crew Archives

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Could Be Merged with PC Game Pass and Expanded with More Third-Party Services

Microsoft is reportedly considering merging the Xbox Game Pass Premium console subscription with the PC Game Pass. This information has been corroborated by multiple sources, indicating substantial interest in this direction. The current features of both subscriptions differ in price, platforms, first-party day-one access, EA Play inclusion, cloud gaming capabilities, online multiplayer options, and game library size. The potential merger could introduce a new subscription tier that includes cloud gaming, EA Play, and first-party day-one access, likely at a higher price point. Additionally, Microsoft is speculated to be exploring bundled third-party services to enhance Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. There are also rumors about a next-generation Xbox console launching in 2027, which may be a hybrid model capable of running PC applications.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Podcast Rewind: An AYANEO Avalanche, Minecraft Houses, and Brendon Crashes Unwind

Listeners can enjoy the latest episodes from the MacStories podcast family, featuring discussions on Game Pass on ARM, AYANEO announcements, and the TrimUI Brick Pro. Federico showcases the Ayn Odin 3 on NPC XL, while Chris and Matt present their Creator Studios and Minecraft creations. The Cozy Zone crew discusses a tier list of iPads. John returns to MacStories with a surprise visit from Brendon Bigley. NPC XL offers exclusive content through Patreon, and Cozy Zone subscribers can access bonus episodes. MacStories has expanded its podcast lineup since 2017 to cover various topics related to modern media. Advertising opportunities are available for the shows.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Battle Suit Aces review

Trinket Studios has released a new game called Battle Suit Aces, featuring Captain Heathcliff on a cosmic journey against the Frenzied, an alien enemy. The game is a deckbuilding title where players assemble a crew of characters with unique battle suits and engage in turn-based combat across two rows. Players must manage resources and strategize to defeat opponents with distinct abilities. Progressing through the game rewards players with crafting materials for suit and drone enhancements, allowing for diverse customization options. Between battles, players can interact with their crew, adding personality to the game and enriching the narrative, which evolves from a clichéd premise to a humorous and creative story with absurd side missions. The game includes a puzzle mode for tackling scenarios in a single turn and optional crew missions that deepen the narrative and provide rewards like additional mod slots for suits. Visually, the game features a vibrant art style and embraces queerness, presenting a refreshing narrative with diverse characters and scenarios. While it has some flaws, such as a predictable opening and lack of challenge at standard difficulty, the overall experience is enjoyable, making Battle Suit Aces a notable addition to the gaming landscape.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

To celebrate the imminent launch of a new Styx adventure, Epic is giving away Cyanide’s last two goblin-flavoured stealth games for free

In the early 2010s, Cyanide Studios’ Styx was a notable stealth title in a sparse gaming landscape. Styx, a goblin character, gained attention before being overshadowed by the Hitman franchise. In February, a new installment titled Blades of Greed is set to release, and Epic Games is offering the previous titles, Styx: Master of Shadows and Styx: Shards of Darkness, for free on Steam. Both games focus on stealth mechanics, encouraging evasion and cunning rather than direct confrontation. Master of Shadows established the series with intricate environments, while Shards of Darkness improved nonlinear exploration and cooperative play. Blades of Greed promises expansive gameplay with three vast environments, new mechanics like a glider, and a more proactive role for Styx as he assembles a crew for heists from his airship. The game is scheduled for release on February 19, with a demo available on Steam.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

Valve’s new Steam Deck update doesn’t promise much, but classic Call of Duty games could see some real performance gains

The January 8 SteamOS beta update introduces a feature called ntsync, which provides kernel-level support for a driver that enhances Windows game performance on Linux systems, particularly for the Steam Deck. This update may improve performance for older titles in the Call of Duty franchise and other classic games. Testing on Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare showed minor frame rate improvements when using the ntsync-enabled Proton-GE fork, stabilizing frame rates around 135-144 FPS compared to 130-140 FPS on the fsync build. Users have reported that issues like framerate drops and graphical glitches in Call of Duty Black Ops have been resolved with the new Proton-GE/ntsync combination. To utilize these improvements, users can opt into the SteamOS 3.7.20 beta branch and install the latest Proton-GE version via the Proton Up-Qt app.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

