film Archives

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

The Lord of the Rings: War in the North Legacy Edition Gets Shadow Drop on Modern Consoles and PC

The Lord of the Rings: War in the North has been re-released on modern consoles and PC, remastered by Aspyr. It is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC, priced at .99 until August 25th, after which it will increase to .99. The remaster features 60fps, bug fixes, and quality of life improvements, including enemy lock-on and character hot swapping. Originally launched in November 2011, the game received mixed reviews, with IGN rating it 7/10. It includes an online co-op feature and a narrative that runs parallel to the events of the books and films. War in the North was the first in the franchise to receive an M for Mature rating. Aspyr hinted at the possibility of more Lord of the Rings re-releases in the future, though specific titles have not been disclosed.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

3 months after the release of Directive 8020, Supermassive Games is laying off even more people

Supermassive Games is reducing its workforce by up to 75 employees three months after the launch of Directive 8020, citing the need for long-term sustainability. This is the third round of layoffs in under three years, with previous cuts occurring in 2024 and 2025 due to challenges in the gaming industry. The parent company, Nordisk Film, reported an operating profit of €140 million on revenues of €2.2 billion in 2025. The number of employees remaining after the layoffs is currently unclear.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

‘I am a big roguelike guy, but also a fan of minimalism and elegance’: Sam Barlow, creator of Her Story, guides us through the games in his Steam Library

Sam Barlow is the director of Half Mermaid and a notable figure in interactive fiction, known for his work on games like Arrival, Ghost Rider, Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, Her Story, Telling Lies, and Immortality. He has a fondness for the game D: The Game, appreciating its cinematography and atmosphere despite its design flaws. Barlow has dedicated over 500 hours to Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island, which he considers one of the greatest roguelikes. He also treasures Riven, keeping it installed at all times for its artistic value. On the non-gaming side, he relies on Fade In, a screenwriting software that he finds essential for his work. Barlow's desktop is chaotic, as he saves everything there, leading to a cluttered environment.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

Lies of P studio reveals name change and hypes up sequel: ‘My goal has been to create the world’s greatest action game.’

Nough, formerly known as Round8, has released a 16-minute mini-documentary that explores its culture and the creative process behind the Lies of P series. The studio's name change reflects its commitment to a development philosophy centered on the motto 'Games by Gamers'. The documentary features behind-the-scenes insights, personal stories from developers, and highlights the challenges faced during the creation of Lies of P. The team is currently working on a sequel, with optimism stemming from the success of the original game and its Overture expansion. News writer Harvey Randall has noted the positive reception of the Overture expansion as a promising sign for Lies of P 2.

AppWizard

August 6, 2026

Minecraft Is Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 Soon With an Upgrade Path for Switch 1 Owners

Minecraft will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27th, featuring enhanced visuals and performance. The game will include a default Vibrant Visuals graphics option for improved lighting and graphical fidelity. The Super Mario Mash-Up will also receive visual upgrades. An upgrade path for existing Minecraft players on the original Nintendo Switch will be available, though details on whether it will be complimentary are unclear. A major update introducing a new biome is expected later this year.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Steam’s Cyberpunk Fest means big savings on games about high-tech lowlifes

