expertise Archives

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

Nintendo is bringing one of its exclusive games to PC claims Microsoft website

A listing on Microsoft’s Edge Game Assist webpage includes the Nintendo title Xenoblade Chronicles X, which has raised speculation about potential collaborations between Microsoft and Nintendo. Despite this, many believe the inclusion is likely a mistake, as the game is not available on PC. Xenoblade Chronicles X was released for the Nintendo Switch in March and is the last major Wii U title to be ported to the platform. All Xenoblade games are now accessible on the Switch, and Monolith Soft, the developer, is reportedly working on a new role-playing game. The chances of a partnership between Microsoft and Nintendo to bring exclusive titles to PC seem slim.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Digital Domain vs. the Nether Horde: Behind the VFX of Minecraft

VFX Supervisor Piotr Karwas and Animation Supervisor Liz Bernard discussed the visual effects of Minecraft: The Movie, which includes 187 shots completed in 25 weeks. Karwas, with experience from films like World War Z, served as Cinematic Director, merging CG storytelling with Minecraft's aesthetic. Bernard, with a background from The Lion King, was the Previs Supervisor, focusing on visual planning and comedic tone. Digital Domain assisted with the final battle sequence, and Karwas learned about Minecraft lore from his children. The team worked to balance humor and visuals, ensuring consistency across departments. They faced technical challenges in creating custom VFX shots and animating characters like Piglins and Iron Golems, navigating the constraints of their blocky designs. Karwas is also exploring generative AI to enhance creativity in visual effects workflows.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Tops DEG Digital Transactions Chart for Week of May 18

The Minecraft Movie is being produced by a collaboration of renowned studios, focusing on storytelling that resonates with audiences of all ages. The film aims to reflect the core themes of exploration and creativity from the Minecraft experience, utilizing innovative animation techniques to represent the game's iconic pixelated style. The casting process includes a mix of established stars and emerging talent, supported by a creative team of experienced directors and writers passionate about gaming culture. The production team has initiated outreach programs to engage the Minecraft community, allowing fans to contribute ideas and feedback.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

Nacon secures WRC rights

French publisher Nacon has become the new partner of the World Rally Championship (WRC) and has secured exclusive rights to develop PC and console titles based on the tournament from 2027 to 2032. This announcement follows Electronic Arts' decision to pause development on its own WRC series. Nacon's CEO, Alain Falc, highlighted the company's ambition to create a refined driving experience and emphasized the importance of their previous partnership with WRC Promoter from 2015 to 2023. FIA WRC's chief marketing officer, Arne Dirks, expressed optimism about the collaboration, indicating it could lead to innovative developments in rally gaming.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

Five new Steam games you probably missed (May 26, 2025)

On an average day, Steam unveils around a dozen new games. "Two Strikes," a first-person paranormal investigation game, was released on May 23 by Retro Reactor. "Snacko," a life simulation and town-building game featuring a feline protagonist, was released on May 26 by Bluecurse Studios. "Tinkerlands," a resource-gathering game with survival and combat elements, was released on May 24 by CodeManu and Endless Coffee. "Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer," a sequel to the original game, was released on May 20 by Clifftop Games.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

‘Son, you did a good job:’ Doom grandaddy John Romero streamed hit indie FPS Dusk and absolutely loved it

John Romero has launched a new streaming series titled "FPS Fridays" on Twitch, starting with a gameplay session of New Blood's 2018 title, Dusk. During the stream, Romero showcased his gameplay skills, contrasting his performance with that of average players. The stream fostered community interaction, with studio head Dave Oshry sharing memorable moments and the New Blood account responding playfully to Romero. Future episodes will feature games chosen by viewer votes. Romero also explored the Doom WAD MyHouse and released Sigil 2, a free hardcore WAD available alongside its predecessor for players with a copy of Doom, both accessible from Nightdive's recent remaster.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Minecraft Is Getting A D&D-Style Tabletop RPG – Preorder The Adventure Book

Minecraft is expanding into tabletop gaming with the release of "Minecraft: Roll for Adventure - The Temple of the Charged Creeper" on July 8. The gamebook, priced with a 20% preorder discount, features a 224-page adventure where players track down Illagers in the Overworld. It includes rules, a bestiary, a removable character sheet, and four dice. The author, Matt Forbeck, has experience with titles like Dungeons & Dragons and Halo. The game is recommended for ages 10 and up. Additionally, a Junior edition of "Minecraft: Builders and Biomes" will be released on August 1 for players aged 5 and up. Other Minecraft-themed games include "Portal Dash," the Mattel Minecraft Card Game, and the Minecraft Explorers card game. Various Minecraft book box sets, graphic novels, and novels are also available, including "The Island" by Max Brooks. Upcoming releases include "A Minecraft Movie: From Block to Big Screen" and the "Minecraft Official Blocks Guide," with the film adaptation set to release on June 24 in multiple formats.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Windows 10 Support Is Ending: Flipkart says it’s time to upgrade to a Windows 11 PC

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning users will no longer receive updates, security patches, or new features. Flipkart is offering exclusive exchange discounts for customers trading in old Windows 10 laptops for select Windows 11 models. Windows 11 provides faster performance, longer battery life, and enhanced security features compared to Windows 10. Copilot+ PCs, which run Windows 11, include integrated AI features and improved battery life, catering to designers, students, and professionals.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

The END of Support: Preparing for Windows 10 Transition » CBIA

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019 on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide updates, including security patches and programming fixes, potentially increasing vulnerability to operational failures and cyber threats. Upgrading to Windows 11 may be possible at no additional cost if hardware meets minimum requirements. Companies should consider a migration strategy that balances costs and needs, possibly redistributing older devices for less demanding roles. For server upgrades, it is recommended to consolidate functionalities, utilize physical servers for virtual systems, assess company growth for informed investments, and prioritize redundancy through frequent backups.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Rokky acquires ChinaPlay store

PC distribution platform Rokky has acquired the Chinese storefront ChinaPlay. The financial details of the deal are undisclosed. ChinaPlay connects global developers with the Chinese gaming audience, which consists of approximately one million annual users. Rokky's co-founder and CEO, Vadim Andreev, highlighted the challenges global publishers face in accessing China's gaming market, noting that the acquisition aims to provide a direct route to China's 322 million PC gamers. Denis Glukhov, product lead at ChinaPlay, stated that the acquisition will enhance their presence in the Chinese market and improve connections between global publishers and Chinese gamers. Plans include expanding local forum presence, enhancing the loyalty program, and diversifying the catalog of publishers.