character Archives

Winsage

October 6, 2026

Prepare for Microsoft’s Windows and Surface event with these cutting-edge features for Insiders

Microsoft is testing five new builds of Windows 11 as part of the Windows K2 initiative, which includes several updates: - Support for Unicode 17.0 has been added, allowing Windows to display over 4,800 new characters and scripts. - Performance improvements have been made to the Settings home page, reducing loading times. - The Settings > Apps > Installed apps section now shows version numbers for packaged apps. - A new entry point for Cloud Rebuild has been introduced under Settings > System > Recovery. - The Cloud rebuild feature can restore a Windows 11 PC to a clean state without USB media. - The Address Bar in File Explorer now supports the '~' character for quicker navigation. - Adjustments to the preview pane in File Explorer include a new button for HTML files and automatic previews for non-HTML files. - Folder view customizations in File Explorer are now consistently maintained. - The Windows Magnifier now allows input of exact zoom percentages and includes preset step increments. - Cloud rebuild options have been enhanced to include drive sanitization. - The Windows share window now allows users to pin favorite apps. - Messaging related to age-restricted parental controls in Family Safety has been improved. - Minor visual issues in the taskbar have been addressed. - Fixes have been implemented for certain USB Audio Class 1.0 devices. - Corrections have been made for Remote Desktop window sizing. - Issues causing lag for some Insiders after updates have been resolved.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Exclusive: Frosthaven digital reveals the PC board game’s frosty final character

Frosthaven Digital will release its full 1.0 version on October 15. The game has been enhanced with new features, classes, and missions to align closely with the original board game. Team Wargamer awarded it a 10/10 rating. The digital format allows players to complete scenarios in about 30 to 40 minutes, compared to two to three scenarios in five hours for the physical version. A "custom save" feature will enable players to edit saves and import campaigns from physical to digital formats. The 1.0 version is 99% mechanically accurate to the board game, with some minor visual adjustments. Players can unlock a new hero, the Shattersong, late in the game, which plays a supportive role. There are 137 missions in total, with 64 as the main story and many side quests available. The onboarding process will include a three-mission tutorial and a four-mission prequel.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Warhammer Survivors is more than just a Vampire Survivors spin-off

Warhammer Survivors is developed by Auroch Digital and is seen as a worthy sequel to Vampire Survivors. It features detailed hero designs, expansive maps, and grotesque creatures. The game introduces fresh elements like followers and enhanced boss encounters. Familiar mechanics from Vampire Survivors are present, such as weapon evolutions and challenging bosses, with unique adaptations like experience skulls and Extremis bosses. Nuln oil is used as a weapon in the game, damaging and slowing enemies. Each map has a distinct theme, with one set in a WH40k battlefield and another in Age of Sigmar. Players can rescue unlockable characters to aid them in battles, adding a strategic element. The game presents a tougher challenge compared to its predecessor, with enemy factions exhibiting unique traits. Players must choose between WH40k and AoS universes, which have tailored characters and upgrades. Warhammer Survivors runs well on Steam Deck and is set to launch on November 10.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Arc Raiders is looking for ‘more ways to integrate real human performances’ starting with Celeste’s visual overhaul for Frozen Trail

Embark is overhauling Arc Raiders in preparation for the update titled Frozen Trail, which includes revamping anti-cheat measures, introducing a potential PvE test, and adjusting loot hotspots. A significant change involves reworking the character Celeste, voiced by Diana Gardner, to better reflect her performance and enhance the game's narrative. Chief creative officer Stefan Strandberg noted that Celeste's previous design limited expressive capabilities, hindering storytelling. The team aims to integrate more authentic human performances to create a more immersive experience for players.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

RuneScape dev apologises after RuneFest debut of an AI-generated six-fingered character: ‘That’s pretty hard to explain away’

