extraction Archives

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Bungie isn’t immediately making Destiny 3, is planning layoffs, reports Bloomberg

Bungie has announced that Destiny 2 will no longer receive live service content updates. There are currently no specific projects greenlit for the Destiny 2 development team. Bungie is transitioning to focus on incubating its next games, with a spin-off titled Payback in the pipeline. The extraction shooter Marathon has launched but has not met sales expectations. Bungie plans to introduce a more casual PvE mode in an upcoming update to attract players from the Arc Raiders community.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Five Games Are Confirmed For Xbox Game Pass In June 2026 So Far

As of June 2026, five new titles are confirmed to launch on Xbox Game Pass, with specific release dates for some. - The Elder Scrolls Online will be available on PC on June 2. - Beastro will launch on Series X|S, PC, and Cloud on June 11. - Denshattack! is set for release on June 17 across Series X|S, PC, and Cloud. - Frog Sqwad is expected to release sometime in June, with the exact date to be determined. - Vapor World: Over The Mind will also launch in June for consoles, with the specific date yet to be announced. Additionally, Forza Horizon 6 is a notable release for May.

AppWizard

May 15, 2026

Marathon’s Game Director admits it’s “overwhelming to learn” and too sweaty

Marathon, developed by Bungie, has a specialized appeal that may hinder sustainable growth, as noted by Game Director Joe Ziegler. He described the game's learning curve as "overwhelming" and gameplay as a "hardcore sweat-fiesta," indicating a need for more relaxed options. Since its launch nearly three months ago, the game has fostered a growing core community, with players contributing fan art and lore videos. Key observations from Season 1 include the overwhelming experience for newcomers, the chaotic endgame balance, and the demand for less intense gameplay. For Season 2, two new PvE-focused modes will be introduced, including one that blends PvE with PvP and another emphasizing cooperative gameplay. New features will include the Night Marsh zone, a defensive Runner shell named 'Sentinel,' fresh weapons, and improved customization options. Additional anticipated features are a Duos rotating zone queue, a revamped matchmaking system, and an expansion of Vault size. Bungie is also working on enhancing the onboarding experience and contract system. Season 2 is set to launch on June 2, with more details to be revealed in late May.

Winsage

May 14, 2026

Windows 11 26H1: Microsoft keeps the special branch on track for new hardware

Microsoft has released an update to Windows 11 version 26H1, OS Build 28000.2113, through cumulative update KB5089548 on May 12, 2026. This update includes essential security fixes and non-security enhancements from the previous month's optional preview. Windows 11 version 26H1 is specifically designed for new devices launching in early 2026 and will not be available as an in-place update for existing systems running versions 24H2 or 25H2. The update focuses on maintenance for this branch, with improvements in SSDP notifications and gaming compatibility. It also includes AI enhancements exclusive to Copilot+-enabled PCs. Microsoft continues to support versions 24H2 and 25H2 for enterprise deployments, while 26H1 is relevant only for new hardware platforms. Currently, there are no known issues reported for Windows 11 26H1 or update KB5089548.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

Brigador Killers smacked me in the mouth by making me level a city and kill the protagonists of the first game, and I can’t wait for more

The demo of Brigador Killers features a tutorial where players control a mech in a vibrant city, with a narrative urging them to take revenge. The gameplay includes a mix of destructive mech action and on-foot missions, with a variety of challenges reminiscent of Hitman. Notable missions involve strategic elements like calling a target for a sniper shot and driving an explosive-laden van into a mansion. The game also includes a Garage mode focused on action and resource management, allowing players to scavenge in an open-ended format. Brigador Killers is currently available for purchase on Steam at a promotional price of .50 until May 11.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

2K Games confirms layoffs at Project Ethos shooter studio and hints at new design direction: ‘It’s become clear that changes need to be made’

31st Union, a studio under 2K Games, has confirmed layoffs affecting an undisclosed number of employees as it continues development on Project Ethos, a free-to-play hero shooter unveiled in 2024. Studio head Ben Brinkman indicated that changes were necessary to achieve the studio's goals. Project Ethos was initially described as a "roguelike hero shooter," but it allows players to choose randomized buffs during matches and features gameplay similar to Fortnite. The studio's previous head, Michael Condrey, was dismissed shortly after the game's announcement, and updates on Project Ethos have been limited since then. The layoffs at 31st Union follow similar cuts at 2K Games' Cloud Chamber in 2025. Take-Two Interactive's CEO has expressed disappointment over the lengthy development timelines for new titles, including the BioShock installment. Despite these challenges, Brinkman remains optimistic about the future of Project Ethos and the team's direction.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

New PUBG game, inspired by Escape from Tarkov, gets free playtest

The gaming genre of extraction shooters is gaining popularity, with titles like Arc Raiders and Escape From Tarkov leading the way. Krafton, the developer of PUBG, has introduced a new game called Black Budget, which incorporates a supernatural element while maintaining realistic gameplay. Players in Black Budget must infiltrate dangerous locations, collect valuable items, and escape within a 30-minute time limit, facing threats from both other players and AI creatures. The game is set on a tropical island with a shrinking playable area, forcing players to make strategic decisions. An upcoming playtest for Black Budget is available for interested players, following a successful initial Alpha test with nearly 10,000 participants.

Winsage

May 6, 2026

New Trojan attacks Windows and steals data from smartphones via Phone Link

Cisco Talos experts have discovered a trojan that has been operational since at least January 2026, which installs the CloudZ RAT (Remote Access Tool) on Windows systems along with the Pheno plugin. The attack starts with an undisclosed initial access vector and involves executing a counterfeit SmartConnect update to deploy the CloudZ RAT. This RAT establishes an encrypted connection to its command and control (C2) server, allowing attackers to extract sensitive information. The CloudZ RAT assists in harvesting credentials from web browsers and downloads the Pheno plugin, which accesses Phone Link app data and transmits it to the C2 server. The Phone Link feature synchronizes critical data, including SMS messages with one-time passwords and account login details, which are the primary targets of the attackers.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Recent Arc Raiders Steam reviews hit ‘mixed’ for the first time since launch, and I can see why

Arc Raiders received over 41,000 positive reviews on Steam between October 30 and November 6 of last year, indicating early success and player enthusiasm. However, as of May 2026, the game has shifted to a mixed reception, particularly following the Riven Tides update, which failed to meet player expectations. Concerns include unsatisfactory game balance and accelerated weapon degradation, making gameplay frustrating. The development team is considering balancing adjustments in response to player feedback.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

If you’re asking why everyone’s making an extraction shooter, Escape from Tarkov is the 11th most-played game on PC according to new report, beating Overwatch, Marvel Rivals, and PUBG

Escape From Tarkov, developed by Battlestate Games, ranked 11th in overall playtime on PC for the year 2025, according to a report from Newzoo. It outperformed several established titles, including Overwatch 2, Marvel Rivals, PUBG, Apex Legends, GTA 5, and Diablo 4. The game was edged out for the 10th position by Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. The rankings reflect overall playtime rather than concurrent or total player counts, indicating that while Escape From Tarkov may not have the largest player base, its players are highly dedicated.