conflict Archives

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

New Minecraft Server “Marvelous Anarchy” Launches with No Rules

A new Minecraft server called "Marvelous Anarchy" launched in May 2025, accessible via the IP address marvelousanarchy.com. It operates on Minecraft Java Edition version 1.12.2 and allows the use of hacked clients and exploits like item duping. The server has an initial player capacity of 25 and offers a completely unregulated gameplay experience, lacking traditional elements such as land protection and anti-griefing measures. Players can engage in unrestricted exploration, conflict, and resource acquisition, with the environment characterized by volatility and emergent social dynamics. The use of hacked clients is expected, providing players with various advantages. Spawn points are dangerous, and survival requires escaping quickly and finding untouched land. The server offers a fresh start for players to explore and establish themselves before chaos ensues.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Helldivers 2 player embraces their inner Lisan al-Gaib, discovering a way to surf on the back of the game’s giant floating Leviathans: ‘I spent longer than I would like to admit setting this up’

Super Earth is under siege from an Illuminate invasion, threatening its democratic ideals. Illuminate thralls and colossal Leviathan creatures pose significant challenges to the Helldivers defending their home. A player named Beautiful-Injury7738 created a video showcasing "Leviathan Surfing," where they used a jetpack to land on a Leviathan while holding a flag of democracy. They managed to stay on the creature for two minutes before being killed by anti-desertion artillery after drifting beyond the combat zone. The video gained attention on Reddit, with comparisons to Dune's Lisan al-Gaib. Another player, Harvey, has been causing chaos by participating in Illuminate raves, leading to property damage. The Helldivers community has also welcomed new NPC SEAF troops.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Microsoft fires employee who interrupted CEO’s speech to protest AI tech for Israeli military

An employee named Joe Lopez was terminated after protesting during Microsoft's Build developer conference, expressing concerns about the company's technology being used in the Gaza conflict. His disruption led to a series of pro-Palestinian protests at the event, resulting in multiple interruptions of executive talks and Microsoft cutting audio from a livestreamed session. Outside the venue, demonstrators gathered to amplify their message. Microsoft has a history of responding firmly to employee protests related to its operations in Israel and recently acknowledged providing AI services to the Israeli military but stated that there is no evidence of its technologies being used to target civilians. Following his protest, Lopez received a termination letter that he could not open, and an advocacy group claims Microsoft has restricted internal communications regarding terms like “Palestine” and “Gaza.” Microsoft has not commented on the protests during the conference.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Microsoft fires employee who interrupted CEO’s speech to protest AI…

During Microsoft's annual Build developer conference in Seattle, software engineer Joe Lopez interrupted CEO Satya Nadella's address to protest the company's technology supply to the Israeli military amid the Gaza conflict. Lopez was escorted from the venue after shouting at Nadella. He later sent a mass email to colleagues challenging Microsoft's claims about its Azure cloud platform's use in Gaza. The conference saw multiple interruptions from pro-Palestinian protests, and demonstrators gathered outside. Microsoft acknowledged providing AI services to the Israeli military but stated there was no evidence linking its technologies to harm in Gaza. Lopez reportedly received a termination letter following his protest, and the advocacy group No Azure for Apartheid claimed Microsoft has restricted internal communications related to Palestine and Gaza.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

‘TMNT: Tactical Takedown’ Is an Ingenious Bite-Sized Twist on Strategy RPGs

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown is a strategy game that features the Turtles in a unique narrative where they are without their mentor, Splinter, or their nemesis, Shredder, as the Foot Clan invades New York City. The game lasts approximately six hours and is divided into four chapters, allowing players to control one Turtle at a time, which enhances character exploration. Each Turtle has a distinct moveset, and gameplay involves optimizing moves and managing action points in evolving battle stages. The game combines strategic elements with a narrative that highlights the Turtles' growth and brotherhood. Tactical Takedown is available on PC.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Microsoft Says It’s Censoring Employee Emails Containing the Word “Palestine”

Employees at Microsoft have reported issues with emails containing specific keywords related to the Gaza conflict, such as “Palestine,” “Gaza,” “apartheid,” and “genocide,” which were either delayed or missing, while emails with the word “Israel” were unaffected. Delays of up to 45 minutes were noted, and the term “Palestinian” did not trigger the same issues. Microsoft spokesperson Frank Shaw stated that the company manages politically charged emails and discourages non-work-related discussions. The company's actions have faced criticism for being overly restrictive, especially following employee protests against Microsoft's contracts with the Israeli government. Reports indicated increased use of Microsoft’s Azure services by the Israeli military during the conflict, although Microsoft claimed no evidence of its technology being used to cause harm was found.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Palestinian developer disrupts Microsoft keynote: ‘my people are suffering’

Microsoft's Build developer conference experienced protests for two consecutive days due to the company's ties to Israel. During a keynote by Jay Parikh, a Palestinian tech worker interrupted to express concerns about Microsoft's contracts with the Israeli government, calling for an end to the collaboration. Security removed the protester, who was supported by the group No Azure for Apartheid. The previous day, Microsoft employee Joe Lopez also interrupted a keynote to speak against the company's contracts with Israel, urging colleagues to speak out. Microsoft is conducting an internal review of its technology's role in the Gaza conflict, maintaining that its relationship with Israel's Ministry of Defense is commercial and that its technologies are not misused. This follows previous instances of dissent within Microsoft, including disruptions at a 50th-anniversary event.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Brian Eno Criticizes Microsoft for Support of Israeli Military

Brian Eno has written an open letter to Microsoft titled “Not in My Name,” urging the company to stop providing artificial intelligence and cloud services to the Israeli military. He expresses concern that Microsoft's technological contributions could enable war crimes, stating that the company has acknowledged its support for Israel’s Ministry of Defense. Eno plans to donate his fee from the Windows 95 project to aid victims of the conflict in Gaza. He references a Microsoft blog post about the company's software and services being used by the Israeli government in ways condemned by legal scholars and human rights organizations. Eno emphasizes that selling advanced AI and cloud services to a government involved in systemic ethnic cleansing constitutes complicity and calls for a reevaluation of corporate ethics. He commends Microsoft employees who have spoken out against the company's actions and invites others to join his call for accountability.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Windows 95 chime composer Brian Eno denounces Microsoft for its ties to Israeli government

Renowned musician Brian Eno announced he will donate the earnings from his Windows 95 startup chime to support those affected in Gaza. This decision follows scrutiny of Microsoft’s contracts with the Israeli government amid ongoing humanitarian crises. Eno criticized Microsoft for its involvement in operations contributing to violations of international law and called for the company to suspend services supporting such actions. Microsoft acknowledged its contracts with Israel’s Ministry of Defense but claimed an internal review found no evidence of its technologies targeting civilians in Gaza. Following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, significant casualties have been reported in Gaza, with estimates of over 52,000 to as high as 109,000 deaths. Human rights organizations have accused Israel of war crimes. Protests by Microsoft employees have occurred, demanding accountability for the company's actions. Eno emphasized the need for artists and corporations to consider the implications of their contributions.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Minecraft inspired NFL 2025 schedule release removed due to licensing and tasteless joke

The Los Angeles Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts used Minecraft to unveil their 2025 NFL matchups. The Colts' video was taken down due to a licensing conflict with Microsoft, which owns Minecraft. The Colts included a crude joke about Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill and an insensitive clip, leading to their apology for exceeding rights with Microsoft. Hill's agent stated that Hill found humor in the situation. The Chargers' video properly credited Microsoft, raising questions about the Colts' adherence to licensing agreements.