fired Archives

Winsage

July 16, 2026

Firefox vs Edge: fresh shots fired in browser wars as Mozilla report accuses Microsoft of using ‘harmful design’ to undermine choice in Windows 11

Mozilla's report raises concerns about Microsoft's practices regarding browser choice in Windows 11, alleging that Microsoft uses harmful design tactics to promote its Edge browser. Key strategies identified include trick wording, obstruction, visual interference, preselection, nagging, and forced action, affecting users at various stages of their experience. For example, users trying to download Chrome encounter pop-up banners encouraging them to use Edge, which is also pre-pinned to the Windows taskbar. Migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 resets Edge as the default browser, ignoring user preferences. The report also highlights that Microsoft's AI, Copilot, opens links in Edge instead of the user's default browser, and minor consent requests may compromise user privacy by funneling data into Microsoft's advertising systems. Users in Germany face fewer issues due to stricter regulations. The report indicates that while Microsoft's promotion of Edge hasn't significantly impacted Chrome's dominance, it may have affected smaller competitors like Firefox. Mozilla calls for Microsoft to change its approach and urges regulators to take action to ensure fair competition in the browser market.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

Legend has it that The 7th Guest’s creators were ‘fired’ on the spot after pitching the game—it’s ‘hyperbole,’ but not entirely untrue

The 7th Guest, a puzzle-adventure game released in 1993, required a CD-ROM drive and featured a unique mouse cursor design. A remake for VR headsets was launched in 2023, with a non-VR version set to release on June 4 on Steam. The game's creators, Paul van der Meer and Rob Landeros, founded Trilobyte Games after leaving Virgin Games to pursue their ambitious project. They used Autodesk's 3D design software to create the game's haunted interiors and iconic animated cursors, including the skull cursor. The remake incorporates modern technology, such as volumetric video, to enhance the immersive experience. Van der Meer proposed the remake idea to the CEO of Vertigo Games, leading to its development. The non-VR version will maintain the essence of the VR counterpart while introducing a new interface and redesigning one puzzle room for non-VR controls.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

6 months before the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6, Rockstar employees in the UK have formed a union

Rockstar Games terminated 31 employees in October 2025, with the dismissed workers claiming their firings were due to their efforts to unionize, a claim Rockstar denies, stating the terminations were due to the disclosure of unannounced game features. A new union, affiliated with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB), has formed among Rockstar employees to advocate for the rights of the terminated workers and has initiated legal action against the company. The union is focusing on issues such as pay transparency, flexible working conditions, and an end to "crunch" culture. The IWGB is also raising funds for its legal case and aims to secure justice for the fired workers. Meanwhile, Take-Two Interactive has projected revenues exceeding billion for the 2027 fiscal year, largely due to the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6.

Winsage

May 28, 2026

Microsoft’s GitHub bans security researcher who posted zero-day Windows exploits because company ‘ruined their life’ — expert claims action is vindictive and promises further retaliation

Researcher Nightmare-Eclipse, also known as Chaotic Eclipse, has had their GitHub account banned by Microsoft, leading them to move their operations to GitLab. Microsoft also deleted Eclipse's Microsoft account used for reporting vulnerabilities. Eclipse claims that they have not received any financial rewards from Microsoft's bug bounty program, despite having reported multiple zero-day vulnerabilities. They possess a portfolio of six zero-day exploits and have hinted at revealing more on July 14. Eclipse has criticized Microsoft for their handling of vulnerability reports and suggested that the company's recent requirement for video evidence of exploits has contributed to tensions. Microsoft has not commented on the specifics of the situation. Eclipse's zero-day exploits include BlueHammer, RedSun, UnDefend, GreenPlasma, MiniPlasma, and YellowKey, with BlueHammer, RedSun, and UnDefend confirmed as actively exploited in the wild.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Path of Exile 2’s new boss-taming summoner class breaks ARPG minions like never before

