balance Archives

AppWizard

April 19, 2026

Marathon’s most popular shotgun is getting nerfed a second time, as Bungie worries it is ‘eclipsing a lot of the other short range options that exist in the game’

The WSTR shotgun is a popular weapon in the game Marathon, known for its effectiveness in close-quarters combat despite a recent nerf that reduced its range. A forthcoming update will change its capabilities, ensuring players with blue shields can no longer be taken down in two shots, while it will still down players with green shields in two shots. This aims to encourage more tactical gameplay. The game is also experimenting with sponsored kits that limit players to a free loadout and has introduced Mercy Kits, which players often use to eliminate opponents instead of reviving them.

Winsage

April 19, 2026

Windows Defender Security Flaws Actively Exploited by Hackers

Three vulnerabilities in Microsoft Defender, known as BlueHammer (CVE-2026-33825), RedSun, and UnDefend, are being actively exploited by hackers. BlueHammer has been patched, while RedSun and UnDefend remain unpatched. The public release of exploit code has accelerated real-world attacks, affecting Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server systems. Attackers have begun exploiting these vulnerabilities, leading to concerns about privilege escalation, disruption of security updates, and the rapid spread of attacks.

Winsage

April 18, 2026

“A solid list from the community,” as Reddit users highlight 10 open‑source apps that run great on Windows 11 and deserve more attention

Open-source software is becoming increasingly popular among Windows 11 users for its control, privacy, and avoidance of subscription models. Key applications highlighted include: - Firefox: A recommended open-source browser known for its privacy, customization, and performance, with robust extension support and regular updates. - Bitwarden: An open-source password manager that offers encrypted vault syncing across devices, end-to-end encryption, and features like password generation and autofill. - OBS Studio: A standard tool for screen recording and live streaming, praised for its flexibility and hardware acceleration support on Windows 11. - LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite that provides document, spreadsheet, and presentation tools without subscription fees, supporting common Microsoft Office file formats. - 7-Zip: A file compression utility recognized for its speed and efficiency, offering enhanced security features not present in Windows 11's built-in archive support. - LocalSend: A file transfer tool that allows secure transfers over a local network without needing accounts or cloud services. - GIMP: An open-source image editing tool regarded as an alternative to Photoshop, known for its flexibility and extensive customization options. - Blender: An advanced open-source application for 3D modeling, animation, and video editing, benefiting from strong GPU acceleration on Windows 11. - PowerToys: A suite of productivity utilities for Windows 11 that enhances core features with tools like FancyZones and PowerRename. These applications are favored for their ability to enhance the user experience while prioritizing control, transparency, and long-term usability.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

Even Netflix is getting in on vertical videos, mobile app redesign gets discussed

In its Q1 2026 report, Netflix announced plans to revamp its mobile app by integrating vertical videos into a new "discovery feed" to help users find fresh content. This move aligns with Disney Plus's recent launch of "Verts," aimed at enhancing viewer engagement. Netflix reported a 16% year-over-year revenue growth during the same update and plans to roll out the redesigned app by the end of the month. The company is also facing scrutiny over its pricing strategy, with the Standard plan increasing to .49 and the Premium plan to .99, following a price hike just 14 months prior.

Winsage

April 18, 2026

‘They mopped the floor with me and pulled every childish game they could’: Disgruntled researcher releases second major Windows zero-day — claims Microsoft ‘would ruin my life, and they did’

A new zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Defender has been disclosed by a researcher known as "Chaotic Eclipse," who has created a proof-of-concept exploit called "RedSun." This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation to SYSTEM level on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server when Microsoft Defender is active. The vulnerability has attracted attention from antivirus vendors, with some detecting it on VirusTotal due to an embedded EIRCAR in the executable. Chaotic Eclipse previously disclosed another vulnerability named BlueHammer, which also allowed local attackers to gain SYSTEM or elevated permissions. The researcher expressed dissatisfaction with Microsoft's vulnerability disclosure process, recounting negative interactions with the company. A Microsoft spokesperson stated the company's commitment to investigating security issues and supporting coordinated vulnerability disclosure.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

‘I don’t want Sloppy Spire 2’: Slay the Spire 2 dev teases exciting updates, rejects the concept of deadlines

