challenges Archives

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Ubisoft tells Black Flag microtransaction critics that they control the DLC they buy

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has received a mixed reception on Steam, initially categorized as Mixed but later achieving a Mostly Positive rating. The game features numerous microtransactions, including outfits, weapons, and a map-reveal pack, leading to criticism from fans and reviewers regarding Ubisoft's monetization strategy. Reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with the game's push for additional purchases, despite assurances that downloadable content (DLC) is not necessary to complete the game. One reviewer noted that navigating to the store page can be frustrating due to a design choice that redirects players to the store when attempting to pause and unpause the game.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Indie developer says Steam did them a solid by fixing their unbootable game to beat the Next Fest deadline

The developers of the social deduction game Red Flag submitted a flawed build to Steam just before the deadline for June's Next Fest. Despite the risks associated with last-minute submissions, Steam Support assisted by editing the configuration, sorting dependencies, and approving the build, allowing the team to participate in the event. As a result, they experienced a significant increase in wishlists and engaged with players in their lobby. Other indie developers shared similar positive experiences with Steam Support in the comments.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Epic Games giveaway will see you save $50 on two free games

Epic Games is offering two complimentary titles for PC users: Nova Lands and Tattoo Tycoon, available until July 16 at 4 PM BST. Nova Lands is a 2D open-world game focused on factory building and exploration, currently rated 89% on Steam, with an average playtime of 19 hours. Tattoo Tycoon is a simulation game where players manage a tattoo parlor, priced at .99 and holding a mixed rating of 61% on Steam. Both games can be claimed at no cost and are yours to keep indefinitely.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Hundreds of PS3 games to be saved from digital store closure with new PC ports

PlayStation announced the closure of the PlayStation 3 digital store, raising concerns about the preservation of gaming history. The majority of the PlayStation 3 library is available on physical discs, but the loss of digital content is significant. PlayStation plans to phase out physical media production by 2028. A community of PlayStation 3 enthusiasts is working to keep titles accessible online. Efforts to decompile PlayStation 3 games are underway, with a new tool simplifying the emulation process. This tool navigates the complexities of the console's Cell Processor, potentially revolutionizing emulation. Many PlayStation 2 and 3 games are only available through cloud-streaming or require a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, which has technical issues. Fans are taking on the responsibility of preserving these games, highlighting a need for PlayStation to enhance compatibility with modern platforms or consider porting games to PC.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

One of my favorite Warhammer 40,000 books is getting an unexpected sequel

Games Workshop has shifted its focus to explore the perspectives of various alien species in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Notable works include "Ghazghkull Thraka: Prophet of the Waaagh" for ork fans and "Voidscarred" for those interested in aeldari pirates. The novel "The Infinite and the Divine" by Robert Rath centers on the rivalry between two necrons, Orikan the Diviner and Trazyn the Infinite, who clash over an artifact and face various challenges, including confrontations with Exodite armies and xenos uprisings. Orikan and Trazyn will return in the upcoming title "The Wicked and the Warped," where they must collaborate to uncover the fate of a lost expedition on a Chaos-tainted planet. A reprint of "The Infinite and the Divine" in hardback format is forthcoming, and its audiobook version has received positive reviews.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

My favorite game of 2026 so far just got a major free expansion — and you don’t even need to own the actual game to play it

Zero Parades for Dead Spies has launched a free tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) adaptation, available at zeroparades.com/one-shot, which includes a core rulebook and a premade one-shot adventure set 30 years before the main game. This adaptation provides an accessible entry point for newcomers and enriches the lore for existing fans. The game retains the post-Soviet aesthetic of its predecessor, Disco Elysium, while introducing refined mechanics. On the announcement day, the full game is offered at a 10% discount, with a 20% discount for Disco Elysium owners during the Steam Summer Sale.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

‘To Continue Being Produced Long Term, Games Need to Succeed, Not Just Be Beloved’ — John Carmack Responds to id Software Layoffs

John Carmack, co-founder of id Software, expressed sadness over the recent layoffs at the studio, which saw 96 employees at its Richardson location and 40 remote positions cut, representing a 50% workforce reduction. This restructuring is part of a broader initiative by new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, which has resulted in 1,600 staff layoffs earlier in the week, with another 1,600 expected throughout the financial year. Carmack suggested that id Software may have been viewed as a "marginal business" within Microsoft's portfolio and noted that its financial contributions to Microsoft appear minimal compared to the tech giant's overall revenue of 1.72 billion. He reflected on the competitive nature of the gaming industry and questioned whether different strategies could have improved id Software's financial performance. Despite the layoffs, he remains hopeful for the studio's future. Fellow co-founder John Romero also expressed support for the affected staff and emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of iconic franchises like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

Microsoft’s patch Tuesdays are about to get bigger

Microsoft is enhancing its security update process by integrating artificial intelligence to identify potential security issues earlier, resulting in more fixes in each release. This initiative responds to the increasing use of AI by hackers and security researchers, which has led to a rise in high-severity vulnerabilities. Microsoft is updating its Secure Development Lifecycle to address AI-enabled attack techniques and is investing in new technologies to improve the generation and validation of security fixes while ensuring human oversight. Developers will continue to verify AI findings and make informed decisions about updates.

Tech Optimizer

July 10, 2026

Your Antivirus Has A Blind Spot, And Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) Know Where It Is

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are a type of cyber threat characterized by long-term infiltration aimed at stealing sensitive data or surveilling communications, often orchestrated by well-funded groups. Unlike traditional malware, which seeks immediate disruption, APTs employ a methodical approach, spending weeks mapping out networks and identifying valuable credentials. Traditional antivirus solutions often fail to detect APTs because they rely on signature-based detection, which is ineffective against custom malware. APTs frequently use legitimate tools already present on systems, making detection challenging, and some forms of APTs operate directly from memory without writing to disk, evading traditional scans. To combat APTs, a multifaceted strategy is recommended, including behavioral detection, network monitoring for unusual patterns, and a mindset of skepticism towards all network activities.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

It’s not just you: Steam is down

As of 4:33 PM PT, the "too many requests" error affecting Steam has subsided, allowing users to access the Steam store again, although server issues persist in Dubai. This downtime is unusual for a Thursday, as Valve typically schedules maintenance on Tuesdays. The error message displayed when accessing Steampowered.com indicates excessive requests. The situation may be related to the conclusion of the Summer Sale, leading to increased traffic. Many of Steam's services, such as seeing friends online and matchmaking, continue to function normally, with the primary issue being the accessibility of the Steam website.