game servers Archives

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Is ‘Minecraft’ Down? Popular Game Servers Hit By Azure Front Door Outage

Minecraft's servers went offline due to a broader outage affecting Azure Front Door, which also impacted other gaming platforms like Xbox and services such as Microsoft 365 and Outlook. Microsoft attributed the outage to an inadvertent configuration change and is working to resolve the issue by halting all changes to Azure Front Door services and reverting to the last known stable state. The timeline for complete restoration is uncertain. This outage follows a recent significant Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage that affected various games and websites. While Minecraft is down, players can explore alternatives like Terraria, Creativerse, Vintage Story, Colony Survival, Eco, Valheim, Subnautica, The Forest, No Man’s Sky, Don’t Starve Together, LEGO Worlds, Dragon Quest Builders 2, Portal Knights, and Trove.

AppWizard

October 9, 2025

How to fix the Blue Protocol server list error

The "failed to retrieve server list" error in Blue Protocol Star Resonance may be due to the game being region-locked, meaning your country might not be included in the list of release regions. This issue arises even during the game's "global" launch, as several countries were excluded. Using a VPN can help bypass this restriction by masking your IP address to appear as if you are connecting from a supported location. If you are in a supported region but still encounter the error, check if you are connected to a VPN, as it may be causing the problem.

Tech Optimizer

August 21, 2025

The Best Antivirus for Gaming PCs in 2025: 6 Top Picks Compared

McAfee has enhanced its offerings for gaming PCs, providing robust real-time protection and firewall capabilities that block threats without affecting performance. The Gamer Security version is now integrated within McAfee+ tiers and prioritizes CPU resources during gaming sessions. However, it uses more system resources compared to alternatives like Malwarebytes and Panda Dome, and some features, such as VPN and identity monitoring, are only available in higher-tier plans. The McAfee plans include: - McAfee Free Tools: Limited tools like web protection and password manager trials (Free) - McAfee+ Premium Individual: Real-time protection, VPN, password manager (.99 first year) - McAfee+ Advanced Individual: Adds identity monitoring and personal data cleanup (.99 first year) - McAfee+ Unlimited Individual: Adds identity theft coverage and security freeze tools (.99 first year) Key considerations for antivirus software for gaming PCs include performance impact, robust threat detection, dedicated gaming mode, resource usage, false positives, user interface, cross-device security, and customer support. Gaming PCs are susceptible to malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks, making reliable antivirus solutions essential. Panda Dome is highlighted as a suitable option for gamers, offering real-time protection, a dedicated gaming mode, and minimal resource usage. Free antivirus options can be used while gaming but may lack advanced features. It is not advisable to disable antivirus software during gaming, and running antivirus can slightly reduce FPS. Gaming mode enhances the gaming experience by pausing background scans and notifications. The best antivirus for gaming should have real-time protection, low resource usage, a gaming mode, robust threat detection, ransomware protection, a VPN, and password managers. Some antivirus software may block online game servers, but most have an allowlist function. Streamers should also use antivirus software while live to protect against additional risks. Antivirus programs can detect cheat software or malicious mods, especially if they contain malware.

AppWizard

July 20, 2025

Free Steam RPG Is Only Available for 5 Days Before It’s Gone Forever

A free RPG, Seraph: In the Darkness, will be removed from Steam on July 24, leaving PC users with a limited time to claim it for free. The game, launched on March 6, has received a “Mixed” rating on Steam based on 739 user reviews and is speculated to be exiting the marketplace due to financial challenges. The developer, Seraph Studio, and publisher, Cherry Credits, have not provided reasons for the shutdown or information on refunds, offline mode, or the future of the game. Compatibility with the Steam Deck is currently marked as “Unknown.”

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Pterodactyl is my favorite way to manage self-hosted game servers, and no other tool comes close

Self-hosting game servers is more performance-efficient and cost-effective compared to commercial providers. Pterodactyl is a game-server management tool that supports various core games like Minecraft, Counter-Strike, and Garry's Mod, and allows for easy deployment through its two components: the panel and "Wings." Community-created "Eggs" enable users to host servers for specific games quickly. The setup process can be intricate, but tools like Proxmox helper scripts can assist. Deploying a server involves allocating necessary ports, and Pterodactyl simplifies configuration for various games. It provides an intuitive user interface and allows for remote management through port forwarding.

