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'They refuse to offer a meaningful alternative': Game preservation leader agrees that piracy is the only preservation option for a discless future
AppWizard
July 2, 2026

‘They refuse to offer a meaningful alternative’: Game preservation leader agrees that piracy is the only preservation option for a discless future

Sony plans to discontinue the production of physical game discs for the PlayStation 5 by 2028, shifting towards a fully digital licensing model. Frank Cifaldi from the Video Game History Foundation has raised concerns about the preservation of video game history, stating that piracy may become the only means of safeguarding digital works. He criticized the Entertainment Software Association for resisting efforts to create a legal framework for preserving digital content. Cifaldi highlighted that museums and archives are preparing for this digital future, questioning the industry's expectations for cultural institutions as physical media is phased out. The transition to digital ownership has sparked discussions in the gaming community, particularly regarding the lack of backward compatibility in the PlayStation ecosystem and the challenges posed by the closure of digital stores for older consoles. The urgency for solutions to protect video game history is increasing as the industry moves towards a digital-only future.
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.
PC Gamers Can Save $40 In Free Game Offer, Includes 10/10 Hit
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

PC Gamers Can Save $40 In Free Game Offer, Includes 10/10 Hit

The Epic Games Store is offering free games for PC users until 4 PM BST on Thursday, July 2. This week's titles are RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition and Voidwright, both typically priced at .99. Voidwright is a 2D action-platformer developed by Powersnake, featuring exploration, combat against over 10 enemies and 11 bosses, and an average Metacritic score of 76. The game offers around eight hours for the main storyline and up to 16 hours for completionist runs. RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition is a remastered version of the 2004 classic, allowing players to manage amusement parks with a playtime ranging from 20 to 200 hours. It has an 88% 'Very Positive' rating on Steam and includes both the Soaked! and Wild! expansions.
Epic Games Store PC Weekly Free Games 24/06/2026
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Epic Games Store PC Weekly Free Games 24/06/2026

The Epic Games Store is offering free downloads of RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition and Voidwrought from 4 PM BST on June 25, 2026, until 4 PM BST on July 2, 2026. RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition, published by Atari and developed by Frontier Developments, allows players to build their own amusement park and includes two DLC packs. Voidwrought, published by Kwalee and developed by Powersnake, is a 2D action-platformer set in a hand-drawn world where players battle deities and explore ancient ruins.
MacBook Neo vs Windows Laptops for Cybersecurity Tasks
Winsage
June 19, 2026

MacBook Neo vs Windows Laptops for Cybersecurity Tasks

The laptop has evolved into a crucial tool for cybersecurity, serving as a workstation for malware analysis and daily operations. A debate exists between the merits of MacBook Neo and Windows-based models, with Windows offering flexibility and compatibility, while macOS is favored for stability and build quality. Popular penetration testing tools are available on both platforms, but Windows laptops have an advantage due to better integration with x86 environments and specialized drivers. Virtualization is essential in cybersecurity, and Windows laptops with higher RAM provide a better experience for running multiple virtual machines compared to the non-upgradable RAM of the MacBook Neo. Intensive tasks can strain systems, necessitating efficient resource management, especially on the MacBook Neo. Most malware is designed for Windows, making it crucial for analysts to be familiar with Windows-specific tools and features. The MacBook Neo is beneficial for tasks like working with event logs and writing automation scripts, while its battery life and mobility are advantageous for professionals on the go. Security considerations play a significant role in the choice of operating system, with Windows being a common target for attackers, whereas macOS has stricter access controls. Windows laptops offer more price flexibility and upgradeability, while the MacBook Neo focuses on simplicity and build quality but lacks upgrade options. Ultimately, Windows is optimal for tasks involving malware analysis and virtual labs, while the MacBook Neo suits those focused on development and network analysis.
Windows SprySOCKS Malware: Advanced Kernel-Level Rootkit Targets Government Organizations via Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Winsage
June 17, 2026

Windows SprySOCKS Malware: Advanced Kernel-Level Rootkit Targets Government Organizations via Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

The Windows variant of SprySOCKS malware, developed by the Chinese threat group Earth Lusca, targets government entities globally and features advanced capabilities such as rootkit-level stealth and extensive command-and-control (C2) functionalities. It operates on Windows systems, utilizing two main variants: WINDRV, which includes kernel drivers for stealth operations, and WINPLUS, a streamlined backdoor. The malware can communicate over TCP, UDP, and WebSocket, offering over 30 C2 commands for various operations, including system information gathering and keystroke logging. WINDRV loads a driver named ‘RawWNPF’ into memory using another signed kernel driver, allowing it to conceal processes and achieve persistence. The malware's design incorporates open-source elements and exploits vulnerabilities in the software supply chain, notably using a leaked certificate for driver signing. To combat SprySOCKS, organizations are advised to implement advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, maintain regular patching, and manage supply chain risks vigilantly. The malware's adaptability and reliance on legitimate certificates complicate detection efforts, necessitating continuous refinement of security practices.
China-Linked SprySOCKS Backdoor Expands to Windows with Driver-Based Stealth
Winsage
June 16, 2026

China-Linked SprySOCKS Backdoor Expands to Windows with Driver-Based Stealth

Cybersecurity researchers have identified two new Windows variants of the SprySOCKS backdoor, named WINDRV and WINPLUS, which were previously thought to be exclusive to Linux systems. Both variants feature hard-coded command-and-control configurations and can communicate via TCP, UDP, and WebSocket protocols. They support over 30 commands for operations such as system information collection and file management. WINDRV employs kernel drivers for stealth, obscuring network connections and allowing TCP traffic diversion. SprySOCKS was first documented by Trend Micro in September 2023, linked to the Chinese state-sponsored threat actor Earth Lusca, also known as FishMonger. The Windows variants belong to version 1.8 of SprySOCKS and utilize a kernel driver named RawWNPF for enhanced stealth. The attack chain begins with an initial access method that drops a batch script, leading to the installation of the backdoor. Evidence suggests these variants may have been used in attacks against government organizations in Honduras, Taiwan, Thailand, and Pakistan between 2023 and 2024. The WINPLUS variant was first detected in July 2024 in Pakistan. There are indications of a potential UEFI bootkit involvement exploiting CVE-2023-24932, a vulnerability in the Windows Boot Manager.
Gothic 1 Remake PC Performance Analysis
AppWizard
June 15, 2026

Gothic 1 Remake PC Performance Analysis

THQ Nordic announced the Gothic 1 Remake for PC, utilizing Unreal Engine 5. The benchmarking was conducted on a high-end setup featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor and various GPUs, including AMD Radeon RX 6900XT and NVIDIA RTX 4090. The game offers extensive graphics settings and supports technologies like NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 and AMD FSR 3.1. It does not include a built-in benchmark tool, so testing was done in a demanding scene. At 1080p with Very High settings, it consistently achieves 60FPS across many GPUs. At 1440p, leading NVIDIA GPUs maintained frame rates above 60FPS, while AMD's RX 9070XT and RX 7900XTX averaged 70FPS and 68FPS, respectively. For Native 4K at Very High settings, the NVIDIA RTX 5090 delivered a minimum of 65FPS. The game scales well with graphics presets, achieving over 60FPS at lower settings. DLSS 4.5 improved performance significantly, with frame rates exceeding 100FPS in some scenarios. The graphics are impressive, though character models may not match the quality of top-tier titles. Minor traversal stutters were noted but did not significantly impact gameplay. Overall, the game performs well across various PC configurations, especially at 1080p with compatible monitors.
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