decision-making Archives

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Human adaptability explained through a Minecraft experiment

Researchers from the Technical University of Berlin conducted a study using the video game Minecraft to explore how individuals learn both independently and collaboratively in changing environments. Participants engaged in a virtual foraging task, alternating between solo and group efforts to find hidden resources. The study manipulated environments to create "patchy" and "random" settings, examining when players chose to explore alone versus follow others. Data on players' visual attention and movements allowed the researchers to develop a behavioral model predicting actions based on individual and social learning strategies. Findings indicated that adaptability—switching between learning modes based on context—was crucial for success, highlighting that individuals are capable of adjusting their strategies rather than strictly imitating others or working independently. The research suggests that personal rewards influence learning types and emphasizes the importance of flexibility in decision-making.

AppWizard

July 2, 2025

How to change character in Mecha Break

In Mecha Break, players can customize their characters with basic options like face, hair, makeup, and body type for free, but more elaborate features such as outfits and tattoos require real money. Changing to a new opposite-sex pilot also incurs a cost. Players can earn cosmetic items for free through the Ace Conquest welcome event by completing specific objectives. To edit their character or purchase a new opposite-sex character, players can access the Pilots menu. Unlocking a new preset slot costs 2,000 Mission Tokens, while acquiring a new opposite-sex pilot costs 680 Corite.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

Windows 11 should have been an easy upgrade – Microsoft chose to unleash chaos on us instead

Microsoft has a long-standing support policy for its Windows operating systems, committing to a ten-year lifecycle for each new commercial release, which includes five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support. The introduction of Windows 11 in 2021 disrupted this tradition by imposing stringent hardware requirements, rendering many relatively new PCs incompatible with the new operating system. Approximately 50% of Windows 10 users may be unable to upgrade to Windows 11, affecting hundreds of millions of PCs. Microsoft has opted to profit from Extended Security Updates for corporate environments while individual consumers and small businesses face limited support options. The company's decision to impose these hardware requirements has raised concerns about its commitment to customer satisfaction and the value placed on individual users compared to enterprise customers.

AppWizard

July 2, 2025

Hideo Kojima goes in hard on AI and is worried we’ll all ‘be unknowingly led into a predetermined lifestyle’

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach has been released on PlayStation 5, with a PC version expected. Hideo Kojima has expressed disappointment that playtesters found the game too enjoyable and has shared insights on the impact of technology on human connection. He believes that being "too connected" may not be beneficial and cautions against making decisions influenced by technology. Kojima emphasizes the importance of genuine human experiences and spontaneity, warning that excessive online connectivity could lead to a predetermined existence. He acknowledges the role of the Internet but urges reflection on how it is used. His views are echoed by a character in Death Stranding 2, encouraging players to consider their choices regarding technology. Kojima values physical experiences over virtual ones, highlighting the richness of real-world adventures.

AppWizard

July 2, 2025

Randy Pitchford asks fans if they’d swallow future Borderlands exclusivity deals, almost 10,000 people say just put your damn games on Steam

Randy Pitchford, the leader of Gearbox Software, is actively engaging with the gaming community on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the pre-order strategy for Borderlands 4. On June 28, he invited fans to provide input on whether they would pre-order the game on their preferred platform to influence exclusivity decisions, offering options for "Yes, Steam," "Yes, Epic," "No, Steam," or "No, Epic." This initiative reflects a trend in the gaming industry where developers seek community feedback to shape their products.

AppWizard

July 2, 2025

Death Stranding 2 is too damn easy

The author reflects on their experience with emulation on the Steam Deck, specifically playing Death Stranding 2. They describe a delivery mission across Australia, highlighting the challenges of navigating bandit camps and BT zones while carrying a heavy load. The author notes the game's consistent difficulty level despite new gameplay enhancements and expresses hesitation about connecting to the Chiral Network, fearing it would diminish the thrill of exploration. They discuss the overwhelming assistance provided by other players, which reduces the challenge and makes them feel like a spectator. The introduction of powerful gadgets and upgrades, such as anti-grav generators and leg skeletons, is seen as diluting the core experience. The author wishes for a more challenging gameplay experience, suggesting the addition of a hardcore mode with limitations to enhance resource conservation and decision-making. They express a desire for a future Director’s Cut that could address these concerns.

