conversation Archives

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Google Translate’s latest upgrade surprised everyone by turning into a chatbot

Google Translate’s new AI-powered Advanced mode can engage in conversation rather than just translating text due to "prompt injection," which causes the model to struggle with distinguishing between translation requests and instructions. Users have found that this mode, based on a Gemini-based large language model, can respond to inquiries rather than providing straightforward translations. The older Classic mode remains a reliable option for consistent translations without unexpected interactions.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Bethesda wants to make Fallout 76 “thicker” in 2026, and that’s exactly what I was hoping to hear

Fallout 76 has become the game that has consumed the most gaming hours for the author within the franchise. Bethesda has improved the game significantly since its launch, creating a vibrant world with a lively community. The Burning Springs expansion has introduced new regions, including Ohio, and Skyline Valley has opened up previously underutilized areas. Creative director Jon Rush and lead producer Bill LaCoste discussed plans to enhance the game's depth and player engagement, addressing critiques about the game's lack of depth. Changes to camp-building rules have allowed for greater freedom in player construction. Despite the focus on new content in Ohio, the rest of the map continues to see engagement from players.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

After joking about buying Amazon MMO New World, Rust boss says to “keep hope” as he signs NDA with an “unnamed company”

Alistair McFarlane, head of Facepunch Studios, has expressed interest in reviving the canceled Amazon MMO, New World, and has made a light-hearted offer for its rights. He is entering a non-disclosure agreement with an unnamed company, urging fans to keep "low expectations." McFarlane engaged with the New World community by jokingly tagging Amazon Games and discussing the planned shutdown of the New World: Aeternum servers in January 2027. He believes in empowering the community through public server hosting if a deal occurs. McFarlane has acknowledged the game's rough start and lack of long-term support but sees potential for its revival. Facepunch Studios prioritizes community engagement, as demonstrated by the ongoing success of their game Rust. The identity of the unnamed company remains undisclosed, but speculation points to Amazon Games. McFarlane emphasizes that discussions are confidential and that there are no confirmed deals or announcements at this time.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Amazon Games boss Hartmann reportedly leaving as firm retreats from PC and console

Christoph Hartmann, head of Amazon Game Studios, is leaving the company, which is shifting its focus from PC and console gaming to prioritize its Luna cloud streaming service. This change coincides with Amazon's layoffs affecting approximately 16,000 roles, following a previous round of 14,000 layoffs in October 2025. The gaming division may face challenges due to this strategic pivot, and significant reductions have already occurred in Amazon's gaming operations. The project New World Aeternum is scheduled to go offline in January 2027. Hartmann joined Amazon in 2018 and has over two decades of experience from 2K Games.

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

One Of 2025’s Best Games Is Getting A Vital Update On PC

Monster Hunter Wilds, released in 2025, faced performance issues on PC, leading to declining frame rates and technical problems. In response, Capcom released patch version 1.040.03.01 to address these issues, identifying an unintended process related to the Support Desk at Base Camp and the Grand HHub as a significant factor causing increased CPU load and reduced FPS. The patch includes optimization improvements for Steam-specific processes and options to reduce processing load. An upcoming update, Version 1.041, is scheduled for release on February 18th, promising further enhancements.

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

Larian boss is sick of players “shi***ng” on new games, and it feels like he’s talking about Highguard

Highguard is a high fantasy extraction FPS that has garnered attention but has a subdued post-reveal marketing strategy. It received mixed reviews, with only 37% of players on Steam leaving positive feedback, which increases to 78% among those who played for over five hours. The game sparked polarized discussions on social media, with both defenders and detractors voicing their opinions. Larian Studios’ co-founder, Swen Vincke, criticized the negativity towards new titles, advocating for respect towards creators and suggesting that critics should be evaluated on the impact of their reviews. He acknowledged the financial pressures on players regarding game purchases and emphasized the importance of constructive criticism without personal attacks. Vincke also expressed concern about the sensitivity of creative individuals and the potential loss to the industry if they withdraw due to harsh criticism.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