The Steam Cyberpunk Fest is ongoing until 10 AM on August 10, featuring discounts on various cyberpunk-themed games. Notable offers include: - Ruiner: 90% off at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the term "cyberpunk" has taken on a life of its own, particularly during the ongoing Steam Cyberpunk Fest. This sale, which runs until 10 AM on August 10, invites players to explore a curated selection of games that embody the essence of cyberpunk, albeit with a tagline that leaves much to the imagination: "They say never look back. Cyberpunk says ALWAYS be in the future. Think about it." While the meaning may be elusive, the real draw lies in the enticing discounts that promise to enrich our gaming libraries with tales of cyborgs, hackers, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Highlights of the Sale Among the standout offerings are: Ruiner: Engage in slow-motion brawls alongside a commanding hacker mentor, now available for just 90% off at .99. Neon Struct: Dive into this immersive simulation as an ex-spy navigating life off the grid, with a remarkable discount of 90% off at .79. The Ascent: Traverse a beautifully crafted arcology in this action RPG, currently priced at 75% off for .49. Cruelty Squad: Experience the bizarre world of a corpo assassin simulator, now at an incredible 90% off for .99. The Red Strings Club: Unravel one of the best cyberpunk narratives available, with a discount of 80% off at .99. Shadowrun Hong Kong: Recruit a ghoul samurai and navigate the film industry for just 75% off at .99. Invisible, Inc: Discover the merits of turn-based stealth gameplay, available for 75% off at .99. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Enjoy this classic at a historic low price of 65% off for .99. Cyberpunk 2077: For those seeking the quintessential experience, this title is discounted by 70% to .99. Additionally, the iconic Deus Ex is half-price, while its predecessor, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut, is available at a staggering 85% off. Looking ahead, Steam has more sales lined up for the month. From August 17 to 20, the Pins & Pegs Fest will celebrate games centered around pinball, bowling, and other related themes. Following that, the PvE Survival Crafting Fest will take place from August 31 to September 7, promising a diverse array of gaming experiences for enthusiasts." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 - Neon Struct: 90% off at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the term "cyberpunk" has taken on a life of its own, particularly during the ongoing Steam Cyberpunk Fest. This sale, which runs until 10 AM on August 10, invites players to explore a curated selection of games that embody the essence of cyberpunk, albeit with a tagline that leaves much to the imagination: "They say never look back. Cyberpunk says ALWAYS be in the future. Think about it." While the meaning may be elusive, the real draw lies in the enticing discounts that promise to enrich our gaming libraries with tales of cyborgs, hackers, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Highlights of the Sale Among the standout offerings are: Ruiner: Engage in slow-motion brawls alongside a commanding hacker mentor, now available for just 90% off at .99. Neon Struct: Dive into this immersive simulation as an ex-spy navigating life off the grid, with a remarkable discount of 90% off at .79. The Ascent: Traverse a beautifully crafted arcology in this action RPG, currently priced at 75% off for .49. Cruelty Squad: Experience the bizarre world of a corpo assassin simulator, now at an incredible 90% off for .99. The Red Strings Club: Unravel one of the best cyberpunk narratives available, with a discount of 80% off at .99. Shadowrun Hong Kong: Recruit a ghoul samurai and navigate the film industry for just 75% off at .99. Invisible, Inc: Discover the merits of turn-based stealth gameplay, available for 75% off at .99. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Enjoy this classic at a historic low price of 65% off for .99. Cyberpunk 2077: For those seeking the quintessential experience, this title is discounted by 70% to .99. Additionally, the iconic Deus Ex is half-price, while its predecessor, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut, is available at a staggering 85% off. Looking ahead, Steam has more sales lined up for the month. From August 17 to 20, the Pins & Pegs Fest will celebrate games centered around pinball, bowling, and other related themes. Following that, the PvE Survival Crafting Fest will take place from August 31 to September 7, promising a diverse array of gaming experiences for enthusiasts." