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Loving MMOs in 2026 is an exercise in frustration, grief, and moving on
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

Loving MMOs in 2026 is an exercise in frustration, grief, and moving on

This week’s edition of Terminally Online reflects on the current state of Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs), highlighting a mix of nostalgia and concern. The genre includes popular titles like The Elder Scrolls Online, Final Fantasy 14, and Guild Wars 2, but recent cancellations of new MMOs have caused unease among players, with 2025 referred to as an “MMO massacre.” Projects such as New World and Project Blackbird have been canceled, emphasizing the fragility of the genre. Players often find themselves relying on established games as excitement for new releases wanes. Investing time in MMOs can yield rewards but also leads to frustration due to the evolving nature of these games, which can dishearten long-time players. World of Warcraft exemplifies this with its fluctuating quality and controversial expansions. Titles like Final Fantasy 14 have been praised for their narratives but criticized for gameplay stagnation. The history of MMOs shows that even successful games like City of Heroes and Star Wars: Galaxies eventually fade, leaving communities in a state of uncertainty. Factors contributing to this stagnation include shareholder pressure for consistent growth, which can hinder creativity and lead to a focus on short-term profits. Despite these challenges, there is hope for the future of MMOs, as the industry is cyclical. Upcoming projects, such as Riot’s new MMO, may inspire renewed interest and community engagement. The desire for a vibrant MMO landscape and the friendships formed within these games remain strong among players.
Control Resonant dev Remedy didn't use other triple-A games for inspiration, because "nobody is taking risks"
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

Control Resonant dev Remedy didn’t use other triple-A games for inspiration, because “nobody is taking risks”

Control Resonant is a sequel that takes players from the isolated setting of the Oldest House to the reimagined streets of Manhattan, described as a "labyrinth." The game features a new protagonist, Dylan Faden, who can navigate the environment in unique ways. The developers aim for a grounded aesthetic to enhance the supernatural elements and have avoided references from other games to maintain originality. The narrative expands with multiple factions and a variety of enemy types, including a haunted bus. The Hiss remains a central threat, affecting both humans and animals. Dylan will use a radio to communicate with his handler, Zoe, and will encounter audio logs that deepen the lore. Control Resonant is set to launch in 2026.
LEGO Minecraft summer 2026 sets include Ender Dragon, Skeleton and more
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

LEGO Minecraft summer 2026 sets include Ender Dragon, Skeleton and more

The LEGO Minecraft series will release four new sets in summer 2026: 1. 21592 Chicken Jockey Desert Attack - Price: £19.99 / .99 / €24.99 - Pieces: 428 - Release date: June 1, 2026 2. 21594 The Skeleton - Price: £39.99 / .99 / €44.99 - Pieces: 502 - Release date: June 1, 2026 3. 21595 The Ender Dragon - Price: £54.99 / .99 / €59.99 - Pieces: 710 - Release date: June 1, 2026 4. 21596 Evoker Village Attack - Price: £79.99 / .99 / €89.99 - Pieces: 607 - Release date: June 1, 2026 Additional sets scheduled for release in 2026 include: - 30732 Alex’s Campfire Conflict: 31 pieces, release date TBC - 21582 Chicken Jockey: £29.99 / 344 pieces, August 2026 - 21583 Steve’s Taiga Adventure: £8.99 / 79 pieces, January 1, 2026 - 21584 Nether & End Portal Journey: £12.99 / 192 pieces, January 1, 2026 - 21585 Chicken Farm: £17.99 / 233 pieces, January 1, 2026 - 21586 The Pale Garden: £17.99 / 243 pieces, January 1, 2026 - 21587 Zombie Dungeon: £24.99 / 284 pieces, January 1, 2026 - 21588 The Fox: £39.99 / 497 pieces, January 1, 2026 - 21589 Mini Biomes: £54.99 / 797 pieces, January 1, 2026 - 21590 Wither Battle: £59.99 / 494 pieces, January 1, 2026 - 21591 TBC: €54.99, TBC - 21593 First Night Adventure: €29.99 / 301 pieces, June 2026 - 21597 Ghast Station: €99.99 / 754 pieces, June 2026 - 21598 TBC: TBC, TBC 2026
Hit cowboy co-op shooter's servers are struggling, developer says its service provider 'is currently drinking mojitos instead of helping'
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

Hit cowboy co-op shooter’s servers are struggling, developer says its service provider ‘is currently drinking mojitos instead of helping’

