assembly Archives

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

The Stop Killing Games movement hits another major milestone as a game preservation bill passes California State Assembly vote

The California State Assembly passed the Protect Our Games Act (AB 1921) with a vote of 43 to 16. This bill aims to address game preservation issues, particularly following Ubisoft's decision to de-list its online racing game, The Crew, which affected many players. Stop Killing Games, an organization advocating for game preservation, has established NGOs in the EU and the US to counter lobbying efforts related to game shutdowns. The bill will now proceed to the California State Senate for further support but faces opposition from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which argues it could misallocate developers' resources.

AppWizard

May 29, 2026

The All-Time Best Pokémon Game Just Got A PC Port

Pokémon Crystal has been ported to PC by developers 'DanZC' and 'wowjinxy' under the project name 'suiCune', which took two years to complete. This port features a complete rewrite of the original code, retains save compatibility with the original game, and allows players to use WASD controls instead of the Game Boy's D-Pad. The project also incorporates native online functionality using REON, an open-source reimplementation of the Game Boy's network adapter.

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

Turn Meshes into Minecraft-Style Assets with This Free Blender Tool

A new tool called VOXIFY Geometry Nodes modifier for Blender has been developed by 3D Generalist Masoud Rezaei to enhance voxel-based art. It allows users to voxelize meshes while preserving details like colors and texture maps. VOXIFY can be applied to any mesh in a non-destructive manner, making it versatile for various projects, including voxel art, LEGO-style creations, game environments, and motion graphics. It includes features for generating static meshes, creating assembly animations, and adjusting voxel positions and rotations for rigged and animated objects. VOXIFY is a free tool designed for both seasoned artists and beginners in voxel art.

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

LEGO Minecraft Steve’s Desert Expedtion 21251 Review

LEGO Minecraft set Steve’s Desert Expedition (set number 21251) was released in 2024 and consists of 75 pieces, aimed at ages six and above. The set features Steve building a temporary dwelling in a desert and defending it from a Phantom. It includes a new version of the Steve minifigure with a dark azure shirt and a medium lavender enchanted axe, which is exclusive to four sets. The set also introduces a baby camel, designed with a 1X1 tan tile for its nose and constructed from two 1X2 tan bricks. The Phantom, a character in Minecraft since 2017, has a build that allows for dynamic flying poses. Steve's campsite is built on a tan plate, includes a small water source, a cactus, and a crafting table, though the campfire design could be improved for realism.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

Retro enthusiast injects Snake game into vintage S3 graphics card VBIOS — enjoy some serpentum fun while your old PC boots

A retro PC enthusiast modified the VBIOS of an S3 ViRGE DX graphics card to include a version of the classic game Snake, allowing users to play it briefly during system boot. This project, by the YouTube channel Bits und Bolts, involved embedding Snake 512, a compact game written in x86 assembly language. The modification includes a dynamic text splash screen displaying the GPU's operating frequency and prompts users to play Snake or skip to the boot process. The implementation does not support USB keyboards and has no sound during gameplay. The enthusiast also customized the game's colors using hexadecimal values from the VGA color palette.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Bhashiva’s tiger warriors are an addition to Total War: Warhammer 3 worth the money and the wait

In 2006, the supplement Tome of Corruption introduced an illustration of a tiger-headed warrior, suggesting the existence of tiger-headed beastmen in the Warhammer World. This concept gained traction over the years, culminating in the release of tiger warriors as a playable army in Total War: Warhammer 3, which surprised many players. The new content is available as a downloadable content (DLC) pack priced at five dollars, featuring Bhashiva the White Tiger as a legendary lord in a character pack format. This approach contrasts with previous pricing strategies that faced criticism. Additionally, the Warhammer Skulls event will introduce a complimentary legendary hero, Taoyan the Merciless, for Cathay armies, enhancing gameplay and narrative opportunities.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Google is pushing Android app building into a faster, more agentic era

Google is introducing a streamlined workflow for Android app development through its AI Studio, which integrates native app building and reduces the time from concept to launch. At the I/O 2026 event, Google highlighted that developers can now create functional Kotlin code using natural-language prompts, access a browser-based emulator, and conduct internal testing without extensive setup. The AI Studio can generate production-quality native Android code via Jetpack Compose, allowing for in-browser previews and easy project transitions to the Internal Test Track. This initiative aims to enhance the developer ecosystem, particularly benefiting startups by minimizing early experimentation costs and enabling faster iterations. Google is also addressing developer loyalty by providing effective tooling that encourages developers to stay within its ecosystem. The AI Studio connects with Google Workspace and offers a mobile app for project iteration, positioning itself as a gateway for broader software projects. This evolution in Android development emphasizes a shift away from traditional setups towards an AI-assisted workflow, influencing the speed and adaptability of startups.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Total War Medieval 3 aims for emergent character growth: “We have no plans for skill trees”

Total War Medieval 3 is in development by Creative Assembly, with Creative Director Leif Walter actively communicating with the community. The team has decided against including skill trees in the game due to concerns about repetitiveness, instead opting for emergent gameplay elements like traits and ancillaries. The focus will be on dynasties rather than individual characters, allowing players to cultivate distinct identities over a long time span. Walter acknowledged the influence of the modding community, specifically citing Europa Barbarorum 2 and the Stainless Steel megapack as inspirations. He emphasized the need to balance accessibility and depth in the game, ensuring it remains engaging for both experienced and less experienced players while maintaining historical authenticity.

TrendTechie

May 3, 2026

Обзор корпуса Fractal Design Torrent Compact

Fractal Design has launched the Torrent series of cases, including the Torrent Compact, designed for maximum efficiency and airflow. The Torrent Compact supports various motherboard sizes (E-ATX, ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX) and features a top-mounted power supply, seven expansion slots, and multiple fan and radiator mounting options. It includes two 180 mm Dynamic X2 fans, capable of moving 153 CFM of air, and has a net weight of 7.7 kg with dimensions of 450 x 222 x 467 mm. The case offers three 2.5" drive bays and one 3.5" drive bay, along with front panel ports including USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C and USB 3.0. The design emphasizes unobstructed airflow and includes a removable dust filter. The case is equipped with a PWM-controlled hub for up to nine fans and features a dedicated mounting hole for custom cooling loops. The assembly process is standard, though the top-mounted power supply and limited cable management space may pose challenges. The case's performance was tested with high-end components, demonstrating effective cooling capabilities, although the fans can produce noticeable noise at maximum speeds.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Total War: Warhammer 40k’s map reveals fill me with faith that Creative Assembly can handle the setting’s absurd scale

Creative Assembly is developing Total War: Warhammer 40k, leveraging its experience from Total War: Warhammer. The game will feature destructible elements like buildings and forests, altering battle dynamics. Maps will reflect different planetary biomes and allow for various deployment options, enhancing tactical depth. Players can navigate maps in multiple orientations and engage in both assault and defense scenarios. The studio aims to make the gameplay engaging and replayable, with more information expected in June.