Slay the Spire 2 has gained popularity on Steam since its March launch, surpassing the original game in features. Upcoming updates include alternate versions of Acts 2 and 3, Steam Workshop support, experimental game modes, a new character, new cards, events, relics, and potions. Players can also expect bug fixes, enhanced audio and artwork, balance adjustments, and additional languages. The studio has not provided specific timelines for these updates. Recent balance changes will be integrated into the main version once stable. Developers are committed to maintaining a whimsical experience in the game. A full newsletter detailing updates is available on Steam.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Pragmata review – nostalgic aesthetics, S-tier combat

Pragmata is a linear third-person shooter that offers approximately 12 hours of gameplay focused on action rather than storytelling. The protagonist, Hugh, and his android companion, Diana, navigate challenges on the moon, utilizing Diana's hacking abilities to exploit enemy vulnerabilities. The game features a dual-control system that balances shooting and hacking, with players solving real-time puzzles while engaging in combat. Hugh's arsenal evolves from a basic pistol to more powerful weapons, and combat encounters reward players with upgrade materials for enhancing their abilities. Boss battles present unique tactical challenges. However, the narrative struggles with character development and emotional depth, resulting in a less impactful story. Despite these shortcomings, the innovative gameplay mechanics and nostalgic elements make Pragmata an engaging experience.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Charlie Cox has finally played Clair Obscur: Expedition 33—a bit

Actor Walton Goggins has not played the video game franchise Fallout and does not intend to. Charlie Cox, known for his role as Daredevil, initially had not played the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, where he voices the character Gustave, but later explored the game briefly, only experiencing the introductory segment. He reflected on the evolution of storytelling in games compared to titles from his youth, such as Goldeneye and Mario Kart. Cox noted that voicing Gustave felt different from his own identity and expressed disbelief at the dedication of players who have completed the game, which can take over 50 hours.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Roblox’s age verification checks are “unpopular,” but chief safety officer Matt Kaufman says they’re worth the cost

Roblox developers face challenges due to new mandatory security measures and age verification restrictions, which have sparked debate among them. To publish games aimed at younger players, developers must now meet specific criteria tied to the new Roblox Plus subscription service, which has replaced the previous Premium model. Concerns have been raised about the impact of these changes on the platform's future, with players expressing frustration over the lack of concessions made in response to feedback. Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman acknowledged the unpopularity of the changes but emphasized their necessity for ensuring age-appropriate content. Additionally, Roblox recently settled a proposed lawsuit from Nevada for million, which will fund children's programs and an online safety awareness campaign. Proposed changes to game publishing are set to take effect in June, allowing developers to create games without a subscription, but those games will only be visible to users aged 16 and older.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

How To Get A Better Framerate In Pragmata Without Sacrificing Too Much on Visual Quality

Pragmata is developed by Capcom using the RE Engine, showcasing significant advancements in visual fidelity while maintaining gameplay reminiscent of the Xbox 360 era. The game performs well across various hardware platforms, including the Nintendo Switch 2, and most gaming PCs can handle it effectively. High-end machines, such as those with an RTX 5080, can maximize settings for an enhanced visual experience, but average gamers may need to adjust settings for optimal performance. The game features ray tracing technology, offering two options: a standard toggle for global illumination and reflections, and a path tracing mode that replaces traditional rasterized lighting. Lower ray tracing settings can sometimes produce noisy reflections, particularly in areas with shiny surfaces. Nvidia users can enhance visuals with the DLSS Ray Reconstruction setting, but it requires path tracing to be enabled. Recommended graphics settings for Pragmata suggest that players can enjoy high settings even with mid-range graphics cards. For example, an RTX 3060 Ti at 1080p can achieve around 97 fps with ray tracing on, but enabling path tracing can drop the frame rate to about 44 fps. Players are advised to start with the “Balanced” preset and make incremental adjustments to optimize performance and visual fidelity. Performance tests revealed that the RTX 3060 Ti at 1080p achieved 100 to 110 fps, while the AMD Radeon RX 9070 excelled at 1440p with 130 to 140 fps. The RTX 5080 delivered 100 to 110 fps at 4K, and the RTX 5090 reached 195 fps at minimum settings but dropped to 126 fps with the balanced preset. Enabling ray tracing at the Quality preset reduced the frame rate to 115 fps, and for path tracing, DLSS should be set to performance, as the RTX 5090 managed only 59 fps under maximum settings. Pragmata demonstrates scalability, accommodating both lower-end and high-performance hardware.