Atari Archives

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

5 Best PC Games Of The ’80s, Ranked

The original "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" is a classic game from 1989 that is being remade to appeal to both new and veteran players. "Dungeon Master," released in 1987 by FTL Games, is a first-person dungeon crawler that introduced a dynamic improvement mechanism for character attributes and skills, featuring real-time combat and detailed monster designs. "Maniac Mansion," developed by Lucasfilm Games in 1987, is a horror-comedy point-and-click adventure that involves rescuing a teenager from a mad scientist's home, known for its intricate puzzles and multiple endings. "MIDI Maze," released in 1987 for the Atari ST, was an early multiplayer first-person shooter that allowed up to 16 players to battle using floating smiley faces as avatars and included networking capabilities and a level editor. "Starflight," released in 1986, allowed players to explore a vast galaxy, interact with civilizations, and engage in diplomacy and trading, featuring 270 star systems and the ability to recruit crew members and upgrade spacecraft.

Winsage

July 30, 2026

Legendary Windows developer codes Task Manager for the Mac, says Apple’s ‘Activity Monitor blows’ — Microsoft gave original Windows Task Manager dev permission to reference Windows XP source code

Dave W. Plummer, a former Microsoft developer and creator of Windows Task Manager, is developing a version of Task Manager for Apple Mac computers, critiquing the existing Activity Monitor. The new Mac Task Manager, which is in beta testing, aims to include features like task priorities and startup management, and will be available for free on the App Store. Plummer confirmed that Microsoft provided him with the source code for XP Task Manager, but the new project is developed in Swift without using any original Microsoft code.

TrendTechie

July 18, 2026

Anthropic снова в суде: компания не только обучала ИИ на пиратских книгах, но и сама скачивала их через торренты

More than 100 authors have filed a lawsuit against Anthropic, claiming over 0 million for the unauthorized use of their books in training AI systems. The complaint was submitted to the federal court for the Northern District of California on June 17, alleging that Anthropic unlawfully obtained and utilized over 500 pirated copies of their works. The lawsuit includes various literary works and notable plaintiffs, such as Nolan Bushnell and Donna Barba Igna, who are demanding 0,000 for each work used without permission. The authors claim Anthropic downloaded books via BitTorrent and used illegal libraries, integrating these works into its AI training systems. This lawsuit follows a previous class action against Anthropic that concluded with a .5 billion settlement. The current plaintiffs have opted out of that settlement and are pursuing individual claims, asserting that Anthropic not only used but also distributed pirated copies. The lawsuits estimate around seven million works may have been unlawfully utilized in AI development.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

One week after going independent in the Xbox bloodbath, South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games is looking for work

Compulsion Games has regained its independence after layoffs at Xbox and is seeking new collaborations within the games and entertainment industry. The studio's game, South of Midnight, has won several awards, including a BAFTA Award, a Peabody Award, and seven Canadian Game Awards, and has been recognized on multiple 'Best Games of 2025' lists with an 83% review score. Despite its critical acclaim, the game did not achieve blockbuster sales, leading to concerns about the studio's long-term viability. Compulsion Games was founded in 2009 and has previously provided services to other studios. Before their independence announcement, several employees began exploring new job opportunities with the support of studio leadership, reflecting uncertainty within the studio.

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.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

3D narrative adventure game Sesame Street: Friends & Fun announced for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Switch, and PC

Outright Games, in collaboration with Infinigon, has announced the release of Sesame Street: Friends & Fun, a 3D narrative adventure game for up to two players. The game will launch on October 9 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam. Players will explore the Sesame Street neighborhood, customize characters, and interact with characters like Elmo and Grover. The game is designed for young children, featuring intuitive controls, light challenges, and educational mini-games. Sesame Street has been a trusted brand in children's media since 1969, reaching over 300 million households worldwide.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Minecraft is Officially the Best-Selling Video Game of All-Time

The video game industry surpasses both Hollywood and the music sector combined in terms of success. Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time, with 350 million copies sold. Its closest competitor, Grand Theft Auto V, has sold 225 million copies, while Wii Sports has sold nearly 83 million copies. The significant sales figures highlight the evolution of gaming from a niche pastime to a dominant form of entertainment.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear And More Classics Are Getting Remastered

Digital Eclipse is set to release a remastered collection titled Toy Story: Retro Roundup on October 15, featuring 11 games, including nine from the Toy Story series and two from A Bug’s Life, for consoles and PC. The collection includes titles such as Toy Story (1995), Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue! (1999), and A Bug’s Life (1998). Enhanced features will include improved rendering, gameplay rewind, and cheats, along with exclusive developer interviews and behind-the-scenes content. Additionally, Toy Story 3: Complete Edition will be released, offering updated visuals and new gameplay options. The collection will be available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Switch 2, and PC, with a bundle option for most platforms. There will be no physical release for Xbox.

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

‘I do think Blow misunderstood what the game is about’: Derelict Star made Jonathan Blow rage quit, but it’s the most fascinating indie platformer I’ve played for years

Derelict Star is an indie action-platformer released in early April, where players control an unnamed astronaut scavenging for power cells from a derelict freighter across approximately 500 screens. The game features pixel art reminiscent of the Pico-8 console, blending aesthetics from the Atari 2600 and 8-bit eras. It emphasizes meticulous movement mechanics, relying on players' mastery of speed and momentum, with a jetpack that becomes more effective after sprinting. The gameplay includes a P-Meter mechanic similar to that in Super Mario Bros. 3, which tracks speed and serves as a core puzzle element. Developer John Williams cites influences from classic platformers and emphasizes the importance of momentum, addressing criticisms from Jonathan Blow by clarifying that the game focuses on movement rather than layered puzzles.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Rosemont’s New Minecraft Experience Is Built For Kids

A new attraction called "Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue" has opened in Rosemont’s Pearl District, allowing visitors to engage in an immersive adventure based on the popular video game. Guests receive an “Orb of Interaction” to unlock challenges, collect resources, and rescue villagers from zombies while exploring seven themed environments inspired by Minecraft. The experience includes interactive elements such as hurling snowballs at Creepers and crafting potions. Developed by Supply + Demand in partnership with Mojang Studios, the attraction is accessible to both seasoned players and newcomers. It is available for a limited time at EXP Rosemont, with tickets starting at a specified price. Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling video game of all time.