Hardbit's Grand Outlaws: RP Life Online is set to launch globally on Android and iOS in late summer 2026 after an extensive eight-month beta testing period focused on player engagement and technical performance.
The Kremlin has confirmed the blockage of Meta's WhatsApp messaging service, urging Russian citizens to switch to a state-backed platform called Max. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Max as an "accessible alternative" and a developing national messenger. WhatsApp has accused the Russian government of trying to "fully block" its service to push users towards Max, labeling it a "surveillance app" and expressing concern about isolating over 100 million users from secure communication. Russia's telecoms watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has targeted popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram for non-compliance with Russian legislation regarding data storage and security measures. This strategy aims to steer users towards domestic services that are easier to monitor. Critics argue this approach restricts freedom of expression and privacy while enabling government control of public discourse, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict. Telegram has faced scrutiny from Roskomnadzor, which has imposed partial restrictions on its services and stated intentions to continue these actions due to alleged failures in user data protection.
Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani, co-founders of TS Information Technology, operate a messaging app called Gap Messenger, which is associated with the Iranian regime. Their company is based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, and is linked to the Iranian software corporation Towse’e Saman Information Technology (TSIT). Despite claims of encryption and user privacy, experts have raised concerns about Gap Messenger's role in government censorship in Iran. Mahdi Anjidani has expressed pro-regime views in Iranian media and has connections to the Iranian government through his ventures. Gap Messenger has over 1 million downloads on Google Play and is part of Iran's domestic internet network aimed at controlling citizen access to information. Reports suggest that the app may have shared user data with Iranian authorities. The Anjidani brothers have ties to various business ventures in Iran, including a social network and a payment platform.
Highgo Database unveiled its flagship product, the IvorySQL Open-Source Database, at GITEX GLOBAL 2025 in Dubai. The company has contributed over 1.5 million lines of code, published more than 100 technical articles, and delivered upwards of 800 patches and bug fixes to PostgreSQL. IvorySQL, built on the latest PostgreSQL kernel, features rapid version synchronization, full native PostgreSQL compatibility, a dual-parser architecture, and extensive Oracle compatibility. GITEX 2025 attracted over 6,800 tech companies and 2,000 startups from more than 180 countries.
Destiny: Rising's pre-load goes live on Wednesday, August 27 at 6 AM PT on the App Store and Google Play. Servers for the game will open on Thursday, August 28 at 9 AM local time per region. The game requires 15 GB of storage space.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, developed by Leenzee, is set to release on July 24 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, and will be available on Game Pass for PC and Xbox on day one. The minimum system requirements include Windows 10 64bit, Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB GPU, DirectX 12, and 60GB storage. The recommended specs are Windows 10/11 64bit, Intel Core i7-9700 or AMD Ryzen 5 5500 CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT GPU, DirectX 12, and 60GB storage with SSD required. Global launch times include Los Angeles at July 23, 7pm and Tokyo at July 24, 11am.
Dystopika is a low-pressure city-building game that challenges traditional cozy aesthetics by offering a darker, more complex experience. Players construct megacities filled with towering structures and vibrant holograms, evoking a unique sense of coziness amid a harsh environment. The game features a simple interface, allowing players to focus on creativity with customization options for colors, sizes, and personal images. It incorporates procedural generation, enabling smaller buildings to emerge organically, creating a vibrant ecosystem. The developer, Voids Within, has released updates that introduce new districts, props, and a synth soundtrack. Dystopika is priced under £6, providing an accessible and uncomplicated escape for players.
Stellar Blade is transitioning from PlayStation exclusivity to launch on PC, scheduled for June 11-12, 2025, with specific release times for various locations. The game initially released on PS5 on April 26, 2024, and has sold over a million units in its first month. It features updates that enhance gameplay and introduce new costumes for the protagonist, Eve, who has sparked discussions about female representation in gaming. The game draws inspiration from titles like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, offering a robust single-player campaign and a New Game Plus mode.
Elon Musk has launched xAI, aiming to uncover fundamental truths of the universe. The startup has partnered with Telegram, agreeing to a 0 million investment for the Grok AI chatbot. Telegram will receive the initial payment and 50% of revenue from xAI subscriptions sold through its platform. Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, mentioned that users can expect advanced AI technology by summer, although Musk later stated that "no deal has been signed." Telegram has over one billion monthly users as of 2025 and is preparing to raise at least .5 billion through a bond issue. Durov is under investigation in France for allowing criminal activities on Telegram and is restricted from leaving the country. xAI has merged with X, valuing the AI company at billion and the social media platform at billion. Grok faced criticism for generating controversial responses, which xAI attributed to an unauthorized modification. The company is working to improve Grok's transparency and reliability.
