cancellation Archives

Winsage

March 17, 2026

Microsoft Quietly Retreats from Copilot Push in Windows 11

Microsoft is scaling back the integration of Copilot AI into Windows 11 due to user feedback and privacy concerns. Plans for features like Copilot notifications have been canceled, and AI tools will now be optional, primarily available on Copilot+ PCs, with more data processing occurring locally. The company aims to reduce AI complexity and focus on performance and user control. Microsoft has also removed Copilot branding from some applications and is shifting towards standalone AI tools rather than system-wide integration. The lukewarm market response to Copilot+ PCs has further influenced this strategic change.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Dev at axed PlayStation game studio says Steam Machine could be why Sony is going back to console exclusives

Sony is shifting away from releasing PC ports and is reaffirming its commitment to console exclusives for single-player titles, including upcoming games like Ghost of Yōtei and Marvel’s Wolverine. This decision comes despite the success of Ghost of Tsushima on PC. Discussions suggest that the Steam Machine may influence this strategy, with Mike Ybarra and Peter Dalton highlighting Valve as a significant competitor rather than Xbox. Bluepoint Games, acquired by Sony in 2021, faced closure on March 2nd, following Sony's cancellation of a live-service God of War game. Sony's focus on exclusives is seen as a strategic advantage in competition with both Valve and Xbox, similar to Nintendo's success with its exclusive titles.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

PlayStation is reportedly moving away from PC ports

Sony's gaming division is refocusing on console exclusivity and moving away from porting PlayStation 5 titles to PC, including the cancellation of a PC version of Ghost of Yōtei. This shift contrasts with previous plans to have half of its games available on PC and mobile by 2025. Despite successful PC releases of titles like The Last of Us, Horizon, and God of War, the sales performance of these ports has not met expectations. Sony's change in strategy suggests a desire to attract consumers to its console ecosystem through exclusives, similar to Nintendo's approach.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Sony will no longer release their biggest PlayStation games on PC, claims report, starting with Ghost of Yōtei

Sony is distancing itself from the PC gaming market by ceasing the release of major PS5 single-player titles on platforms outside of its consoles, including the cancellation of the anticipated PC port for Ghost of Yōtei. This decision indicates a return to console exclusivity, contrasting with Microsoft's strategy of cross-platform integration. While single-player experiences are being confined to PlayStation, online-oriented titles like Bungie's Marathon will still be available on multiple platforms. The already-announced PC versions of Death Stranding 2 and Kena: Scars of Kosmora will proceed as planned, as they are developed by third parties. Sony's previous PC ports have underperformed, partly due to delayed releases and the requirement for PC gamers to create PlayStation Network accounts. There is concern within PlayStation that releasing games on PC could dilute the brand's identity and negatively impact PS5 sales. Additionally, the next Xbox may run on Windows, allowing it to play PC games without extensive porting, posing a potential challenge for Sony.

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

The creators of Postal just announced a new FPS where you play as a victim of the Postal Dude’s original killing spree, which is certainly an angle

Running With Scissors announced a first-person shooter titled Flesh & Wire, where players will take on the role of Angel, a young woman seeking vengeance against the Postal Dude from the original Postal series. The game is set in the Arizona desert and involves confronting military forces and traumatic memories. The narrative explores the consequences of the original game's storyline, particularly in relation to mass violence in America. There are concerns about the developer's ability to handle sensitive material due to their past issues, including a chaotic announcement last December that led to a game cancellation within 48 hours after fan backlash. Flesh & Wire is scheduled for release next year.

AppWizard

February 27, 2026

Facebook designed an app for teens called Bell but never launched it, court records reveal

In 2018, Facebook proposed an app named Bell aimed at high school students to create a safe space for communication about school events and social interactions. Internal documents indicated that Facebook intended for Bell to engage teens and transition them to the main platform after graduation. The app was designed to include features like group chats, event organization, and an anonymous confessions section. Facebook aimed for Bell to reach 80% of U.S. high schools by the end of 2020, with plans to expand globally. However, the app was never developed, and a spokesperson described it as an early exploratory idea dependent on strong content moderation. Meta has faced legal challenges regarding the impact of its platforms on minors' mental health and has implemented features in its Teen Accounts to empower parental control.

Tech Optimizer

February 27, 2026

Fake Avast Website Steals Users’ Credit Card Information

A phishing scam is targeting French-speaking users in Europe by impersonating Avast antivirus software. Victims are lured to a fraudulent website that mimics Avast's official portal, where they are tricked into providing credit card details due to a fabricated €499.99 charge and promises of a refund. The scam uses realistic branding, dynamic JavaScript for urgency, and live chat features to collect personal information. Users are asked to select refund reasons and submit their personal details, after which they are prompted for credit card information. The scam employs the Luhn algorithm to validate card numbers and displays a fake confirmation message after data submission. Key red flags include dynamic dates, tight deadlines, requests for full card re-entry, and suspicious live chat interactions. Avast has warned users about these scams and encourages reporting to authorities.

AppWizard

February 22, 2026

Don’t get too used to all of Hytale’s helpful changes: “The way you play today is going to look very different a year from now”

Early access for Hytale is progressing well, with updates focusing on user experience and quality-of-life improvements. Simon Collins-Laflamme, founder of Hypixel, warns that some new features, like infinite water, are temporary solutions to current gameplay frustrations. He emphasizes that while these features provide immediate relief, they may not be permanent as the game evolves. Collins-Laflamme assures players that the gameplay experience will significantly change over the next year, with a focus on addressing pain points and aligning enhancements with the long-term vision for the game. He acknowledges player frustrations with existing mechanics and states that temporary quality-of-life changes will be communicated clearly, with the intention of replacing them with more engaging gameplay elements as the game matures.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Got a Remastered Mod

Ubisoft announced the cancellation of the remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, which was initially unveiled in September 2020 and faced multiple delays. The project was ultimately halted due to not meeting quality standards. In response to this cancellation, a mod called Sands of Time Remastered Mod has been released for PC gamers, enhancing the original game with high-quality textures and improved HD cutscenes. The mod also revamps the Dagger of Time's appearance and allows for additional visual enhancements using Reshade. The mod is available for download, but installation instructions can be found on the NexusMods page. Screenshots of the mod have been shared, showcasing the improvements.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

After joking about buying Amazon MMO New World, Rust boss says to “keep hope” as he signs NDA with an “unnamed company”

Alistair McFarlane, head of Facepunch Studios, has expressed interest in reviving the canceled Amazon MMO, New World, and has made a light-hearted offer for its rights. He is entering a non-disclosure agreement with an unnamed company, urging fans to keep "low expectations." McFarlane engaged with the New World community by jokingly tagging Amazon Games and discussing the planned shutdown of the New World: Aeternum servers in January 2027. He believes in empowering the community through public server hosting if a deal occurs. McFarlane has acknowledged the game's rough start and lack of long-term support but sees potential for its revival. Facepunch Studios prioritizes community engagement, as demonstrated by the ongoing success of their game Rust. The identity of the unnamed company remains undisclosed, but speculation points to Amazon Games. McFarlane emphasizes that discussions are confidential and that there are no confirmed deals or announcements at this time.