battlefield Archives

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Why Did Messaging App Telegram Fall From Grace in Russia

Russia plans to implement a full block on the messaging app Telegram on April 1, 2026, following increased pressure from authorities over six months, including halting calls, conducting regional shutdowns, and slowing functionality nationwide. Telegram has nearly 96 million users in Russia and serves as a media outlet and communication tool for various state agencies and military personnel. The app was initially embraced by the Russian government but faced conflicts leading to previous blocking attempts in 2017, which were largely unsuccessful. In 2020, Telegram was allowed to operate freely again, but the situation changed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with increased scrutiny following the launch of VK's messaging app, MAX. Recent developments suggest Telegram could be classified as an extremist organization, posing legal risks for its founder and users. Additionally, the Federal Antimonopoly Service claimed advertising on Telegram was illegal, complicating its market presence in Russia, where it hosts about 40 percent of the influencer market.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

This overlooked Battlefield game is shutting down after 11 years, but only on Xbox and PlayStation consoles — the Steam PC version will live on, to my surprise

Battlefield Hardline, launched in 2015 by Visceral Games with support from DICE and EA, will have its digital availability end on May 22 for Xbox and PlayStation platforms, with online multiplayer support concluding on June 22. Players on Steam and the EA app will retain access to the game and its offline single-player campaign. The game is known for its focus on law enforcement versus criminals, differing from traditional military themes in the Battlefield franchise. EA noted that dwindling player numbers make it unfeasible to maintain online services for older games, with current statistics showing only 10 concurrent players on Steam and a peak of 34 in the last 24 hours.

AppWizard

March 22, 2026

Russia is killing Telegram, its most popular messaging app, despite fears of pushback

The Kremlin is increasing its control over Telegram, Russia's most popular messaging app, leading to resistance from citizens and regime supporters. Telegram serves as an essential communication tool for many Russians, including pro-Kremlin activists like Grigory Korolyov, who uses it for military fundraising, and Olga Krygina, who organizes humanitarian aid. The government frames Telegram as a platform for terrorism, justifying restrictions by claiming it does not comply with Russian laws. Pavel Durov, Telegram's founder, is under investigation for allegedly assisting terrorism, which he denies, suggesting the crackdown is a government attempt to suppress dissent. The promotion of a state-backed alternative, MAX, has faced skepticism and connectivity issues. Military bloggers express concern that a potential ban on Telegram could harm battlefield communication, with reports indicating soldiers are being told to remove the app. Despite assurances from the Kremlin about alternative communication systems, experts argue that Telegram is vital for military operations, raising doubts about the effectiveness of MAX in this context.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

My favorite Minecraft spin-off is getting a sequel, and it’s coming in 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to be released in 2026. The game is a sequel to the original Minecraft Dungeons, which was released in 2020. Lead designer Jens Bergensten described it as a project that has been in development for some time. The sequel will feature new gameplay mechanics, a brewing disorder narrative, and a new threat to confront. Players can explore new territories and face fresh adversaries, either solo or with up to three friends. The game promises high-stakes combat and a significant amount of loot.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

Russia thwarts protests over the blocking of a popular messaging app, but frustration persists

Authorities in nearly a dozen Russian regions have employed various justifications to cancel demonstrations against internet censorship and the blocking of Telegram, including citing "tree inspections," snow removal issues, and COVID-19 restrictions. Activists have largely refrained from unauthorized rallies due to increased crackdowns, opting instead for court challenges or smaller indoor gatherings. Telegram, with approximately 93.6 million users in Russia, is crucial for communication among government agencies and military bloggers, despite the government's push for a state-backed alternative. Protests against Telegram's restrictions have occurred, even among groups typically supportive of the Kremlin, with some activists being detained during attempts to demonstrate. Instances of small pickets have emerged, although many requests for rally permits are denied. Legal actions against the government regarding Telegram's restrictions have also begun, with a growing number of plaintiffs challenging the measures as violations of free speech and privacy rights.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

The Steam Spring Sale 2026 kicks off with discounts on thousands of games of every type

The 2026 Steam Spring Sale, launched by Valve, is the fourth iteration of this event, which runs from March 20 to March 26. This sale features significant discounts, including Battlefield 5 Definitive Edition at 95% off, priced at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As the calendar marks the arrival of spring on March 20, the reality for many, particularly in Canada, is that winter's chill still lingers. Despite the seasonal misalignment, Valve has ushered in a wave of excitement with the launch of the 2026 Steam Spring Sale, a highly anticipated event for gamers worldwide. Spring Sale Insights For those unfamiliar, this marks only the fourth iteration of the Steam Spring Sale in the platform's extensive history. Traditionally, Valve has celebrated three major seasonal sales—summer, fall, and winter—while spring was often reserved for themed promotions or the "Spring Cleaning Event." It wasn't until 2022 that the company recognized the need for a dedicated spring sale, prompting the question: why should there be only three seasonal sales when nature offers four? This year’s sale features remarkable discounts, including the Battlefield 5 Definitive Edition, which is currently available at an astonishing 95% off, bringing the price down to just .49 in the U.S., £2.24 in the UK, or €2.49 in Europe. Such deals can be explored further at store.steampowered.com. The 2026 Steam Spring Sale is set to run until March 26, providing ample opportunity for gamers to take advantage of these enticing offers and expand their digital libraries." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].49 in the U.S., £2.24 in the UK, and €2.49 in Europe.

