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AppWizard
April 27, 2026

Cancelled The Last of Us Online director says it was ‘the best multiplayer game’ the team had ever played

The Last of Us Online was canceled, disappointing many fans who anticipated it as a significant addition to the franchise. Former game director Vinit Agarwal called it "the best multiplayer game [the team] ever played," a sentiment shared by many ex-colleagues. Initially intended as a mode for the single-player campaign, the project evolved into a standalone multiplayer spin-off. The cancellation decision arose from a choice between continuing TLOU Online or prioritizing the next game directed by Neil Druckmann. Agarwal learned of the cancellation just 24 hours before the public announcement, describing it as "soul-crushing." He expressed a commitment to ensuring future projects do not go unnoticed. The gaming community is now looking forward to Druckmann's next title, speculated to be Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, with hopes that elements of TLOU's multiplayer experience may eventually return.
Microsoft Adds Policy to Let IT Admins Uninstall Copilot From Enterprise Windows 11 Devices
Winsage
April 27, 2026

Microsoft Adds Policy to Let IT Admins Uninstall Copilot From Enterprise Windows 11 Devices

Microsoft has introduced a policy allowing IT administrators to remove the Microsoft Copilot app from managed enterprise devices. This "Remove Microsoft Copilot App" policy will be available as a Policy CSP and Group Policy after the April 2026 Windows security updates for Windows 11 devices on the 25H2 update, specifically for Enterprise, Professional, and Education editions. The policy will uninstall Copilot under certain conditions: both Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot must be installed, the user must not have manually installed the app, and the app must not have been launched in the past 28 days. Administrators can enable the policy through the Group Policy Editor or configure it via Microsoft Intune and SCCM after the April 2026 updates. The policy aligns with Microsoft's recent changes in managing Copilot, including the cessation of automatic installations and the cancellation of plans to integrate Copilot into system notifications and other features. The policy was initially available to Windows Insiders in January before becoming generally accessible in April 2026.
Android 17 isn't out yet, but Google is already testing its first big update
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

Android 17 isn’t out yet, but Google is already testing its first big update

Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 for Pixel devices on April 22, 2026, with the build number CP31.260403.005.A1. This update indicates platform stability, focusing on refining existing features and addressing bugs, particularly in the Terminal app and wireless printing capabilities. Key issues resolved include an Application Not Responding error in the Terminal app, VoIP distortion in voice communication applications, and audio output failures on devices using AIDL audio HAL. The update is available for Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 series to the Pixel 10 lineup enrolled in the Android Beta Program. The stable version of Android 17 is expected around mid-2026, with Android 17 QPR1 likely debuting alongside the Pixel 11 in August or September.
Ubisoft have reportedly cancelled Alterra, a life sim blending Animal Crossing with Minecraft, after almost three years of dev work
AppWizard
April 22, 2026

Ubisoft have reportedly cancelled Alterra, a life sim blending Animal Crossing with Minecraft, after almost three years of dev work

Ubisoft has canceled an unannounced life simulation game called Alterra, which had been in development for nearly three years. The development team was informed of the cancellation on April 21st and has the option to transition to other projects within the company. The cancellation is part of a broader restructuring at Ubisoft, which has included project discontinuations and layoffs, including the closure of the Tom Clancy studio, Red Storm, resulting in 105 job losses. Earlier in January, Ubisoft also canceled the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake and five other titles.
Ubisoft cancels Animal Crossing and Minecraft-inspired cosy life sim game Alterra
AppWizard
April 22, 2026

Ubisoft cancels Animal Crossing and Minecraft-inspired cosy life sim game Alterra

Ubisoft has canceled Project Alterra, an original game described as an "Animal Crossing-inspired social sim" with Minecraft-like elements. The decision was communicated to the development team on April 21st, resulting in an early dismissal for staff, although no layoffs were reported. The project had been in development by Ubisoft Montréal for nearly three years, led by creative director Patrick Redding and lead producer Fabien Lhéraud. Employees involved in Alterra have been reassigned to other projects within the company. Ubisoft stated that it continuously assesses projects to ensure they align with strategic priorities and quality standards, leading to the discontinuation of those that do not meet expectations.
Windows and Xbox rediscover user feedback and fans are wondering what took so long
Winsage
April 10, 2026

