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Minecraft-inspired RPG Hytale, created by Minecraft multiplayer server devs, gets mod to make it look more like Minecraft
AppWizard
January 17, 2026

Minecraft-inspired RPG Hytale, created by Minecraft multiplayer server devs, gets mod to make it look more like Minecraft

Hytale, an RPG developed by Hypixel, draws significant inspiration from Minecraft, featuring a similar blocky visual style. The game originated from a Minecraft server in the mid-2010s. A modder has created a mod that makes Hytale resemble Minecraft more closely, showcasing a multi-square inventory and softer textures. Discussions within the community include ideas for unique items and a portal connecting the two games, with predictions that someone will recreate Minecraft within Hytale. Recently, Hytale developers released a patch with dinosaur-themed content and plan further enhancements.
Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026
Winsage
January 16, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026

Microsoft has officially ceased all support for Windows Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026, including paid extended security updates. This end-of-life scenario poses significant security risks for organizations still using the outdated operating system, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The transition away from Windows Server 2008 requires careful planning, as many organizations face challenges in migrating legacy applications to modern systems. The lack of ongoing patches means that any new vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance failures, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance. Microsoft has encouraged migration to Azure, offering incentives for early adopters, but the transition can be complex and costly. The end of support also affects global supply chains and compatibility with newer software applications. Organizations are advised to conduct audits of their software portfolios and consider hybrid environments to enhance flexibility and security.
Microsoft updates Windows DLL that triggered security alerts
Winsage
January 15, 2026

Microsoft updates Windows DLL that triggered security alerts

Microsoft has resolved an issue where third-party security applications mistakenly flagged the WinSqlite3.dll component of the Windows operating system as vulnerable. This issue affected various systems, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2012 through 2025. The flagged vulnerability was linked to a memory corruption issue (CVE-2025-6965). Microsoft released an update to the WinSqlite3.dll component in updates from June 2025 and later, advising users to install the latest updates for their devices. WinSqlite3.dll is a core component of Windows, distinct from sqlite3.dll, which is not part of the operating system. Microsoft had previously addressed other false positive issues affecting its Defender for Endpoint platform.
Manor Lords' dev is experimenting with a new trading system that allows for 'deliberate economic strategies', including establishing monopolies on resources
AppWizard
January 11, 2026

Manor Lords’ dev is experimenting with a new trading system that allows for ‘deliberate economic strategies’, including establishing monopolies on resources

Manor Lords, developed by Slavic Magic, had a quiet 2025 as the team recalibrated after its successful early access launch in 2024. Activity increased in December with a significant patch that reworked core systems and castle construction mechanics. Tim Bender, CEO of publisher Hooded Horse, announced a new trade route system that connects locations to the import and export of items, allowing up to three merchants per route. Players must hire at least one merchant to engage in trade, and can attempt to buy out merchants on a route, creating contested economic territory. This system enables players to develop economic strategies, such as monopolizing Iron Slabs. Hooded Horse and Slavic Magic are seeking feedback from the Manor Lords community on these features. Additionally, Hooded Horse launched the 1.0 version of Terra Invicta, a sci-fi grand strategy game, and Bender opposed the use of AI-generated assets in their games.
It's not weird to want a generative AI disclosure on games
AppWizard
January 7, 2026

It’s not weird to want a generative AI disclosure on games

The rising costs of RAM have delayed a PC upgrade for the author, who reflects on the implications of technology in gaming. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, criticized Steam's generative AI disclosure requirement, comparing it to revealing haircare routines. The author supports Valve's perspective, viewing the disclosure as a safeguard against issues related to generative AI, which has been accused of automating plagiarism and using copyrighted material. The energy demands of AI data centers are also a concern, drawing parallels to collective environmental damage. Transparency in AI usage in gaming is deemed essential, with Activision's vague statement about generative AI in Call of Duty raising questions. The author believes that if AI enhances games, developers should explain their creative processes. As AI-generated content becomes more common, there may be a trend for developers to announce their lack of AI involvement, though the prospect of creativity driven by algorithms is seen as disheartening.
Watch out Minecraft, Hytale says its new world generation system will "redefine the block game genre"
AppWizard
January 5, 2026

Watch out Minecraft, Hytale says its new world generation system will “redefine the block game genre”

Hytale is set to launch in very early access soon, following a significant turnaround after its near demise a couple of months ago. The game, which has generated anticipation as a competitor to Minecraft, will initially release with Version 1 (V1) of its world generation system, while also providing glimpses of the forthcoming Version 2 (V2). V2, which has been in development since 2021, aims to replace V1 entirely and enhance world generation mechanics, allowing for easier creation of diverse environments. Players will explore the planet Orbis in V1, encountering "Gateways" that showcase V2 content under construction. The new visual node editor in V2 enables creators to modify world generation without coding skills, facilitating real-time changes and advanced procedural content creation. Hypixel plans to hire over a dozen new world designers from the community to further enhance world creation.
5 of the best new Android apps you need to try this January
AppWizard
January 5, 2026

