expectations Archives

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

Rockstar hackers release their stolen data, reveal that Rockstar was right to not pay them anything for it

ShinyHunters released data obtained from a breach of Rockstar Games one day before their ransom deadline of April 14. Rockstar Games confirmed that "a limited amount of non-material company information was accessed," and initial reviews indicate that most of the data relates to sales and financial performance rather than significant revelations about Grand Theft Auto 6. The online game Red Dead Online (RDO) generated average weekly revenues exceeding 0,000 between June 2024 and April 2026, amounting to an annualized estimate of approximately .4 million. The hackers initially sought a ransom of 0,000, but the released information has led to skepticism about its actual value. Rockstar Games has not commented on the data release.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Capcom’s new game has reminded me how good ray-tracing can look on PC

Pragmata is a new game by Capcom that features a protagonist named Hugh and a robotic companion named Diana, enhancing gameplay through traditional third-person shooting mechanics and on-the-fly hacking. The combat system involves navigating a grid maze to exploit enemy weaknesses, creating a strategic challenge. The game also emphasizes exploration with intricately designed levels filled with collectibles and resources. Visually, Pragmata is impressive, utilizing ray-traced lighting and running on an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, achieving around 90fps at maximum settings and potentially up to 150fps with frame generation. Capcom has successfully created a visually stunning game that may become a cult favorite.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Microsoft is wasting its time trying to fix Windows 11: Just do Windows 12 already

Microsoft announced a plan to enhance Windows 11 to improve performance, stability, and usability, addressing user concerns amid scrutiny of the operating system's reputation. Historically, Microsoft has faced challenges with previous Windows versions, such as Windows Vista and Windows 8, which received mixed responses despite some improvements in subsequent updates. Windows 7 was well-received due to refinements based on user feedback. Windows 10 successfully merged elements from earlier versions, but Windows 11 has garnered a mixed response. Microsoft is focusing on enhancing Windows 11 rather than launching a new version, like Windows 12, to avoid disrupting user consolidation and maintain stability, especially for enterprises. Users can continue using Windows 11 for the life of their device without being forced to upgrade. The timing of new version releases is critical due to hardware alignment and enterprise upgrade challenges. Some believe that a new version could signify a renewed commitment to the platform, but the decision remains a topic of discussion.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

XChat Launch Sparks Questions About Competing with Messenger

The new messaging app "XChat" is set to launch in April 2026, aiming to compete with established platforms like Messenger and WhatsApp. It will feature advanced encryption tools for secure communication and focus on enhancing user experience. The success of XChat will depend on its ability to build a substantial user base in a saturated market, requiring innovative solutions and significant infrastructure investments. Industry observers are monitoring its potential to carve out a niche in the instant messaging market, while established competitors are updating their features in anticipation of this new entrant.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Far Cry 2 review (2008)

Far Cry 2 is a free-roaming first-person shooter developed and published by Ubisoft, released on October 24, 2008, with a score of 94%. The game is set in Africa and revolves around the mission to find and eliminate an arms dealer known as The Jackal. It features an open-world experience that emphasizes player choice and procedural storytelling, allowing for dynamic narrative outcomes based on player decisions. Players encounter a variety of challenges that require strategic thinking and quick reflexes, and the game is noted for its stunning visuals and captivating soundtrack. Critics have pointed out some character depth issues and generic factions, but the overall immersive experience remains engaging.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

If you are planning to get the new Starfield Terran Armada DLC, here’s how to get 15% off

Starfield's latest DLC, Terran Armada, introduces a new faction connected to Earth with advanced technology and military strength. The DLC features a comprehensive questline, new locations, enemies, and systems that expand throughout the game world. It includes repeatable combat events called Incursions, a new morally ambiguous robot companion, and enhancements to outposts and exploration mechanics. Fanatical is offering a 15% discount on the DLC, making it the most affordable option currently available.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

Revisiting Redfall after its final update reveals the ghost of the game it wanted to be

Redfall, developed by Arkane Austin, was released in May 2023 and faced criticism for its open world, AI, and shooting mechanics. Following its launch, Arkane attempted to address these issues but was ultimately closed by Microsoft a year later. Before its closure, the studio released patch 1.4, which introduced a Community Standing system that allows players to enhance their skills through community tasks. This patch aimed to improve gameplay by encouraging exploration and interaction with the environment, offering rewards like fortified safehouse defenses and new abilities. Despite these improvements, core issues such as unsatisfactory combat and shallow NPC interactions persisted, limiting the game's narrative depth and player engagement.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

This ‘highly realistic’ city-builder could be the first real competition Cities: Skylines has seen in over a decade

City Masterplan is a newly unveiled metropolis simulator that offers expansive environmental canvases measuring 24x24 km, allowing players to design urban landscapes in various architectural styles. The game features a visual aesthetic similar to Cities: Skylines 2, with realistic skies, dynamic lighting, and immersive weather conditions. It is built on the Unreal Engine, which may present performance challenges. As Cities: Skylines approaches its twelfth anniversary, there is a demand for a fresh city-building experience, with City Masterplan potentially revitalizing the genre. There is no official release date, but speculation suggests a launch not before 2027.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

I tried the redesigned Google Wallet app, and it fixes my 2 biggest complaints

Google has redesigned its Google Wallet app, introducing a new interface that has received positive user feedback. The updated design features passes displayed as small squares, allowing users to see double the number of passes on their screens. Users can now customize which passes are visible upon opening the app by starring their preferred passes. The app retains the ability to rearrange passes and access detailed information through barcodes or QR codes. A new "View more" button provides access to a comprehensive list of transactions and passes, along with a search bar for easy navigation. However, accessing the full list of passes requires a two-step process, which some users find cumbersome. Suggestions for improvement include adding a "View all passes" button and a search bar on the home screen for enhanced usability.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

Former Escape From Tarkov dev says “no amount of millions of dollars can save a weak product”

The shooter game market is currently saturated with both successful and unsuccessful multiplayer titles, making it challenging for developers to stand out. Dmitri Ogorodnikov, co-head of Nomion Games, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the complexities of creating a successful shooter. He points to the failures of games like Concord and Highguard, which struggled due to lackluster character design and muddled identities. Ogorodnikov believes that many big studios lose the essence of their games by relying too heavily on marketing and formulas. In contrast, Nomion aims to focus on quality gameplay and a clear vision for their upcoming title, Rush is Real, which is still in the prototyping phase. He asserts that the game will not be just another generic shooter and will prioritize unique ideas and quality over following market trends.