fortress Archives

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Dwarf Fortress is coming to Magic: The Gathering and I’m beginning to suspect Wizards of the Coast is targeting me, specifically

Wizards of the Coast announced a collaboration between Magic: The Gathering and Dwarf Fortress as part of the Secret Lair's Back to School superdrop. The Dwarf Fortress x Magic: The Gathering set features unique illustrations, including a trapped dwarf facing a vampiric Ñ and a capital D unleashing dragonfire. One illustration, titled Communal Brewing, depicts dwarves gathering in a dining hall. The card designs utilize ASCII art, reflecting the game's origins. The Secret Lair x Dwarf Fortress: Create New World set will be available for order starting April 27 on the Secret Lair website.

AppWizard

April 5, 2026

Tarn Adams, co-creator of Dwarf Fortress, has over 1,400 hours in Factorio and is currently obsessed with terraforming games: ‘Dwarf Fortress just doesn’t accommodate a full-on sci-fi thing’

Tarn Adams is the co-founder of Bay 12 Games and is best known for co-creating Dwarf Fortress, which was released in 2006 and is celebrating its 20th anniversary. He has recently been playing The Planet Crafter, a terraforming game, and has logged 1,454.5 hours in Factorio, a factory-building simulation. Adams does not have a single game he would never uninstall but frequently plays Caves of Qud. He uses Ableton, a music sequencer, as essential non-gaming software. His desktop is about half full with various folders and .txt files, including a nostalgic folder for BASIC games from the '80s.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

YouTuber Constructs Dedicated Building To Preserve PC Oddities

Clint Basinger, known as the Lazy Game Reviewer, faced significant damage to his home and collection of PC gaming memorabilia due to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. While 5 percent of his collection suffered irreparable damage, the majority survived. He has constructed a dedicated bunker of 1,800 square feet for his collection, transitioning from renting storage units at 0 a month. Basinger has been a prominent figure in the YouTube gaming community for nearly two decades, sharing videos on video game oddities and niche hardware. He encouraged his fans to support community relief efforts following the hurricane. The new bunker is designed to protect his gaming treasures and is expected to become a showcase for his collection.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Valve veteran slams Tim Sweeney and Epic Games for laying off 1000 people while making ‘as much money as possible… and hey Tim, Gabe’s better at that than you’

Chet Faliszek, a former Valve writer, expressed concerns about the recent layoffs at Epic Games, where over 1,000 employees lost their jobs. He questioned the motivation for employees to remain dedicated to their work after such significant layoffs and highlighted the closure of projects like Fortnite Rocket Racing and Ballistic. Faliszek contrasted his experience at Valve, where he felt a sense of ownership and pride, with the current situation at Epic, suggesting that the lack of agency could lead to a diminished work ethic. He warned that the layoffs could negatively impact the gaming industry's culture, resulting in a loss of passion and care among employees. Faliszek criticized Epic's strategic decisions and emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding employees' hard work. Epic Games did not provide specific feedback on his comments but referred to a recent post addressing the layoffs. The atmosphere at Epic is tense, with concerns about the future of Fortnite amid the workforce reductions.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Going Medieval stole my heart with a large, cursed hole

Going Medieval, a Middle Ages-themed colony simulation game, has officially emerged from early access after five years of development. The game has evolved from being similar to RimWorld to capturing the complexity of Dwarf Fortress. The player experienced challenges related to a large pit in the game, which led to memorable moments, including an encounter with raiders. The player successfully managed the situation and built a castle above the cellar, with plans to construct a cathedral that will include a crypt.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

