Games Archives

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

Microsoft filing shows total ZeniMax layoffs at 379, with over half coming from Elder Scrolls Online studio that’s lost at least 60% of its staff in the past year

ZeniMax Online Studios and ZeniMax Media have undergone significant restructuring, resulting in the layoff of 379 employees—213 from ZeniMax Online and 166 from ZeniMax Media. There is no separate notice for Bethesda Game Studios, suggesting that some layoffs may include Bethesda personnel. The ZeniMax Online Union's membership has declined from 461 to approximately 186 employees, indicating a reduction of about 40% in workforce over a year and a half. Despite The Elder Scrolls Online generating substantial monthly revenue for over a decade, the decision to reduce the workforce raises questions about the strategic direction of ZeniMax Online.

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

Roughly 192 Subnautica 2 players have drowned every minute since launch

Players of Subnautica 2 have collectively logged over 58 million hours of gameplay in under two months since its early access launch. During this time, players have recorded a staggering number of drownings, exceeding the average annual unintentional drowning deaths in the United States (4,083) by a factor of 3,829. Many players are equipped with oxygen tanks and exploring areas with breathable oxygen bubbles.

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

This Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Mod Removes the Yellow Color Filter for More Natural Graphics

Modder ‘Blu’ has created a Reshade Mod for Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced that removes the yellow color filter, allowing for a more authentic color palette. This mod is available for download and requires the latest version of Reshade with Prod80’s shaders for optimal performance. Comparison screenshots show the differences between the modded and vanilla versions. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced performs better than its predecessor but has a bug that can lock the framerate during cutscenes, which Ubisoft is addressing in an upcoming update. Players can adjust settings like Ray Tracing, BVH, and Terrain Quality to mitigate performance issues.

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

All Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced players can now claim free rewards

Ubisoft has launched a rewards bundle for players of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced after the game surpassed two million sales in its first day. The bundle includes Crimson Storm sails for the Jackdaw and 1,500 Animus keys, available for a limited redemption period. Steam reviews currently show a 78% positive rating, with some criticism regarding day-one paid DLC and gameplay mechanics. Ubisoft is addressing reported issues, including localization and a 30fps cutscene bug on PC. Players can redeem the bundle using the code ACBF-PHGN-SYBJ-RTRF through their Ubisoft Connect account.

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

You Can Use A GameCube Controller On Your PC – Here’s How

Many leading gaming brands are now offering USB-cable versions of controllers for better compatibility. Nintendo's Switch 2 features a controller that connects to Windows systems via cable or Bluetooth with a dedicated PC application. The original GameCube controller requires an external adapter for PC use, as it lacks a USB connection. To use a GameCube controller on a PC, an adapter is necessary, with popular options including the official Wii U adapter and various Mayflash models. The adapter must be set to the correct mode for the games being played, particularly for emulated GameCube titles. As of late 2025, Steam supports GameCube controllers natively, including rumble support, and recognizes both original controllers with adapters and third-party alternatives. The GameCube controller designed for the Switch 2 is also compatible with Steam. Users should ensure their Steam client is updated and can customize controls using Steam Input. While the GameCube controller is effective for games designed for it, it may not perform optimally for modern games.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Minecraft: The Official Crochet Book Has Been Announced

Minecraft: The Official Crochet Book will be released on July 14, 2026. It features 20 crochet projects inspired by Minecraft characters and elements, designed by Lee Sartori and Nadia Oxford. The book includes step-by-step instructions, detailed charts, and yarn suggestions, making it suitable for all skill levels. Projects range from amigurumi figures to wearable art, including hats, scarves, blankets, and decor. The book also contains full-color photography.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Police Alert Parents And Gamers To Dangerous Minecraft Malware Campaign

The Montgomery County Police Department has issued a warning about a malware campaign called “WeedHack” targeting Minecraft players. This malware is spread through fake Minecraft modifications and downloads, leading to significant risks for users. Over 116,000 players have been infected since early 2026, with new infections occurring at a rate of 2,000 to 3,000 daily. The malware can steal passwords, hijack accounts, access cryptocurrency wallets, capture screenshots, disable security measures, and install backdoors for ongoing access. More advanced versions can activate webcams and monitor user activity. The department advises downloading mods only from trusted sources, being cautious with links promoting free clients, using strong passwords, keeping antivirus software updated, and discussing the risks of unofficial software with children. Individuals who suspect they have been targeted should report it to the police.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Try Marketplace Pass for Free

The Marketplace Content series on .net offers a variety of content available through the Marketplace Pass, with a monthly showcase of popular items. The Marketplace Pass Free Weekend allows users to participate without a credit card, but discounts on content are only available to active subscribers. Free Character Creator items are exclusive to Marketplace Pass subscribers, while various skin packs can be accessed by all players. After the Free Weekend ends, any paid content downloaded will be removed from users' accounts, although built worlds will remain. Users can retain content by purchasing it with Minecoins or by signing up for a free trial of the Marketplace Pass, which provides temporary access to subscription content.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

The Minecraft Movie votes are in and, despite controversy, everyone’s a winner

Jack Black and Jason Momoa will reprise their roles as Steve and Garrett in the upcoming sequel, A Minecraft Movie Squared, alongside Kirsten Dunst as Alex. Mojang announced a competition for fans to submit designs for the film, selecting three finalists: 'Lightning Rod Lighthouse' by Francisco C.M., 'Copper Badlands Castle' by Rosanna C., and 'Tranquil Taiga Tower' by Iola Y. The 'Tree Village' by Ben V. was disqualified for not adhering to submission guidelines but will be recognized as an honorable mention. All builds will be included in the movie or its end credits. A Minecraft Movie Squared is scheduled for release on July 23, 2027.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Minecraft Update 3.42 Applies Bedrock 26.33 on July 11

The Bedrock Edition 26.33 has been released as update 3.42 for Minecraft on PS4, addressing a bug related to texture bleeding on custom blocks. The update has a modest download size and is considered a minor hotfix. Mojang is also aware of various other bugs reported by players, including unusual grass behavior, issues with skin display, and significant lag in multiplayer environments, among others.