challenges Archives

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Arise Dark Lord is a new RTS where you raise evil armies and crush “godless heathens”

Introversion Software has announced their new game, Arise Dark Lord, an action RTS hybrid where players act as a dark lord aiming to conquer lands with undead legions. Players can raise the dead or control orcish forces to build a corrupting army and claim territory. The game features resource gathering from forests and mountains and allows players to construct a Dark Tower for defense against human resistance. Arise Dark Lord is in early development, with a projected release in 2027, and a Prologue is available on itch.io. The game showcases a Tolkien-inspired art style and enjoyable gameplay.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Starlink gaming: Can you really play online games via satellite internet?

Starlink uses a network of over 10,000 satellites in low Earth orbit to provide internet service, requiring users to have a clear view of the sky for optimal performance. It claims download speeds of up to 400 Mbps, which can be beneficial for gamers, although actual speeds may vary by location. Latency ranges from 25 to 60 milliseconds, which can impact performance in competitive gaming. Users can reduce latency by connecting devices via ethernet and ensuring the satellite receiver has an unobstructed view. The service has proven reliable for the author, who has experienced only one significant outage in over a year of use. Upload speeds are lower than traditional broadband, averaging 20-30 Mbps, which can be frustrating for tasks like 4K filming. Starlink is recommended for areas without fiber broadband, but 5G may be a better option where available due to higher potential speeds and lower latency. Starlink's hardware costs and subscription fees can be higher compared to 5G plans.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Android Apps Share Location Data With Advertisers by Default

A recent investigation by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) revealed that many Android applications contain third-party code that automatically transmits users' precise location data to external companies, including advertisers and data brokers, once location permission is granted. There are no specific location permissions for Software Development Kits (SDKs) on Android, meaning that granting one app access allows all bundled components to access the same data. Developers may be unaware that their apps are configured to share location histories with external firms, as advertising SDKs often prioritize data collection for revenue generation. The EFF calls for advertising SDKs to stop making personal data sharing the default setting and urges developers to disable unnecessary data collection. Location data can reach data brokers, which may experience breaches, compromising user privacy and security. This situation poses hidden risks for investors in the mobile advertising sector, as legal challenges and reputational damage may arise from regulatory scrutiny of location data practices. The EFF emphasizes that app-level permissions do not provide meaningful consent for third-party data sharing, highlighting the value and risks associated with location data.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla director comes back to Ubisoft to be game director for the entire brand

Eric Baptizat has returned to Ubisoft as the game director for the entire Assassin's Creed series after a brief hiatus. He previously served as the lead game designer on Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag and as the director of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Baptizat has a 16-year tenure at Ubisoft, contributing to key titles such as Black Flag, Origins, and Valhalla. He left Ubisoft in 2021 to work at EA Motive, where he directed the Dead Space remake and was the game design director on Battlefield 6. His return is viewed positively and may signal a revitalization for Ubisoft.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Can you play Big Walk alone or with randoms?

Big Walk is a co-op-only adventure game created by the developers of Untitled Goose Game, designed for multiplayer experiences rather than solo play. It features an open world with charming characters and puzzles that require teamwork. Players are encouraged to connect with others through gaming forums to form teams, enhancing the joy of discovery and collaboration in the game.

BetaBeacon

August 6, 2026

This Game Boy Advance clone is a cheap Android handheld from AYANEO

The AYANEO KONKR Pocket Advance is a handheld game console that resembles the Nintendo Game Boy Advance but with modern features. It has a 3.5 inch display, MediaTek Helio G90T processor, and runs on an Android-based operating system. The device is available for pre-order with different configurations and prices, with limited production runs expected. The KONKR Pocket Advance features a unique design ideal for classic GBA titles, along with additional buttons for enhanced gameplay. It also includes various modern features such as a 4,000 mAh battery, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C port, microSD card reader, and gyroscope. The device aims to provide a blend of nostalgia and modern functionality for gamers looking for a portable gaming experience.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

‘Sorry about this!’ Big Walk is already fixing its biggest complaint

Big Walk, a co-op puzzle game, launched yesterday and peaked at nearly 50,000 concurrent players on Steam, receiving "Very Positive" reviews. Players are enjoying the gameplay but are facing communication issues due to difficulties in hearing each other through the in-game proximity voice chat. A mod on GitHub has been created to address this by adding a voice volume slider that allows players to increase voice chat volume up to 200%.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Something big is coming to Helldivers 2 next week: Squid is back on the menu

The latest trailer for Helldivers 2, released today, announces a major update scheduled for August 12. The trailer features a helldiving teddy bear being consumed by a void and reemerging on a lush jungle planet, where it encounters a tall, rounded bipedal alien. The update will also include a crossover with the Warhammer 40,000 universe, introducing a warbond with three weapons and two armor sets, expected to exceed the standard price for warbonds.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Black Library veteran Toby Longworth gives us his tips for voicing the perfect Space Marine

Toby Longworth is a voice actor known for his work in Black Library audiobooks within the Warhammer 40,000 universe. He has voiced numerous characters, including Nathaniel Garro, Garviel Loken, and Ezekyle Abbadon, as well as several Primarchs. Longworth emphasizes the challenge of distinguishing the voices of Space Marines, who share similar traits, to convey their individuality. He aims to create a connection with the audience, ensuring that listeners can appreciate the distinctiveness of each character through careful modulation of tone, pitch, and emotional delivery. He is preparing for his role in the upcoming Dawn of War 4, aware of fan expectations for unique character experiences.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

What happens after GTA 6?

The western blockbuster game development industry is facing significant challenges, including layoffs, studio closures, and a component shortage affecting hardware prices. Upcoming titles include Assassin's Creed Shadows, Doom: The Dark Ages, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 in 2025, and this year's Forza Horizon 6, a new Wolverine game, and 007 First Light. Immersion in games is often linked to graphical fidelity, overshadowing alternative artistic styles. Culturally impactful games like Palworld, Peak, Phasmophobia, and Valheim feature distinctive visual styles. The evolution of graphics has improved but not significantly transformed the gaming experience. The anticipated release of GTA 6 may signal a shift away from the focus on graphical superiority, with skepticism about its impact due to hardware limitations. GTA 6 is expected to dominate discussions and sales, but may lead to a more grounded approach among studios. The traditional blockbuster model is becoming unsustainable, prompting studios to adapt to a changing market where high-end hardware is less accessible. This shift could foster growth and innovation, allowing for more complex gameplay experiences.