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Microsoft confirms a Windows update can close games that use AC-3 audio
Winsage
October 8, 2026

Microsoft confirms a Windows update can close games that use AC-3 audio

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue related to a Windows update (KB5124010) released on September 22, 2026, which has caused unexpected closures of various games that rely on AC-3 audio decoding. This issue affects Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2, while server editions remain unaffected. The problem primarily impacts legacy applications that depend on Windows' built-in audio decoding, particularly older PC games using the Dolby Digital codec for pre-rendered cutscenes and licensed soundtracks. Microsoft has confirmed the issue but has not provided a list of affected titles, workarounds, or a resolution timeline. The status remains unchanged as of October 7, and the issue persists regardless of user action.
Dynamic Nvidia DLSS upscaling in Gears of War: E-Day is ace, and I wish more PC games took this approach
AppWizard
October 8, 2026

Dynamic Nvidia DLSS upscaling in Gears of War: E-Day is ace, and I wish more PC games took this approach

Nvidia DLSS upscaling is favored by the author, but the release of Gears of War: E-Day has changed their perspective on its use. The game features a dynamic upscaling option that works with a customizable frame rate target, enhancing image quality and performance management. Dynamic resolution scaling is common in console games but less so on PC, where options often lack customization for specific performance metrics. Gears of War: E-Day allows players to switch between upscalers like Nvidia DLSS 4.5, AMD FSR 4.1, and Intel XeSS 2, with the author typically using DLSS in Performance mode on a 4K setup. Testing on a system with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D and GeForce RTX 5090, the game averages 77fps at maximum settings, being 97.8% GPU bound. Transitioning to dynamic DLSS with a target of 60fps results in an average of 64fps and an average resolution scale of 61%, with an 11% increase in pixel count but an 18.4% decrease in performance. VRAM usage increases by nearly 3GB. The author prefers prioritizing sharpness and visual enhancements over smoothness, ensuring consistent 60fps gameplay and allowing users with less powerful graphics cards to enable frame generation without latency concerns. The author hopes more games will adopt similar configurability in the future.
Free Play Days – ARC Raiders, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Little Nightmares III, Screamer, and More
AppWizard
October 8, 2026

Free Play Days – ARC Raiders, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Little Nightmares III, Screamer, and More

From October 8 to October 11, members of XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential can play Screamer and Family Man for free during Free Play Days. ARC Raiders is available for free to all XBOX members from October 8 to October 15. Players can also try timed trials of High On Life 2, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Little Nightmares III, and Rogue Waters. Discounts on games are available for those who wish to purchase them after the event. Screamer is developed by Milestone S.r.l., has a rating of 84/100, and is priced at .99 with a 60% discount during the event. Family Man, developed by No More Robots, has a rating of 47/100, priced at .99 with an 85% discount. ARC Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, has a rating of 11953/100, priced at .99 with a 50% discount. High On Life 2, developed by Squanch Games, Inc., has a rating of 2090/100, priced at .99. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, developed by GSC Game World, has a rating of 7190/100, priced at .99 with a 30% discount after Free Play Days. Little Nightmares III, developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., has a rating of 592/100, priced at .99. Rogue Waters, developed by Tripwire Interactive LLC, has a rating of 45/100, priced at .99 with a 75% discount during Free Play Days.
How to complete Boarding the Frigate in Arc Raiders
AppWizard
October 8, 2026

How to complete Boarding the Frigate in Arc Raiders

In the latest update for Arc Raiders, players can participate in a new quest called "Boarding the Frigate," which involves ascending to the Arc Frigate, a massive flying fortress. Players must prepare by gathering ammunition and healing supplies. The quest begins by locating a circular Arc drone released by the frigate, which players can board or reach using a Grappling Hook. Interacting with the drone disrupts its function, allowing access to the frigate's interior. Inside the frigate, players will face various enemies, including Rocketeers, Vaporizers, and Hydra turrets. To complete the quest, players need to inflict damage on all three enemy types, but securing the final blow is not necessary. Rocketeers launch rockets, Vaporizers fire lasers, and Hydra turrets pose a significant threat with multiple guns. The frigate is considered the best location to engage these foes, especially the Hydra turret. Players can unlock new platforms by activating switches or shooting yellow nodes, and a Grappling Hook can help navigate challenging areas.
Medieval Strategy Game in the Spirit of Tetris, Drop Duchy, Released on Android and iOS
BetaBeacon
October 8, 2026

Medieval Strategy Game in the Spirit of Tetris, Drop Duchy, Released on Android and iOS

Drop Duchy is a game that combines elements from Tetris, city-building simulators, and card roguelikes. It involves strategically placing forests, rivers, and plains on the field, constructing production buildings, and building an army to defend territory. Players engage in battles where they must strategically combine allied units and plan attacks based on strengths and weaknesses of different units. The mobile version follows a "try before you buy" model, allowing players to download for free and purchase the full version for 475 rubles.
Spiritfarer dev's next game, At Fate's End, is one of the prettiest things I've ever seen
AppWizard
October 8, 2026

Spiritfarer dev’s next game, At Fate’s End, is one of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen

At Fate's End is a new game from the creators of Spiritfarer that combines visual novel elements with action-adventure gameplay. The protagonist, Shan Hemlock, is designated as the Princess of Swords and embarks on a quest to gather her family's blades using force or diplomacy. The game features stunning hand-drawn animations and a card system that allows players to gain new abilities with both benefits and drawbacks. Combat involves positioning-based battles and a skill tree, while exploration includes traversing the Hemlock estate and engaging in conversations to uncover family truths. Players will also experience brief skirmishes that unlock skill points or advance the storyline. The game is set to be released in 2027.
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