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Valorant player claims to have inherited hardware ban through secondhand CPU, Riot anticheat boss disputes parts of story
AppWizard
October 4, 2026

Valorant player claims to have inherited hardware ban through secondhand CPU, Riot anticheat boss disputes parts of story

A user on the PCBaumeister subreddit shared that they purchased a secondhand CPU, which was linked to a prior owner's ban from the game Valorant. Riot Games stated that hardware bans last four months and do not transfer to new components in a different system. Phillip Koskinas from Riot's anti-cheat division could not find any support ticket related to the user's claims, indicating that the scenario might be unlikely. The user bought the CPU on September 21, while the original owner's ban was recorded on August 12, raising questions about the validity of the claims. The incident has sparked discussions about the possibility of inheriting hardware bans and the frustrations players face when locked out of games. Miscommunication may have contributed to the situation, highlighting potential inconsistencies in support responses from Riot Games.
Windows 11's driver signature requirement is one of the best anti-consumer security features out there
Winsage
September 27, 2026

Windows 11’s driver signature requirement is one of the best anti-consumer security features out there

Windows 11 requires drivers to be digitally signed, a policy aimed at enhancing security by preventing unauthorized code from executing at the kernel level. This requirement, which began with Windows Vista and became mandatory with Windows 10, version 1607, has tightened over the years, especially with the introduction of UEFI Secure Boot and TPM in Windows 11. While this enforcement protects against malware and supports anti-cheat systems in gaming, it limits user autonomy and imposes significant challenges for developers, particularly those working on smaller projects. In contrast, Linux allows users more freedom to modify their systems, though this flexibility can compromise security.
This open-source Windows launcher does what Microsoft’s new Start menu should have done
Winsage
September 15, 2026

This open-source Windows launcher does what Microsoft’s new Start menu should have done

Microsoft is set to introduce a significant overhaul of the Windows Start menu in its upcoming 26H2 update, responding to user feedback about limited customization options. Flow Launcher is a keyboard-centric app launcher that offers superior functionality compared to the traditional Start menu. The installation of Flow Launcher is straightforward, with options for portable versions and package managers. It features a sleek search bar and allows users to quickly search for apps and files, enhancing productivity. Flow Launcher is highly customizable, with settings for behavior and appearance, including nearly 20 themes and various visual options. Its plugin ecosystem expands its capabilities, allowing users to install and manage plugins for added functionality. Notable plugins include Speed Test and Google Translate. Flow Launcher provides a more customizable and efficient experience compared to Microsoft’s current offerings.
Marvel Rivals players are messing with their config files 'to cancel games with no consequence' before they get a loss
AppWizard
August 17, 2026

Marvel Rivals players are messing with their config files ‘to cancel games with no consequence’ before they get a loss

Players are exploiting the cheating detection system in Marvel Rivals to manipulate match outcomes by canceling games when losing, using configuration files during gameplay. Streamer LytePk reported this issue on social media, stating he experienced it multiple times in one day. Evidence includes a player named Murder Rate leaving a game while at a disadvantage, leading to a cancellation attributed to cheating, with teammates expressing disbelief in the chat. NetEase has issued warnings about modded configurations, but penalties have been mild, mainly resulting in auto-cancellations without serious consequences. The community is calling for more stringent penalties to address this challenge to fair play.
Epic Games Store is going to support Linux 'soon' — and that's great news for Steam Deck owners
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

Epic Games Store is going to support Linux ‘soon’ — and that’s great news for Steam Deck owners

Epic Games is developing a native version of its launcher for Linux users, coinciding with Nvidia's GeForce Now streaming service now officially available on Linux. This will simplify access to the Epic Games Store for Steam Deck owners and other Linux gamers, eliminating the need for third-party applications. Specific supported Linux distributions are unconfirmed, but SteamOS is anticipated to be included. Limitations will exist, particularly for titles with anti-cheat mechanisms, such as Fortnite, which Epic has blocked on Linux due to cheating concerns. GOG is also porting its Galaxy client to Linux, enhancing options for Linux gamers.
Games industry analyst says Meccha Chameleon's June revenue on PC was second only to Fortnite
AppWizard
July 25, 2026

Games industry analyst says Meccha Chameleon’s June revenue on PC was second only to Fortnite

Meccha Chameleon, created by lemorion_1224 and Haganeiro, has achieved significant commercial success, ranking just behind Fortnite in select Western markets for June, according to Newzoo data. The game's accessibility and viral popularity on platforms like YouTube have contributed to its rapid rise. Analyst Mert Şahin noted that lower-budget, socially driven multiplayer games can achieve impressive outcomes. Despite challenges such as cheating and AI imitations, the game has received positive reviews, with PC Gamer describing it as "a delightfully elevated take on hide-and-seek." The creators are also planning their first collaboration to further engage their community.
Proton got so good I keep forgetting which of my games were even built for Windows
AppWizard
July 19, 2026

Proton got so good I keep forgetting which of my games were even built for Windows

Linux gaming has gained popularity, especially after the release of Valve's Steam Deck, which shows that many PC games can run well on Linux despite not being designed for it. Proton, Valve's compatibility layer, allows Windows games to run efficiently on Linux without developer intervention. Most games lack specific Linux versions, but many Windows titles, including Elden Ring and Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered, perform better on Linux through Proton, achieving frame rates up to 75% higher. Shadow of the Tomb Raider, which has a native Linux version, shows similar performance to those relying on Proton. Microsoft is reportedly using SteamOS as a benchmark to improve Windows gaming performance, indicating a shift towards aligning with Linux capabilities. Overall, gaming on Linux has become more accessible and enjoyable, often outperforming Windows.
Apex Legends devs dole out nearly 6,000 hardware bans in anti-cheat crackdown on "malicious bad actors"
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

Apex Legends devs dole out nearly 6,000 hardware bans in anti-cheat crackdown on “malicious bad actors”

Respawn Entertainment's anti-cheat team has issued nearly 6,000 hardware bans since the end of April, contributing to a total of 139,697 bans across all platforms for cheating in Apex Legends. The team is focusing on enforcing bans related to exploits like the "jitter aim" aim assist system and is enhancing hardware bans on console systems. Hardware bans target repeat offenders and prevent them from accessing the game, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining a fair gaming environment.
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