Development Archives

Winsage

June 28, 2026

Microsoft begins rolling out a faster File Explorer on Windows 11, and no, it’s not preloading

Microsoft is rolling out an enhanced File Explorer for Windows 11 as part of the June 2026 optional update (KB5095093 / Build 26200.8737), which will also be included in the cumulative update scheduled for July 2026. This update improves File Explorer performance, particularly by streamlining the "Home" tab and enhancing the speed of launching File Explorer. Users will experience a more responsive interface, with improvements in the address bar and fixes for issues related to unresponsiveness when mounting disk images. Enhancements also include refinements in file and folder renaming, allowing for better text selection and case-only name changes. Users can navigate between folders using double backslashes and quotation marks in the address bar. Microsoft is also testing a faster, configurable right-click menu to improve usability. The preloading feature for File Explorer is still in development, with no guarantee it will match the speed of Windows 10.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Payday 2’s next update is “a massive undertaking” to modernize the FPS, stop crashes, and cut its install size by 60%

Starbreeze has transferred the ongoing support of Payday 2 to Sidetrack Games, allowing the original developers to focus on Payday 3. Payday 2 continues to attract around 30,000 players on Steam, while Payday 3 struggles with about 1,000 players. Sidetrack Games is planning a significant overhaul, migrating the game to a new 64-bit engine called Diesel 3.0, which aims to improve gameplay and reduce file size from 86 GB to 32 GB. An open beta for this upgrade is scheduled to start on June 30 and run until the end of July. The transition will require a complete re-download of the game, and some mods may break due to the engine change.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Legacy of Atlantis is “perfect” for newcomers, because it’s “the foundation of where Tomb Raider is going”

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is designed to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers, blending nostalgia for the original Lara Croft with elements from the 2013 reboot trilogy. Experience Director Jeff Adams describes it as a reimagining that operates on a deeper level, while Art Director Arek Tomaszewski notes that the nearly ten-year gap since the last game has heightened anticipation. Game Director Raul Siqueira emphasizes that Legacy of Atlantis is a standalone experience that introduces Lara Croft's character effectively, with no prior knowledge required. The game is set to launch on February 12, 2027, and can be wishlisted on Steam.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

A series of surprise updates has polished Path of Exile 2 into a juggernaut that’s about to shake up the action RPG genre later this year

Grinding Gear Games has announced that the latest expansion for Path of Exile 2 will be the final update before the game exits early access later this year. A new skill tree for a side activity and a comprehensive upgrade to Unique items have been introduced, enhancing gameplay and strategies. PoE 2 combines elements from soulslike games and hack-and-slash titles, maintaining a challenging experience throughout its campaign. The game encourages mastery of its mechanics, with hidden features rewarding exploration. The recent update, Return of the Ancients, allows max-level players to sacrifice their characters for others and includes a quest for a powerful wand. New tutorials have been added to assist players in navigating the endgame loop. The ongoing updates reflect a commitment to refining and enhancing the game, setting a new standard for the action RPG genre.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Palworld 1.0 update has ’27 pdf pages of changes and additions,’ says publishing lead

Palworld is set to launch its version 1.0 on July 10, completing its development cycle. The game will introduce numerous new features, including a flight-enabling wing pack and various items and pals, with the World Tree playing a significant narrative role. It currently has over 35,000 concurrent players and has received multiple Steam awards. Players will not need to restart their progress for the new content, although starting fresh may enhance the experience.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

I tried to create the perfect zombie apocalypse in this intensely detailed outbreak simulator, and sorry slow zombie fans, fast zombies are just better

DeadOS is an indie game developed by Benn Powell, focusing on a realistic simulation of a zombie apocalypse. Inspired by cutscenes from Resident Evil 3, Powell aimed to explore the moments typically overlooked in zombie narratives. The game allows players to manipulate various parameters, such as city size and population density, to observe the consequences of different outbreak scenarios in a procedurally generated 3D cityscape. The simulation initially featured a simple infection model but became more complex with the addition of weapons and law enforcement, affecting human behavior during the outbreak. Players can guide characters through the chaos, engaging in actions like fighting zombies and scavenging for supplies. After nearly seven years of development, Powell plans to enhance the game further, including features for player-designed cities and community-created content. He aims to create a detailed zombie outbreak simulation, likening it to the Dwarf Fortress of undead scenarios.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Star Wars Galactic Racer is “a marriage made in heaven” for its creators at Fuse Games

Star Wars: Galactic Racer is being developed by former Burnout developers at Fuse Games as a spiritual successor to Episode I: Racer. The game features a variety of vehicles including landspeeders, skim speeders, and speeder bikes, each with unique strengths. Podracers will also be included, emphasizing their significance in the Star Wars racing universe. The studio has a history in arcade racing, with experience from the Burnout series and titles like Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit. The game will focus on rivalries, featuring familiar characters like Sebulba and new characters with distinct racing styles. Star Wars: Galactic Racer is set to be released on Tuesday, October 6, and players can wishlist the game now.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

I refuse to upgrade to Windows 11, here’s what I’m doing instead

An old PC's motherboard has recently marked a decade of service, and while it performs well for web browsing and media streaming, the end of support for Windows 10 is approaching in October. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to a new Copilot+ PC. The user contemplates several options: continuing to use the PC after the end-of-life date, switching to a Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version of Windows, or attempting to install Windows 11. The user expresses dissatisfaction with Windows 11, feeling it lacks essential features and customization options. They also find staying with Windows 10 impractical due to the eventual phasing out of support. The user identifies Linux Mint as a compelling alternative, having found it compatible and customizable, and expresses hope that other Windows 10 users will consider transitioning to Linux Mint as well.

Tech Optimizer

June 27, 2026

How AI and Visual Tools Improve PostgreSQL Query Performance and Schema Management

PostgreSQL performance tuning and schema synchronization can be time-consuming and complex, often involving manual queries, EXPLAIN plans, and schema drift. The release of dbForge Studio for PostgreSQL 2026.1 introduces AI-assisted query optimization, a visual query builder, improved schema comparison and synchronization, and a visual table editor. The AI Assistant analyzes database indexes and suggests query optimizations, providing specific recommendations rather than generic advice. The new Query Builder allows users to visually assemble queries, simplifying the process of creating multi-table joins. The Schema Compare feature enables users to compare and synchronize schemas visually, reducing the risk of errors associated with manual synchronization. The visual Table Editor facilitates table design and maintenance, automatically identifying indexes and offering auto-completion for index names. The transition from traditional methods to these new capabilities enhances efficiency, allowing developers to save time on query writing, tuning, and schema changes. The integration of AI and visual tools streamlines workflows and reduces guesswork in performance tuning and schema management.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Russian citizens told “switch to Android” after Apple blocks key Russian apps

VK Group has expressed dissatisfaction with the removal of its applications from the Apple App Store, stating that it occurred without warning or explanation. The company emphasized that it has never been subject to sanctions and provided legal opinions supporting this claim. Despite the removal, VK's Android applications remain operational, and users can access them through various platforms. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, commented on Apple's actions as "bizarre" and suggested users adapt by switching to Android or local services.