discussions Archives

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

I don’t know why everyone’s suddenly making games inspired by Spore, but this roguelike twin-stick shooter might be the best attempt yet at realising the lost potential of the cell stage

In recent months, the gaming community has shown renewed interest in unconventional titles, particularly the 2008 game Spore. A new game called Pathogenic has emerged, allowing players to control a parasite invading a human host, incorporating themes of evolution and customization. The gameplay resembles a twin-stick shooter, where players navigate their parasite while facing challenges from the host's immune system. Pathogenic currently offers a free demo and has received positive early impressions for its polished development.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

Valve’s new Steam AI disclosure cares about what you actually see, stressing that behind-the-scenes dev tools are “not the focus”

Valve has updated the declaration form for game submissions to Steam, emphasizing the need for developers to disclose any AI-generated content that is "consumed by players," including art assets, music, writing, and marketing materials. This change shifts the focus from development tools to the actual content delivered to players. Developers are required to declare AI-generated elements such as artwork, sound, and narrative. Valve has maintained a separate check for games using AI to generate content or code during gameplay, allowing players to report inappropriate content and holding developers responsible for safeguarding against such issues. The update clarifies the use of AI in game development without completely overhauling the previous guidelines.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

Minecraft-inspired RPG Hytale, created by Minecraft multiplayer server devs, gets mod to make it look more like Minecraft

Hytale, an RPG developed by Hypixel, draws significant inspiration from Minecraft, featuring a similar blocky visual style. The game originated from a Minecraft server in the mid-2010s. A modder has created a mod that makes Hytale resemble Minecraft more closely, showcasing a multi-square inventory and softer textures. Discussions within the community include ideas for unique items and a portal connecting the two games, with predictions that someone will recreate Minecraft within Hytale. Recently, Hytale developers released a patch with dinosaur-themed content and plan further enhancements.

Winsage

January 17, 2026

Tired of Copilot? Winslop lets you easily purge Windows 11’s AI features

A new application named Winslop has emerged for Windows 11, allowing users to remove AI features like Copilot that they find unnecessary. Winslop operates locally on users' systems and provides a user-friendly interface to identify and eliminate these functionalities. It has received positive feedback for effectively removing Copilot prompts and other AI elements, enabling a more traditional computing environment. Winslop is not an official Microsoft product, and users are advised to proceed with caution as it operates outside of Microsoft’s ecosystem. It follows the release of another tool, FlyOOBE, which was also designed to disable Copilot functionalities. Discussions at CES 2026 indicated that many PC manufacturers recognize the confusion caused by AI for consumers, suggesting a potential shift away from AI-centric devices. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with user preference in technology.

Winsage

January 17, 2026

A bright idea: Latest Windows Insider build addresses file explorer’s ‘flash bang’ bug

Windows Insiders are receiving an update with Windows 11 build 28020.1371, which addresses a 'flash bang' effect in dark mode that has been troubling users, particularly on large OLED monitors. The update resolves an issue causing File Explorer to show a white flash when navigating between pages. It also introduces features such as Bluetooth LE audio support for two pairs of headphones and an internet speed check from the taskbar. Additionally, the Copilot app has been updated to version 1.25095.161. There are discussions about the reluctance of Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 due to stringent system requirements, although tools like Rufus allow some to bypass these limitations.

Winsage

January 17, 2026

Reddit users: r/WindowsCentral is live — join us to shape coverage, boost visibility, and help build the strongest Microsoft community online

The Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central announced the launch of their subreddit, r/windowscentral, emphasizing the vibrant community engagement it offers. Reddit allows for fast-paced discussions, immediate access to news, and real-time feedback, enhancing their journalism. The subreddit provides a direct connection to readers, free from algorithmic barriers, and fosters a collaborative space for sharing insights, troubleshooting, and engaging in technical discussions. Following the subreddit will also grant users access to behind-the-scenes content, polls, and editorial debates, strengthening the community and supporting independent tech journalism.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

There’s a fantasy swordsmithing sim launching on Steam next week, which is a sentence I’ve been waiting to hear since browsing my dad’s replica sword catalogs in 4th grade

The author grew up in an environment focused on historical reenactment and fantasy lore, influenced by a father who collected period costumes and bladed weaponry. They eagerly anticipate the early access launch of "Bladesong," a fantasy swordsmithing simulator set to debut on Steam on January 22. The game allows players to craft swords with various features, including length, width, thickness, and cross-section, and includes a story mode set in a medieval post-apocalyptic world. The early access version will offer additional engraving options, materials, and blade shaping techniques.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Hytale controller support explained

Hytale currently does not support controllers in its existing build, as confirmed by Simon Collins-Laflamme, the founder of Hypixel Studios. Controller support is a priority on their roadmap, aimed at enhancing accessibility for gameplay on devices like the Steam Deck. Kevin 'Slikey' Carstens, the technical director, advised players to wait for official controller support before making a purchase. The current version of Hytale is based on an older build, with future updates promising cross-platform play and controller support. Players can use a controller by following a setup process through Steam, which involves adding the Hytale Launcher as a non-Steam game and adjusting controller settings, although navigating menus and crafting may be challenging without a mouse.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

2023 PC Game Now 100% Free on Steam for 48 Hours

RewindApp's Initial Drift Online is available for free on Steam for approximately 48 hours until January 18. Players can claim the game during this period, and it will be theirs to keep after downloading. The game features street racing in Japan and has received 792 user reviews with an overall approval rating of 79%, though it currently sits at 58% during the promotional period. Some users have reported server issues due to an influx of new players, while others have had a smooth experience.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

A Steam glitch convinced some Fallout fans a New Vegas remaster was imminent, only to have the rug yanked out from under them: ‘Slowly turning into r/HalfLife’

The gaming community is speculating about potential remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas following the successful remaster of Oblivion. Bethesda is currently focused on developing Starfield and Elder Scrolls 6, and any announcements regarding the remasters may take time. A glitch on Steam prevents users from leaving reviews for Fallout 3 and New Vegas, stating, "You must wait until this product has been released before writing a review for it," which has fueled speculation about imminent remasters. This glitch has also affected other games, such as Kerbal Space Program, and discrepancies in search results for Fallout games on Steam may be due to region-specific packages. Some fans are hopeful for announcements at the upcoming Xbox Developer Direct, while others advise caution regarding the excitement surrounding the remasters.