The best FPS games of all time, from a PC gaming veteran

First-person shooters (FPS) have captivated gamers since the early 1990s, with influential titles shaping the genre. - Wolfenstein 3D: Developed by id Software, released on May 5, 1992, for PC (MS-DOS). It established core gameplay with real-time movement and first-person perspectives. - Quake: Developed by id Software, released on June 22, 1996, for PC (MS-DOS, Windows). It transitioned FPS from 2.5D to true 3D rendering, enhancing gameplay speed and introducing vertical aiming. - Half-Life: Developed by Valve, released on November 19, 1998, for PC (Windows, Linux, Mac). It integrated storytelling with gameplay, featuring a silent protagonist and advanced AI. - Counter-Strike 1.6: Developed by Valve, released in September 2003 for PC (Windows, Mac, Linux). Originally a mod for Half-Life, it emphasized teamwork and strategy in competitive gameplay. - Halo 2: Developed by Bungie, released on November 9, 2004, for Xbox and PC. It introduced new perspectives and moral complexities, with a strong online multiplayer experience. - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare: Developed by Infinity Ward, released on November 5, 2007, for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It transformed military FPS with a cinematic approach and persistent progression in multiplayer. - Left 4 Dead: Developed by Valve, released on November 17, 2008, for PC and Xbox 360. It focused on cooperative gameplay against zombies, featuring a dynamic AI Director. - Battlefield: Bad Company 2: Developed by EA DICE, released on March 2, 2010, for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It featured large-scale combat and destructible environments, emphasizing squad cooperation. Other notable FPS games include GoldenEye 007, Titanfall, and Bioshock, contributing to the genre's diversity and appeal.

Tech Optimizer

March 11, 2026

Best Antivirus for Windows 11: Fast, Lightweight & Secure

Windows 11 users face various cyber threats, making antivirus software essential. Many users mistakenly believe they are adequately protected by Windows Defender, which, while improved, may not be sufficient against modern threats. Effective antivirus solutions provide real-time protection, monitor behavior, and block phishing attempts, adapting to evolving threats. Key features to consider include low system impact, unobtrusiveness, and comprehensive protection across multiple devices. Popular antivirus options for 2026 include Bitdefender, Surfshark One, Norton, and Avast. Free antivirus tools offer basic protection but lack advanced defenses against phishing and ransomware. Paid solutions enhance security with features like real-time monitoring and additional privacy tools. Proper installation and configuration are crucial for optimal performance and protection. Users should choose antivirus software based on their individual habits and needs, ensuring it integrates seamlessly into their daily routines.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

New York Sues Valve Over Loot Boxes, Calls Them Illegal Gambling

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Valve, the creator of Steam, regarding loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2, claiming they promote gambling behaviors among youth. The state seeks to stop Valve's use of loot boxes and impose financial penalties. The lawsuit argues that loot boxes resemble traditional slot machines and that items obtained can be traded for real-world value, with a virtual gun skin from Counter-Strike 2 reportedly selling for over a million dollars in 2024. The lawsuit claims Valve intentionally makes high-value items rare to increase their perceived worth and highlights the potential for addiction and illegal gambling, particularly among young people. Valve has not yet responded to the lawsuit.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

XCOM designer Jake Solomon announces surprise closure of his studio alongside a first look at its canceled life sim, ‘the game we poured our hearts into’

Jake Solomon, founder of Midsummer Studios, announced the studio's closure and shared a gameplay video of "Burbank," a life simulation game. The game aimed to empower players as storytellers and was described as a blend of "Life Sims + The Truman Show." Despite receiving an 88% review score and being a Game of the Year runner-up for "Midnight Suns," the studio struggled with sales. Midsummer Studios had secured funding from various venture capital partners and Krafton but was seeking additional funding rounds. The gameplay footage of Burbank featured a polished aesthetic, with plans to use generative AI for character voices while ensuring visual art was created by human artists.

AppWizard

February 13, 2026

Nvidia GeForce Now just landed on Amazon Fire TV, making couch PC gaming easier than ever

Nvidia has launched the GeForce Now app for Amazon Fire TV devices, allowing users to play PC games on televisions with just a Bluetooth controller. The app provides performance similar to the RTX 5080 and supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, Linux, MacOS, ChromeOS, and Android. It can be downloaded from app stores on Amazon Fire TV devices. Nvidia has also expanded its game library to over 4,000 titles, including new releases like Disciples: Domination and Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Subscription options include a free tier with access to over 2,000 games and paid tiers offering enhanced performance and longer session times.