achievements Archives

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

WhatsApp Launches EU Interoperability for Encrypted Cross-App Messaging

Meta Platforms Inc.’s WhatsApp is rolling out interoperability features across Europe, allowing users to send messages to individuals on third-party applications starting in November 2024. This initiative is in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires dominant tech companies to enhance competition by opening their platforms. Users will be able to communicate while maintaining end-to-end encryption, a process that has taken over three years to develop. Users must opt-in to receive messages from third-party applications, and the initial rollout is limited to specific partners. The interoperability allows for sharing text, images, voice messages, videos, and files. Meta's engineering team adapted WhatsApp's infrastructure to accommodate external services while upholding encryption standards. Concerns have been raised about potential security vulnerabilities and the implications of proposed regulations like "Chat Control" that could conflict with encryption efforts. This development could influence competitive dynamics in the messaging sector, providing smaller applications like BirdyChat and Haiket visibility by integrating with WhatsApp’s large user base. Compliance with the DMA helps Meta avoid fines while risking dilution of WhatsApp's market dominance. Privacy implications are a significant concern, with discussions around how interoperability could facilitate surveillance or compromise user security. Meta's journey involved regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with DMA objectives, and the success of this initiative could set a precedent for global standards in digital communication.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

This pirate-themed FPS just got an enormous update that lets you sail a ‘living ship’—a hybrid of wooden hull and space whale that’s called Abby and is utterly horrifying

This November, pirate-themed gaming has surged with the release of Salt 2, a survival simulation in its 1.0 version, and Captain Wayne: Vacation Desperation, an action shooter using the Doom engine. Davy x Jones, a roguelike first-person shooter, received a significant update introducing a second gameplay mode featuring a "living ship" named Abby, allowing players to engage in naval battles and recruit ghostly pirates. The update includes a boss fight against the Kraken, enhanced first-person combat with new attack options, a redesigned skill tree, a comprehensive codex, and support for advanced graphics technologies. Existing save files may become corrupted due to these changes, and the game is currently available at a 20% discount until December 9, priced at .99/£12.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

There’s a cute voice messaging app for Playdate now

A new app named helloyellow has been developed by Jon Simantov to enhance communication among Playdate enthusiasts. It allows users to exchange voice messages, create group chats, and celebrate achievements. The app is available for free on itch.io, with limitations, or as a full version for a modest price. It operates over Wi-Fi, enabling offline message recording, which sends automatically upon reconnection. The full version permits voice messages of up to 10 minutes, while the free version limits messages to two minutes. Users connect with friends using unique hellocodes and can use an integrated emoji library for reactions.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Don’t sleep on this fantastic co-op sandbox game, because it’s about to add an explosive new biome completely for free

Core Keeper launched out of early access in 2024 with a 94% positive rating on Steam. The upcoming update, Void and Voltage, will be released for free on January 28. The game features exploration, combat, and crafting from a top-down perspective. The new biome, Breaker's Reach, includes new adversaries and a boss named SAHABAR. The update will introduce new automation tools, gear such as a handheld flamethrower, miniguns, and various other items. A new sub-biome called the Void will feature evolved enemy variants and new combat mechanics. Community-requested features will also be added, including echo maps, crafting statues, and improvements to minions.

AppWizard

November 28, 2025

Sorry folks, but CD Projekt says it’s not going to surprise us with any breathtaking Witcher 4 moments at The Game Awards

The Game Awards are approaching, with Grand Theft Auto 6 expected to win the Most Anticipated Game award, while The Witcher 4 is anticipated to secure second place. CD Projekt Red confirmed that The Witcher 4 is in full-scale production since November 2024 and will not be delayed until 2026. The studio plans to expedite the development of The Witcher 5 and 6 after the release of The Witcher 4, aiming to complete a new trilogy within six years. Michal Nowakowski from CD Projekt expressed confidence in this timeline, despite skepticism due to the studio's history of lengthy development cycles.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

Epic Games Store opens December 2025 PC free games lineup with two acclaimed hits

The Epic Games Store has announced updates to enhance user experience and expand its offerings, including a revamped user interface, enhanced search functionality, and improved social features. Additionally, Epic is supporting developers through a competitive revenue sharing model, funding for indie developers via the Epic MegaGrants program, and access to Unreal Engine technology. These initiatives aim to create a user-friendly platform and nurture a thriving developer community.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

Clair Obscur creative director says he knew the game was going to be ‘cool,’ but he really didn’t expect it to be so ‘big’

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has sold over five million copies and received significant recognition at the Golden Joystick Awards. Creative director Guillaume Broche expressed surprise at the game's popularity, stating it was not expected to be a major success before its launch. Voice actor Ben Starr noted that the game was never intended to achieve such heights and attributed its success to its authenticity. The game has also received a record number of nominations for The Game Awards 2025, with results to be revealed on December 11.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

It took a full 10 years but one of Ubisoft’s most popular games finally has achievements on Steam

Ubisoft has announced that Steam achievements are now available for Rainbow Six Siege, a feature that took ten years to implement since the game's launch in 2015. Achievements previously unlocked through Ubisoft Connect will automatically be recognized on Steam during the next login, eliminating the need for players to replay challenges. This update aligns with Ubisoft's trend of returning to Steam and enhancing older titles with new features.

BetaBeacon

November 26, 2025

This ambitious new emulation hub could be a game-changer on Android

iiSU is an ambitious emulation frontend that draws heavily from the Nintendo 3DS and PSP user interfaces. It features custom art and music for games, integrates with RetroAchievements, allows browsing and playing of local media files, and plans to include a social network and a shop for custom themes and icons. The platform is currently in development, with a public build expected in Spring 2026 for Android users.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

Battlefield 6 player hits max rank with ‘death trap’ jeep everybody hates, and it only cost his sanity: ‘It’s a bad vehicle’

The Light Ground Transport (LGT) jeep in Battlefield 6 is often criticized as a "coffin on wheels" due to its lack of armor, making passengers vulnerable. Despite its agility and mounted machine gun, players frequently avoid using it. A player named Renegade_Soviet achieved the "Gold Standard" skin for the LGT by reaching rank 50 with the vehicle, which is considered a rare accomplishment. He employed a strategy of positioning the jeep in narrow alleyways to ambush enemies, earning 2,500 to 3,000 XP per game over a month. Renegade found the journey to rank 50 challenging and opted to play in normal Conquest and Escalation modes for better rewards. He sought the achievement for personal pride, noting that the mastery badge is distinctive compared to more common badges. Renegade acknowledged the LGT's shortcomings and suggested that even minor improvements, like a shield for the machine gun, could enhance its effectiveness. He used the jeep mainly in a stationary position to avoid becoming an easy target. Discussions among players include hopes for improvements to the LGT or the introduction of new vehicles.