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AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator are getting some more base map reworks — just in time for their console release?

SCS Software is working on upcoming downloadable content (DLC) and significant base map reworks for Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator. For American Truck Simulator, Nevada will be reworked to revitalize existing locations, introduce new ones, and expand the road network, including new segments of US-95 and additional depots. Euro Truck Simulator 2 will see a transformation in the UK, with new locations such as Inverness, Stonehenge, and Leeds, along with a revamped EuroTunnel. Both games are anticipated to be released on console platforms, with progress being made, although a specific release date has not been provided. SCS Software will participate in Gamescom 2026, showcasing their largest booth to date and partnering with Thrustmaster and Volvo, but details on the console versions remain undisclosed.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

One excellent, unforgettable expansion has fixed Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom: The Dark Ages introduced a shield mechanic that altered the gameplay focus from speed and mobility to defensive maneuvers. While the shield allowed for blocking damage, parrying attacks, and functioning as a projectile, it compromised the game's inherent mobility and complexity. This shift in gameplay strategy changed the core identity of the Doom franchise, sparking discussions about balancing innovation with the preservation of beloved gameplay elements.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

7 Retro-Themed PC Gaming Gadgets Inspired By Iconic Consoles

Retro gaming enthusiasts can enhance their gaming experiences with modern gadgets that merge nostalgia with contemporary technology. The 8BitDo Retro R8 mouse, priced at .99, is designed to resemble the Nintendo Entertainment System and offers Bluetooth, RF Wireless, or wired USB connectivity with a polling rate of 8,000 hertz and a maximum sensor resolution of 26,000 DPI. It comes in three designs: NES, Commodore 64, and original Xbox, and includes a charging dock. The PromoType KeyBoy Advance keyboard, priced at , replicates the Game Boy Advance and requires DIY assembly. It features L and R buttons that are configurable extras and includes a power indicator and speaker grille. The 8BitDo M30 controller, priced at .99, is designed for the Sega Genesis with a six-button layout and compatibility with various devices including PC and Nintendo Switch. The Retro-Bit V2 Wireless Tribute 64 controller, retailing at .99, is optimized for Nintendo 64 games and features improved latency and a classic button layout, compatible with multiple platforms including the Nintendo Switch. The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard, available for .99, features a design reminiscent of the NES, customizable A and B buttons, and supports both wired and wireless connectivity with key remapping options. The Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM02, priced at 9, is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7840HS processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD, suitable for retro and contemporary gaming, ideally paired with a CRT display. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick, priced at .99, features a design inspired by the NES, customizable macro options, and supports USB-C wired and wireless connections, allowing easy switching between PC and Nintendo Switch.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Sega isn’t “abandoning” physical games: president reminds everyone “we used to develop consoles,” but says it’s eyeing PC gaming in an increasingly digital future

Shuji Utsumi, president of Sega, acknowledged the growing global trend towards digital gaming, particularly on PC platforms, and emphasized the need for Sega to adapt its approach to game releases. He stated that the shift towards digital titles is key for "full games" on both console and PC. Despite challenges, including the cancellation of the "Super Game" project, Utsumi confirmed that franchises like Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio are still in development for both digital and physical formats.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Tomb Raider: Catalyst delayed to 2028

Jeffrey Gattis, head of Amazon Gaming, announced that the release of the Tomb Raider game, Catalyst, has been delayed from 2027 to 2028. This delay follows challenges faced by developer Crystal Dynamics, including multiple layoffs, which may have impacted the game's development.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Halo remake reviews totter as fans lament the 3 horsemen of 2026 game releases: Bugs, pointless logins, and duff servers

Halo: Campaign Evolved has received a 68% Mixed rating on Steam, leading to disappointment among early access players due to bugs, server issues, and complicated account linking. Players have reported problems such as login errors, crashes, graphical glitches, and performance issues. Halo Studios has addressed login complaints but has not standardized responses to other technical issues, only stating that performance feedback is being communicated to the development team.

TrendTechie

July 24, 2026

BitTorrent исполнилось 25 лет. Как программа одного человека изменила интернет и поставила Голливуд в тупик

On July 2, 2001, Bram Cohen announced the operational status of his program, BitTorrent, on a mailing list for peer-to-peer network developers. BitTorrent revolutionized file sharing by segmenting files into smaller pieces, allowing users to download from multiple sources simultaneously and share already downloaded data, which improved download speeds as file popularity increased. Unlike earlier peer-to-peer networks, BitTorrent did not have a built-in catalog, relying on external websites for users to locate torrents. The first major torrent catalog, Suprnova, emerged in 2002, followed by The Pirate Bay in 2003, making the protocol widely accessible. By 2004, BitTorrent accounted for nearly a third of all internet traffic. In 2004, Cohen founded BitTorrent Inc., which acquired the client µTorrent in 2006. The company launched the BitTorrent Entertainment Network in 2007, but it closed in 2008 due to competition from free pirated content. BitTorrent Inc. later explored various technologies but struggled to establish a sustainable business model. The protocol evolved with decentralization features like the distributed hash table (DHT) and magnet links. In 2018, BitTorrent was acquired by the blockchain project TRON for an estimated 0 million. BitTorrent Inc. claims around 54 million active users per month, with additional users on independent clients. Despite a decline in torrent traffic from its peak, the network has been experiencing growth, attributed to rising streaming costs and fragmented content availability.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved – The Brand New Features in This Remake of A Classic

Halo: Campaign Evolved introduces significant enhancements to the original Halo: Combat Evolved, including Operation: METEORITE, which features three new bonus missions set a year before the main campaign, focusing on the Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson. The game allows up to four players to experience the campaign together online with cross-platform play, scaling weapon spawns and adjusting levels for larger squads. Familiar collectible Skulls have been relocated, and new ones with unique gameplay modifiers have been added. Collecting three Skulls unlocks the Campaign Remix mode, which introduces new gameplay twists and visual effects. Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to launch globally on July 28, 2026, with early access for Premium Edition owners, and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and cloud, supporting cross-play and cross-progression.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved is Now Available in Early Access

Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, is in early access on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC. The Premium Edition is priced at .99, with the base game available for Game Pass subscribers. Multiplayer supports up to four players with cross-platform play, and weapon spawns scale with player count. New missions, Operation: Meteorite, feature Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson, set a year before the original game. Visuals are enhanced in 60FPS Performance mode, and gameplay changes include the removal of health kits and the addition of a sprint button and third-person play. This is the first Halo title on PlayStation, with cross-play and cross-progression. The global launch is scheduled for July 28, 2026, with availability on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass at launch.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Four classic Xbox games are now playable with Backward Compatibility on PC

Microsoft is reviving the Xbox Backward Compatibility program by allowing classic Xbox games to be played on Windows PCs. The initiative, originally launched in 2015 for Xbox 360 games on Xbox One, had been effectively concluded in 2019. The new PC offering includes four original Xbox titles: BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy, which can be played at no extra cost by owners of digital copies and are available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers. The PC versions feature enhancements such as customizable graphics settings, higher rendering resolutions, V-Sync support, fullscreen and windowed display modes, anisotropic filtering, improved anti-aliasing, and additional visual upgrades. Minimum system requirements include a GPU like Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550, a CPU with at least 4 cores, 8GB RAM, and Windows 11. Recommended specifications include a GPU like Radeon RX 68005 or Nvidia GTX 1070 Ti, a 6-core CPU, DirectX12 API, 8GB VRAM, and Windows 11. Microsoft plans to add more backward-compatible titles and features, including Xbox achievement support, in the future.