
AppWizard
June 28, 2026

Minecraft’s new, free inventory-expanding backpack has been eating players’ loot

Mojang has introduced the Herschel Backpack Trials add-on for Minecraft, which allows players to expand their inventory to 16 pages and 384 slots. The add-on is free and includes challenges to increase bag capacity, as well as features like automatic sorting and a soul-bound function. However, some players have reported that their backpacks become empty upon logging back into the game. Despite this issue, the add-on has a 4.5-star rating on the Minecraft Marketplace. A bug report regarding the disappearing items remains unresolved.
Upgrade like an insider — Windows 11 Pro is just $10 through June 28
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Upgrade like an insider — Windows 11 Pro is just $10 through June 28

Microsoft is offering Windows 11 Pro for .97, down from the regular price of 9, as part of its Deal Days promotion running until June 28. This offer includes a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro, which features advanced capabilities such as BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and Azure AD support. The operating system also includes enhancements like Snap Layouts, DirectX 12 Ultimate, and a Copilot AI Assistant. Users must ensure their PC meets the necessary system requirements before purchasing. Prices are subject to change.
Microsoft Weekly: 5 years of Windows 11, more support for Windows 10, and expensive Xbox
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Microsoft Weekly: 5 years of Windows 11, more support for Windows 10, and expensive Xbox

Microsoft's Windows 11 celebrated its fifth anniversary on June 24, 2026, and is undergoing regular updates to improve user experience, particularly addressing search functionality. Microsoft has extended the Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 for an additional year. A non-security update for Windows 11, KB5095093, was released, introducing enhancements such as point-in-time restore capabilities and accessibility improvements. In the Windows Insider Program, new builds were released across various channels, including accessibility features and improvements to File Explorer. Microsoft has discontinued the AI-powered browsing history search feature in Edge due to user feedback. PowerToys version 0.100.1 has been updated with improvements and bug fixes. In gaming, Microsoft announced a price increase for Xbox consoles effective August 1, 2026, with the Xbox Series X|S models seeing price hikes. The 2TB Xbox Series X will be discontinued, but new accessibility programs are being introduced. Valve's upcoming Steam Machine console is priced at ,049 for the 512GB configuration. Rockstar Games announced that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch at .99 for the base edition and .99 for the ultimate edition. NVIDIA announced new titles for its GeForce NOW streaming service, while Steam is hosting its annual Summer Sale until July 9, and the Epic Games Store is offering free games and deals.
From casual hobby to luxury investment: memory costs hit PC gaming hard
AppWizard
June 28, 2026

From casual hobby to luxury investment: memory costs hit PC gaming hard

Two years ago, the gaming landscape was improving with affordable video games and devices like the Steam Deck making PC gaming more user-friendly. However, demand for AI data centers has disrupted manufacturing, causing component prices to rise significantly. Microsoft reported a 2.5 times increase in costs for memory and storage, leading to a 20% price hike for the Xbox Series S in the U.S. starting in August. Apple also announced a similar 20% increase on its hardware. The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ has been launched at a price of ,499 in Australia, offering advanced gaming performance but at a steep cost. The Steam Deck remains a popular option at 9, while the ASUS ROG Ally provides alternatives for Windows users. The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a 1080p, 120Hz screen at a lower cost but lacks many major releases. Valve's Steam Machine was initially expected to start at 9, but due to the component crisis, it now starts at 9 for a 512GB model. DIY PC builds are becoming more accessible, with a recent build costing just over ,000. Consoles from Sony and Microsoft may offer better pricing for components despite recent increases. Cloud streaming services like Nvidia GeForce NOW and Xbox Game Pass are also emerging as cost-effective options.
Quantic Dream's Star Wars: Eclipse is struggling: 'We're understaffed,' say devs
AppWizard
June 28, 2026

Quantic Dream’s Star Wars: Eclipse is struggling: ‘We’re understaffed,’ say devs

Quantic Dream employees have raised concerns about staffing and project viability for Star Wars: Eclipse, following significant layoffs of 115 employees after the cancellation of their live-service game, Spellcaster Chronicles. Remaining staff believe these layoffs threaten the game's future and staged a strike during a LucasFilm visit to seek support. Employees are frustrated with management's lack of communication with parent company NetEase regarding project resources. They plan further protests, called the “Summer Strike Fest,” to advocate for additional staff needed to complete the game.
Microsoft Shares Bounce From 52-Week Low as Italian Probe and Windows 10 Extension Create Crosscurre
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Microsoft Shares Bounce From 52-Week Low as Italian Probe and Windows 10 Extension Create Crosscurre

The Italian antitrust authority, AGCM, has launched an investigation into Microsoft 365 for allegedly guiding users toward pricier subscription tiers by integrating AI tools like Copilot and Designer without explicit user consent. Microsoft has stated it will cooperate with the investigation. Last year, Australia’s consumer watchdog made a similar complaint regarding hidden costs related to Copilot during contract renewals. Despite this scrutiny, Microsoft shares rose to €327.90, a 5.71% increase, following a shift in investor sentiment towards AI-software firms. Microsoft also extended its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 until October 2027, allowing users to delay transitioning to Windows 11, which could hinder hardware sales. The stock remains down nearly 19% year-to-date and is trading below key moving averages. The ongoing regulatory investigation and sluggish Windows upgrade cycle present challenges for Microsoft’s growth.
Microsoft is quietly reinstalling Copilot on Windows 11
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Microsoft is quietly reinstalling Copilot on Windows 11

