delisting Archives

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Hackers Somehow Uploaded a Game Full of Malware on Steam

On February 6, hackers uploaded a pirate-themed survival game called PirateFi to Steam, attributed to Seaworth Interactive, which contained malware designed to steal users' browser cookies. The game was available for download for at least a week before Valve removed it after becoming aware of the risks. Estimates suggest that between 800 and 1,500 users downloaded the game. Promotional materials for PirateFi were reportedly taken from another game, Easy Survival RPG. Users' antivirus programs identified PirateFi as “Trojan.Win32.Lazzzy.gen,” a malware variant known for extracting browser cookies. Valve informed players about the malware and advised them to scan their systems and consider reinstalling Windows. Seaworth Interactive had no prior history, and PirateFi was its only game, with no dedicated website or social media presence.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

GOG’s Game Preservation Effort Will Include Delisted Titles

GOG has launched a "Good Old Games" preservation program featuring an initial selection of 100 titles, ensuring they are playable on modern PCs with the latest Windows versions and graphics drivers. The program includes ongoing support for bug fixes and a support service for players encountering issues. GOG will continue to support classic titles like Warcraft and Warcraft II, even after their removal from the store by Blizzard. The initiative aims to address the challenges of game preservation, including the complexities of digital ownership and securing rights from publishers. GOG employs open-source emulators for older DOS-based games and has undertaken quality assurance processes for the titles in the program. The company plans to expand the preservation program monthly and has invested in resolving persistent issues, such as a memory leak in Dragon Age: Origins.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

GOG expands preservation program to protect delisted games

GOG launched a preservation program for older PC games, which now includes delisted titles like Warcraft 1 and Warcraft 2. Blizzard requested the removal of these games from GOG's storefront on December 13, and GOG complied but will continue to support these titles through its preservation program. GOG guarantees ongoing technical support for users who own these delisted games, ensuring compatibility with future Windows operating systems. The program currently focuses on Windows platforms and includes other notable titles such as the first three installments of Resident Evil and Alpha Protocol. A 2023 study indicated that nearly all games released before 2010 are now inaccessible. The U.S. Copyright Office recently rejected a proposal by the Video Game History Foundation for an exemption to DMCA rules, siding with the Entertainment Software Association, which argues that preservation is the responsibility of publishers.

AppWizard

December 2, 2024

GOG Makes Big Promise On Game Preservation As Blizzard Pulls Warcraft I And II From Its Store

Blizzard Entertainment has announced the delisting of Warcraft I and II from GOG, effective December 13th, following the release of remastered versions of the games. GOG, a subsidiary of CD Projekt Red, has launched a preservation program to ensure classic PC games remain accessible and functional on modern hardware, pledging to maintain compatibility for titles that join the program, even if they are delisted. The delisting was requested by Blizzard, now part of Microsoft, which has stopped sales of the original games after launching remastered versions. GOG is offering a discount for purchases of the classic versions before removal and assures that existing owners will continue to receive updates and support.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

Microsoft keeps betting on AI for Windows 11, and Arm PCs get even better

Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 build for Windows Insiders in the Canary channel, enhancing the Prism emulator on Arm devices to support additional CPU extensions like AVX and AVX2, allowing x86 applications such as Adobe Premiere Pro to run seamlessly on Arm devices. Vegas Pro, ProtonVPN, and Telegram Desktop have also announced support for Arm. Notepad now features an AI-based Rewrite option that requires AI credits, and Paint has received AI enhancements, though generative fill is currently exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. Paint 3D has been officially delisted from the Microsoft Store due to lack of user interest and complexity.

AppWizard

November 11, 2024

Sony’s president says forcing PC gamers onto the PlayStation Network is about keeping them safe

Sony has mandated that players must sign into the PlayStation Network (PSN) even for single-player titles such as God of War Ragnarök and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, which has raised concerns about accessibility, particularly in regions where PSN is not available. This requirement has led to significant criticism as it limits access to PlayStation games for some gamers. In an investor call, Sony's president, Hiroki Totoki, stated that the intention behind this move is to enhance player safety, acknowledging that it could "invite pushback." The PSN sign-in requirement has resulted in the delisting of certain titles, such as Ghost of Tsushima, in nearly 200 countries. Some industry analysts suggest this requirement may be a strategic move for Sony to inflate its monthly active user metrics.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Sony isn’t giving up on PSN account requirement for PC games: Company president says it’s necessary so people can ‘safely’ play its games

Hiroki Totoki, Sony's president and COO, discussed the necessity of requiring PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts for PC versions of its games during an investors call. He acknowledged the backlash from gamers but emphasized that the integration of PSN accounts is crucial for maintaining a secure gaming environment. Despite significant pushback, including controversy over Helldivers 2 and the delisting of Ghost of Tsushima's PC port in several countries, Sony confirmed that games like God of War Ragnarok will also require PSN logins. While setting up a PSN account is easy, many gamers express frustration over these additional requirements. Some publishers, like BioWare, are offering offline play options, contrasting Sony's approach. Historically, gamers have adapted to similar account requirements, and despite initial negative reviews, games like God of War: Ragnarok have improved ratings over time. The overall trend suggests a potential acceptance of account requirements as consumer fatigue with the debate may lead to a quieter acceptance of the status quo.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

This secret trick lets you get retired Paint 3D from the Microsoft Store

On November 4, Microsoft removed the Paint 3D app from its Store, but users who had previously installed it can still use it. New users can access Paint 3D through a workaround by searching for it in the Start menu, which may lead to an install option in the Microsoft Store despite its delisting. Alternatively, users can download archived files of Paint 3D from icedrive.net, which includes installers for older versions. However, users will not receive updates from Microsoft, affecting long-term usability.

AppWizard

October 4, 2024

Horizon Zero Dawn is the latest PC single-player game to require Sony’s PSN

Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition has been removed from purchase options on Steam, although its page remains active. Pre-order options for Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, launching on October 31, are now available, along with Horizon Forbidden West. The remastered version requires a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, which excludes gamers in over a hundred countries, mainly in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The Complete Edition can still be purchased on GOG.com, which allows for no-activation and offline play. Polygon has contacted Sony Interactive Entertainment for information regarding the delisting and future availability of the Complete Edition on GOG.com.

AppWizard

October 4, 2024

Sony Delists Original Horizon Zero Dawn on PC, Forces PSN Requirement for Remaster – IGN

Sony has delisted the original Horizon Zero Dawn from Steam and the Epic Games Store, coinciding with the announcement of a remastered version that requires a PlayStation Network (PSN) account for PC access. This requirement has sparked negative reactions and reviews, particularly following previous backlash against Sony's PSN policies with Helldivers 2. The original game is still available on GOG in a DRM-free format.