AppWizard

March 16, 2026

The best extraction shooters on PC or: how I learned there are other games like Arc Raiders

Extraction shooters are experiencing a renaissance with a growing selection of titles catering to various playstyles. These games revolve around the concept of "extraction," requiring players to safely leave a mission area with collected loot, risking loss upon death. Arc Raiders is a third-person extraction shooter available on Steam and Epic, where players combat massive flying robots and navigate potential teammate betrayal while scavenging for gear. It features aggressive matchmaking and offers both PvE and PvP experiences, with optional seasonal gear wipes. Marathon, a first-person extraction shooter from Bungie, includes unique character classes with distinct abilities and fast-paced rounds. Players can quickly accumulate gear and have unlimited free loadouts, with a narrative enriched by colorful quest-givers. Escape from Duckov is a top-down extraction shooter where players control ducks on quests, offering easy mechanics, exploration, base building, and gear upgrades, making it suitable for newcomers. Hunt: Showdown is set in the Louisiana bayou, emphasizing stealth and strategic gameplay as players hunt bosses and contend with rival hunters, featuring a long-term progression system. Witchfire blends single-player gameplay with fast-paced action and inventive weapons, maintaining an engaging loop of resource gathering and upgrading, currently in Early Access. The Forever Winter is a third-person shooter set in an apocalyptic world, focusing on survival amidst towering mechs and tanks, still in Early Access with some performance challenges. The extraction shooter genre is diversifying, offering experiences for both casual gamers and seasoned veterans.

AppWizard

March 15, 2026

Blizzard vet Rob Pardo closed this year’s GDC keynote by urging executives to cool it with the layoffs: ‘The game team is more valuable than the game itself’

Rob Pardo, former chief creative officer of Blizzard, spoke at the Game Developers Conference about the unpredictability of creating hit games and the importance of retaining successful developers. He highlighted a concerning trend in the industry where studios lay off developers after successful game launches, citing the example of Battlefield 6 selling 7 million copies in three days. Pardo emphasized that a successful game is often the result of a strong development team that has navigated challenges and adapted throughout the creation process. He urged industry executives to value and nurture their teams, as they are crucial to the game's success.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Claim $45 Worth of Free PC Games In Limited Time Offer

A selection of complimentary games is available on the Epic Games Store for PC users, including Cozy Grove and Isonzo. Cozy Grove, developed by Spry Fox, is a narrative-driven adventure game that typically retails for .99. It features over 40 hours of gameplay, a Very Positive rating of 90% on Steam, and a score of 71 on MetaCritic. Isonzo, a first-person shooter developed by BlackMill Games, is usually priced at .99 and focuses on World War I battles. It has a Very Positive review score of 86% on Steam and a score of 67 on MetaCritic. Both games are available for free until 3 PM GMT on March 19. After this date, they will be replaced by Electrician Simulator and World of Warships - Epic Anniversary Tachibana Pack.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

The best FPS games of all time, from a PC gaming veteran

First-person shooters (FPS) have captivated gamers since the early 1990s, with influential titles shaping the genre. - Wolfenstein 3D: Developed by id Software, released on May 5, 1992, for PC (MS-DOS). It established core gameplay with real-time movement and first-person perspectives. - Quake: Developed by id Software, released on June 22, 1996, for PC (MS-DOS, Windows). It transitioned FPS from 2.5D to true 3D rendering, enhancing gameplay speed and introducing vertical aiming. - Half-Life: Developed by Valve, released on November 19, 1998, for PC (Windows, Linux, Mac). It integrated storytelling with gameplay, featuring a silent protagonist and advanced AI. - Counter-Strike 1.6: Developed by Valve, released in September 2003 for PC (Windows, Mac, Linux). Originally a mod for Half-Life, it emphasized teamwork and strategy in competitive gameplay. - Halo 2: Developed by Bungie, released on November 9, 2004, for Xbox and PC. It introduced new perspectives and moral complexities, with a strong online multiplayer experience. - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare: Developed by Infinity Ward, released on November 5, 2007, for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It transformed military FPS with a cinematic approach and persistent progression in multiplayer. - Left 4 Dead: Developed by Valve, released on November 17, 2008, for PC and Xbox 360. It focused on cooperative gameplay against zombies, featuring a dynamic AI Director. - Battlefield: Bad Company 2: Developed by EA DICE, released on March 2, 2010, for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It featured large-scale combat and destructible environments, emphasizing squad cooperation. Other notable FPS games include GoldenEye 007, Titanfall, and Bioshock, contributing to the genre's diversity and appeal.