Microsoft has resumed the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on eligible commercial Windows 11 devices that use Microsoft 365 desktop applications. The rollout began in mid-June 2026 and is expected to continue into early July. The app is delivered through the Office updater and is enabled by default, requiring organizations to opt out if they do not want it. This initiative excludes countries within the European Economic Area due to stricter regulations. The move aims to simplify access to AI tools but has faced criticism regarding user consent and control over software installations.
Microsoft denies WSL 3 exists, reveals Windows 11's WSL Containers ship next week
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Microsoft denies WSL 3 exists, reveals Windows 11’s WSL Containers ship next week

Microsoft has clarified that there is no WSL 3 in development, as stated by Craig Loewen, the Product Manager for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). The confusion arose from articles discussing a new feature called WSL Containers, which will be launched soon. WSL allows users to run Linux environments on Windows without dual-booting, while WSL Containers enable the creation and management of Linux containers directly within Windows, eliminating the need for third-party tools like Docker Desktop. WSL 1, introduced in 2016, served as a translation layer for Linux system calls, and WSL 2, launched in 2019, included a full Linux kernel in a lightweight virtual machine. WSL Containers is an enhancement to WSL, allowing developers to build, run, and deploy containers directly from Windows using the wslc.exe command. This feature is part of Microsoft's strategy to make Windows a more accessible platform for running Linux workloads, helping to retain developers who might consider switching to other operating systems.
Microsoft Caught Between Windows 10 Stagnation and AI Infrastructure Splurge as Macro Data Looms
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Microsoft Caught Between Windows 10 Stagnation and AI Infrastructure Splurge as Macro Data Looms

Microsoft shares rose 5.71% to close at €327.90 on Friday, recovering from a 52-week low of €307.10 earlier that day. The company reported revenue of €82.9 billion in its latest quarterly earnings, an 18% year-on-year increase, driven by cloud and AI services. On June 22, Chevron announced a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft for approximately 2.67 gigawatts of capacity for a data center, with the first power delivery expected in 2028. Microsoft extended its Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 home users by another year, pushing the final security patch deadline to October 2027. The stock's closing price is only 6.77% above its 52-week low, with a 50-day moving average at €352.96 and a 200-day average at €383.98. The relative strength index is at 43, indicating no strong momentum.
Microsoft begins rolling out a faster File Explorer on Windows 11, and no, it's not preloading
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Microsoft begins rolling out a faster File Explorer on Windows 11, and no, it’s not preloading

Microsoft is rolling out an enhanced File Explorer for Windows 11 as part of the June 2026 optional update (KB5095093 / Build 26200.8737), which will also be included in the cumulative update scheduled for July 2026. This update improves File Explorer performance, particularly by streamlining the "Home" tab and enhancing the speed of launching File Explorer. Users will experience a more responsive interface, with improvements in the address bar and fixes for issues related to unresponsiveness when mounting disk images. Enhancements also include refinements in file and folder renaming, allowing for better text selection and case-only name changes. Users can navigate between folders using double backslashes and quotation marks in the address bar. Microsoft is also testing a faster, configurable right-click menu to improve usability. The preloading feature for File Explorer is still in development, with no guarantee it will match the speed of Windows 10.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
June 28, 2026

The Steam client was hurting PC gaming on Android — Valve’s VR headset accidentally solved it

Playing Windows games on Android has become feasible due to Winlator and open-source technologies like Wine, Box64, and DXVK. User-friendly applications such as GameHub and GameNative have emerged, enhancing mobile gaming experiences to rival dedicated handheld consoles. A major challenge was the reliance on the x86 Windows Steam client, which was resource-intensive on mobile devices. GameNative 1.0 introduced an experimental feature that eliminates the need for the desktop Steam client by using Valve's native Android libraries, improving the gaming experience significantly. Valve released Steamworks SDK version 1.63 in November 2025, which included native ARM64 libraries for Android, allowing for essential Steam functionalities without a translation layer. GameNative integrated these libraries, replacing the desktop client with a more efficient "bionic" Steam client that operates without a user interface, streamlining DRM and matchmaking processes. GameNative now supports Steam Guard TOTP sign-in, enabling smooth authentication and access to the user's Steam library. It downloads games natively, supports cloud saves, and is compatible with most single-player games with Steam DRM. The application boasts a high compatibility rate, with 221 out of 241 games in one user's library showing as compatible. GameNative 1.0 has improved performance with a Vulkan renderer and reworked controller stack. Despite its success, GameNative is not yet available on the Play Store, with nearly a million users sideloading the application. Developers aim to create a Play Store version that complies with Google's policies for easier installation.
League of Legends Classic is real: "This was the right time"
AppWizard
June 27, 2026

League of Legends Classic is real: “This was the right time”

League of Legends Classic has been announced earlier than planned due to a leak on the Public Beta Environment (PBE). Executive Producer Paul "Pabro" Bellezza and Head of League Studio Andrei "Meddler" van Roon discussed the excitement surrounding the nostalgic return of the game, which aims to evoke memories of its simpler early days. The initial plan was to reveal the teaser video before the MSI Finals on July 12, but the leak prompted an earlier announcement. The game will feature a roster that extends beyond the original 40 champions, including a return of Graves, and will incorporate old-style Runes and the Summoner Mastery system, though details are not finalized. League Classic will operate within the same client and utilize modern technology while adhering to 2026 system requirements. The full reveal is scheduled for July 11 at 11 PM PDT, with further insights expected at Worlds in October.
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