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].79 - The Ascent: 75% off at .49 - Cruelty Squad: 90% off at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the term "cyberpunk" has taken on a life of its own, particularly during the ongoing Steam Cyberpunk Fest. This sale, which runs until 10 AM on August 10, invites players to explore a curated selection of games that embody the essence of cyberpunk, albeit with a tagline that leaves much to the imagination: "They say never look back. Cyberpunk says ALWAYS be in the future. Think about it." While the meaning may be elusive, the real draw lies in the enticing discounts that promise to enrich our gaming libraries with tales of cyborgs, hackers, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Highlights of the Sale Among the standout offerings are: Ruiner: Engage in slow-motion brawls alongside a commanding hacker mentor, now available for just 90% off at .99. Neon Struct: Dive into this immersive simulation as an ex-spy navigating life off the grid, with a remarkable discount of 90% off at .79. The Ascent: Traverse a beautifully crafted arcology in this action RPG, currently priced at 75% off for .49. Cruelty Squad: Experience the bizarre world of a corpo assassin simulator, now at an incredible 90% off for .99. The Red Strings Club: Unravel one of the best cyberpunk narratives available, with a discount of 80% off at .99. Shadowrun Hong Kong: Recruit a ghoul samurai and navigate the film industry for just 75% off at .99. Invisible, Inc: Discover the merits of turn-based stealth gameplay, available for 75% off at .99. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Enjoy this classic at a historic low price of 65% off for .99. Cyberpunk 2077: For those seeking the quintessential experience, this title is discounted by 70% to .99. Additionally, the iconic Deus Ex is half-price, while its predecessor, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut, is available at a staggering 85% off. Looking ahead, Steam has more sales lined up for the month. From August 17 to 20, the Pins & Pegs Fest will celebrate games centered around pinball, bowling, and other related themes. Following that, the PvE Survival Crafting Fest will take place from August 31 to September 7, promising a diverse array of gaming experiences for enthusiasts." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 - The Red Strings Club: 80% off at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the term "cyberpunk" has taken on a life of its own, particularly during the ongoing Steam Cyberpunk Fest. This sale, which runs until 10 AM on August 10, invites players to explore a curated selection of games that embody the essence of cyberpunk, albeit with a tagline that leaves much to the imagination: "They say never look back. Cyberpunk says ALWAYS be in the future. Think about it." While the meaning may be elusive, the real draw lies in the enticing discounts that promise to enrich our gaming libraries with tales of cyborgs, hackers, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Highlights of the Sale Among the standout offerings are: Ruiner: Engage in slow-motion brawls alongside a commanding hacker mentor, now available for just 90% off at .99. Neon Struct: Dive into this immersive simulation as an ex-spy navigating life off the grid, with a remarkable discount of 90% off at .79. The Ascent: Traverse a beautifully crafted arcology in this action RPG, currently priced at 75% off for .49. Cruelty Squad: Experience the bizarre world of a corpo assassin simulator, now at an incredible 90% off for .99. The Red Strings Club: Unravel one of the best cyberpunk narratives available, with a discount of 80% off at .99. Shadowrun Hong Kong: Recruit a ghoul samurai and navigate the film industry for just 75% off at .99. Invisible, Inc: Discover the merits of turn-based stealth gameplay, available for 75% off at .99. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Enjoy this classic at a historic low price of 65% off for .99. Cyberpunk 2077: For those seeking the quintessential experience, this title is discounted by 70% to .99. Additionally, the iconic Deus Ex is half-price, while its predecessor, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut, is available at a staggering 85% off. Looking ahead, Steam has more sales lined up for the month. From August 17 to 20, the Pins & Pegs Fest will celebrate games centered around pinball, bowling, and other related themes. Following that, the PvE Survival Crafting Fest will take place from August 31 to September 7, promising a diverse array of gaming experiences for enthusiasts." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 - Shadowrun Hong Kong: 75% off at .99 - Invisible, Inc: 75% off at .99 - Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: 65% off at .99 - Cyberpunk 2077: 70% off at .99 - Deus Ex: 50% off - Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut: 85% off Upcoming sales include the Pins & Pegs Fest from August 17 to 20 and the PvE Survival Crafting Fest from August 31 to September 7.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

