director Archives

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

Star Wars Galactic Racer’s devs tested its roguelite progression system by turning it into a board game

Kieran Crimmins, the creative director at Fuse Games, emphasized the importance of tactile experience in game design, leading to the creation of a board game prototype for Star Wars Galactic Racer to explore gameplay mechanics. Matt Webster, the CEO of Fuse Games, noted that while modern engines are capable, traditional prototyping can be faster for capturing ideas. The board game prototype focused on simulating the progression system, where players earn rewards based on race performance, enhancing vehicle stats and acquiring parts. This system draws inspiration from roguelite games, providing continuity and growth in gameplay. Crimmins highlighted the efficiency of board game prototyping for rapid validation of emotional responses, allowing for quick adjustments using simple materials. The approach reflects a trend in game development towards flexibility and creativity in early design stages.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Squadron 42 has a Steam page

Game director Chris Roberts announced that Squadron 42, the single-player component of Star Citizen, will be released in Q2 2027 to avoid clashing with Grand Theft Auto 6. A dedicated Steam page for Squadron 42 has been created, listing the game’s system requirements and indicating an install size of 150GB. The game does not reference modern features like ray tracing or DirectX 12. High-profile actors Gillian Anderson and Henry Cavill will appear in cutscenes.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

EU probes Minecraft and Candy Crush over hidden costs

EU consumer authorities are investigating nine major gaming companies over player spending transparency, particularly regarding the pressure on players to buy excessive virtual currency. The inquiry focuses on how these games communicate the costs of in-game purchases, with authorities advocating for clearer pricing and reduced pressure on players. Industry representatives argue that changes could lead to costly redesigns and affect game viability, especially for smaller developers. They propose solutions like tailored top-ups, smaller bundles, indicative real-money prices, and refunds for unused bundles. The CPC Network is applying existing laws, but concerns have been raised about extending these laws beyond permissible limits. Regulators are seeking clearer pricing, cancellation rights, and better protections for younger players, and may pursue national enforcement measures if issues remain unresolved.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

Google Brings Real-Time Visual Assistance to Blind Users on Android

On October 1, 2026, Google launched Guided Vision within its Gemini Live platform, providing real-time, voice-driven visual assistance for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The feature is available on Android devices running Android 9 and above in regions where Gemini Live is accessible. Guided Vision allows users to share their phone's camera feed for spoken descriptions of their environment and responds to follow-up questions, offering verbal cues for better navigation. It was developed in collaboration with Aira and the accessibility community, involving extensive testing with over 1,000 members of Aira’s Trusted Tester network. The technology aims to assist with tasks such as reading fine print, locating objects, and exploring unfamiliar environments. Users can access Guided Vision through the Gemini app, an Android Accessibility shortcut, or Google TalkBack, but it is not a substitute for medical devices or safe travel practices.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

I got hands-on with Panasonic’s new TOUGHBOOKs, and they’re becoming the AI hub for police cars, military drones, and emergency responders

Panasonic's TOUGHBOOK lineup is celebrating its 30th anniversary, with a focus on evolving from rugged devices to intelligent edge computers. The TOUGHBOOK 33 and G3 models feature Intel's latest Core Ultra processors with AI capabilities, enabling local data processing and reducing reliance on cloud connectivity. The TOUGHBOOK 34 has a 12.4-inch display for in-vehicle use, while the G3 is compact with a 10.1-inch display for fieldwork. Both devices support unmanned systems and fleet intelligence applications, allowing for real-time data retrieval and management. The modular xPAK ecosystem enables users to adapt hardware configurations based on specific needs. Connectivity upgrades include 5G support and enhanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. The devices are designed for use in military, emergency response, and utility sectors, emphasizing their role as secure, connected, and AI-capable tools for critical missions.

Tech Optimizer

October 1, 2026

AhnLab V3 earns perfect score in AV-TEST evaluation

AhnLab’s V3 antivirus software received a perfect score in the latest evaluation by AV-TEST, making it the only South Korean product to achieve this in the assessment conducted in July and August 2026. Both V3 Endpoint Security and V3 Internet Security scored the maximum of 18 points, earning the title of “Top Products” from AV-TEST. AhnLab has participated in AV-TEST’s evaluations since 2013, competing against major global cybersecurity firms.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

TNS Expands Android Terminal Platform with Bring Your Own App

Transaction Network Services (TNS) has launched a capability called Bring Your Own App (BYOA) for operators in the payment industry, allowing them to create and deploy customer-facing applications on TNS's Android-based unattended payment terminals. BYOA simplifies payment processing, compliance, and certification by managing card capture, PIN collection, encryption, EMV processing, and payment certification. Each operator's application must be approved and signed by TNS before execution on the terminal. This model enables operators to focus on enhancing customer experiences without the usual security and compliance burdens. BYOA is available across TNS's Android-based unattended payment terminal platform, including retail and fuel payment terminals.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Minecraft World Theme Park Opening in Greater London Next Year

Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios are collaborating to create the first-ever Minecraft theme park, named Minecraft World, which will open in 2027 at Chessington World of Adventures. The project has a budget of £50 million and will feature a roller coaster that takes guests on a minecart journey through the Nether. The park will include interactive adventures, themed dining experiences, and block-built playscapes, as well as merchandise stores. The developers are working closely with Minecraft creators to ensure authenticity. Minecraft World is located 35 minutes by train from London Waterloo.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Latest Xbox layoffs reportedly devastated Age of Empires developer and canceled its next game

World's Edge Studio, responsible for the Age of Empires franchise, underwent significant changes due to a recent restructuring within Xbox, resulting in nearly half of the studio's workforce being laid off, including former creative director Adam Isgreen. The reorganization led to the cancellation of their next project and a substantial reduction in staff. Isgreen expressed pride in the work accomplished during his tenure and highlighted the emotional toll of the layoffs. The situation raises concerns about Xbox's approach to its gaming divisions and reflects a broader pattern of restructuring within Microsoft.

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

Gears of War story director laid off mere days after E-Day went gold

The development team behind Gears of War: E-Day is experiencing layoffs due to corporate restructuring at Microsoft’s Xbox division. Story director Juan Vaca announced on LinkedIn that he is seeking new opportunities after being laid off. Gears of War: E-Day has gone gold and is set for release on October 6, having sold over one million copies.