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AppWizard
January 16, 2026

New GOG owner reckons it doesn’t have to beat Steam outright, just do a few things better: “If there’s a version of the game that’s clearly better on GOG, and it has the promise that it will run forever… people will come”

Michał Kiciński, co-founder of CD Projekt and owner of GOG, is adopting a nuanced strategy for digital game distribution, avoiding direct competition with Steam. GOG's managing director, Maciej Gołębiewski, emphasizes leveraging their strengths, while Kiciński believes in the quality of GOG's offerings and user loyalty. He envisions that as gamers recognize GOG's curated selection, they will naturally choose the platform. Additionally, recent reports indicate that games using generative AI, like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Stellaris, have generated significant revenue. Kiciński focuses on building a community around quality content and user experience for GOG's future.
Hytale controller support explained
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Hytale controller support explained

Hytale currently does not support controllers in its existing build, as confirmed by Simon Collins-Laflamme, the founder of Hypixel Studios. Controller support is a priority on their roadmap, aimed at enhancing accessibility for gameplay on devices like the Steam Deck. Kevin 'Slikey' Carstens, the technical director, advised players to wait for official controller support before making a purchase. The current version of Hytale is based on an older build, with future updates promising cross-platform play and controller support. Players can use a controller by following a setup process through Steam, which involves adding the Hytale Launcher as a non-Steam game and adjusting controller settings, although navigating menus and crafting may be challenging without a mouse.
Android 16 Makes Split Screen Easier on Smaller Screens
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Android 16 Makes Split Screen Easier on Smaller Screens

The introduction of App Pairs in Android 15 allowed users to select two applications for split-screen usage and add a shortcut to the home screen. However, users with smaller devices faced challenges with the 50:50 split-screen ratio. Android 16 improved this by offering flexible split-screen ratios like 70:30 and 90:10, enhancing the multitasking experience. Users can set up a pairing of applications, such as Chrome and Gemini, with one app occupying 90% of the screen. To create an App Pair, users open the desired applications, access the multitasking view, select the split-screen option, and adjust the ratio by dragging the handle. After setting the preferred view, users can save the app pair for easy access, with the system remembering the last used split-screen ratio.
‘Fail To Shut Down’—Microsoft Issues Windows Update Warning
Winsage
January 16, 2026

‘Fail To Shut Down’—Microsoft Issues Windows Update Warning

Microsoft has raised concerns about the shutdown process of Windows PCs, indicating complications following the January 13, 2026, security update. PCs with Secure Launch may fail to shut down or hibernate, instead restarting unexpectedly. A temporary solution is to use the Command Prompt with the command shutdown /s /t 0 for shutting down, but there is no workaround for the hibernation issue. Microsoft recommends saving work and shutting down devices to avoid power loss. Additionally, some users are facing credential prompt failures during Remote Desktop connections, affecting services like Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. Alternatives include using the Remote Desktop client for Windows or the Windows App Web Client. An emergency update is expected to resolve these issues.
Hytale Early Access Review So Far
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Hytale Early Access Review So Far

Hytale, developed by former Minecraft modders, is a survival crafting game that serves as a spiritual successor to Minecraft. It retains familiar block-breaking and building mechanics but streamlines gameplay by allowing players to craft basic tools from easily collectible materials. Movement is enhanced with the ability to jump higher and utilize parkour mechanics. The game runs smoothly on high-performance systems, maintaining framerates above 60 even at maximum draw distance. Hytale features an engaging combat system with various weapon types and a diverse range of enemies. Building mechanics offer a broader selection of components, though some classic techniques may become obsolete. The Early Access version currently lacks clear direction, with the main hub area under construction and exploration revealing barriers in dungeons. Overall, Hytale presents thoughtful enhancements and a refreshing take on the survival crafting genre.
Hytale Feels Like Little More Than A Neat Minecraft Texture Pack
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Hytale Feels Like Little More Than A Neat Minecraft Texture Pack

Hytale is an early access game that has been in development for a decade, facing a cancellation by Riot Games before its revival in November. The game features mechanics such as jumping two blocks high and a combat system that requires timing for attacks, which are similar to potential mods in Minecraft. Hytale includes familiar mobs like skeletons, spiders, zombies, and golems, alongside new creatures like goblins and Kweebecs, and a mysterious area known as the Void. Crafting in Hytale is more complex than in Minecraft, requiring multiple workstations, and workbenches can recognize adjacent chest contents. Despite its unique elements, Hytale often feels derivative of Minecraft, with similar sounds and inventory mechanics. Future updates, including an anticipated Adventure Mode, aim to introduce RPG-like storylines and quests. The game currently faces balancing issues but remains visually appealing, though it has not surpassed Minecraft's foundational elements.
Still on Windows 10? 0patch may be your best defense in the 'End of Support era'
Winsage
January 16, 2026

Still on Windows 10? 0patch may be your best defense in the ‘End of Support era’

In early 2023, Microsoft announced that official support for Windows 10 would end in 2025, with regular updates and security patches ceasing on October 14, 2025. Users have a little over two years to transition to Windows 11 or other operating systems. Some users have enrolled in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which will also end in October 2026. A third-party service called 0patch offers ongoing protection for Windows 10 by providing micropatches for vulnerabilities. 0patch releases two to three micropatches each month, prioritizing vulnerabilities that are publicly known, actively exploited, and lack an official Microsoft fix. 0patch has a free version that provides critical zero-day patches and a paid Pro plan that includes legacy patches. The Pro plan costs €25 per year, while an Enterprise plan is available for €35 annually. 0patch plans to support Windows 10 until at least October 2030, depending on user demand. Users have reported some performance issues with 0patch, but the updates are lightweight and do not significantly affect system performance.
Best of Indie Legends BYO bundle from Fanatical brings top Steam PC games
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Best of Indie Legends BYO bundle from Fanatical brings top Steam PC games

Fanatical has launched the Best of Indie Legends Build Your Own Bundle for New Year 2026, allowing customers to select from 22 Steam PC games across various genres. The pricing tiers are as follows: 2 or more games for .50 each, 4 or more games for .25 each, and 7 or more games for each. Notable games include PlateUp!, a cooperative cooking game for up to four players, Pathologic 2, a survival game focused on stopping a plague, and the AMID EVIL & DUSK Double Pack for first-person shooter fans. Each bundle purchase includes a 5% discount code for future orders. The promotion runs until February 19, 2026, and game keys are limited.
Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026
Winsage
January 16, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026

Microsoft has officially ceased all support for Windows Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026, including paid extended security updates. This end-of-life scenario poses significant security risks for organizations still using the outdated operating system, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The transition away from Windows Server 2008 requires careful planning, as many organizations face challenges in migrating legacy applications to modern systems. The lack of ongoing patches means that any new vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance failures, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance. Microsoft has encouraged migration to Azure, offering incentives for early adopters, but the transition can be complex and costly. The end of support also affects global supply chains and compatibility with newer software applications. Organizations are advised to conduct audits of their software portfolios and consider hybrid environments to enhance flexibility and security.
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