early 2000s Archives

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

RedOctane’s ‘next evolution in rhythm gaming’ sure looks a lot like 2007’s Rock Band

RedOctane became a significant player in the gaming industry in the early 2000s, peaking in 2005 with the release of Guitar Hero. Activision acquired RedOctane in 2006, but by 2010, the company was closed due to declining interest in rhythm games. In 2025, Embracer Group revived the brand as RedOctane Games, announcing a new title called Stage Tour, which resembles Guitar Hero but introduces new features and game modes. Stage Tour will function as a "band game" with solo play options, and a closed alpha test is planned ahead of its holiday season release. RedOctane Games aims to create a sustainable experience rather than a series of sequels, and there is uncertainty about the demand for a new rhythm game experience. Details on pricing and song availability are still pending.

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

One of my favorite Next Fest demos turned out to be this speedrunner’s delight modeled after 3D Sonic games, which just added ranked multiplayer races

The Rollin' Rascal demo was recently updated during the Steam Next Fest, appealing to fans of Sonic the Hedgehog's early 3D adventures. It features a vibrant world with expansive levels, momentum-based physics, and online modes, including ranked multiplayer competitions. The races include item boxes similar to those in Mario Kart, but the online community is currently sparse. The demo has some imperfections, such as camera glitches and a lack of enemy variety, but shows promise for future development.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Kick off the year of the horse with a stableful of discounted horse games in Steam Horse Fest

Steam Horse Fest features a variety of horse-themed games available at discounts until February 23. Notable titles include My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery, discounted by 55%, and Petz Horsez 2, priced at 85p in the UK. Red Dead Redemption 2 remains at full price, offering immersive gameplay with horses in a Wild West setting. Umamusume: Pretty Derby is available as a free-to-play game. The event also announces the early access launch of The Legend of Khiimori on March 3, set in the 13th century.

Tech Optimizer

February 13, 2026

MyDoom virus: What it is and why it mattered

In January 2004, the MyDoom computer worm quickly spread to email inboxes in 168 countries, becoming one of the fastest-spreading pieces of malware in internet history. It exploited human behavior by enticing users to open email attachments that appeared to be delivery errors or system notifications. MyDoom replicated itself through email without corrupting files or destroying data, harvesting email addresses from infected computers to send copies to new victims. The two main variants, MyDoom.A and MyDoom.B, targeted the SCO Group and Microsoft, respectively, and demonstrated the potential for email worms to be weaponized for coordinated attacks. MyDoom primarily targeted Windows-based operating systems and used deceptive emails to propagate. Once infected, it installed a backdoor for unauthorized remote access, forming a botnet for further attacks. MyDoom's effectiveness was due to its alignment with user behavior and the limited security measures of the time, leading to significant disruptions in email communication and an estimated economic impact of approximately billion. Although no longer a current threat, MyDoom's legacy influenced modern email security protocols, leading to improved filtering, behavior-based detection, and multi-layered defense strategies.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Horror Adventure Game DO NOT PLAY Launches This Summer for PC

SCRAP and Fahrenheit 213 are developing a horror adventure game titled DO NOT PLAY, set to launch on PC via Steam this summer. The game features a system error that overwhelms players with numerous windows, creating an unsettling experience. It draws inspiration from the banned browser game “GeM,” but the developers clarify they were not involved in its creation. DO NOT PLAY is a first-person escape game where players solve puzzles and mini-games to uncover mysteries and find safety. The game recreates the nostalgic atmosphere of early 2000s flash games and explores the intersection of nostalgia and reality.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

This weekend is your last chance to grab eight great Steam Deck games for just $14.99

You have three days left to access this month’s Humble Choice offerings, which include games valued at .99 for a price of .99. Each game is either Steam Deck Verified or Playable. The lineup features Sonic Frontiers, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, Hunt: Showdown 1896, Etrian Odyssey II HD, Nice Day for Fishing, Metal Slug Tactics, Settlement Survival, and Wizard of Legend 2. The subscription costs .99 a month, providing eight games each month, with the option to cancel anytime while keeping the games. This month’s selection will be replaced on February 3. Additionally, subscribers receive a one-month subscription to IGN Plus and can participate in the playtest for Handmancers.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Disney Pulls 14 Classic Games From PC Storefronts With No Explanation

