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2026 is a low-key revolutionary year for player movement in games
AppWizard
October 7, 2026

2026 is a low-key revolutionary year for player movement in games

Several iconic titles from over a decade ago, such as Mirror's Edge, Titanfall 2, Dishonored 2, Doom Eternal, and ARMA 3, have set high standards for in-game mobility, each offering distinct approaches to player movement. At GDC 2026, designer Gabe Cuzillo discussed his game Baby Steps, which draws inspiration from the challenging mod Stratocubulus for Mirror's Edge, encouraging players to rethink movement and level design. This year's standout titles, including Cairn, Control Resonant, Vholume, Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, and Cicadamata, continue to innovate in movement mechanics. Big Walk focuses on traversing a vast map with friends, emphasizing nuanced movement mechanics. The evolution of movement in gaming has shifted from complex actions to simplified controls, as seen in Grand Theft Auto 3, influencing games like Assassin's Creed and Uncharted. However, new titles like Cairn, Baby Steps, and Big Walk challenge this trend by inviting deeper engagement with movement mechanics. The future of movement in gaming suggests potential for more granular explorations of human movement, offering immersive experiences.
NBC goes all in on Mike Tomlin's Minecraft era on 'Football Night In America'
AppWizard
October 5, 2026

NBC goes all in on Mike Tomlin’s Minecraft era on ‘Football Night In America’

Mike Tomlin has transitioned from coaching to media, appearing on NBC’s Football Night in America and showcasing his Minecraft city, which gained 3 million views after being featured on Late Night with Seth Meyers. During the FNIA broadcast, NBC presented a Minecraft-themed highlight reel of Tomlin's city. Tomlin expressed appreciation for the Minecraft segment and engaged in lighthearted banter with fellow analysts. Although he stepped down from his coaching position with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this year, he has not ruled out a return to the NFL but is currently enjoying his role in media. Devin McCourty noted that Tomlin seems "genuinely happy" in this new phase of his career.
Avatar Legends add on
AppWizard
October 4, 2026

Avatar Legends add on

The Avatar Legends add-on for Minecraft allows players to wield elemental powers of water, fire, air, and earth, enabling exploration, landscape transformation, and combat. Players can master various bending techniques and unlock the Avatar State, which provides temporary invincibility and access to powerful abilities. The add-on features elemental temples where players learn from Avatar Spirits and includes a meditation system for refining powers. Each element offers three unique techniques, and mastering them grants passive benefits, such as fire resistance. Players can find meditation points at temples or craft their own for convenience.
Rayman Legends Retold will require a powerful PC: Ubisoft announced the requirements
AppWizard
September 24, 2026

Rayman Legends Retold will require a powerful PC: Ubisoft announced the requirements

Ubisoft has revealed the system requirements for Rayman Legends Retold on PC, which are significantly higher than those of the original 2013 game. The game will launch on December 3, 2026, for consoles and PC, having experienced a slight delay. The remake features advanced 3D graphics powered by the Snowdrop engine, known for its use in other Ubisoft titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
Google Messages is preparing its biggest search overhaul yet
AppWizard
September 22, 2026

Google Messages is preparing its biggest search overhaul yet

Google Messages is testing a redesign of its search functionality to improve user experience. The search bar will move to the bottom of the home screen, featuring a dynamic visual overview of shared content, including preview rows for images, videos, links, and places. Users will be able to search within specific conversations from the main search page without opening each chat. The search results will display all matching messages on a dedicated results page instead of grouping them by conversation. Links and places will have larger, visually appealing cards, although timestamps and sender names will not be visible. A new media viewer will allow users to swipe through images and videos, enhancing the overall experience.
You Can Change Your Google Maps Car Icon Without Even Touching Your Phone
AppWizard
September 22, 2026

You Can Change Your Google Maps Car Icon Without Even Touching Your Phone

In Android Auto version 17.8.163744 and Google Maps 26.38.0, a new feature called Driving Avatar allows users to customize the vehicle icon displayed on the screen. This feature was introduced in February 2025 and became available in Android Auto by May 2026. Users can access the Google Maps app directly through Android Auto to customize their avatar, which can be done by tapping the settings icon and selecting Driving Avatar. Customization options include various vehicle types and colors, such as a blue arrow, sedan, truck, SUV, sports car, small EV, and legacy icons like a red car, green pickup, and yellow station wagon. Additionally, Google Maps offers practical features like downloading offline maps, sharing trip progress, enabling media playback controls, and tailoring route suggestions.
Microsoft remembers Mixed Reality exists, adds basic features I bet you thought were already here
Winsage
September 21, 2026

Microsoft remembers Mixed Reality exists, adds basic features I bet you thought were already here

A recent update to Mixed Reality Link has improved the user experience for utilizing a virtual reality headset as a monitor for Windows 11 PCs. The update, version 26.9105.9070.0, allows direct access to the headset's microphone and cameras within the Windows environment. Mixed Reality Link enables the connection of up to three virtual monitors on compatible headsets, such as the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S, supporting both wired and wireless connections. Previous versions required users to connect an external microphone, but the latest update integrates the headset's built-in microphone and camera with Windows applications.
Google Maps on Android Auto Is Finally Getting the Most Basic Customization Feature
AppWizard
September 17, 2026

Google Maps on Android Auto Is Finally Getting the Most Basic Customization Feature

Google has enhanced Google Maps on Android Auto by introducing a customization feature that allows users to personalize their driving avatars. This update enables users to change their vehicle icons directly from their infotainment screens, a capability that was previously unavailable. Additionally, Google Maps on Android Auto has introduced a speedometer feature, allowing users to view their current speed and speed limits even when navigation is not active. The rollout of these features is ongoing.
Amazon Luna is giving Prime members 12 free games this September, including a major FPS franchise
AppWizard
September 11, 2026

Amazon Luna is giving Prime members 12 free games this September, including a major FPS franchise

Amazon Luna's September 2026 free games lineup includes 12 titles: War Hospital, Just Die Already, Drop Duchy, DOOM, DOOM II, Botany Manor, DOOM Eternal (available September 17), Rims Racing (available September 17), Wall World 2 (available September 17), Hue (available September 24), The Da Vinci Cryptex (available September 24), and High on Life (available September 24). Additionally, Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora are currently available for streaming. All downloaded games remain in the user's library indefinitely, even if the Amazon Prime subscription is canceled.
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