collection Archives

Winsage

June 16, 2026

China-Linked SprySOCKS Backdoor Expands to Windows with Driver-Based Stealth

Cybersecurity researchers have identified two new Windows variants of the SprySOCKS backdoor, named WINDRV and WINPLUS, which were previously thought to be exclusive to Linux systems. Both variants feature hard-coded command-and-control configurations and can communicate via TCP, UDP, and WebSocket protocols. They support over 30 commands for operations such as system information collection and file management. WINDRV employs kernel drivers for stealth, obscuring network connections and allowing TCP traffic diversion. SprySOCKS was first documented by Trend Micro in September 2023, linked to the Chinese state-sponsored threat actor Earth Lusca, also known as FishMonger. The Windows variants belong to version 1.8 of SprySOCKS and utilize a kernel driver named RawWNPF for enhanced stealth. The attack chain begins with an initial access method that drops a batch script, leading to the installation of the backdoor. Evidence suggests these variants may have been used in attacks against government organizations in Honduras, Taiwan, Thailand, and Pakistan between 2023 and 2024. The WINPLUS variant was first detected in July 2024 in Pakistan. There are indications of a potential UEFI bootkit involvement exploiting CVE-2023-24932, a vulnerability in the Windows Boot Manager.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

SNES Exclusive Trilogy Officially Getting New Re-Release This Month

A trilogy of SNES-exclusive titles will be released on PC via Steam on June 29, featuring Dokapon Kingdom IV: The Legendary Heroes, Dokapon 3-2-1: Arashi o Yobu Yuujou, and Dokapon Gaiden: Flame no Audition. This collection will only support the Japanese language and is the first time it will be available outside Japan. The games will include enhancements such as save/load functionality, a rewind feature, and adjustable game speeds. The Steam page does not currently provide a price or details on compatibility with the Steam Deck. Another SNES title, Soccer Kid, will launch on June 18.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

PC Bundle Offering 39 Games At $61 Saving For Limited Time Only

PC gamers can celebrate Pride Month with the Townsqueer Vol. 1 bundle, which includes 39 games and zines focused on LGBTQ+ themes. The bundle is priced at a significant discount compared to purchasing the games individually, and proceeds are shared among creators. Notable titles in the bundle include "Tell Me Why," featuring a trans protagonist, and various other games and zines that highlight diverse queer experiences. The bundle is available on itch.io, with options to purchase individual titles.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

As Dead by Daylight turns 10, Behavior unveils game-changing overhaul that will “make the next ten better than the first”

Dead by Daylight has evolved over ten years from a lineup of three characters to 43, including iconic horror figures. The game has expanded into comic books, spin-offs, and music. Executive Producer José Ramos confirmed there will not be a Dead by Daylight 2, focusing instead on evolving the existing game. A significant visual update is planned for 2027, enhancing character animations, environments, and audio. New creative modding capabilities and prototypes for new game modes, including a 1v1 experience and a zombie mode, are in development. The anniversary event will introduce a new survivor, Shane Wiigwaas, the first Indigenous character, and improvements to voiceovers for existing survivors. A new zone related to Dwight Fairfield's backstory will be added, and upcoming content includes new horror icons and collaborations with various franchises.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

This week in PC games: a trio of surreal shooters, a big Stellaris expansion, and a new RPG from Octopath Traveller devs

This week features the Steam Next Fest, showcasing numerous game demos and playtests. Notable new game releases include: - Stellaris: Nomads: Introduces migrant civilizations with planet-scale spaceships in a 4X strategy game. - Day Trade Coach: A stock market trading simulator with a live news feed and professional trading terminal interface. - Mole: Players pilot a drill guided by whispers from the deceased in a whimsical setting. - Alaric: A "boomer shooter" with metroidvania design elements. - Copa City: A football management game set in 2026, focusing on the chaos of fan influx. - GoblinAmerica: An early access FPS where players embody US presidents to restore order and rewrite history. - The Last Salvage Squad: Features anime robots battling UFOs. - A four-dimensional chess game concept. Additional noteworthy titles include: - R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos: A remastered collection of turn-based PSP R-Type games. - The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales: An action-RPG with "2D-HD" graphics by veterans of Octopath Traveller. - Mech Spa: A nurturing game focused on mechs. - Mythic Love: Iberian Legends: An otome visual novel exploring Iberian folklore. - The Quiet Things: An autobiographical narrative addressing childhood trauma. - Moon River: A short RPG where players navigate a river revealed by moonlight, marking its full release. The Treehouse team is engaged in various activities, including urban adventures, exploring fungal brains, and artistic projects.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Steam’s second most-played game right now is reportedly a bot-filled marketplace that can get you banned