Disney has removed 14 licensed games from the Steam platform, making them unavailable for new purchases. The games, primarily from the 1990s and early 2000s, include titles like Disney's Hercules Action Game and Finding Nemo. The most recent removal is Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell's Adventure from 2014, while the oldest is Stunt Island from 1992. Some of these games were also available on GOG, and their removal from both platforms means they are now entirely inaccessible on PC for those without physical copies. The complete list of removed games includes: - Afterlife - Armed and Dangerous - Disney's Chicken Little: Ace in Action - Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell's Adventure - Disney's Hercules Action Game - Disney Planes - Disney The Princess and the Frog - Disney Winnie the Pooh - Disney•Pixar Cars: Radiator Springs Adventures - Disney•Pixar Finding Nemo - Disney•Pixar Toy Story Mania! - Lucidity - Phineas and Ferb: New Inventions - Stunt Island The reason for the removals is unclear, and Disney has not provided any official comment. This action reflects Disney's fluctuating commitment to its gaming business, which has seen a decline since the 2010s, despite a recent tentative return with new titles.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

It’s my duty as a child of the early 2000s to let you know a Beyblade-inspired roguelike was released on Steam last month

From the Top is a top-battling roguelike game that was released on Steam last month. Players select battle tops and navigate a path similar to Slay the Spire, engaging in battles against enemy tops. Each top consists of three components that affect movement, collision force, and spin stamina, and features an active ability for dynamic combat. Players can discover unique combinations, such as a top that generates clones or one that can become intangible. The game includes various enemy types and challenging bosses with unique abilities. It is priced modestly and aims to evoke nostalgia for the Beyblade craze of the early 2000s, offering a safe alternative to physical Beyblade battles.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 Faces Backlash as Slowest OS in 25 Years, Benchmarks Show

Microsoft's Windows 11, launched in 2021, has been criticized for significant performance issues, making it potentially the least performant version of Windows in over two decades. Independent benchmarks reveal that Windows 11 is slower than its predecessors in areas such as boot times, application launches, and overall system responsiveness. Users with high-end hardware, including 13th-generation Intel Core processors, have reported noticeable slowdowns compared to Windows 10. Performance assessments indicate that Windows 11 struggles in various categories, including file operations, multitasking, and gaming, with longer boot speeds reminiscent of older systems. Gamers have experienced stuttering and frame rate drops, and Microsoft has acknowledged these issues in updates since 2022. The operating system is criticized for being a "resource hog," with preloaded features consuming resources even when idle. Users have reported lagging File Explorer and freezing processes, leading some to consider alternative operating systems. IT departments have noted increased support tickets related to performance issues, prompting some to delay upgrades from Windows 10. Microsoft has offered optimization advice, but critics argue these are temporary fixes for deeper architectural problems. The performance issues have implications for software developers and hardware manufacturers, increasing development costs and complicating hardware optimizations. Analysts warn that without prompt action, Microsoft's market dominance could be at risk, as users advocate for a leaner, faster Windows.

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

Development of a Counter-Strike 1.6 remake has been “frozen” as Valve silence leaves its future in doubt

CS: Legacy, an unofficial remake of Counter-Strike 1.6 developed by a team of veteran modders, has faced significant challenges since its announcement. The project aimed to use Valve's 2013 Source Engine but received a warning from a Valve employee regarding the use of the Counter-Strike intellectual property, leading to uncertainty about its future. Communication with Valve has been minimal, prompting the developers to freeze the project and seek one last attempt to engage with Valve while shifting their focus to a new multiplayer game in the Godot engine. The team has refunded Patreon backers and halted development, expressing frustration over the lack of response from Valve. They have made progress on their new game, which features elements reminiscent of classic Valve shooters.