dispatch Archives

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

How to Profile Modern PC Games with NVIDIA Nsight Graphics

Performance analysis in PC gaming has become more complex with the introduction of DirectX 12 and Vulkan, incorporating technologies like asynchronous compute, hardware ray tracing, and machine learning-assisted denoising. Understanding GPU performance requires advanced tools to analyze workload distribution and shader behavior, with NVIDIA Nsight Graphics being a key resource. NVIDIA Nsight Graphics is a graphics debugger and profiler for modern graphics APIs, featuring the GPU Trace Profiler, which provides detailed insights into GPU execution and performance bottlenecks. Recent updates have improved its utility, including a Flame Graph for the Shader Profiler and support for NVIDIA's DLSS in D3D12 applications. The Peak-Performance-Percentage analysis method focuses on identifying GPU workload constraints and optimizing utilization rather than relying on assumptions about performance bottlenecks. This methodology is applied using Nsight Graphics to analyze GPU traces from the game Cyberpunk 2077, contrasting traditional rasterization with path tracing enhanced by DLSS Ray Reconstruction. The test setup included an Intel Core i7-14700K CPU, 32 GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, capturing two scenarios: one with raster-only settings and another with path tracing and DLSS. The analysis revealed that the rasterized frame's most costly aspect was lighting processing, while the path-traced frame showed increased total frame cost and a hybrid workload involving rasterization, ray traversal, and AI-driven processes. Key findings indicated that modern GPU performance is heavily influenced by memory behavior rather than just shader arithmetic, with significant time spent on compute-driven lighting processing and data movement. The analysis also highlighted that ray tracing performance is constrained by memory efficiency, indicating that performance does not scale linearly with RT-core throughput.

Winsage

April 5, 2026

Claude Cowork and Claude Code Can Now Control Your Windows Desktop

On April 3, 2026, Anthropic expanded Claude’s desktop control feature to Windows for Pro and Max subscribers, allowing users to operate applications, navigate web pages, and manage files on their PCs without prior configuration. The feature is in research preview and includes a Dispatch companion for task assignment from mobile devices. Claude uses a structured tool hierarchy for task execution, prioritizing connectors like Slack and Google Calendar, and engages in direct desktop control only when necessary. Users must opt in to activate the feature, which integrates with existing software without requiring API keys. The technology is partly derived from Anthropic’s acquisition of Vercept AI, which specializes in AI-driven computer control. Security concerns have arisen due to vulnerabilities demonstrated shortly after the launch, prompting Anthropic to implement safeguards while acknowledging the feature's potential errors. Users can stop Claude's operations, but the company admits it cannot disable the technology remotely once tasks have started. Competitors like Microsoft and Google are also exploring similar desktop-level AI automation capabilities.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

Claude Code and Cowork now let Anthropic’s AI take control of your Mac or Windows desktop

The feature allowing Claude to control user desktops is now available to Pro and Max users within the Windows application for Claude Code and Claude Cowork. This capability enables Claude to manage tasks on a user's computer, initially utilizing existing integrations like Slack and calendars before taking direct control when necessary. The functionality was previously available as a research preview for macOS users. The development is partly due to Anthropic's acquisition of Vercept AI, which specializes in AI-driven computer management. Despite its potential, there are concerns regarding reliability, security, and data privacy that need to be addressed before a broader rollout.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Wine has been translating Windows games to Linux since 1993, but Proton is what made it effortless

Wine is a compatibility layer, not an emulator, that translates Windows API calls into POSIX equivalents, allowing Windows applications to run on Linux. Proton, developed by Valve, builds on Wine and includes additional components like DXVK and VKD3D-Proton to enhance performance for Windows games on Linux through Steam. For Steam users, Proton is recommended for a streamlined gaming experience, while Lutris is suggested for those outside the Steam ecosystem. Wine has been in development since 1993, focusing on recreating the Windows API, but faced challenges with gaming compatibility. Cedega was an early attempt to improve gaming support over Wine but ultimately declined. Valve's development of Proton was motivated by the need for better compatibility for Windows games on Linux, especially highlighted by the launch of the Steam Deck. Wine struggled with synchronization issues and handling direct kernel access by Windows applications, which Proton addressed with seccomp-bpf filters and syscall user dispatch. Both Wine and Proton are crucial to the current state of Linux gaming.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

