challenges Archives

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xodus: Project to Run Xbox PC Games on Linux and Mac Hits Important Milestone

Gaming on Linux is experiencing a resurgence, with projects like Xodus aiming to enable Xbox PC games, including Game Pass titles, on Linux and Mac. Xodus is developed by a team of three, including a contributor from the Heroic Games Launcher. They have made progress in authorization and game downloads and are working on replicating Game Development Kit (GDK) functionality for Xbox services. The project currently uses technologies like Proton, dxvk, or Wine for game performance, focusing on GDK and MSIXVC format games, while older UWP titles are not supported. The Xodus project has a GitHub page and a Discord server for community engagement.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xbox PC and Game Pass titles are coming to Linux through ‘Xodus’ — Heroic Launcher devs embark on new open-source reverse-engineering project

Xbox PC games face challenges on Linux due to Microsoft's proprietary Game Development Kit (GDK), affecting performance and Game Pass functionality. An open-source initiative called "Xodus," developed by the creators of Heroic Launcher, aims to reverse engineer components for Xbox PC games to run on Linux, focusing on modern titles using GDK and MSIXVC packages, but not older UWP games. Microsoft has recently brought four original Xbox titles to PC and may release Xbox 360 titles next year with an emulator, though it is unclear if they will use the GDK framework.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Brand new PC bundle gives you 14 games with a short playtime for just $12

PC gamers can purchase the Short Games Showcase Bundle curated by Humble Bundle until August 28, 2026. The bundle includes a standard 14-item collection priced at .00 and a 7-item selection available for .00. Notable games in the bundle include: - Fill Up The Hole: Released on July 17, 2025, with a Steam rating of 90% positive. - Old Man's Journey: Released on May 18, 2017, with a Steam rating of 87% positive. - Teacup: Released on September 23, 2021, with a Steam rating of 96% positive. - A Juggler's Tale: Released on September 29, 2021, with a Steam rating of 93% positive. - Scanner Sombre: Released on April 26, 2017, with a Steam rating of 91% positive. - Astro Prospector: Released on July 14, 2025, with a Steam rating of 92% positive. - A Tiny Sticker Tale: Released on October 4, 2023, with a Steam rating of 97% positive. - Botany Manor: Released on April 9, 2024, with a Steam rating of 94% positive. - Biped: Released on March 26, 2020, with a Steam rating of 85% positive. - Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp: Released on October 23, 2020, with a Steam rating of 97% positive. - Anomaly Agent: Released on January 24, 2024, with a Steam rating of 94% positive. - NanoApostle: Released on September 12, 2024, with a Steam rating of 95% positive. - Knightica: Released on August 21, 2025, with a Steam rating of 74% positive. - The Dark Queen of Mortholme: Released on August 15, 2025, with a Steam rating of 83% positive.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Microsoft Word 1.1a Runs Natively on Windows 11 on x64

A developer has adapted Microsoft Word 1.1a, originally for 16-bit x86 systems, to run natively on modern 64-bit Windows PCs through a project called “Opus.” This adaptation compiles the original source code into a genuine x64 application, avoiding the use of emulators or virtual machines. The developer translated incompatible segments of the original code, including 16-bit assembly language, into C or C++, while mapping Win16 functions to modern Win32 APIs. The project retains original resources and copyright notices, and is hosted on GitHub without a broad open-source license. Automated testing has been implemented to ensure functionality mirrors the original application. Microsoft has previously published similar historic projects, but this port is an independent effort, providing insights into early Windows software architecture.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Halloween: The Game is banned in Australia because incentivized drug use is bad but incentivized ultra-violence isn’t

The Australian Classification Board has denied a rating for Halloween: The Game, developed by Illfonic, preventing its sale in Australia. The game features a mechanic involving marijuana use that allows players to detect the killer, Michael Myers, which likely contributed to the classification issues. Despite receiving an automated R18+ rating in July, the Board's regulations state that games with illicit drug use tied to incentives cannot be classified under R18+ and must be Refused Classification. Consequently, listings for the game have been removed from major Australian retailers, and its page is no longer available on the PlayStation Store. Steam has not yet acted on the ban, but it is expected to do so.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

id Software dev says mass layoffs like Microsoft’s are weakening the games industry, because developers ‘don’t have the incentive to care anymore’

Chris Hayes, lead services programmer at id Software, expressed concerns about Microsoft's mass layoffs and their negative impact on the gaming industry. He argued that cost-cutting measures are stifling creativity and innovation, leading to a demotivated workforce. Developers feel unrecognized and disconnected from their projects, fearing job loss shortly after game launches. Hayes noted that this environment affects the industry's health, with gamers sensing something is wrong. He attributed the discontent to macroeconomic factors and a lack of long-term vision from industry leaders, emphasizing the need for a more sustainable management approach.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

Project Xodus Brings Native Xbox PC and Game Pass Games to Linux

Project Xodus is an open-source initiative focused on reverse-engineering Xbox PC and Game Pass titles to enable their use on Linux and Mac systems. The project has made significant progress in Microsoft authentication and package decryption, allowing Linux users to download and process Xbox subscription games locally. The team has successfully reverse-engineered Microsoft’s identity services and license verification systems, unlocking encrypted MSIXVC game files and enabling the verification of game licenses and decryption of installation packages on non-Windows operating systems. Xodus serves as a translation bridge for Microsoft’s proprietary ecosystem services, providing custom proxy libraries for games to function as if they are running in a native Windows environment. It specifically targets modern games built on Microsoft’s GDK framework, excluding older titles using the Universal Windows Platform and those dependent on kernel-level anti-cheat mechanisms. The project aims to improve access to Xbox Game Pass on devices like the Steam Deck by facilitating direct local hardware execution, reducing reliance on cloud streaming and enhancing portable gaming experiences. Community feedback has been positive, with developers actively sharing updates and engaging with inquiries.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

‘Thank you so much for the best weekend ever’: The id Software gang got together at QuakeCon, and it sure looks like everyone had a great time

QuakeCon recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the iconic game that launched a franchise, featuring a reunion of id Software co-founders Adrian Carmack, John Carmack, Tom Hall, and John Romero. Despite past tensions, the atmosphere was nostalgic and positive, with Tom Hall sharing a clip of the group revisiting old Doom design notes. Romero Games expressed gratitude for the event, and Donna Jackson, known as the "id mom," made a surprise appearance. American McGee reflected on his career transformation thanks to Carmack and Romero. The reunion highlighted the enduring legacy and camaraderie within the gaming community.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

Linux May Soon Get PC Game Pass via Open-Source Project

Xbox has reduced the pricing of its Game Pass offering, attracting interest from open-source developers, particularly those working on the Heroic Games Launcher. A new open-source project called Xodus aims to bring PC Game Pass games to Linux and macOS by utilizing Valve's Proton and custom runtimes. Previously, Linux gamers had limited access to Game Pass titles, mainly through Xbox Cloud streaming, which faced latency issues. Xodus plans to support third-party launchers like Heroic, Lutris, and Bottles, allowing users to install and launch games via Steam. The development team has made progress in authorization and game downloads and is now focusing on game SDK development to ensure effective gameplay on Linux.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Microsoft reportedly pours fuel on PC pricing flames as it implements a ‘significant increase’ for Windows 11 licenses

Microsoft has increased the price of Windows 11 licenses for PC manufacturers by approximately 7% to 10% as of last month, affecting companies like Acer and Asus. This price hike occurs amidst rising costs in the PC market, particularly for RAM and other components, but has not elicited significant reactions from consumers or businesses.