Jagex hosted its annual RuneFest in Birmingham, UK, where it unveiled a trailer for the Dragon Slayer 2 quest. The trailer featured noticeable flaws, such as a character with six fingers and unusual sneaker-like soles on their armoured shoes. Social media users pointed out the apparent use of generative AI in the trailer, prompting backlash against Jagex, especially after a recent controversy involving a clothing collaboration with 100 Thieves. Alec 'Mod Sween' Sween from Old School RuneScape acknowledged the issues, stating that the trailer had been taken down for urgent investigation. He clarified that it was produced by a trusted external partner who assured Jagex that generative AI would not be used. Sween emphasized the company's commitment to quality and announced plans to overhaul their review procedures and collaborate with community creators to ensure high standards for Dragon Slayer 2. He admitted that the team fell short of expectations and expressed concern over the incident highlighting weaknesses in their internal processes.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Developer gets a little too silly, recommends deadly psychoactive ingredient in its bad boy-themed cocktail

Infold has released a dating gacha game called Love and Deepspace, featuring whimsical cocktail recipes inspired by its male suitors, each paired with a signature flower. The characters include Caleb with the crabapple blossom, Xavier with the forget-me-not, Zayne with jasmine, Rafayel with the fire lily, and Sylus with datura. The inclusion of the toxic fire lily and psychoactive datura in the cocktail recipes has sparked concern within the gaming community. Infold clarified that the drinks are fictional and meant for in-game enjoyment only, urging players not to recreate them in real life.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

I am cavorting with a gazelle’s grace in Grand Theft Auto 5

A modder is experimenting with Grand Theft Auto 5, aiming to enhance it towards a PC version of GTA 6 or to deconstruct it. One notable creation is the Back Flip Mod, which allows characters to perform backflips using the page down key. While successful flips lead to amusing self-satisfaction, there is a risk of failure, resulting in a ragdoll effect when characters attempt the maneuver. This unpredictability adds humor to the modding experience and keeps the community engaged.

Winsage

October 5, 2026

Microsoft warns fake CAPTCHA tests are hijacking Windows PCs

Microsoft has warned Windows users about a cyber threat that disguises itself as a CAPTCHA test, where cybercriminals use fraudulent verification pages to trick users into executing commands that can install malware. This tactic involves users being directed to a compromised website that presents a fake verification window, prompting them to copy text and execute it in the Windows Run dialog. This method allows attackers to bypass antivirus software by pre-loading malicious scripts disguised as harmless images in the browser's cache. Once activated, the malware collects system information, steals data, and maintains long-term control over the system. Microsoft recommends using robust security software and being aware that no legitimate service will ask users to copy and paste commands into system dialogs.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Registered Players Of Rare Cookie’s Bustle Invited To Secret Party

Cookie’s Bustle, a video game released in 1999, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The game was discontinued in 2001 and has since developed a cult following. Recently, an exclusive gathering for fans was held to commemorate the anniversary, organized by QualityTime Consulting. The event featured live music, exclusive merchandise, and cookies shaped like the character Cookie. The game has faced ownership disputes, particularly with an individual named Brandon White, who attempted to erase its presence online through copyright claims. However, the Video Game History Foundation intervened, successfully combating these claims in March and restoring content related to the game. The future of Cookie’s Bustle remains uncertain, with no announcements regarding remasters or sequels made at the recent event.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Garry Newman responds to s&box criticism in lengthy YouTube comment: ‘I don’t like giving up on things, I am stubborn’

Garry Newman, founder of Facepunch Studios, addressed criticisms of the s&box platform in a YouTube response to the community. He acknowledged the challenges since the game's launch, admitting, “We can't get away from that, we fucked it. We weren't ready and we fucked it.” Critiques highlighted include backlash against the player character models, Facepunch's reluctance to change unpopular designs, the suggestion that a delay could have improved the game's release, issues with low-quality games affecting discoverability, and a lack of community engagement. Newman recognized the importance of independent criticism and the role of voices like Eridium in holding the studio accountable. He also commented on the uncertain landscape of user-generated content (UGC) amid the rise of AI, stating it could be either the worst or best time to launch a UGC platform.