We haven’t needed motion blur in games for a long time, so I wish it would stop being the default

James Bentley, a hardware writer, criticized the implementation of motion blur in gaming, particularly in Halo: Campaign Evolved, calling it one of the worst he has encountered, especially since it is enabled by default. He noted that while motion blur can enhance speed and realism and obscure visual artifacts, its continued default status is questionable given modern hardware's ability to achieve high frame rates. Bentley observed that motion blur made the game capture appear worse and detracted from immersion. He expressed a desire for players to have customizable settings that allow for an unfiltered gaming experience, advocating for a shift away from motion blur as the standard in gaming.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

The Video Game Industry Is Imploding. What Does It Mean for Hollywood?

Last spring, "A Minecraft Movie," featuring Jack Black, grossed [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Last spring, theaters brimmed with excitement as audiences cheered alongside Jack Black in “A Minecraft Movie,” which became a box office sensation, raking in an impressive 0 million globally. However, a little over a year later, the parent company of the beloved video game franchise finds itself in a starkly different reality. Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that Xbox, the owner of the studio behind the wildly popular game, would be implementing significant layoffs, affecting 20% of its workforce between this summer and the end of fiscal year 2027. This translates to approximately 3,200 jobs lost in a sector grappling with rapidly evolving consumer preferences. This situation highlights a compelling contrast within the video game industry and its cinematic adaptations. While Hollywood has seemingly cracked the code for successful video game adaptations—evidenced by hits like “Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” and “Fallout”—the creators of these games are facing turmoil. The once-derided “video game movie curse” appears to be lifting, yet the gaming industry itself is experiencing disarray. Amid this upheaval, there lies a potential opportunity for Hollywood. The rise of smaller independent game developers could streamline the adaptation process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles when studios seek to bring these games to the big screen. Moreover, the entertainment industry is forging lucrative partnerships with leading free-to-play platforms such as Fortnite and Roblox, where popular titles are increasingly integrated into mainstream media, reaching younger audiences in their own digital spaces. While the gaming sector may be struggling, the pipeline for video game adaptations in Hollywood is thriving. Insights from Industry Leaders Adrian Askarieh, a film producer renowned for adapting the Hitman video game series and CEO of Prime Universe Films, shared his perspective on the current landscape. “I actually think the disruption strengthens the pipeline,” he remarked. “The gaming industry is undergoing a market correction similar to what Hollywood faced after the streaming boom. Companies are becoming more disciplined in their investments, which naturally leads them to explore new avenues for maximizing the value of their intellectual property. Film and television have emerged as one of the most effective strategies for achieving this.” Casper Daugaard, founder and CEO of Delphi Interactive, echoed Askarieh’s sentiments, suggesting that the influx of independent studios could expedite the adaptation process. Delphi Interactive specializes in games based on existing franchises and has collaborated on projects like the critically acclaimed James Bond origin game, 007 First Light. Daugaard views the current chaos in the gaming industry as a necessary recalibration following the heightened interest during the COVID years. The relationship between Hollywood and gaming has evolved significantly. No longer viewed as mere afterthoughts, video games are now taken seriously by film and television studios. This shift involves engaging with gamers through integrations with popular titles like Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft, ensuring that essential elements of these games are faithfully represented in their adaptations. The Current State of Xbox and PlayStation Xbox's recent layoffs are part of a broader company reset announced by Xbox Executive Vice President and CEO Asha Sharma. The challenges facing the company can be traced back to 2023, when Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, the studio behind the blockbuster franchise Call of Duty, in a deal valued at .7 billion. This acquisition aimed to bolster Xbox's library of first-party titles. Historically, the gaming industry has been defined by console exclusivity, with consumers choosing between Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo based on the exclusive titles offered. However, in the digital age, this exclusivity has diminished, as major titles are often released across multiple platforms. The Activision Blizzard acquisition was intended to give Xbox an edge in the ongoing console wars, but it has instead resulted in widespread layoffs and studio closures. Following the acquisition, Microsoft laid off 1,900 employees from its gaming division, a staggering 9% of its workforce. By the end of 2024, the total number of layoffs from Microsoft’s gaming divisions is expected to reach approximately 2,550. The company has also announced the closure of several studios, including Double Fine, Compulsion, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, as part of this reorganization. In contrast, Sony's PlayStation has made headlines with its announcement to cease the sale of physical discs by 2028, sparking backlash from users concerned about losing access to their purchased games due to server shutdowns or account bans. This decision follows a recent development where PlayStation users in the U.K. lost access to previously purchased digital titles from StudioCanal, highlighting the precarious nature of digital ownership. The Value of Adaptations in Gaming Successful adaptations of video games into movies and shows can rejuvenate franchises. For instance, Prime Video’s acclaimed “Fallout” series reportedly generated an estimated million revenue boost for Bethesda Game Studios in game sales alone. The success of the series has also paved the way for the development of Fallout 5, the first mainline title since 2015. Similarly, the recent “Super Mario Galaxy Movie” has prompted Nintendo to revive the classic game Star Fox 64. However, the differing development timelines for movies and games mean that simultaneous releases are becoming increasingly rare. Askarieh notes, “Today, a successful adaptation doesn’t have to launch alongside a game. It simply has to expand the audience for the franchise.” This approach fosters a new narrative style that balances fan expectations with fresh storytelling. While the Sonic films diverge from the games, they maintain the franchise's energetic spirit. Even adaptations like “The Last of Us” don’t need to adhere strictly to their source material, as long as they capture the essence of the games while exploring deeper character moments. Hollywood's Ongoing Investment in Gaming Despite the challenges faced by Xbox and PlayStation, Hollywood remains enthusiastic about investing in video game adaptations. Prime Video is currently producing a third season of “Fallout,” alongside adaptations of “God of War” and “Tomb Raider,” featuring Sophie Turner. HBO is set to release a third season of “The Last of Us,” while FX is developing a series based on “Far Cry.” Following the success of its Mario films, Nintendo is also working on a live-action adaptation of “The Legend of Zelda.” A24 has plans for movies based on “Elden Ring” and “Death Stranding,” while Paramount is reviving “Resident Evil” and launching a colorful take on “Street Fighter.” Additionally, Taylor Sheridan is developing a “Call of Duty” adaptation for Paramount, and a bidding war has erupted over a “Battlefield” film starring Michael B. Jordan. This week, Askarieh’s Prime Universe Films secured the adaptation rights to “Tormented Souls” in a competitive bidding process, further illustrating the growing interest in diverse gaming properties. Askarieh emphasizes, “For years, Hollywood chased almost exclusively AAA franchises because they had the biggest brand awareness. Today, that’s changing. Independent developers are creating incredibly sophisticated worlds with compelling characters, passionate fan bases, and original mythology.” While the potential for smaller projects to falter exists, the current trajectory suggests that Hollywood's relationship with the gaming industry is maturing. Mattes views the increased collaboration and respect between gaming and Hollywood as a positive development for studios, developers, and consumers alike. “Time will tell whether or not this is exactly the right strategy, but I certainly believe in this a lot more than telling directors, ‘Do whatever you want. You don’t have to think about the games,’” he concluded." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million globally. Microsoft announced layoffs affecting 20% of Xbox's workforce, translating to approximately 3,200 jobs lost by the end of fiscal year 2027. Xbox's layoffs are part of a broader reset following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard for .7 billion, which aimed to enhance Xbox's game library. Microsoft previously laid off 1,900 employees from its gaming division, and total layoffs are expected to reach about 2,550 by the end of 2024. In contrast, Sony's PlayStation plans to stop selling physical discs by 2028. Successful video game adaptations, like Prime Video's "Fallout" series, can boost game sales, with the series reportedly generating a 0 million revenue increase for Bethesda Game Studios. Hollywood is actively investing in video game adaptations, with multiple projects in development, including adaptations of "God of War," "Tomb Raider," and "The Legend of Zelda."

