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GPT-5.5 topped a Minecraft building benchmark and the spatial reasoning implications go far beyond gaming
AppWizard
April 25, 2026

GPT-5.5 topped a Minecraft building benchmark and the spatial reasoning implications go far beyond gaming

GPT-5.5 has achieved an xHigh tier result on VoxelBench, placing it at the top of a leaderboard that includes Grok 4.20 Beta, Kimi K2.5 Thinking, and Kimi K2.6. VoxelBench evaluates language models on their ability to construct three-dimensional voxel structures from text prompts, requiring models to translate verbal descriptions into precise 3D objects without images or post-processing. Human evaluators rated GPT-5.5's constructions higher than those of other models tested. Research indicates that producing spatially correct outputs is significantly more challenging than generating executable code, with geometric construction and multi-object composition being the hardest tasks. The MineBench Elo system, calibrated against skilled human Minecraft builders, shows that frontier models are approaching human-level spatial reasoning capabilities, which have implications for fields such as architecture and game development. The VoxelBench leaderboard reflects a competitive landscape where multiple models are achieving similar performance levels, indicating a shift in the AI benchmark landscape. GPT-5.5's results suggest that AI-assisted 3D design workflows may soon be viable, highlighting a transition from capability to integration challenges in the development of AI tools for design applications.
Steam Giviving Away 3 PC Games for Free for Very Limited Time
AppWizard
April 25, 2026

Steam Giviving Away 3 PC Games for Free for Very Limited Time

Steam is offering three free games for a limited time: Nocturnal, 8AM, and Burning Skies Arcade. Nocturnal can be claimed until April 27 and is Steam Deck Verified, with a Metacritic score of 81 and 425 user reviews (90% approval). 8AM is available until April 27, has an 82% approval rating from 106 user reviews, and was released in 2024. Burning Skies Arcade is perpetually free but will be delisted on April 27, has a 77% approval rating from 86 user reviews, and was released in 2024. All games are full versions and can be retained if claimed within the specified timeframe.
Linux and Windows 95 running side by side? This dev made it happen.
Winsage
April 25, 2026

Linux and Windows 95 running side by side? This dev made it happen.

Open-source developer "Hailey" has introduced the Windows 9x Subsystem for Linux (WSL9X), which allows users to run both Windows and Linux applications simultaneously on classic versions of Windows, including Windows 95, 98, and Me. WSL9X operates by running a modern Linux kernel (6.19) alongside the Windows 9x kernel, enabling features such as paging, memory protection, and pre-emptive scheduling. It is neither emulation nor virtualization and does not require hardware virtualization. WSL9X is available for download, but users must build it from the source provided by Hailey. It allows access to a genuine Linux terminal alongside classic Windows applications, enabling various tasks without compromising system stability.
Mass Effect devs have been practically radio silent for over 5 years because there's 'not a lot of time for tease'
AppWizard
April 25, 2026

Mass Effect devs have been practically radio silent for over 5 years because there’s ‘not a lot of time for tease’

The next installment in the Mass Effect series, referred to as "Mass Effect 5," was announced during The Game Awards in 2020, but updates have been limited over the past five years. Project director Mike Gamble confirmed that BioWare is currently focused exclusively on the game, despite concerns following EA's downsizing of the developer. He noted that the team is busy working on the project, which has resulted in a lack of teasers for fans. N7 Day on November 7 and The Game Awards 2026 on December 10 are potential opportunities for BioWare to share updates. Some fans express concern about the franchise's future and suggest that BioWare may need to explore new creative directions to regain its former success.
After a slow start, Last Flag developer says you can't become the next big hit just by ticking boxes: 'It’s a slippery slope'
AppWizard
April 25, 2026

After a slow start, Last Flag developer says you can’t become the next big hit just by ticking boxes: ‘It’s a slippery slope’

