Development Archives

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

Ascend to ZERO: A Time-Bending Roguelike Sharpened to the Last Second

Ascend to ZERO has launched on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, and XBOX Cloud, and is part of the XBOX Play Anywhere initiative, accessible through XBOX Game Pass. The game features a 30-second countdown timer for each run, with damage taken reducing the time. A unique Time-Stop feature allows players to freeze everything while they move, enabling strategic positioning and action planning. Combat mechanics focus on autonomous targeting, allowing players to concentrate on strategy. The leveling system enables rapid progression from level 1 to hundreds of thousands. The game includes a new difficulty system for tailored challenges and an in-game play guide for player support. The late-game experience is designed to maintain excitement with strategic decision-making and culminates in a boss battle.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Windows 11 Pro is under $10 until July 16

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9. This limited-time offer expires on July 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as BitLocker for data encryption, Remote Desktop for accessing work PCs, Hyper-V for creating virtual machines, and Windows Sandbox for safely testing software. The Pro edition has received a 4/5 rating from PC Magazine and TechRadar.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Secure Boot certificate updates are broken on some PCs, Microsoft confirms

Microsoft has acknowledged that several older Secure Boot certificates have expired, necessitating updates for Windows 10 and 11 users. A temporary halt in the issuance of new Secure Boot certificates affects specific PCs, particularly various HP models. Most PCs will receive updates automatically through Windows Update, but some may require a firmware update from the manufacturer. Users may see messages indicating that Secure Boot certificate updates are paused or blocked due to known issues or hardware/firmware limitations. Until manufacturers like HP release necessary firmware updates, users cannot update their Secure Boot certificates. Although the immediate risk from expired certificates is low, it is expected to increase over time. Devices with un-updated Secure Boot certificates will continue to function normally, but they will not receive new security updates, making them vulnerable to emerging threats. Essential features that rely on updated security measures may cease to function correctly as new security challenges arise.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

This is my 3rd time playing EVE Online’s upcoming extraction shooter little brother, and it finally feels like it’s coming together⁠—all without the ambitious crossover features it was made for

In 2013, CCP Games launched Dust 514, a first-person shooter for PlayStation 3 that aimed to complement EVE Online but struggled due to its exclusivity. The developer, now known as Fenris Creations, is revisiting this concept with EVE Vanguard, which combines extraction gameplay with cross-game integration. The game features engaging gameplay and allows players to deploy immediately from the "war barge" menu. Initial objectives focus on eliminating foes and looting, promoting exploration. The playtest revealed solid mechanics, satisfying weapon feedback, and a core gameplay loop of exploration, combat, and survival. Fenris aims to create an experience that players will miss if canceled, reminiscent of the nostalgia for Dust 514. Players can follow updates on Fenris' official website or Steam.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

Steam, Minecraft and Dota 2 simultaneously “went down” worldwide

Users globally are experiencing significant disruptions in the Steam service, with 46% facing server connection issues, 29% having login problems, and 14% encountering difficulties with downloading and updating games. Similar disruptions are reported in Minecraft and Dota 2. Additionally, the European Union has blacklisted members of a Russian intelligence group involved in espionage and cyberattacks against the EU and Ukraine since 2010.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

McDonald’s | A Minecraft Movie Meal

tms developed two campaigns featuring exclusive toys and packaging for McDonald's, including six Movie Meal collectibles inspired by McDonald’s characters and six toys from the Minecraft Movie. The campaigns transformed McDonald's restaurants into immersive experiences and included a retail kit for over 100 global markets. Packaging design included a golden treasure chest for the Minecraft Movie Meal and three variations of Happy Meal boxes. Customers could scan toys to unlock in-game skins for Minecraft and participate in a digital treasure chest quest related to the movie.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

Stardew Valley was almost canceled after Eric Barone’s PC died without backups: “It feels crazy that it all worked out”

Stardew Valley, created by Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, is a pixel-perfect village simulator that began development in 2016 and was inspired by the Harvest Moon series. The game faced challenges, including a computer crash that nearly erased years of work, but Barone salvaged the data, allowing the game to succeed. Barone is currently developing a new project called Haunted Chocolatier, which is taking longer than expected as he focuses on refining every detail. He is working with a small team to streamline the development process.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Thinking About Installing Windows on Your Steam Machine? Read This First

Valve has released Windows drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing users to replace SteamOS with Windows for greater software flexibility. This transition requires a complete OS overhaul and may result in performance issues due to reliance on generic AMD graphics drivers, as Valve does not provide official support for Windows on the Steam Machine. Users have encountered a hardware issue known as the “Red Bar of Death,” which can often be resolved through power resets and ensuring proper ventilation. The upcoming Steam Frame VR headset is designed to operate independently of a PC, featuring standalone capabilities and enhanced SteamOS integration, but its success will depend on competitive pricing and developer support. The Steam Machine faces challenges such as high pricing, aging hardware, and limited official support, impacting its competitiveness in the gaming market.

Winsage

July 13, 2026

Watch out Windows users, a Secure Boot update has been blocked on Windows 11 PCs due to failing on some devices — here’s how to check if you’re affected

Microsoft has blocked Secure Boot updates on certain Windows 11 devices due to complications in transitioning from the 2011 Secure Boot certificate to the 2023 certificate. The rollout of the 2023 certificate has faced challenges, particularly on devices with firmware issues. HP is issuing a BIOS update to help with the installation of the latest Secure Boot certificate, and Microsoft is providing an update for users to verify their Secure Boot status. Users are advised to check for pending Windows updates and consult their OEM’s Secure Boot support page for compatibility information.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

GTA 6 isn’t coming to PC at launch, but not because Rockstar doesn’t “care about PC,” says GTA 5 producer: “If you’re working on that, you’re not working on something else”

Many fans are concerned about the absence of a PC port for the upcoming release of GTA 6. Former Rockstar producer John Ricchio explained that while the studio is not against any platform, they evaluate the investment of resources for PC versions based on practical considerations. He noted that developing for console hardware first can be more efficient than scaling down from PC. Advancements in console technology have alleviated some challenges, but focusing on a PC port can divert resources from other projects. Additionally, Rockstar faces a potential million-dollar fine in Australia if it does not comply with new online safety laws requiring player identification to access the game.