clues Archives

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

Confidential Killings – A Detective Game Out Now on PC

Confidential Killings has officially launched as a detective game set in Hollywood, where players investigate a series of murders. The game involves searching for clues and solving puzzles. It is developed by BRANE and Lorenzo Boni, in collaboration with publisher Surefire Games. There is a partnership with other deduction games, The Rise of the Golden Idol and The Roottrees are Dead, offering special bundles on Steam with a 10% discount for those who own any of the titles.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

Blue Prince, the best game of 2025 (don’t check our GOTY just trust me) is on sale on Steam for under $20 for the first time

PC gamers can purchase the acclaimed 2025 Game of the Year, Blue Prince, at a 34% discount during the Steam Detective Fest, bringing the price to .79 / £16.49. Blue Prince was recognized as the Best Designed game of 2025 by PC Gamer but finished as the runner-up to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. The game features intricate puzzle design and a unique approach to puzzles and discovery, developed over eight years. Players have expressed frustrations with the game's random number generation (RNG), which is integral to its challenge. The Steam Detective Fest runs through January 19, offering various games on sale.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Tech Bloggers Switch to Linux Over Windows Privacy Woes in 2026

In early 2026, many prominent technology writers are transitioning from Windows and macOS to Linux-based systems, citing frustrations with Windows 11's mandatory updates, privacy concerns, and software bloat as key reasons for the shift. The appeal of Linux is bolstered by advancements in gaming compatibility, user-friendly distributions, and a growing open-source community. While some users face challenges such as a steep learning curve and software incompatibilities, the overall sentiment is positive, with predictions suggesting significant growth for Linux desktops in 2026. Economic factors, including the cost of proprietary software and hardware demands, are also driving users towards Linux, which remains free and efficient. Community support plays a crucial role in easing the transition, and there is optimism about Linux's potential to capture more market share in various fields, despite some realism regarding the need for proprietary software in certain workflows.

Winsage

January 7, 2026

Hackers Use Fake Windows BSOD To Spread Malware

Security researchers have identified a social engineering campaign that mimics the Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to deceive users into installing a remote access Trojan (RAT). The campaign, named PHALT#BLYX, begins with phishing emails that appear to be legitimate cancellation notices from travel websites, leading victims to a fake login page and an interactive CAPTCHA. This culminates in a full-screen imitation of the BSOD, prompting users to follow instructions that ultimately allow attackers to gain control of their computers. The attackers use a “ClickFix” process that involves executing commands through native Windows tools like PowerShell and MSBuild, making detection more challenging. The malware delivered is an obfuscated version of DCRat, which provides attackers with remote control capabilities, keylogging, and the ability to download additional malware. The campaign primarily targets hotels and hospitality businesses in Europe, exploiting the urgency of front-desk staff to respond to apparent technical issues. Indicators of a fake BSOD include the ability to interact with the screen, requests to execute commands via Windows tools, and the presence of CAPTCHA prompts. Organizations are advised to train employees, implement application control, enhance email and web defenses, and prepare for incident response to mitigate risks associated with such attacks.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Turkiye’s PC games to watch in 2026

A curated watchlist highlights promising Turkish video games set for release in 2026, featuring titles that indicate a 2026 release window on Steam. The main list includes: - Anomaly President by Phew Phew Games: A presidential roguelike action game set for Q1 2026 on PC. - Dead Engine by Chocolate Dungeon Games: A pixel-art, post-apocalyptic survival action-roguelite launching in Early Access on January 22, 2026. - Emberbane by Hamlet Games: A pixel-art action-adventure game scheduled for January 2026. - Eternity’s Echo: Patient Zero by Demonsoft Games: A first-person psychological survival-horror title set for Q1 2026. - Gamer Stop Simulator by Red Axe Games: A simulation game set in Japan, aiming for a higher visual standard, with no specific release date mentioned. - Island Market Simulator by Zentium Studio: Set for Q1 2026, focusing on managing an island-town business. - Mayhem Brawler II: Best of Both Worlds by Hero Concept: A beat 'em up game set for 2026 release on Steam and consoles. - Papa Needs a Headshot by Phew Phew Games and Vercial Games: An FPS set for Q2 2026 release. - Sagas of Lumin by Elos Games and Arts: An action RPG launching in Q1 2026. - The Enigma Cases by Red Axe Games: A co-op detective mystery game set for 2026. - Who Do Voodoo by Kuixo: A multiplayer social-deduction game targeting Q1 2026 for Early Access. Additionally, several titles are under consideration for a potential 2026 release, including: - Black State by Motion Blur: A single-player action-adventure shooter marked as “To be announced.” - Deckfort Alchemist by Team Machiavelli: A strategic roguelike tower defense game currently marked as “Coming soon.” - A new project from Fubu Games is anticipated following their successful titles in 2025.

