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It's not weird to want a generative AI disclosure on games
AppWizard
January 7, 2026

It’s not weird to want a generative AI disclosure on games

The rising costs of RAM have delayed a PC upgrade for the author, who reflects on the implications of technology in gaming. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, criticized Steam's generative AI disclosure requirement, comparing it to revealing haircare routines. The author supports Valve's perspective, viewing the disclosure as a safeguard against issues related to generative AI, which has been accused of automating plagiarism and using copyrighted material. The energy demands of AI data centers are also a concern, drawing parallels to collective environmental damage. Transparency in AI usage in gaming is deemed essential, with Activision's vague statement about generative AI in Call of Duty raising questions. The author believes that if AI enhances games, developers should explain their creative processes. As AI-generated content becomes more common, there may be a trend for developers to announce their lack of AI involvement, though the prospect of creativity driven by algorithms is seen as disheartening.
Millennium Whisper and the case for ethical, on-device AI in games
AppWizard
December 30, 2025

Millennium Whisper and the case for ethical, on-device AI in games

A recent survey by Google Cloud found that 90% of game developers are exploring generative AI. Millennium Whisper, a dating sim by Parable Studios, is the first game on Steam to run a large language model entirely on-device, avoiding cloud-based inference. This approach allows for unique in-game conversations and addresses ethical data usage, as actors retain ownership of their data and receive royalties. The game uses actor-led role-play sessions for character behavior, ensuring high-quality data. Running AI locally enhances energy efficiency and sustainability, contrasting with traditional server-based models that incur ongoing costs. Millennium Whisper received grant funding from Innovate UK and is currently in Early Access. Ambrose Robinson, the founder of Parable Studios, emphasizes the importance of energy savings and the sustainability of their AI approach.
Wuxia MMO Where Winds Meet is full of AI chatbot NPCs, and people are doing all the standard obscene stuff to them: 'I made him think that my character was pregnant with his child'
AppWizard
November 16, 2025

Wuxia MMO Where Winds Meet is full of AI chatbot NPCs, and people are doing all the standard obscene stuff to them: ‘I made him think that my character was pregnant with his child’

Where Winds Meet, a multiplayer ARPG, has achieved 190,000 concurrent players on Steam, partly due to its use of large language model chatbots for non-playable characters (NPCs). Players can interact with these NPCs through text or voice, leading to creative and humorous exchanges. For example, one player humorously claimed their character was pregnant with an NPC's child, while another asked about recipes involving ketchup and potatoes, prompting the NPC to reference the historical context of the Song dynasty. Reactions to the AI NPCs are mixed; some players enjoy the interactions, while others express dissatisfaction, with one user stating they reconsidered downloading the game because of the AI integration.
Ewaste and Tackling The Issue
Winsage
November 3, 2025

Ewaste and Tackling The Issue

The recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) occurs in informal and unsafe conditions, releasing up to 1,000 harmful chemical substances, including neurotoxicants like lead. The average lifespan of electronic devices is 4.5 years, despite many being designed for over 25 years, contributing to an estimated 347 million tonnes of e-waste globally, projected to reach 746 million tonnes by 2030. The electronics industry faces challenges in achieving circularity due to costly and complex reclamation processes. In2tec offers solutions through its ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™ technologies, which enable manufacturers to design modular products and reclaim components from e-waste efficiently. ReUSE® focuses on materials and processes for printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), while ReCYCLE™ uses an ultra-low energy process to recover materials from PCBAs, enhancing product versatility and reducing energy consumption in manufacturing.
End of Windows 10 support could mean huge e-waste increase
Winsage
October 28, 2025

End of Windows 10 support could mean huge e-waste increase

Microsoft is discontinuing support for Windows 10, raising concerns about increased electronic waste and cybersecurity risks for users unable to upgrade. Approximately 40% of Windows users may lack alternatives, as many devices do not meet the requirements for Windows 11. Research indicates that up to 240 million outdated devices could end up in landfills due to this policy change. Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 10 for one more year, but users delaying upgrades may face vulnerabilities to cyber threats. Upgrading to new devices can be costly, with prices starting around 0, while Linux Mint is suggested as a free alternative that can extend the life of current devices. Linux Mint requires only 2GB of RAM, 20GB of disk space, and a minimum resolution of 1024×768. Advocates are promoting the right to repair and legislation to combat planned obsolescence to make technology more sustainable.
Hidden Levels Ep. 5: Press B to Touch Grass
AppWizard
October 24, 2025

Hidden Levels Ep. 5: Press B to Touch Grass

Nature in video games has evolved from a simple backdrop to an important escape for individuals with limited access to the outdoors, exemplified by Minecraft influencer Cassie Anne, who uses the game to connect with nature due to her severe allergies. The advancement of video games has been driven by technological innovations such as procedural generation and the pursuit of photorealism, allowing for immersive environments. These technologies are also being used to create digital twins for urban planning and environmental visualization. However, the energy consumption of visually intensive games contributes approximately 50 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Despite this, video games can enhance ecological awareness and educate players about sustainability, serving as a connection to nature for those unable to experience it physically.
ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X Now Available Worldwide
AppWizard
October 17, 2025

ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X Now Available Worldwide

The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld devices are now available in 45 countries, developed in collaboration with ASUS and AMD. These devices integrate the Xbox experience with Windows, allowing players to access their Xbox library, progress, friends, and achievements. Pre-orders are available through Xbox.com in the U.S. and through the ASUS eShop for other regions. The Xbox Ally features ergonomic grips and a new Xbox Full Screen Experience, with resources like a Getting Started guide and Gaming Copilot (Beta) for assistance. The Handheld Compatibility program includes titles such as Gears of War: Reloaded and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Players can enjoy over 1000 games via Xbox Play Anywhere, with over 55 new titles added last month. Select markets will receive three months of Xbox Game Pass Premium or PC Game Pass with their purchase. The devices are optimized for accessibility, catering to players with disabilities. Future updates will include Default Game Profiles for better performance and battery life, enhancements to the docking experience, and AI-powered features. Many innovations will be applicable across all Windows devices, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
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