NewApp Digest
search bot

backlash

Summer Games Done Quick raises $2.4 million for charity, cancels sponsored stream with SNK over Saudi Arabia ties
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

Summer Games Done Quick raises $2.4 million for charity, cancels sponsored stream with SNK over Saudi Arabia ties

Summer Games Done Quick raised .4 million for Doctors Without Borders. The organization faced controversy over a sponsorship with SNK, which is majority-owned by the MiSK Foundation linked to Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman. Following community backlash, GDQ canceled the sponsored stream within three hours and stated they would not accept funds from this sponsorship again. GDQ emphasized their commitment to human rights and inclusivity and pledged to improve their evaluation process for future sponsors.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced's offline mode failure proves Ubisoft doesn't actually know what an offline mode is supposed to be
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’s offline mode failure proves Ubisoft doesn’t actually know what an offline mode is supposed to be

Sony announced the discontinuation of physical discs for PlayStation, prompting discussions about digital media ownership. Ubisoft launched Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, which sold 2 million units on launch day. However, a significant outage of Ubisoft Connect, the DRM platform for PC users, prevented many players from accessing the game. Although the game was designed for a single online connection for validation, players expected to switch to offline mode afterward, leading to frustration when server issues arose. Ubisoft had previously promised an offline mode for The Crew 2 but has left players questioning future assurances. Some users noted that pirated versions of the game remained playable during the outage, increasing interest in DRM-free titles. A gamer shared their positive experience with Project Motor Racing, which allowed for offline installation, highlighting a trend toward user-friendly gaming solutions as frustrations with DRM systems grow.
Technoblade Copycat Crafts Epic Minecraft Community Backlash
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

Technoblade Copycat Crafts Epic Minecraft Community Backlash

Technoblade passed away in 2022, leaving a significant impact on the Minecraft community. A YouTuber named Technolarp has gained nearly 200,000 subscribers through their imitation of Technoblade, which has sparked a debate about the ethics of such replication. Technolarp includes a disclaimer stating they are not the real Technoblade, but critics argue this does not alleviate discomfort regarding their content. The situation intensified when Technolarp collaborated with one of Technoblade's former partners, causing further backlash from fans. Technoblade's father, Technodad, has expressed his thoughts on the matter, navigating a complex situation without alienating Technolarp's fanbase. The head of Hypixel has also criticized Technolarp's impersonation, highlighting the tension between homage and appropriation in the digital space.
Windows Market Share Is Falling
Winsage
July 10, 2026

Windows Market Share Is Falling

StatCounter reports a decline in Windows usage this year, while OSX is rising, aided by the budget-friendly Neo. Linux is also gaining popularity, though specific distributions are not identified. Gamers are increasingly moving away from Windows, influenced by Microsoft's mixed reception of its AI features and the rise of alternatives like Bazzite, SteamOS, and the Proton compatibility layer.
Hundreds of PS3 games to be saved from digital store closure with new PC ports
AppWizard
July 10, 2026

Hundreds of PS3 games to be saved from digital store closure with new PC ports

PlayStation announced the closure of the PlayStation 3 digital store, raising concerns about the preservation of gaming history. The majority of the PlayStation 3 library is available on physical discs, but the loss of digital content is significant. PlayStation plans to phase out physical media production by 2028. A community of PlayStation 3 enthusiasts is working to keep titles accessible online. Efforts to decompile PlayStation 3 games are underway, with a new tool simplifying the emulation process. This tool navigates the complexities of the console's Cell Processor, potentially revolutionizing emulation. Many PlayStation 2 and 3 games are only available through cloud-streaming or require a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, which has technical issues. Fans are taking on the responsibility of preserving these games, highlighting a need for PlayStation to enhance compatibility with modern platforms or consider porting games to PC.
Microsoft Teams removal shows why we shouldn't get too excited about preview features
Winsage
July 9, 2026

Microsoft Teams removal shows why we shouldn’t get too excited about preview features

Microsoft has paused the development of two anticipated minimized views for Teams meetings, originally expected to roll out in May 2026. The Expanded view was designed to show up to four participant videos, while the Compact view aimed to provide quick access to meeting controls. The future of these features remains uncertain, with questions about potential changes or cancellation.
Cracked version of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced leaked days prior to official release despite Denuvo DRM protection — Denuvo unable to stop crackers, with some finding ways to completely remove it from other titles
AppWizard
July 8, 2026

Cracked version of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced leaked days prior to official release despite Denuvo DRM protection — Denuvo unable to stop crackers, with some finding ways to completely remove it from other titles

The Denuvo anti-tamper technology has been bypassed in pre-release versions of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, allowing unauthorized copies to circulate since June 7, 2026, ahead of its official launch on July 9, 2026. This incident follows similar leaks of major titles earlier in the year, including Forza Horizon 6, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, and Subnautica 2. Critics argue that Denuvo causes performance issues and intrusive online checks, raising doubts about its effectiveness and necessity in protecting single-player titles.
GTA Trilogy remaster boss understands fan anger but says 'a lot of people were playing them and really enjoying them'
AppWizard
July 8, 2026

GTA Trilogy remaster boss understands fan anger but says ‘a lot of people were playing them and really enjoying them’

The release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition in 2021 was met with disappointment due to technical issues, including bugs and poorly upscaled textures. Grove Street Games, the developer, was absent from the game's splash screen after a patch in 2024, reflecting the criticism they faced. GSG CEO Thomas Williamson acknowledged the issues but noted that some players enjoyed the remaster. He expressed hope for further enhancements, including reinstating the original soundtracks, to improve the experience of iconic titles like GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas.
Search