balance Archives

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

One excellent, unforgettable expansion has fixed Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom: The Dark Ages introduced a shield mechanic that altered the gameplay focus from speed and mobility to defensive maneuvers. While the shield allowed for blocking damage, parrying attacks, and functioning as a projectile, it compromised the game's inherent mobility and complexity. This shift in gameplay strategy changed the core identity of the Doom franchise, sparking discussions about balancing innovation with the preservation of beloved gameplay elements.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Sega like physical games too, says their president, but with the shift to digital they’re keeping the humble PC in mind

Sega's president, Shuji Utsumi, stated that the company recognizes the importance of digital titles in the gaming industry, particularly as more players are turning to PC gaming due to accessibility issues with consoles. He emphasized the need to strengthen digital products to develop this market, especially in regions like Japan where physical media remains popular. Utsumi also expressed that Sega still values its history with physical games while adapting to the digital landscape. The company's major releases are increasingly being made available on PC, indicating a strategic shift towards aligning with evolving gamer preferences.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

Microsoft finally found a Windows ad it doesn’t like

Users of LG monitors have reported frustration over unsolicited McAfee pop-up ads that automatically appear during the Windows Update process. This issue arises from the installation of the "LG Monitor App Installer," which includes promotional software alongside the standard monitor driver. Reports indicate that this software installs without user consent, even when only a video cable is connected. Following an investigation by Gamers Nexus, Microsoft announced that LG has agreed to disable the McAfee pop-up, although the LG Monitor App Installer will still be automatically downloaded via Windows Update.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Total War: Warhammer 40k shows off its first full battle live, providing its biggest info dump yet

The Alpha Strike livestream for Total War: Warhammer 40,000 revealed several gameplay features: - Units consist of multiple entities with unique stats and weaponry. - Heroes will have customizable bodyguards. - Units can strafe while firing, with a trade-off in accuracy. - Airstrikes and army abilities are available, with Regimental Orders benefiting nearby units. - The balance of power bar shows reinforcements waiting off the field. - Each entity can target different enemies based on line of sight. - All projectiles are simulated, and units have unlimited ammunition. - A new Sentry Mode allows marking enemy units for prioritization. - New unit abilities include grenades and psykers. - A morale system reflects damage sustained by units. - Players can deploy reserves strategically with options like drop pods. - Blood effects are included without additional cost. Positioning, cover, line of sight, and terrain will be crucial in battles, and unit loadouts will add strategic depth. Further livestreams are expected as the beta approaches.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Path of Exile’s total skill gem overhaul is the perfect moment for new players to jump in

Path of Exile 3.29, titled Curse of the Allflame, will be released on July 24 at 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET / 9 PM BST / 10 PM CEST. The update introduces significant changes, including the removal of gem-specific socket colors, allowing for easier skill activation and integration of new loot. It features 12 new skills, including 'Pacts,' and over 150 existing skills have been rebalanced to enhance spellcasters. The update also includes a new league mechanic involving underwater expeditions, which offers a crafting system with multiple upgrade outcomes. Path of Exile 3.29 is available for free on Steam and the standalone launcher.

Tech Optimizer

July 24, 2026

Microsoft steps in after LG monitors were found auto-installing apps with McAfee ads

McAfee's reputation has declined from being a trusted antivirus software during the MS-DOS era to facing user backlash against its advertising practices. The advertising partnership between LG and McAfee has ended following Microsoft's intervention, which prompted LG to remove McAfee promotions from its Windows Store app. This controversy arose when users reported that the "LG Monitor App Installer," automatically installed with new LG monitors, displayed McAfee promotions. Microsoft and LG aim to enhance the Windows ecosystem and improve customer software experiences. Several LG monitor models were identified as having inadvertently installed the app. The automatic installation feature used by LG is also employed by other companies, indicating a trend in the industry that raises concerns about user experience and promotional strategies.

BetaBeacon

July 24, 2026

Red Magic Astra 2 Android Tablet Runs Cyberpunk 2077 Without Cloud Streaming

The Red Magic Astra 2 tablet is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, up to 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage. It features a 9-inch 2.4K OLED display with a 185 Hz refresh rate and 1,600 nits of peak brightness. The tablet includes a liquid cooling system to manage heat buildup during intensive use. It can emulate PC games locally, supports external peripherals, and offers customization options for a complete gaming experience. The tablet excels in delivering high-performance gaming but may experience thermal throttling during extended sessions.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

LG kills McAfee pop-up after Windows boss steps in

LG has decided to stop the McAfee pop-up notifications in its Monitor App Installer following intervention from Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows at Microsoft. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, had previously highlighted the annoyance caused by these advertisements. The pop-ups appeared when certain LG devices, like the LG UltraGear, were connected to a Windows device for the first time. Windows allows hardware manufacturers to silently add software during external device installations, which can lead to advertising and mixed user experiences. LG is not exploiting vulnerabilities for software installation, and the automatic process is well-documented. This incident raises questions about review procedures and the implications of advertising within the Windows ecosystem.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

I would only play Halo: Campaign Evolved on handheld with upscaling

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X features a Zen 5 AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and 24 GB of LPDDR5X memory. Playing Halo: Campaign Evolved without upscaling yields visually appealing graphics but poor performance, as players cannot fully disable upscaling. The device operates at approximately 17 W in performance mode when plugged in. The TSR setting averages 31 fps with lows of 25.6 fps, while FSR Medium averages 43 fps with lows around 34 fps, making it the optimal choice for smoother gameplay. FSR Low averages 49 fps but sacrifices visual clarity. Halo: Campaign Evolved includes a very low graphical mode exclusive to the ROG Xbox Ally X, which improves performance. The difference between low and ultra graphics settings is minimal, and disabling motion blur is recommended for better experience.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

I’m very into this Papers, Please-esque puzzle game about identifying traitors to the socialist motherland

Players assume the role of Aleksey Lutomski, a recruit at the security service of a fictional 20th-century communist state, in the game What Awaits, Aleksey?. Set in 1970, the game involves examining evidence such as coded letters, covert photographs, and wiretapped conversations to identify members of an underground dissident cell called the KNOT network. The gameplay emphasizes a balance between challenge and engagement, with players needing to present findings to superiors who critique their work. The game features a 1970s setting with mechanical tools like calculators and tape recorders that enhance the investigative experience. Players must navigate misleading clues and make critical decisions that affect their allegiance, potentially choosing between siding with conspirators or remaining loyal to the state. The game explores themes of loyalty, identity, and moral dilemmas within a historical context.