Cherry Picker is crowdfunding for the development of their cyberpunk puzzle game sequel, D1AL-ogue+, to address soundtrack and localization issues from the original game.
On April 26, hackers allegedly linked to Russian groups targeted the Signal messaging app with phishing attacks aimed at senior politicians. These attacks did not compromise Signal's end-to-end encryption; rather, they deceived users into providing access to their accounts through fake messages. Signal is operated by the non-profit Signal Foundation, founded in 2012 by Moxie Marlinspike with funding from Brian Acton, a co-founder of WhatsApp. Signal distinguishes itself by rendering metadata invisible to its operators, unlike WhatsApp, which shares user data with its parent company. Signal's president, Meredith Whittaker, advocates for data privacy.
Shuhei Yoshida discussed the challenges in the gaming industry, particularly the rising budgets of AAA games, which he describes as increasingly unsustainable. He advocates for developing high-quality projects with shorter gameplay durations of 10 to 20 hours. Yoshida emphasized the importance of releasing PlayStation titles on PC post-console release as a strategic move to recoup investments and fund new projects, while expressing concerns about simultaneous releases on both platforms, which could dilute the value of the PlayStation ecosystem.
- Valve has released Proton 11 beta 1, which allows you to run Windows games designed for x86 architecture on devices with Arm processors running Linux.
- ROCKNIX, a Linux-based gaming operating system, has added support for Steam on handheld game consoles, allowing you to play PC games on these devices.
- Not all PC games will work on these devices, especially those that require NVIDIA RTX graphics or use DirectX 12.
- ROCKNIX can be installed on an SD card to use on Android handhelds without overwriting the original operating system, but performance may be better if installed on the internal storage.
Moves of the Diamond Hand entered early access on April 13. It is set in Off-Peak City, a noir-inspired metropolis with blue-skinned DJs, cloned jazz musicians, and animal-human hybrids. The game features a narrative that combines personal quests with societal issues, including a mayoral race. Players can engage in whimsical scenarios and utilize various non-combat skills. The gameplay is based on dice rolls and freeform mechanics, allowing exploration and interaction with characters. Players can level up skills and acquire augment dice that influence their rolls. The early access model provides feedback and funding but may be challenging for players seeking polished gameplay. The game is available on Steam, with a full release expected in spring of next year.
DORF is a real-time strategy (RTS) game inspired by '90s titles, currently funded on Kickstarter, raising nearly 0,000. It features three factions: the Union of Imperial States, the Collective, and the Warbands. The game includes single-player campaigns, skirmish modes, online multiplayer, and a map editor. Additional content from the funding includes special online co-op campaigns, unique voice lines for units, and new environmental zones like snowy regions and megacities. DORFteam is expanding their development team, particularly seeking dedicated mappers. The tentative release date is set for 2028, but they aim for a 1.0 launch by 2027. Players can wishlist DORF on Steam for updates.
Reddit has announced strategic initiatives to enhance user engagement and monetization, including new moderation tools for community leaders, personalized content recommendations using advanced algorithms, and monetization opportunities for content creators through subscriptions and exclusive content. The company is attracting investor interest due to its potential for growth and innovation, with a focus on diversifying revenue sources. Reddit's strategy emphasizes community involvement and user feedback in developing new features, aiming to balance innovation with its foundational principles.
The messaging app Session, which prioritizes user privacy and offers end-to-end encryption without requiring personal information for registration, is facing potential closure and has issued a call for support. The Session Technology Foundation (STF) has received funding to support operations for 90 days but will rely on volunteers after all paid staff have been let go. Development activities have paused due to insufficient funding, affecting the introduction of new features and the resolution of existing bugs. The STF has stated that it needs million to complete ongoing projects and introduce a subscription model to achieve self-sustainability. As of now, 0,000 has been raised towards this goal. Users can contribute at getsession.org/donate.
The Kickstarter campaign for PlanetSmith has raised over £26,700, surpassing its target of £4,314. The project is led by Kenneth Ward, also known as Incandescent Games, who has spent five years developing the game. PlanetSmith aims to enhance the sandbox experience by allowing players to explore alien planets, build structures, engage in battles, and launch into space. Alpha access is scheduled to begin in April, and the campaign has 23 days remaining.
Samson is a game set to launch on Steam and EGS on April 8, where players must meet daily financial targets while managing limited action points. The game emphasizes strategic hand-to-hand combat, having removed gunplay to enhance engagement. Players navigate the city of Tyndalston, utilizing the environment for escape and exploration. Driving mechanics are designed to reflect realism and spontaneity. The development team at Liquid Swords has faced challenges in securing funding and acknowledges the pressure of the upcoming launch, emphasizing their commitment to quality despite potential bugs.