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

The Relic: First Guardian launches across PlayStation 5 and PC today with promised, continued future support

On July 31, 2026, Perp Games and Project Cloud Games launched their action role-playing game, The Relic: First Guardian, for PlayStation 5 and PC. The game features the player as The First Guardian, who must restore the realm of Arsilthus by sealing the Void. A day-one patch has been implemented, and ongoing support is planned. Players will face 80 unique bosses inspired by Korean folklore, engage in fast-paced combat, and explore a semi-open world with three regions. The game is priced at £44.99, with a digital DLC available for £8.99, and a physical boxed version will be released on September 4th for the same price. The game is also set to launch on Xbox Series and Nintendo Switch 2 later in the summer.

TrendTechie

July 29, 2026

WinBitTorrent: обернул qBittorrent в WinUI 3, красивый интерфейс и новые фишки

WinBitTorrent is a new torrent client developed using the qbittorrent-nox engine (version 5.2.3 with libtorrent 2.0.13) but features a native application interface built on WinUI 3 and the Windows App SDK 2.2, using .NET 8 and the MVVM pattern. It communicates with the engine through its Web API and can operate in both local and remote modes. Unique features include in-app torrent search with providers like RuTracker and The Pirate Bay, a movie catalog via TMDB, and a customizable context menu. WinBitTorrent is free and open-source, with an auto-update system in place.