5 of the best new Android apps you need to try this January

DogEar is a free widget app for avid readers that cycles through quotes from books, allowing users to pin it to their home or lock screen. The free version limits users to three books, with a paid option for full access. Where Winds Meet is a free open-world RPG set in 10th-century China, featuring over 150 hours of single-player content and various character customization options. Seriatim Reader is a free e-book reader that displays books one sentence at a time, supporting major e-book formats like EPUB and PDF. Caresleep is a free app that offers customizable offline soundscapes for relaxation, including a sleep timer and lullabies, without ads or limitations. Doki Doki Literature Club! is a free visual novel that has been ported to Android, featuring a literature club theme with unexpected narrative twists and support for 1080p content.
Quake modders banded together to release the third Brutalist Map Jam, with two campaigns' worth of FPS goodness in 'a megalithic community project more than a year in the making'
AppWizard
January 5, 2026

Quake modders banded together to release the third Brutalist Map Jam, with two campaigns’ worth of FPS goodness in ‘a megalithic community project more than a year in the making’

Quake Brutalist Jam 3 has launched, featuring 77 maps that blend the classic shooter with brutalist aesthetics. The project began production in winter 2024 as a total conversion mod. It includes new weapons, enemies, power-ups, and 3D art assets, offering a complete visual overhaul of Quake. A trailer highlights these enhancements, making the game feel modern. A teaser for new guns and mechanics will be released in October 2025, including the ability to dual wield wrenches. The announcement blog provides instructions for newcomers to navigate the modding process.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
January 4, 2026

30 hidden gems from 2025 to grab before the Steam Winter Sale ends

The PC gaming landscape in 2025 features a diverse array of new titles, many receiving critical acclaim. A selection of 15 standout games has been curated based on specific criteria: they were released or re-released in 2025, received little to no prior coverage, have around 95% positive user ratings, offer offbeat yet accessible gameplay, are discounted by a minimum of 30%, and include one game per genre. 1. Project Silverfish - Price: £17.50 (30% off); Developer: Siris Pendrake; A non-linear shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world with lizard-people and multi-faction battles. 2. Contract Rush DX - Price: £11.72 (30% off); Developer: Figburn & Melon; A platformer blending elements of Mega Man and Contra with vector animation and humor, allowing players to tackle levels in any order. 3. Godpoke - Price: £10.05 (40% off); Developer: LimboLane; An adventure where players mend quarrelsome gods using a dialogue-stealing mechanic to solve puzzles. 4. Missile Command Delta - Price: £11.72 (30% off); Developer: 13AM Games, Mighty Yell; A tactical hex-based strategy game with a teen drama narrative and point-and-click puzzles. 5. Shooty Shooty Robot Invasion - Price: £5.10 (40% off); Developer: Bubby Darkstar; A humorous FPS where players navigate a beach while dealing with quirky robot foes. 6. Maliki: Poison Of The Past - Price: £15 (40% off); Developer: Blue Banshee; A JRPG-inspired title featuring time travel and turn-based combat based on a webcomic. 7. Desecrators - Price: £7 (30% off); Developer: Woodhound; A roguelike shooter with procedurally generated levels and online co-op support. 8. Wyrmhall - Price: £2.55 (70% off); Developer: Leafy Games; A game where players manage an artifact-cleaning stall in an interdimensional nexus. 9. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo - Price: £11.72 (30% off); Developer: Pocket Trap; An adventure game featuring dungeon-crawling and puzzle-solving mechanics inspired by classic Zelda games. 10. Lingo 2 - Price: £5.95 (30% off); Developer: Brenton Wildes; A word puzzle adventure set in a minimalist block labyrinth. 11. Skogdal - Price: £8.37 (50% off); Developer: Erlend Kirkeboe, Kay Arne Kirkeboe; A deck-building game set in a quirky, 90s Norway with humor and strategic gameplay. 12. Schism - Price: £6.50 (35% off); Developer: Fami; A low-fi action roguelike with a punk aesthetic and intense combat. 13. My Little Puppy - Price: £14.69 (30% off); Developer: Dreamotion Inc.; An emotional adventure following a corgi's journey through the afterlife. 14. Decade - Price: £5.95 (30% off); Developer: Last Piscean; A narrative-driven game exploring time travel consequences in a post-apocalyptic world. 15. Kiloton - Price: £2.14 (50% off); Developer: Jack Morehart; A minimalist strategy game simulating geopolitical tensions with quick decision-making.
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