The Path of Exile 2 Return of the Ancients update is set to launch on May 29, introducing significant changes, including a redesign of the endgame and a crafting overhaul. Two new Ascendancies will be added: the Martial Artist Monk and the Spirit Walker Huntress. The Spirit Walker Ascendancy allows players to control powerful beast bosses and features three branches: Vivid, Primal, and Wild. The Vivid Path summons stag spirits, the Primal Path enhances projectile skills, and the Wild Path provides a spirit bear companion that boosts minion damage and life. The Idolatry path expands minion build options. The Natural Order feature allows the Tame Beast skill to work on unique beasts, starting with early-game adversaries and escalating to tougher foes. Game director Mark Roberts showcased a "zookeeper build" that utilizes the unique scepter Sylvan's Effigy, which removes companion limits. Companion damage has been buffed, and new features include a raven flock and a cluster grenade launcher called Redemption.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

PS5 Games on PC Don’t Hurt PlayStation Sales, Finance More Projects, Says Shuhei Yoshida

Sony is considering a strategy shift regarding the release of its first-party single-player games on PC alongside the PlayStation 5. Former Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida stated that PC ports have not negatively impacted PS5 sales and could help recoup development costs for high-budget titles. He noted that releasing games on PC after a period of exclusivity allows for additional revenue that can be reinvested into future projects. Yoshida also mentioned his departure from the role of president of Worldwide Studios was due to a lack of alignment with then-CEO Jim Ryan. Currently, Sony has not officially announced its future plans for PC releases, and there is uncertainty regarding upcoming titles like Saros and Marvel’s Wolverine.

Winsage

April 16, 2026

A zero-day BlueHammer Windows exploit was leaked by a researcher fed up with Microsoft’s Security Response Center — and the rushed fix isn’t perfect

On April 2, 2026, a security researcher named Chaotic Eclipse announced a zero-day Windows exploit called BlueHammer, which allows attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges. Will Dormann, a principal vulnerability analyst, confirmed the exploit's functionality. Chaotic Eclipse criticized the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) for its perceived incompetence, suggesting that prior attempts to resolve the issue privately were ignored. Dormann indicated that budget cuts at Microsoft may have led to a decline in the quality of the MSRC. BlueHammer was neutralized in the Windows 11 CVE-2026-33825 update released on April 14, 2026, but some components may still exist.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Windows Zero-Day Published on Github as Microsoft Fails to Act

A security researcher named Chaotic Eclipse published a working exploit for a Windows zero-day vulnerability, called BlueHammer, on GitHub on April 2. The exploit allows attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges by exploiting a race condition in Windows Defender’s signature update mechanism. The exploit has gained significant attention, with over 100 forks and nearly 300 stars on GitHub. Will Dormann, a principal vulnerability analyst, confirmed that while BlueHammer is functional, it may not always operate reliably. Microsoft has not issued a patch for this vulnerability. The exploit targets the Windows Defender signature update process, allowing low-privilege attackers to manipulate a file path during operation, leading to access to the Security Account Manager (SAM) database. Currently, only 8 out of 72 cybersecurity vendors on VirusTotal flag the exploit file as malicious, which raises concerns about detection coverage. Microsoft reiterated its commitment to coordinated vulnerability disclosure but did not address the communication issues regarding the BlueHammer report.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 translator says he was ‘fired from Warhorse Studios and replaced with AI’

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 won PC Gamer's Game of the Year award and is currently involved in a controversy regarding the use of artificial intelligence in its development. Game director Daniel Vávra supported DLSS 5 technology on social media. A user named ThousandDemons claimed to have been a translator for KCD2 and stated he was replaced by AI. Investigations suggest ThousandDemons is Max Hejtmánek, a developer credited as "English Editor" on KCD2, who recently left Warhorse Studios. He detailed his contributions to the game and expressed opposition to AI translations, feeling betrayed by management after being informed his role would become "obsolete." He does not seek his job back but wants to share his experience. He also urged fans not to harass Warhorse staff.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

Crimson Desert’s bafflingly convoluted controls are already frustrating players: ‘That’s basic f*cking video game functionality’

Crimson Desert has been criticized for its control issues, making gameplay challenging and frustrating for players. Many players struggle with remembering key combinations for basic actions, and while using a controller improves the experience, it is still not perfect. Discussions on Reddit reveal widespread dissatisfaction, with players calling the controls among the worst in modern gaming. The absence of a feature to rebind actions, such as sprint and crouch, further exacerbates the problem. Despite the game's expansive world and enjoyable puzzles, the awkward controls and erratic movement mechanics detract from the overall experience. Players are hopeful for updates from Pearl Abyss to address these control issues.