Progress is being made on the game Far Far West, developed by Evil Raptor, which has launched on Steam. The servers are operational, but some promotional codes are experiencing issues. The studio is working on a fix and exploring a workaround for online gameplay. A patch addressing server challenges is available on the beta branch, and players are encouraged to participate in testing. Far Far West has sold over 250,000 copies within two days of release and has an "overwhelmingly positive" rating on Steam from over 8,900 reviews. The game can be played solo or with friends using session codes or direct invites through Steam. A dedicated Beta Discord channel has been established for player feedback.
You no longer have to pay for Gemini’s smartest organization tool
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

You no longer have to pay for Gemini’s smartest organization tool

Gemini Notebooks are now available on mobile without a paywall, allowing users to organize chats and files in a centralized project hub. Existing NotebookLM notebooks sync to mobile, enabling direct saving of chats as sources. The feature is accessible to both free and paid users, with source limits varying by subscription plan: free users can add 50 sources, AI Plus users 100, Pro users 300, and Ultra users 600. The rollout is live for most users globally, with updates expected in Europe and other countries soon.
Microsoft CEO wants to win back lost Windows fans
Winsage
May 1, 2026

Microsoft CEO wants to win back lost Windows fans

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, announced the company's renewed focus on improving user engagement with Windows and its consumer offerings during the third quarter of fiscal year 2026. Microsoft is addressing issues in Windows 11 by enhancing speed and reducing bugs, with key objectives including improving performance on devices with lower RAM, simplifying the update interface, and focusing on core features. Notable updates include options to postpone or skip system updates, the removal of unnecessary applications like Copilot, and enhancements such as displaying NPU activity in Task Manager and a built-in Internet speed test. Microsoft is also transitioning to native frameworks like WinUI 3, redesigning the Start menu to function directly at the system level, which is expected to reduce RAM consumption and improve performance stability on lower-resource devices.
Legendary Deus Ex and Thief director Warren Spector is back with a new game — it’s a stealth-heist-em-up called Thick as Thieves, and even the price is a steal at just five bucks on Steam
AppWizard
May 1, 2026

Legendary Deus Ex and Thief director Warren Spector is back with a new game — it’s a stealth-heist-em-up called Thick as Thieves, and even the price is a steal at just five bucks on Steam

Thick as Thieves, directed by Warren Spector, will be released on May 20, 2026, at a price of .99 / £4.99. The game features a fictional Scottish city with solo and cooperative heist missions, two expansive maps, 16 unique missions, and six pieces of customizable gear. Players can expect around four hours of gameplay initially, with potential for extended playthroughs due to the dynamic nature of the maps. The developers plan to enhance the game based on player feedback and it is available for wishlist addition on Steam.
This week's Epic Games freebie blends Factorio's automation with high fantasy exploration
AppWizard
May 1, 2026

This week’s Epic Games freebie blends Factorio’s automation with high fantasy exploration

Odsparks: An Automation Adventure is currently available for free on the Epic Games Store until May 7, offering a blend of automation and whimsical fantasy exploration. Players interact with charming creatures called Sparks, automate their workforce, and explore procedurally generated biomes while completing quests to unlock new buildings and technologies. The game has a lifetime score of 82% on Steam and 4.6 on Epic, and includes downloadable content like the Coaster Rush expansion. Players can also receive bonus items by visiting the store.
Microsoft CEO says the company is focused on 'fundamentals' to 'win back fans and strengthen engagement' in Windows 11
Winsage
May 1, 2026

Microsoft CEO says the company is focused on ‘fundamentals’ to ‘win back fans and strengthen engagement’ in Windows 11

Microsoft is shifting its focus towards user-centric software enhancements, as articulated by CEO Satya Nadella during an earnings call. The company aims to "win back fans and strengthen engagement" across platforms like Windows, Xbox, Bing, and Edge. Key initiatives include performance improvements for lower-memory devices, a streamlined Windows Update process, and a focus on essential features that resonate with users. As support for Windows 10 phases out, user frustration over the transition to Windows 11 has prompted Microsoft to address concerns by prioritizing requested improvements. Windows president Pavan Davuluri has indicated a strategy to rectify core issues, reducing unnecessary AI integration in favor of enhancing desktop performance and software stability. This approach includes the removal of certain AI tools and improvements to essential Windows applications. The success of these efforts is crucial for retaining user loyalty in a competitive landscape, particularly with the rising interest in Linux alternatives.
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