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

If you’re looking for a way to fill the Stranger Things-shaped hole in your heart, the new Minecraft DLC has you covered

The downloadable content (DLC) pack for Minecraft based on Stranger Things allows players to explore iconic locations such as Mirkwood Forest and the Starcourt Mall, and includes the option to enter the Upside Down. The DLC features various levels with clues and puzzles, and players can use characters like Eleven, Suzie, Eddie, and Vecna, each with unique abilities. The DLC is priced at 1510 Minecoins, approximately .99, and includes new skins for avatar customization.

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

‘Stranger Things’ has arrived in ‘Minecraft’

Minecraft has collaborated with Stranger Things, introducing 49 unique skins and a new map. The game allows players to experience the 1980s ambiance and embark on quests in Hawkins, encountering iconic moments from the series. Players can choose from characters like Eleven, Dr. Brenner, Vecna, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Suzie, each with unique abilities. The Stranger Things Minecraft DLC is available for .99 but is not accessible to Nintendo Switch users. The Duffer Brothers have drawn inspiration from classic video games for the fifth season of Stranger Things, and there are speculations about a secret ninth episode following the finale.

AppWizard

January 4, 2026

Minecraft X Stranger Things DLC Released

Mojang has released a new DLC for Minecraft based on Stranger Things, allowing players to explore Hawkins and the Upside Down while engaging with key moments from the first four seasons of the series. The DLC is available on the Minecraft Marketplace for modern platforms but is not compatible with the Nintendo Switch due to memory limitations, requiring a minimum of 6GB of RAM. Players can interact with iconic locations and characters, including a blocky version of Murray, and experience the narrative in an open-world format. Those who purchase the DLC before January 25, 2026, will receive a Hellfire Club t-shirt for character customization. The update aligns with the release of Stranger Things’ final season and emphasizes Mojang’s focus on narrative integrity and accessibility across platforms. The DLC encourages exploration and challenges, continuing Mojang’s trend of collaborating with external media franchises.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

I’ve played the Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy alpha and it’s basically grimdark Disco Elysium

Owlcat Games is releasing downloadable content for Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader and has announced a new RPG inspired by The Expanse novels. They have launched a publishing division producing titles like Rue Valley, with contributions from Disco Elysium writer Robert Kurvitz. The alpha test for Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy is available to players who pre-ordered specific editions, lasting approximately eight hours and allowing exploration of different narrative outcomes. The game features a detective system and an Inquisitorial Journal for gathering clues. Dark Heresy emphasizes investigation over combat, which is currently seen as the weakest aspect of the demo. The game includes a character named Ra'ahkti, who may have a role similar to Kim Kitsuragi from Disco Elysium, and there are hints of potential romantic interactions.

AppWizard

December 28, 2025

I’m obsessed with detective games, and I think these 9 prove that 2025 was the best year for the genre ever

Players investigate a tech startup CEO's murder by identifying employees and their details, using evidence in an office setting. Another game involves resource management where players uncover a murder mystery while engaging townsfolk in quirky tasks. A sequel features players in a shop solving puzzles related to bizarre customer requests. Posh Cat Studio shifted from murder mysteries to lighter detective scenarios like finding a lost cat. Inkle's sequel to Overboard! has players clear a protagonist's name amidst schoolyard mysteries. At Blake Manor, players investigate the disappearance of Evelyn Deane among suspicious guests. A game about the Roottree sisters requires players to build a family tree using early internet tools. A free game on itch.io challenges players to unlock a detective's hard drive to solve a murder.