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Microsoft is bringing original Xbox exclusives to PC for the first time, starting with four 'classic games'
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Microsoft is bringing original Xbox exclusives to PC for the first time, starting with four ‘classic games’

Xbox has launched the "Backward Compatibility on PC" program, which aims to bring classic Xbox titles to PC and compatible handheld devices for the first time. The program starts with four original Xbox games, including Crimson Skies and Conker. This initiative is part of Xbox's strategy to expand its exclusive content library and aligns with former head Phil Spencer's vision of preserving video game history and reintroducing beloved titles to new audiences.
A modder has brought No Man's Sky-style seamless takeoffs to Starfield, and even in beta they look pretty great
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

A modder has brought No Man’s Sky-style seamless takeoffs to Starfield, and even in beta they look pretty great

Bethesda's space RPG, Starfield, faces challenges due to frequent loading screens that disrupt the gameplay experience. A mod called Seamless Planet Takeoffs aims to enhance the takeoff experience by allowing players to remain in the cockpit during launch, providing a more immersive transition. The mod is still in beta and does not completely eliminate loading screens but improves the experience by masking transitions. The creator, 0xBobby, notes that while the mod enhances takeoff fluidity based on atmospheric conditions, seamless landings remain difficult to achieve and may not be possible.
Splitgate studio 1047 Games is laying off more people just a month after releasing its latest game
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Splitgate studio 1047 Games is laying off more people just a month after releasing its latest game

1047 Games has experienced another round of layoffs, described as the "third wave" by employees on LinkedIn. QA director Igor Krinitskiy and concept artist Jonathan Kuo confirmed their departures due to these layoffs. The studio, known for its hit title Splitgate: Arena Warfare, has struggled with subsequent projects, including the rebranded Splitgate: Arena Reloaded and the recently launched Empulse, which has not achieved significant player engagement and has seen concurrent player numbers on Steam drop below 1,000. Studio CEO Ian Proulx emphasized a focus on gradual growth rather than immediate success.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
July 20, 2026

Ubisoft promises Ghost Recon news in August, and if you’re hoping that means an update on the Splinter Cell remake then I admire your optimism but sorry, no

Ubisoft has announced plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ghost Recon series this August, with further details expected on August 6th. The last installment of the franchise was released seven years ago. The company is facing challenges, including recent layoffs at Xbox, and fans are also hoping for news regarding the Splinter Cell franchise. The 20th anniversary of the original Splinter Cell game was celebrated in 2022, but there has been uncertainty about its future, including a shelved movie featuring Tom Hardy. Ubisoft has acknowledged a "quieter year" ahead, with significant releases not expected until 2027-28. The 25th anniversary of the first Splinter Cell game is set for November 18, 2027.
Gears of War's creator is considering returning to game development, but whatever he makes won't be PvP like his last efforts: "Good look to anyone in that space."
AppWizard
July 20, 2026

Gears of War’s creator is considering returning to game development, but whatever he makes won’t be PvP like his last efforts: “Good look to anyone in that space.”

Cliff Bleszinski, known for creating the Gears of War franchise, is considering a return to game development after an eight-year break following the closure of his studio, Boss Key Productions, in 2018. During his time away, he wrote an autobiography, produced a Tony Award-winning musical, and addressed his alcoholism, which included a hospitalization earlier this year. He expressed a desire to create characters and worlds again, focusing on player-versus-environment (PvE) experiences rather than PvP multiplayer games. Although he has not disclosed specific projects, he indicated that he is inspired and open to new creative endeavors in the gaming industry.
Windows 11 gets quieter, smarter, and more stable — here’s everything Microsoft changed this week (and a few deals worth grabbing)
Winsage
July 19, 2026

Windows 11 gets quieter, smarter, and more stable — here’s everything Microsoft changed this week (and a few deals worth grabbing)

Microsoft has announced a substantial upgrade to the Search functionality in Windows 11, moving away from an ad-heavy approach to prioritize local results. Users can customize their search settings to include or exclude web and Microsoft Store suggestions. The new Search feature will also be more forgiving of typographical errors. This change comes in response to user feedback advocating for a cleaner search experience, particularly for Windows 11 Pro users who expected an ad-free environment.
Minecraft and Hytale's devs agreed their games needed to feel "more different." Now it's finally happening.
AppWizard
July 19, 2026

Minecraft and Hytale’s devs agreed their games needed to feel “more different.” Now it’s finally happening.

Hypixel Studios has revealed a new vision for Hytale, distinguishing it from Minecraft. Game Director Simon Collins-Laflamme noted a conversation with Minecraft's Chief Creative Officer, Jens 'Jeb' Bergensten, who expressed a desire for Hytale to develop its own identity. Bergensten acknowledged Hytale's polish but preferred playing Minecraft, prompting Collins-Laflamme to emphasize the importance of Hytale's unique features, which were not yet present in the game. The recent Chapter 1 preview showcases significant differences, including handcrafted dungeons with multi-phase boss fights, enhanced combat abilities, runeforging for customization, immersive world events, and companions in the crafting loop. Collins-Laflamme aims for Hytale to evolve into a deeper RPG experience, stating it is only at the beginning of its journey. The differentiation benefits both Hytale and Minecraft, allowing them to thrive in their respective niches. Other voxel-based games, like Everwind and Vintage Story, further demonstrate the variety of gameplay experiences possible within the voxel style.
Anthropic снова в суде: компания не только обучала ИИ на пиратских книгах, но и сама скачивала их через торренты
TrendTechie
July 18, 2026

Anthropic снова в суде: компания не только обучала ИИ на пиратских книгах, но и сама скачивала их через торренты

More than 100 authors have filed a lawsuit against Anthropic, claiming over 0 million for the unauthorized use of their books in training AI systems. The complaint was submitted to the federal court for the Northern District of California on June 17, alleging that Anthropic unlawfully obtained and utilized over 500 pirated copies of their works. The lawsuit includes various literary works and notable plaintiffs, such as Nolan Bushnell and Donna Barba Igna, who are demanding 0,000 for each work used without permission. The authors claim Anthropic downloaded books via BitTorrent and used illegal libraries, integrating these works into its AI training systems. This lawsuit follows a previous class action against Anthropic that concluded with a .5 billion settlement. The current plaintiffs have opted out of that settlement and are pursuing individual claims, asserting that Anthropic not only used but also distributed pirated copies. The lawsuits estimate around seven million works may have been unlawfully utilized in AI development.
Does anyone know how to drive this thing?
AppWizard
July 18, 2026

Does anyone know how to drive this thing?

Sony Interactive Entertainment plans to cease physical disc production by 2028, transitioning to a model reliant solely on digital distribution for new PlayStation games. The company has canceled eight out of twelve planned live-service projects by 2025, while CEO Hideaki Nishino remains committed to pursuing live-service opportunities. Microsoft has experienced significant financial losses and layoffs under CEO Phil Spencer, leading to a restructuring under new CEO Asha Sharma. Layoffs have affected studios like Bethesda and ZeniMax, raising concerns about ongoing project viability. The gaming industry is facing a trend of layoffs and employment uncertainty, impacting production times and budgets. Companies like Capcom and Larian, which prioritize employee retention, are experiencing success, while major publishers focus on short-term gains over long-term studio health. Successful game launches indicate a demand for quality standalone games, but there is reluctance to invest in new ideas due to a fixation on perpetual revenue streams.
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