AppWizard

July 2, 2025

‘Patient gaming’ only gets more attractive when $70 games get heavy Steam sale discounts just months after launch

PC gaming is experiencing strong sales, with discounts influencing purchasing decisions. Games often see price drops of up to 50% within seven months of release. For example, Avowed is currently priced at .89 after a 33% discount during the Steam Summer Sale. Notable discounts include Assassin's Creed Shadows, reduced by .50 since March, and Oblivion Remastered, which has also dropped in price since its April launch. The Patient Gamers subreddit, with over 750,000 subscribers, focuses on games at least a year old, allowing discussions on titles like Cyberpunk 2077 without the urgency of new releases. The gaming industry employs FOMO tactics, encouraging pre-orders for special editions, as early sales are crucial for a game's long-term success. Some suggest launching games at lower prices instead of relying on pre-order bonuses, as seen with Titanfall 2, which dropped in price shortly after release. Titles like Helldivers 2 and other recent releases have successfully launched at lower price points, indicating a shift towards value in the market. As competition grows, particularly with remastered classics and indie games like Peak, the pricing landscape is changing. Recommendation algorithms on social media are promoting personalized discovery of games. Steam sales provide newcomers with access to established titles at low prices, such as Civilization 6, demonstrating the ongoing appeal of older games amidst new releases.

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

Xbox confirms brand new games releasing this week – and there’s 18 of them

Xbox is set to release 18 new games from June 30 to July 4 across its consoles and platforms. Game Releases: - 30 June - Mystic Pathways: Crystal Quest (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC) - 1 July - Irem Collection Vol. 3 (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) - No Heroes Here 2 (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC) - 2 July - Mecha BREAK (Xbox Series X/S, PC) - Arena Renovation (Xbox Series X/S) - Dead of Darkness (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC) - Mystic Thief - Elemental Conquest (Xbox Series X/S) - Rally Arcade Classics (Xbox Series X/S) - SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off Extra Krusty Edition (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) - 3 July - Music Drive: Chase the Beat (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) - 4 July - Aery: Titans of the Future (Xbox Series X/S) - All the Words She Wrote (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) - Beat of Life (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) - Farm Together 2 (Xbox Series X/S) - Frozen Axe (Xbox Series X/S) - Golf Guys (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC) - Hexa Road (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) - Novel Rogue (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC)

Winsage

June 30, 2025

Windows 7 still supported by major anti-virus solution makers as ESU program persists

Businesses are increasingly leveraging their own research and testing to gain a competitive edge, fostering innovation and tailoring strategies to meet the needs of their target audiences. Organizations are finding that valuable insights often come from internal resources, allowing them to conduct experiments that reflect specific market conditions and consumer behaviors. A/B testing is being used to refine marketing strategies by comparing campaign versions to identify which resonates more with audiences, enhancing engagement and optimizing return on investment. Data analytics tools are essential for interpreting findings, enabling organizations to identify trends and patterns that inform product development and customer service enhancements. Tailoring offerings based on feedback can improve customer satisfaction, while understanding market demands leads to more relevant product features and higher conversion rates in marketing campaigns. Encouraging a culture of experimentation empowers employees to test new ideas, driving creativity and collaboration. Companies that prioritize internal research and testing can adapt swiftly to changing market dynamics, positioning themselves to thrive in a competitive landscape.

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

7 must-try Android apps you didn’t know you needed until now

JustWatch is an app that helps users find specific films or series across multiple streaming platforms. Skyscanner is a flight aggregator that finds affordable travel options and offers information on hotels and car rentals. Paprika Recipe Manager compiles recipes, manages pantry ingredients, and generates grocery lists. Coolors generates harmonious color palettes for design purposes. Too Good To Go connects users with restaurants selling unsold food at reduced prices, promoting sustainability. Spin the Wheel is a decision-making tool that randomly selects options for various choices. Splitwise tracks shared expenses among friends or family, simplifying financial interactions.