Night Street Games, co-founded by Dan and Mac Reynolds, launched a 5v5 multiplayer shooter called Last Flag, inspired by the capture the flag game mode. The game has received positive reviews on Steam and is priced affordably, but it debuted with fewer than 600 concurrent users, which has since decreased. Mac Reynolds emphasized the studio's focus on creative integrity over chasing trends, aiming to provide a unique gaming experience. Despite the commitment to a creative vision, the game faces challenges in attracting a substantial player base, similar to other recent titles that struggled to maintain engagement. Reynolds believes success should not be solely measured by player numbers, highlighting the team's pride in their work.
After over 3 years of running like dogwater on Steam Deck, one of my favorite RPGs has finally earned its Verified badge
AppWizard
April 24, 2026

After over 3 years of running like dogwater on Steam Deck, one of my favorite RPGs has finally earned its Verified badge

Dread Delusion now runs exceptionally well on the Steam Deck, achieving a steady 60 frames per second and offering over four hours of battery life. After the April 15 patch, frame rate dips have been largely eliminated, with only minor pauses during loading or autosaving. Developer Lovely Hellplace is working on a follow-up title, Entropy, which will build upon Dread Delusion's art style and presentation. The game features intriguing RPG quests, including one titled "The Ethics of Eating Flesh," which explores a moral dilemma involving a human meat substitute for sentient zombies.
GOG Giving Away PC Game For Free for Limited Time
AppWizard
April 24, 2026

GOG Giving Away PC Game For Free for Limited Time

GOG is offering a free download of the 2022 point-and-click horror game, The Whispering Valley, until April 28, after which it will return to its regular price of .99. This is the first time the game has been available for free on any PC platform. Developed by Studio Chien d’Or, the game has a rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars on GOG and an 89% approval rating on Steam, where it is rated as "Very Positive." The game is set in the village of Sainte-Monique-Des-Monts, Quebec, in 1896, featuring a haunting narrative and atmospheric gameplay. User reviews praise its atmosphere and story but mention long loading times and simplistic gameplay mechanics. The game has a playtime of approximately two to three hours.
New Slay the Spire 2 update reworks Ironclad's most unpopular card and makes lower Ascensions easier
AppWizard
April 24, 2026

New Slay the Spire 2 update reworks Ironclad’s most unpopular card and makes lower Ascensions easier

Developer Megacrit has released beta patch notes for Slay the Spire 2, focusing on refining the Ascension difficulty scaling. Changes include reduced HP for Scrolls of Biting, Owl Magistrate, and Slimed Berserker at lower Ascensions, while making them stronger at higher levels. The Vantom Act 1 boss has been nerfed, and the Waterfall Giant elite heals less in low-difficulty encounters. The team is monitoring the performance of the Act 3 boss, Doormaker, but is hesitant to make further changes. Card updates feature new artwork and significant reworks for Conflagration and Drum of Battle for Ironclad, with Conflagration now dealing two damage to all enemies four times at base. Regent's Parry has been adjusted to align better with Dexterity and Frail mechanics. Neow's blessings have seen some improvements, with Booming Conch providing additional energy and Neow's Fury allowing players to choose cards from the discard pile. Tezcatara's Nutritious Soup relic has been buffed to grant Strikes additional damage and cost nothing. The patch also includes various smaller balance changes, user interface enhancements, and bug fixes.
This indie developer is making Titanfall 3 because EA won't do it, and even in 'pre-pre-pre alpha' it's one of the most fun shooters in years
AppWizard
April 24, 2026

This indie developer is making Titanfall 3 because EA won’t do it, and even in ‘pre-pre-pre alpha’ it’s one of the most fun shooters in years

Titanfall is a celebrated first-person shooter series that was halted by EA at its peak, largely due to its release timing between Battlefield 1 and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. A spiritual successor called ShatterRush has been developed by Tetra Studios, a two-person team, and is available as a pre-alpha build on Steam. The game features a speed-running tutorial, fluid movement mechanics, and allows players to pilot mechs with combat capabilities similar to Titanfall. ShatterRush introduces environmental destruction, enabling players to demolish surroundings and create new pathways. The developers plan to release updates approximately every two weeks to enhance the game.
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