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The 1.21.80 update for Minecraft introduces several quality-of-life improvements, including the Flat World Presets feature, which allows players to select templates for flat world creations such as "Redstone Ready," "Snowy Kingdom," and "Water World." This feature is accessible in the Advanced tab on the Create New World screen and enhances player customization. The update also upgrades Mojang's Realms service by adding server region preference settings, enabling players to choose the geographical location of their Realm and providing information about the active server region upon logging in. Additionally, the update aligns the random offset behavior of trees, plants, and environmental blocks between Bedrock and Java editions, promoting consistency across platforms. Various fixes are included, such as resolving a bug with the "invincible pet" mob and changing the use of fireworks for Elytra to prevent unintended activations.
A new wave of sales on Steam includes significant discounts on various games. The Xbox Game Studios Publisher Sale features discounts up to 90% on titles available until May 8, 2025. Highlights include:
- The Hellblade Bundle - 34% off
- State of Decay: Complete Collection - 75% off
- Halo Infinite - Campaign - 67% off
- Halo Master Chief Collection - 75% off
- Avowed - 20% off
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition - 50% off
- Sea of Thieves - 50% off
- Age of Mythology: Retold - 20% off
- Grounded - 50% off
- Ara: History Untold - 35% off
- Age of Empires IV - 60% off
- Sunset Overdrive - 80% off
- Forza Horizon 5 - 50% off
Indie games on sale include:
- The Long Dark - 90% off
- Little Nightmares II - 67% off
- Overcooked! 2 - 75% off
- Golf With Your Friends - 68% off
- Ender Lillies: Quietus of the Knights - 60% off
- Patrick's Parabox - 40% off
- Trepang2 - 50% off
- This War of Mine - 85% off
- World of Goo - 66% off
- Harold Halibut - 40% off
Culturally significant games on sale include:
- Returnal - 50% off
- Resident Evil 7 - 60% off
- Alien: Isolation - 80% off
- Lies of P - 40% off
- Dragon Ball Z Sparking! Zero - 25% off
- Monster Hunter World - 67% off
- Grand Theft Auto IV - 65% off
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - 10% off
- Persona 5 Royal - 60% off
- Resident Evil 4 - 50% off
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5305 (KB5055636) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 23H2. This update is the last for the Beta Channel based on version 23H2, as all Insiders will soon transition to version 24H2, which is currently available as an optional upgrade in the Beta Channel.
New features include a profanity filter setting for voice typing that allows users to manage profanity masking. Administrators can now allow users to unpin specific pinned apps on the taskbar using a new PinGeneration option.
Fixes include resolving a crash issue in File Explorer when using touch, fixing a problem with the Windows Spotlight flyout, addressing a character insertion issue in password fields when using the touch keyboard, and correcting a display issue in the Settings app.
A known issue involves some Insiders experiencing a bug with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth, which can be resolved by uninstalling a specific driver in Device Manager.
Updates for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will continue based on version 23H2 through an enablement package, and features may be gradually rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. Features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570 (KB5055632) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes.
New features include:
- A profanity filter setting for voice typing that allows users to manage the masking of profane words.
- Click to Do is now available in preview, allowing users to configure pen shortcuts to launch it.
- Improved Windows Search for OneDrive users, which now only displays matches for keywords found within cloud file text.
- Enhanced Accessibility flyout in quick settings, organizing assistive technologies into categories.
Fixes include:
- Addressed issues causing certain apps to appear blank after installation.
- Resolved problems with Windows Hello facial recognition and input issues with the touch keyboard.
- Fixed issues preventing Quick Assist from functioning for non-administrator users and problems with USB devices disconnecting after sleep.
Known issues include:
- Users may initially receive an older build upon joining the Dev Channel.
- Windows Sandbox may fail to launch with a specific error.
- Reports of core Windows surfaces failing to load in safe mode are under investigation.
- A bugcheck issue when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth is noted.
Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3941 (KB5055634) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as a profanity filter setting for voice typing, the Click to Do feature for pen users, and improved Windows Search functionality for OneDrive users. Enhancements to the Accessibility flyout in quick settings have been made, and various fixes have been implemented, including issues with Windows Hello facial recognition and the touch keyboard. Known issues include problems with Windows Sandbox and Xbox Controller connectivity. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27842 has been released to the Canary Channel. There are no plans to release SDKs for the 27xxx series builds.
