Microsoft is addressing an issue affecting users of Microsoft Teams and the new Outlook on ARM-based Windows devices, specifically the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, following updates released since the August 2026 Patch Tuesday. Users may experience crashes and launch failures after installing security updates from August 11, 2026, particularly update KB5121003. This issue primarily affects newly set up or freshly imaged PCs that lack the latest Microsoft Store updates, while classic Outlook, Word, Excel, and other applications remain unaffected. Microsoft recommends updating the Auto Super Resolution Package as a temporary workaround. A permanent fix is being developed and will be included in a future Windows update. Additionally, Microsoft has acknowledged other issues stemming from the August updates, including problems with printing and PDF exports in certain applications, and has been rolling out fixes for system crashes and gaming problems linked to peripherals with built-in RGB lighting. Customers are also advised to disregard alerts about Microsoft Defender Antivirus being disabled after the latest updates.
Bandai Namco has released a new game titled The Blood of Dawnwalker, developed using Unreal Engine 5. Players are experiencing significant stuttering issues, particularly in the village area, which affects gameplay in this third-person action RPG. The game features a 30FPS cap on cinematic cutscenes, although some decision-based cutscenes run at an unlocked framerate. The prologue area runs smoothly, but performance deteriorates in the village, with frame rates dropping to 45-50FPS at Native 4K resolution. Enabling DLSS Quality allows for a consistent frame rate above 60FPS. The game's visual fidelity does not meet expectations for titles using the same engine, indicating potential optimization issues. A comprehensive performance analysis is forthcoming, testing various AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.
Microsoft will automatically enable its Memory Integrity feature on more eligible Windows PCs starting in October 2026, enhancing kernel-level protection. PCs with Memory Integrity currently disabled will retain their settings. Windows will also activate Virtualization-based Security (VBS) where necessary, which supports Memory Integrity. An automatic assessment will determine device eligibility based on hardware capabilities and compatibility. The rollout applies to Windows 11 installations meeting specific hardware specifications, including an 8th Generation or newer Intel processor or AMD Zen 2 or newer processor, at least 8GB of RAM, an SSD with a minimum of 64GB, compatible drivers, and enabled hardware virtualization. Memory Integrity, also known as Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI), has been part of Windows since the Windows 10 era and is now more integral to Windows 11 security for new installations. However, it may impact gaming performance, leading some gamers to disable it, which Microsoft has acknowledged in its recommendations.
An enthusiast is modding Grand Theft Auto V to resemble Grand Theft Auto VI, promising daily updates on their progress. New features hinted at for GTA VI include law enforcement's interest in character appearance, protagonists dealing with fatigue and nutrition, and a potential vehicle refueling mechanic. The modder has implemented a feature called Fumes – Animated Persistent Fuel, which introduces a realistic fuel system where vehicles have functional fuel tanks that deplete over time. Players must physically refuel their vehicles at gas stations, enhancing immersion. A new fuel meter on the minimap adds strategic elements to gameplay, and the modder shares experiences of testing these mechanics despite encountering errors from other mods.
Players of horror games, particularly those with extensive experience, are becoming desensitized to fear, as noted by one player who found the latest Resident Evil installment lacking in genuine scares. Hideki Kamiya, director of Resident Evil 2, believes Capcom has become oblivious to horror elements in recent titles and admits to his own inability to handle scary content. He humorously suggested a lighter version of the franchise with non-scary modes. This raises questions about accessibility in horror gaming, as many players find it difficult to introduce friends to the genre due to its intense fear factor. Kamiya expressed a desire for a non-horror mode, highlighting a disconnect between developers and their audience. The player hopes Capcom will maintain the horror essence of the franchise, longing for a return to the intense fear experienced in Resident Evil 7.
Lego unveiled a new city builder game titled Lego Skylines at Gamescom. The early gameplay preview lasted about 35 minutes, allowing players to construct a small neighborhood with a maximum population of around 50 residents. The game features whimsical animations for building and demolishing structures, vibrant visuals, and customization options for enhancing resident happiness through decorations. Players can complete quests to engage with the community and unlock new building types. Resource management involves constructing farms and factories to create supply chains, with a playful aesthetic evident in the design of buildings like a bread factory resembling a giant toaster. The game allows for a larger city scale of around 2,400 residents across several islands but focuses on a relaxed gameplay experience without catastrophic events.
Star Wars Zero Company has an aggregate critic score of 85 on Metacritic and is regarded as one of the most acclaimed Star Wars games recently. The game features tactical gameplay similar to X-COM but suffers from technical issues, particularly on PC, including traversal stutters, input lag, and game-breaking bugs. Players have reported frequent crashes, with some needing to restart missions multiple times. The game has a "mostly positive" rating on Steam from nearly 9,000 reviews, yet many highlight similar performance problems. Console players on Xbox Series and PlayStation 5 have also experienced these issues. Bit Reactor, the independent studio behind Zero Company, has furloughed a significant portion of its workforce, with reports indicating that up to 80 percent of employees are currently unpaid. The studio faces an ongoing legal dispute among its co-founders, and confidence in receiving adequate post-launch support is low. Acknowledgment of issues was made on Steam's Community forums on the game's release day, but no further updates have been provided since.
Major platforms are simplifying the login process for video content consumption by implementing passive sign-in features, which reduce barriers to entry and enhance user experience. This approach decreases cognitive load, increases viewer retention rates, and attracts a broader audience, including those hesitant to create accounts.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve features a blend of aerial combat and storytelling. Bandai Namco released an "Online 101" video detailing multiplayer features, including online lobbies and personalized pilot avatars. Players can engage in 4v4 deathmatches and eight-pilot free-for-alls, unlocking new aircraft and customization options as they progress. The game will include battle passes, but any aircraft DLC in the premium pass will be available for individual purchase after the season. The game is set to launch on Steam on October 1.
