community response Archives

Winsage

May 18, 2026

MiniPlasma Windows 0-Day Enables SYSTEM Privilege Escalation on Fully Patched Systems

Chaotic Eclipse has unveiled a proof-of-concept (PoC) for a Windows privilege escalation zero-day vulnerability, codenamed MiniPlasma, which targets the "cldflt.sys" component and could grant SYSTEM privileges on fully patched Windows systems. This vulnerability was initially reported to Microsoft by James Forshaw from Google Project Zero in September 2020. Although Microsoft was believed to have resolved it in December 2020 as part of CVE-2020-17103, further analysis indicates that the flaw remains unaddressed. Chaotic Eclipse demonstrated that the original PoC could still spawn a SYSTEM shell reliably on his machines. The vulnerability is believed to affect all versions of Windows, with confirmation that MiniPlasma opens a "cmd.exe" prompt with SYSTEM privileges on Windows 11 systems with the latest May 2026 updates, though it does not function on the latest Insider Preview Canary version. In December 2025, Microsoft addressed a separate privilege escalation flaw in the same component, identified as CVE-2025-62221, which had a CVSS score of 7.8 and was reportedly being exploited by threat actors.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Star Citizen’s latest alpha update brings a ‘full reset’ to its universe, as Cloud Imperium Games promises to crack down on player exploits and duplication issues

Star Citizen, developed by Cloud Imperium Games, has faced challenges including a problematic in-game economy due to the duplication of valuable items by players. The studio announced a partial server wipe with patch 4.8 to reset players' bank balances and resources, but excluded ships obtained through trading with Wikelo, leading to player discontent. In response, a full reset of the game's universe will occur, wiping all player progress except for blueprints and items bought with real money. The upcoming patch aims to implement safeguards against exploits, though details are unclear. Alpha 4.8 will introduce a new endgame mission called "Tactical Strike Group," enhancements to player flight suits, improvements to refueling missions, and new infantry weapons. The completion of Star Citizen is projected to extend to 2028, while the single-player component, Squadron 42, is expected to release this year, though its timely launch remains uncertain.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Star Citizen commits to a “comprehensive wipe” as CIG fights back aginst duping exploits

Star Citizen alpha 4.8 is launching today, featuring a comprehensive wipe that resets all earned aUEC, in-game purchased vehicles, items, resources, reputation progression, and rewards from NPC Wikelo, while allowing players to retain their blueprints and items in the 'My Hangar' section. This decision follows community concerns about duplication tricks and exploits affecting the game. The update introduces Tactical Strike Groups for cooperative gameplay and ship hangar services for repairs, refueling, and rearming. A free fly event will occur from May 14 to May 27 to celebrate the launch.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Forza Horizon 6 Leaked, Pirates Are Playing—$120 Early Access Users Are Still Waiting for Preload

The game files for Forza Horizon 6 leaked online on May 11, before the official release. The leak is believed to have originated from a user using a token dumper, possibly a reviewer. Playground Games, the developer, denied any involvement and clarified that the leak was not due to a preload issue. Players who purchased the Deluxe Edition are unable to preload the game ahead of its launch on May 19. Playground Games is enforcing strict actions against those accessing the leaked build, including potential bans. Some players are posting reviews based on the leak, while repackers are sharing versions of the game on forums. TechPowerUp is conducting a performance review of Forza Horizon 6, with results to be published on May 14.