Winsage

May 10, 2025

I made my Windows Terminal exactly the way I want it, and it’s hard to go back to GUI apps

The author has been using Linux, specifically Ubuntu Server, for over a decade for cloud deployments, game server management, and media streaming. They primarily use a MacBook for daily tasks but also require Windows for gaming on a main PC, utilizing Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). The author has configured Windows Terminal to manage multiple command-line shells, including Windows PowerShell, Command Prompt, and WSL, all within a single application. Windows Terminal is pre-installed on Windows 11 version 22H2 or later and can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store for earlier versions. The author's Windows Terminal setup opens a WSL environment by default and includes options for Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Developer Command Prompts. They have customized their experience by removing trailing whitespace when pasting, organizing tab order, hiding the title bar, and using a Dark theme with the Monokai Remastered color scheme and JetBrains Mono font. The WSL configuration is set to access an Ubuntu terminal directly. Windows Terminal allows the author to connect to Proxmox hosts or virtual machines via SSH and supports multiple tabs for managing different systems. It features a "Quake" mode for quick command execution and the ability to create automated tools with keyboard shortcuts. The author plans to explore adding SSH profiles for easier server connections.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

7 things you can do with your old Windows 10 PC instead of trading it in

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and suggests trading in old PCs that cannot be upgraded. However, trading in may not provide significant discounts, and there are various ways to repurpose old hardware. 1. Install Linux: Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Pop! OS can extend the life of older PCs due to their low system requirements and long-term support. 2. Make it a retro gaming machine: Using Emulation Station, an old PC can be transformed into a retro gaming machine, allowing access to thousands of classic games. 3. Make it a media server: Old PCs can be converted into home media servers using platforms like Plex and Jellyfin, enabling offline viewing of shows and movies. 4. Use it as a game server: An old PC can host game servers for titles like Minecraft, allowing for a unique gaming experience with friends. 5. Power your smart home: Turning an old PC into a Home Assistant server can help manage smart home devices from a single interface. 6. Turn it into a NAS: An old PC can be transformed into a Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution for centralized data backup across multiple devices. 7. Kickstart your home lab: Setting up a home lab using dedicated operating systems or platforms like Docker can turn an old PC into a multifunctional server for various services.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Minecraft-Like Game ‘Hytopia’ Launches AI Vibe Coding Competition

Hytopia, a Minecraft-inspired crypto voxelverse and world-building game, is hosting a competition for creators to develop web-based mini-games using its SDK and AI-powered "vibe coding." The competition lasts 14 days, from April 1 to April 15, 2025, with a judging period of one week afterward. Participants must ensure their mini-games are at least 80% AI coded. Prizes include ,500 for the winner, ,000 for second place, and 0 for third place. Vibe coding allows users to interact with an AI assistant for coding without needing advanced skills. Hytopia was originally launched in 2022 as NFT Worlds but pivoted to create its own game after Mojang prohibited NFTs on its servers.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Exclusive Liquid Web Webinar: Learn to Resell Minecraft Servers & Claim 4 Free Months of Hosting

26% of players are willing to invest more for superior server hosting in the gaming sector. Liquid Web is hosting a free webinar on March 27th at 2 PM EST titled "How to Start Selling Minecraft Servers," aimed at helping gaming enthusiasts turn their passion into a business. The Minecraft community has over 173 million active players, with one in four willing to invest in enhanced hosting tools to improve performance. Pre-registered attendees will receive four complimentary months of bare metal hosting with an annual plan. The webinar will cover the business opportunity, market potential, technical requirements, reseller process, pricing strategies, and include a Q&A session with experts.

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

Don’t worry about missing Elden Ring Nightreign’s network test on PC—nobody could play it on console either

The Elden Ring Nightreign network test features a series of three-hour sessions, concluding on February 17. The first session faced significant connectivity issues, with many players unable to access the game. FromSoftware acknowledged server malfunctions and restarted the servers, but many players still experienced difficulties. Some players reported successful matchmaking, while others struggled. FromSoftware issued an apology for the server issues and is considering an additional test session. The next session is scheduled for 3 AM UK time, with plans to improve server stability.