Windows and Xbox rediscover user feedback and fans are wondering what took so long

Microsoft has shifted its focus to better address user needs, revitalizing its Xbox Series X|S consoles and re-engaging with the gaming community through initiatives like the global Xbox FanFest. The company is also working to improve its relationship with Windows users by acknowledging past criticisms and planning to reinstate Windows Insider meetups and prioritize user-requested features. Despite these efforts, skepticism remains among observers of Microsoft's trajectory. Microsoft's relationship with OpenAI is complicated, with CEO Satya Nadella expressing concerns about backlash against AI integration. The company has invested over a billion dollars in OpenAI for exclusive access to AI models but may pursue legal action against OpenAI due to its collaborations with other tech giants. Microsoft's AI and cloud businesses are facing scrutiny from investors, with concerns about profitability and the sustainability of Azure operations. Nearly half of U.S. data centers planned for 2026 are at risk of cancellation, complicating Microsoft's AI ambitions. OpenAI's path to profitability is expected to be long, with projections suggesting it may not turn a profit until 2030. The competitive landscape, including rivals like Anthropic and alternatives from China, adds uncertainty. Legal challenges may arise from OpenAI's agreements with other companies, potentially affecting Microsoft's interests. Nadella's reference to "societal permission" indicates an awareness of Microsoft's public image, which has suffered. Xbox has faced community engagement issues, and Windows 11 has experienced public relations challenges and a decline in innovation. The costs associated with AI have been substantial, impacting Microsoft's reputation and consumer trust.
Xalavier Nelson Jr, director of Space Baby Warlord Trading Simulator, will never uninstall Warframe and would love to see an Outriders 2: 'I think that game would have been really special'
AppWizard
March 30, 2026

Xalavier Nelson Jr, director of Space Baby Warlord Trading Simulator, will never uninstall Warframe and would love to see an Outriders 2: ‘I think that game would have been really special’

Xalavier Nelson Jr., founder and creative director of Strange Scaffold, began his gaming journey on consoles and was influenced by watching his father play PC games like Battlefield 2 and Age of Empires. He considers Sid Meier's Pirates! a pivotal game that shaped his perspective on gaming. Currently, he is revisiting Outriders with friends, appreciating its unique storytelling and lamenting the cancellation of its sequel. He has logged the most hours in Worms: Crazy Golf, a childhood favorite shared with his sister. Nelson Jr. vows never to uninstall Warframe due to its continuous evolution and engaging experience. He relies on Audacity for audio editing as a voice actor. His desktop is organized with only essential icons and a few critical text files, and he has a completed game project waiting for release.
Cancelled Last Of Us Game Returns In Last Way You'd Expect
AppWizard
March 26, 2026

Cancelled Last Of Us Game Returns In Last Way You’d Expect

Naughty Dog has canceled a new installment in The Last of Us franchise, shifting focus back to single-player experiences. An indie project inspired by Factions, initially called United State, has been rebranded as Terminal War, a third-person 4v4 multiplayer shooter developed by Albatross Interactive. The game captures the essence of The Last of Us and is currently available for wishlisting on Steam, with plans for a console version depending on its success. A brief gameplay clip has received positive reactions, highlighting mechanics reminiscent of the original series. The future of The Last of Us Part III remains uncertain.
There's a new Payday game coming later this year, and it's VR
AppWizard
March 24, 2026

There’s a new Payday game coming later this year, and it’s VR

Starbreeze is launching a virtual reality game titled Payday: Aces High, part of the Payday franchise, developed by Fast Travel Games. The game features co-op multiplayer for up to four players and allows for solo play. Players assume the roles of elite bank robbers in chaotic heists, maintaining the series' elements of planning and teamwork. Payday: Aces High is set to release in the third quarter of 2026, specifically between July 1 and September 30, and will be available exclusively for Meta Quest and SteamVR headsets. Starbreeze's CEO stated that this game is part of a strategy to expand the Payday franchise through new formats. The studio is currently facing challenges, including issues with Payday 3 and layoffs, while the success of Aces High remains uncertain amid a reevaluation of VR investments in the industry.
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