As co-op hits like Peak and Schedule 1 thrive, a former champion is back to reclaim its crown, so get your crew ready

Deep Rock Galactic has an average rating of 97% on Steam from nearly 300,000 user reviews. Season 6, titled Relic of Hoxxes, introduces the Ossuary Depths biome and a new mission type, Heavy Excavation, focused on amber hunting. The seasonal event, Ossium Raid, features the Bone Collector, which players can track for treasures. A performance pass with unlockable items and a paid cosmetic DLC pack will also be available. Season 6 is set to release on January 29.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

Game Pass Adds All These Games In January 2026

This month, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can look forward to new games including Brews & Bastards, Mio: Memories in Orbit, and a My Little Pony game. Players can also revisit Resident Evil Village in anticipation of Resident Evil Requiem's release next month, and enjoy Star Wars Outlaws. However, titles such as Neon White, Road 96, and The Ascent will be removed from the Game Pass library on January 15.

AppWizard

December 28, 2025

The Recap: Bridgerton, Peaky Blinders, Minecraft x Stranger Things and More!

Netflix has released a trailer for the fourth season of Bridgerton, set to premiere on January 29, with the second part on February 26. A teaser for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man has also been unveiled, with the film releasing on March 20. A special Minecraft DLC linked to Stranger Things allows players to explore new chapters in the final season and features characters with unique abilities. SEGA and RGG Studio showcased Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, set for release on February 12. Persona5: The Phantom X's Ver. 2.7 update introduces new stages and characters, with an event ending on January 22. Wuthering Waves has launched its Chapter III update, adding new areas and characters. Gachiakuta: The Game has been revealed as a survival action RPG with cel-shaded visuals, focusing on combat and missions in monster-infested zones.

Winsage

December 20, 2025

Windows RemoteApp problems, ferry malware arrest, Senator’s open-source warning

Microsoft's December 2025 security update disrupts Message Queuing (MSMQ) on older Windows 10 and Server systems. A subsequent November 2025 update causes RemoteApp connection failures on Windows 11 24H2/25H2 and Windows Server 2025 devices, particularly in Azure Virtual Desktop environments, although Windows Home or Pro editions remain unaffected. French authorities arrested two crew members of an Italian ferry for allegedly installing malware that could allow remote control of the vessel; one suspect has been released while the other is in custody. Tom Cotton, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has urged action on vulnerabilities in open-source software, citing concerns about foreign adversaries inserting malicious code. A zero-day exploit, CVE-2025-20393, affecting Cisco email security products has been exploited by Chinese hackers since late November. DXS International reported a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to its internal servers, with an investigation ongoing. A report from Resecurity indicates a rise in the criminal use of DIG AI for generating tips for illegal activities. CISA warned of a critical vulnerability in ASUS Live Update software, which has been actively exploited. An automated campaign targeting multiple VPN platforms has been reported, with credential-based attacks observed on Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect and Cisco SSL VPN.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

The best armoured warfare PC games to play if you love World of Tanks

World of Tanks (WoT), developed by Wargaming, has been a popular game for over 15 years. The author began playing during its beta phase and has continued to engage with it while exploring other armoured-combat games. War Thunder is a competitor to WoT, featuring a wide range of warfare options including tanks, planes, ships, and helicopters, with a focus on realism. It has a more complex targeting system compared to WoT and allows for multiple respawns in a match. However, players may find aerial assaults challenging, and the grind for modern tanks can be lengthy. Armored Warfare focuses on modern vehicles and offers a quicker progression pace, especially for premium account users. It has a health-based combat system similar to WoT and features a PVE mode with over 40 missions, though it has a lower server population. PANZERKAMPF, a newer game, offers fast-paced WWII combat with a user interface similar to WoT. However, it has limited maps and a more arcade-like experience. Tank Force combines elements of Armored Warfare and WoT, designed for both PC and mobile. It emphasizes a faster-paced experience with Cold War-era tanks and allows players to respawn multiple times during matches. Wargaming is actively improving WoT, addressing matchmaking issues and reworking tanks in the recent 2.0 update. Players are being offered gifts such as premium access and in-game currency.