Changes include:
- Temporary disappearance of enhanced battery iconography.
- A new user interface for unexpected restarts is being previewed, appearing as a “green screen” for Insiders on version 24H2 and higher.
- The Windows Security app will display additional details about Pluton TPM chips under Device security.
Fixes include:
- Resolved issues with Windows Update toggle, high CPU usage by lsass.exe, and crashes in ctfmon.exe and DWM.
- Improved reliability of explorer.exe and fixed display issues with external graphics cards and JPG images.
- Corrected problems with the Smart App Control icon and the Run dialog autocomplete.
Known issues include:
- Users on new Copilot+ PCs may lose access to Windows Hello PIN and biometrics.
- Night light functionality is not working for some Insiders.
- Bugcheck issues when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth.
Insiders in the Canary Channel should note that builds may evolve and features may be removed or never reach general release. A clean installation of Windows 11 is required to exit the Canary Channel.
Star Wars: Empire at War, released on February 16, 2006, by Petroglyph Games for PC and Mac, is a real-time strategy game set during the Galactic Civil War, allowing players to command armies in battles across various planets and space.
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire, released in December 1996 by LucasArts for Nintendo 64 and PC, is a multimedia event that features a video game with a PC version that includes fully voiced cutscenes, but has not been remastered.
The X-Wing and TIE Fighter series, developed by Totally Games and released on April 30, 1997 for PC, emphasizes simulation gameplay and intense dogfights, yet has not received a remaster.
Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II, released on September 30, 1997 by LucasArts for PC, is a first-person shooter that introduces Kyle Katarn and features lightsaber combat and multiplayer modes, but remains unremastered.
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron 3D, released on November 17, 1998 by LucasArts & Factor 5 for Nintendo 64 and PC, is a flight action game where players join Luke Skywalker in missions for the Rebel Alliance, and has not been remastered.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (KB5055642) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. Key updates include:
- New Text Actions in Click to Do:
- "Practice in Reading Coach" allows users to enhance reading fluency and pronunciation.
- "Read with Immersive Reader" offers a distraction-free reading environment with customizable text options.
- Finding Photos Saved in the Cloud via Windows Search: Users in the European Economic Area can search for cloud-stored photos directly from the taskbar by describing them.
- Improvements for Voice Access: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary and discover new features through an immersive experience.
- Improved Windows Search: Users can disable cloud content searching via settings.
- File Explorer Changes: Folders opened from outside File Explorer will default to opening in a new tab if an existing window is open.
- Widgets Improvements: Notification settings can be controlled per feed or dashboard.
- Windows Security Update: Additional details for Pluton TPM chips will be displayed in the Windows Security app.
- Settings Update: The printer renaming dialog has been updated to align with Windows 11 visuals.
- Fixes: Resolved issues include Start menu crashes, color display issues in snap layouts, slow loading times for search, and voice typing issues in the Chinese layout.
- Known Issues: Some apps may not install from the Microsoft Store, and Windows Recovery Environment may not function properly after the update.
- Reminders: Users can remove Recall at any time, and updates in the Dev Channel are based on Windows 11, version 24H2.
PC gaming in 2025 features a mix of innovative remasters, indie titles, and new intellectual properties, providing a wide range of experiences for gamers. The most played games on Steam include Counter-Strike 2, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, and Dota 2, with Counter-Strike 2 leading in player engagement due to its esports scene. Notable new releases include Blue Prince, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, and Promise Mascot Agency. Other popular games outside Steam are Minecraft, Fortnite, and Valorant. Genre-specific leaders include South of Midnight for action, Myst (Remastered) for adventure, and Street Fighter 6 for fighting. Upcoming anticipated titles include Grand Theft Auto 6 and Elden Ring: Nightreign. Trends in 2025 highlight esports engagement, indie innovation, purposeful remakes, and cinematic storytelling. Last Epoch's Season 2 update has revitalized player interest with new content and enhancements. The year 2019 was significant for PC gaming, with acclaimed titles like Resident Evil 2, Control, and Disco Elysium, and marked by the influence of digital distribution platforms.