A Teen Refused to Watch the Dozens of Facebook Reels Her Mom Sends Every Day Because She Doesn’t Use the App, And It Turned Into an Argument About Respect

A 16-year-old girl maintains a Facebook account at her mother's insistence but has little interest in the platform, while her mother actively shares over 15 reels daily. The mother expressed frustration over the daughter's lack of engagement, interpreting her disinterest as rudeness, which led to a heated argument. The daughter clarified that her refusal to engage with Facebook reels is a matter of personal preference, not rebellion. She prefers to connect with her mother through other apps she enjoys. The incident has garnered support for the teen on social media, highlighting generational differences in technology use and communication styles.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Could a video game help combat antisemitism on college campuses?

Julia Sebastien's forthcoming PC game, StrangeLand, explores the complexities of Jewish life at an Ivy League college, aiming to serve as both entertainment and an educational tool about antisemitism. The game targets current and former Jewish students in North America, helping them articulate their experiences. Sebastien, who has a background in Jewish education and media psychology, draws from her own experiences and those of other Jewish students. Gameplay involves navigating challenges such as balancing academic commitments with Jewish holidays and addressing antisemitism. The game intentionally avoids discussions of Zionism and Israel to focus on educating players about antisemitism. It features a retro aesthetic inspired by classic Game Boy graphics, designed to create a comfortable environment for players. Sebastien hopes the game will enhance understanding of the Jewish collegiate experience for both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

This week in PC games: is Highguard a nothingburger? Plus, Winnie the Cthulhooh, Code Vein 2 and a plant-based RTS

- John Highguard: A sci-fantasy raid shooter developed by former creators of Apex Legends and Titanfall. - Winnie’s Hole: An early access title that transforms Winnie the Pooh into a cosmic horror roguelite. - Echoes Of Elysium: An early access game featuring six-player co-op in a procedural clockwork world. - Earth Must Die: A point-and-click sci-fi comedy from the creators of The Swindle and Lair of the Clockwork God. - The Spirit Lift: A roguelite deckbuilder set in a haunted hotel. - Roots Devour: A game where players control a malevolent tree deciding the fate of humans. - DON’T LET THEM IN: A horror game where players are supermarket clerks dealing with cautious customers. - Lanesplit: A first-person biking simulator with a cinematic style. - Ghost Keeper: An early access title where players manage a house full of ghosts. - Nova Antarctica: A post-apocalyptic game set in Antarctica focused on mysterious signals. - The Midnight Walkers: An early access extraction shooter set in a megamall with a poison gas mechanic. - Calyx: An RTS game featuring a military force against plant life. - Feastopia: A city-builder roguelite where players feed an infant god to avoid becoming part of the menu. - Space Warlord Baby Trading Simulator: A sequel that escalates the absurdity of its predecessor. - Cairn: A climbing adventure game with narrative depth. - I Hate This Place: A survival crafting horror game inspired by comic books. - Don’t Stop, Girlypop: An arena shooter with Y2K aesthetics. - Code Vein 2: The latest entry in the anime Soulslike genre featuring time travel mechanics. - Half Sword: An early access physics-based medieval combat game. - Front Mission 3: A remake of the classic turn-based mech game.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Nightdive boss says no one’s making immersive sims because they appeal to ‘a very small, niche group’ and tend to ‘come together at the 12th hour,’ even though it’s obviously the best genre

The immersive simulation genre is considered a pinnacle of gaming, offering unique experiences that blend creativity and interaction. However, the production of immersive sims is rare due to financial challenges. Stephen Kick, CEO of Nightdive Studios, noted that these games typically appeal to a small, dedicated fanbase, which is insufficient to influence corporate decisions. Despite this, Kick and his team pursue these games for their artistic value rather than financial performance. The development of immersive sims is complex, with the game's essence often crystallizing only in the final stages. Nightdive Studios has managed to allocate the necessary resources for their projects, but as budgets increase, companies become less willing to take risks on niche audiences. Even successful immersive sims may only reach a limited audience of dedicated fans and industry insiders.