Steam's player population data shows that idle games are popular, with Bongo Cat remaining prominent and Banana achieving the tenth-highest peak for concurrent players. Task Bar Hero, launched at the end of May, reached approximately 450,000 concurrent players overnight and set a new record of 526,596 concurrent players, ranking just below Counter-Strike 2. The game's success is attributed to its passive item earning mechanic, allowing players to sell items on the Steam marketplace, where some items are valued between £50 and £150, and a legendary bow is listed for £1,183.16. Concerns have arisen about market manipulation by a bot farm, leading developers to enhance data collection on private servers to identify unauthorized program users. The data tracked includes user ID, game version, and device information.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

Steam Adds 11 New Free Games You Can Keep Forever

Steam has added a variety of free games to its library, including: - The Blackwood Project: A horror game where players investigate Blackwood Manor. - Bladefall: A hack-and-slash game with fast-paced melee combat. - 0.5%: A visual novel about two college students uncovering secrets. - Hexpand: A real-time multiplayer strategy game focused on territory expansion. - Pixel Rain: A sandbox game allowing players to create and experiment with interactive materials. - IOSoccer: An online multiplayer soccer game emphasizing ball control. - Hyper Glee Semik: A first-person shooter where players battle candies. - Jolly and Whimsy: An experimental visual novel about a character's quest to retrieve a friend. - Pantomime Horse Obstacle Course: A co-op platformer filled with humor and teamwork challenges. - Card Night at Gigi's: A card game collection featuring classic games in a cozy setting. - The Sphere: A point-and-click adventure exploring themes of loss and mystery.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

Spore devs say the evolution game’s previews were more ambitious than what they were actually making, and they ‘built a fantasy in people’s minds that was unachievable’

Spore was initially envisioned as an expansive simulation game that allowed players to evolve from a unicellular organism to a spacefaring alien, but the final product turned out to be a collection of sci-fi minigames with a cartoonish character creation engine. The game's creator, Will Wright, introduced concepts like "procedural verbs" for evolving societies, but many of these ideas were not fully realized in the final version. Features such as an aquatic stage were cut from the game, which has led to ongoing interest and documentation by fans. Despite mixed reviews, Spore has influenced contemporary games, including the roguelike Everything Is Crab.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

‘I try to play as a completionist and leave no stone unturned and no enemy unkilled’: Returnal director Harry Krueger talks Deus Ex, Resident Evil, and the arcade classic that inspired Housemarque’s best games

Harry Krueger began his journey in PC gaming with Quake 3: Arena and later became a programmer at Housemarque, working on games like Outland and Resogun. He served as Game Director for Nex Machina in 2017 and Returnal in 2021, which won four BAFTAs in 2022, including Best Game. He has logged over 200 hours in Tetris Effect, which he appreciates for its simplicity and finesse. Ikaruga is a game he holds dear, describing it as influential and comforting. Krueger uses PureRef, an image collection tool, for organizing his creative process. His desktop is relatively tidy, with project-related files organized, though he admits to having some clutter.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

3D narrative adventure game Sesame Street: Friends & Fun announced for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Switch, and PC

Outright Games, in collaboration with Infinigon, has announced the release of Sesame Street: Friends & Fun, a 3D narrative adventure game for up to two players. The game will launch on October 9 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam. Players will explore the Sesame Street neighborhood, customize characters, and interact with characters like Elmo and Grover. The game is designed for young children, featuring intuitive controls, light challenges, and educational mini-games. Sesame Street has been a trusted brand in children's media since 1969, reaching over 300 million households worldwide.