How to dispatch the Howling Hill expansion in Crimson Desert

Inspecting areas on the map in the Howling Hill expansion of Crimson Desert reveals various mission lists for Greymane Freeswords. To progress in Chapter 3, players must inspect the Howling Hill area and select the "Howling Hill Camp expansion" from the mission list. After dispatching a mission, players can wait for 12 hours or engage in other activities. This method is crucial for acquiring camp resources and funds necessary for future expansion projects, such as constructing a ranch or establishing a farm. Missions also help obtain a wagon for trading.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

10 games to grab during the Steam Spring Sale 2026

March has seen the release of several notable gaming titles including Slay the Spire 2, Crimson Desert, Monster Hunter Stories 3, and Timberborn. The Steam Spring Sale offers discounts on a variety of PC games, running from March 19 to March 26. Featured titles in the sale include: 1. Dispatch: 20% off - .99 / £19.99 2. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: 50% off - .99 / £24.99 3. Routine: 20% off - .59 / £26.79 4. Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader: 60% off - .19 / £17.19 5. Maze Mice: 50% off - .49 / £4.49 6. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: 50% off - .49 / £12.49 7. Blue Prince: 34% off - .84 / £14.84 8. Dungeons of Hinterberg: 66% off - .45 / £6.45 9. Star Wars Jedi Survivor: 90% off - .99 / £5.99 10. Dread Delusion: 50% off - .74 / £7.74

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

‘We are definitely not doing QTEs’, said Dispatch’s creative director before doing QTEs: ‘We just needed it to not suck’

Nick Herman and Dennis Lenart from AdHoc Studio discussed the development of the game Dispatch at GDC, focusing on its innovative gameplay mechanics. The team initially aimed to create engaging gameplay beyond traditional narrative-driven experiences, starting with light puzzle elements related to the protagonist's role. They moved away from a dispatching minigame concept and drew inspiration from the game This is the Police, leading to the creation of the Z Team, a group of ex-villains managed by players. The team considered incorporating quick time events (QTEs) but aimed to improve their execution. They established guiding principles to enhance player experience, such as avoiding jumpscares with prompts, not imposing unfair penalties for missed prompts, and limiting QTEs to two types: a timed prompt and a directional swipe. They found that players felt good about the experience if they hit 80% or more of the prompts and allowed button mashing without penalties for premature presses. To accommodate players who dislike QTEs, they made them optional. Ultimately, the team discovered that well-designed QTEs could be enjoyable, and the overall balance of Dispatch has been positively received by players.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Even among the crowd of gorgeous illustrated games, At Fate’s End is stunning enough to stand out

At Fate's End is a game showcased at the Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco, featuring captivating artwork that stands out among competitors like Supergiant's Hades. The game features a protagonist named Shan, a young outcast from a family of demigods, and emphasizes realistic character movements and dynamic camera work. It combines 2D action with family drama, focusing on Shan's journey to reconcile with her siblings after becoming the Chosen One. The game includes a conversation system that allows players to explore family trauma. At Fate's End is expected to launch later this year, although a specific release date has not been announced.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

The sequel to isometric mech sim Brigador gives off serious Syndicate vibes in its latest footage, and you can play its alpha version right now

Brigador is celebrating its tenth anniversary, having undergone significant transformations since its initial release. The developers at Stellar Jockeys improved the original game, leading to a better reception on Steam. The sequel, Brigador Killers, is in development and features gameplay that diverges from the original, blending elements of Syndicate and the original Grand Theft Auto. Players assume the role of a character aiming to take down wealthy figures contributing to societal decay, with gameplay allowing exploration on foot and various mission types from a homebase called the Garage. The game emphasizes strategy and stealth, with players able to use a range of vehicles, though mechs have not yet been showcased in gameplay footage. There is currently no official release date for Brigador Killers on Steam, but an in-development version is available for purchase on Itch.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

Earth Must Die in this adventure game boasting a Dispatch-like voice cast of British comedy superheroes, and it releases later this month

Earth Must Die, a comedic adventure game from Size Five Games, is set to launch on January 27. Players will assume the role of Vvalek Lizardtongue, an alien heir facing robotic Terranoids in his kingdom. The game features modern animation and a voice cast that includes Ben Starr, Alex Horne, Matthew Holness, Tamsin Greig, and Joel Fry as Vvalek. A demo is available on Steam for early access.