AppWizard

May 9, 2026

Arrowhead addresses the Helldivers 2 community as recent Steam reviews slump to Mostly Negative: ‘We want to be clearer about what we’re working on and what’s coming next’

In February, the gaming community celebrated the launch of Helldivers 2 and the introduction of the Cyberstan galactic campaign, which included new elements like the Bastion tank and Vox Engines. However, by May, the game's reviews had shifted to 'Mostly Negative' due to concerns over hidden weapon adjustments and the implementation of warbonds. Arrowhead Studios addressed community frustrations on Steam, emphasizing the game's importance and acknowledging feedback on the Exo Experts update, while also stating that additional vehicles would be available without warbond purchases. They outlined ongoing efforts to enhance the game, including new red stratagems, improved Galactic War rewards, and plans for more beta tests. Despite these efforts, the community's response has been mixed, with many players expressing frustration over the game's direction and the emphasis on warbonds, feeling that it overshadows regular gameplay rewards. There is a sense of ennui among hardcore fans who have quickly exhausted new content and are waiting for the next major narrative arc.

AppWizard

April 29, 2026

‘It’s puke or be puked on’ — this crazy indie game has you taking shots to save your soul

Developer Who You and publisher Alliance Arts have announced their new game, Drunken Goddess Reflux. The game combines elements of Russian Roulette with a narrative where players must outdrink a pink-haired demon to save their soul. It is played from a first-person perspective, with players selecting shots that lead to unpredictable outcomes. The game has received over 50,000 wishlists on Steam and is scheduled for release later this year. Updates can be found by following Alliance Arts on social media.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Hytale devs hire Minecraft modders behind incredible Create mod, teasing that it “opens the door to automation and a whole lot more” in their sandbox RPG

Mojang is focusing on smaller updates for Minecraft, including the Tiny Takeover drop and the upcoming Chaos Cubed. The developers of the Create mod are collaborating with Hypixel Studios on Hytale, an expansive sandbox RPG inspired by Minecraft that has been in development for nearly a decade and entered early access in January. Simon Collins-Laflamme from Hypixel Studios confirmed that the Create mod team is now part of Hytale's core design team, which may lead to innovative gameplay features. The community has responded positively to this collaboration, expressing hope for its potential impact on the game.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Hytale Hires the Creators of Minecraft’s Create Mod

Hypixel Studios has integrated the creators of the Create mod into its core design team for Hytale. Studio lead Simon Collins-Laflamme confirmed this, indicating that their focus is on enhancing the game's core systems, which may lead to automation features in the future. The Create team stated they will continue to support the Create mod for Minecraft, but it will not be ported to Hytale. The inclusion of the Create team suggests a commitment to expanding Hytale's mechanical complexity, although animated mechanical systems are not expected in the immediate future. Community response to this development has been positive.

AppWizard

April 4, 2026

Bungie brings the nerf hammer down on Marathon’s problematic ‘rich get richer’ gun

Bungie is addressing concerns about the Marathon Biotoxic Disinjector, a powerful weapon that combines a trace rifle and grenade launcher, which has been criticized for creating an uneven playing field in the game. The weapon is particularly effective in close-quarters combat, capable of nearly eliminating opponents with a single grenade hit. Game director Joe Ziegler acknowledged its overpowering nature and announced a 35% damage reduction as a temporary nerf, with plans for further balance adjustments. The weapon's exclusivity, available only to players who excel in challenging encounters, exacerbates the advantage for those who possess it. Prominent community figures have expressed concerns that the weapon could deter players from engaging with the game. Other content creators have noted its overwhelming effectiveness, with suggestions for additional measures to level the playing field, such as disabling the weapon in certain game modes.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 translator claims they have been “replaced with AI”; Warhorse says they “deeply value the people who shape our work”

A former translator and localizer for Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, known as Max H on Reddit, was let go by Warhorse Studios on March 27, as the studio decided to shift towards AI-driven solutions for translations, deeming Max's position "obsolete." Max had worked at the studio for nearly four years and expressed feelings of betrayal regarding the abrupt dismissal. They noted that management had begun integrating AI tools across various departments, including code development, and claimed AI was used without their approval to expedite translations, resulting in some content lacking thorough review. Max indicated they were the only employee affected by this shift, although they observed an increase in departures among colleagues. Warhorse Studios stated they are a talent-driven studio and value their employees but did not comment on individual situations.