announcement Archives

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

Amidst mounting fears of Xbox closures, Todd Howard says Arkane is ‘doing a really, really good job’ on Blade

Arkane Lyon's stability has been questioned following Xbox's recent restructuring, particularly after its absence from the Xbox Games Showcase and concerns about potential studio closures. Todd Howard, head of Bethesda Softworks, provided reassurance about Arkane's progress on Marvel's Blade, stating he saw promising work as recently as May. However, skepticism remains regarding Arkane's long-term viability due to Microsoft's history of project announcements coinciding with studio cuts, such as the closure of Arkane's Austin studio in 2024.

Winsage

June 23, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 26H2 Update for x86-64 PCs

Microsoft has confirmed the release of the Windows 11 update version 26H2, designed for PCs with x86-64 processors from Intel and AMD. Devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite and NVIDIA RTX Spark processors will receive a separate update. Earlier this year, Windows 11 26H1 was introduced for Windows-on-Arm devices. Windows 11 26H2 is a minor update that shares the same code base as version 25H2, allowing for a seamless transition without a complete system file replacement. The update process is straightforward and will consolidate security and quality updates. Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 for two years. Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC editions will offer stability by locking onto a specific kernel code base for security updates until a future date.

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

Stylish roguelite action game 7 Trials announced for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC

Newcore Games has announced their new project, 7 Trials, a roguelite action game set in a "twisted afterlife." It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam and Stove. The game is set in a realm where the living and dead coexist, focusing on the character Yeoubi, a temporary Reaper tasked with uncovering secrets in Seocheon Academy. Players can utilize the "Trinity" system to customize their combat style through spells, offerings, and fate cards. The game features 49 trials, shifting corridors, and cooperative gameplay for up to four players.

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

Steam finally found a way to recommend new games that doesn’t feel like I’m getting KO’d by a fire hose

Steam has introduced a "personal calendar" feature that highlights upcoming game releases for the next five days based on individual wishlists and preferred game tags. The calendar shows games released in the past month and previews up to six games per day for the next two months. Users can filter by specific game tags and hide games already on their wishlist. Notable upcoming releases include "Beast of Reincarnation" on August 3, "Big Walk" on August 4, and "Fields of Mistria" on August 5. The feature aims to enhance game discovery without overwhelming users, allowing them to find smaller indie games like "Cat Isle." Feedback indicates that the calendar effectively showcases a variety of titles tailored to user preferences.

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

Google reveals new timeline for Android’s app sideloading changes

Google is rolling out a new system service for Android devices to enhance app sideloading safety, starting this month. In July, the Android Developer ID Status API and early access to the Android Developer Console API will be introduced globally, along with limited distribution accounts for students and hobbyists. By August, these accounts and the new API will be fully launched. The developer verification protections will take effect by September 30 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, requiring app registration for participating app stores. Options for sideloading unregistered apps will still be available through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). By 2027, Google plans to expand the developer verification requirement globally. Developers in the initial countries must complete the verification process by September.

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

Google Sets Sept. 30 Deadline for Android Developer Verification in Four Countries

Google will implement Android developer verification on September 30, 2026, in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Certified Android devices will block installations of apps from unverified developers, affecting both Google Play and major device-maker app stores. Starting June 2026, the Android Developer Verifier will ensure apps are associated with verified developers before installation. Unregistered apps will not install via standard methods post-September 30 but can be sideloaded through a complex process. Developer registration began in March, requiring legal identification and app ownership verification. Google aims to combat malware with this initiative, which has faced backlash from open-source advocates like F-Droid and the Keep Android Open campaign. The global rollout is set for 2027, with ongoing concerns about appeals processes and the impact on pseudonymous developers.

BetaBeacon

June 22, 2026

Scopely is Making a New Marvel Co-Op Gacha Action Game for Android, iOS

Marvel and Scopely are collaborating on a new co-op mobile game codenamed Project Comet, featuring action-packed gameplay, co-op modes, and gacha systems.

Winsage

June 22, 2026

Microsoft buried its best Surface hardware in years through a quiet series of press releases

Microsoft has launched the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12, but the announcement lacked a dedicated event or live stream, leaving many potential customers unaware of the new features. The new devices are priced at least 0 higher than their predecessors, though Microsoft is including a complimentary keyboard with the purchase. The business models of Surface PCs include enterprise features for productivity and security, while the consumer version is powered by the Snapdragon X2 Elite. The Surface Laptop Ultra features NVIDIA's RTX Spark superchip and runs on Windows on Arm. Microsoft has introduced six new Surface devices this year, including a clamshell workstation and a mini PC, with significant innovations from Intel, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm. The Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8 are considered expensive, prompting some consumers to look for alternatives like the Dell XPS 13 with a Snapdragon X Elite and 32GB of RAM.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

Guild Wars 3 isn’t the only new Guild Wars on the way: ArenaNet just announced a Guild Wars card game

ArenaNet, in collaboration with NC, has announced an official Guild Wars card game titled Mistbound, which follows the recent announcement of Guild Wars 3. Mistbound is developed with bilibili and features a dynamic 5x3 tactical grid for gameplay, allowing players to modify character attributes and reposition units and commanders turn by turn. It aims to simplify card game complexity by expressing strategic depth through battlefield mechanics rather than individual cards. The game will include various mechanics such as knockbacks and flanking maneuvers, and will feature beloved characters from the Guild Wars universe as commanders. The development emphasizes community engagement, incorporating player input, and there are expectations for the game to evolve into an esport. A specific release date has not been announced, but it may debut late this year or in 2027.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

The team behind bullet hell FPS Luna Abyss just got laid off, less than a month after the game’s release

Luna Abyss, a game that blends first-person shooters with bullet hell mechanics, has faced significant challenges following the announcement of layoffs affecting its entire development team. The news was shared by Hollie Emery, CEO of Kwalee Labs, on June 16, stating that the decision was beyond their control. As of now, the game has a concurrent player count of 43 and a peak of 317 players since its release on May 21. Despite its innovative gameplay, the layoffs have overshadowed its potential success.