Gamers

AppWizard
August 3, 2026
Microsoft is planning to enhance the gaming experience by integrating Xbox 360 games onto PC platforms and its upcoming Project Helix console, which will support backward compatibility. Developers will have the option to set their own pricing for PC versions of games and include them in the Game Pass subscription service. This initiative follows a previous announcement about bringing original Xbox games to PC, with an expansion expected in October. Additionally, Microsoft has developed an official emulator, Xe03, for running Xbox 360 games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, and another tool, XeFu, for original Xbox games. Furthermore, a disc-to-digital program is in the works to allow players to convert physical game copies into digital versions, although details about its implementation remain unclear.
AppWizard
August 3, 2026
Microsoft is considering a potential shift in its PC gaming strategy, which may involve moving its games away from Steam, according to Jez Corden from the Xbox Two Podcast. This is not a confirmed strategy but has emerged in internal discussions. Under new CEO Asha Sharma, Microsoft is undergoing a transformation to consolidate its brand under the "Xbox" umbrella, focusing on proprietary titles. However, Corden expressed skepticism about the likelihood of this shift due to the financial implications, suggesting that moving away from Steam could lead to significant revenue losses.
AppWizard
August 2, 2026
PC gamers can purchase a bundle for a low price featuring over 100 games, created by indie developers as part of the Game Industry Hardship Fund on the Itch platform. This initiative, led by Necrosoft Games, aims to support laid-off developers in the gaming industry. The bundle includes 127 games from various indie studios, such as A Short Hike and Neurocracy. The fund seeks to raise 0,000 and will remain active until August 13, 2026, providing financial assistance to developers affected by layoffs. The fund is managed by United Videogame Workers and is available only to developers in the U.S. and Canada. The bundle can be downloaded exclusively from Itch.
BetaBeacon
August 2, 2026
Lost Twins 2 is a puzzle-platformer game where players help twins Abi and Ben reunite and find their way home through a world of unique creatures. The game features an environment rearrangement mechanic where players can move and swap tiles to create new pathways and solve puzzles. Players will encounter increasingly complex challenges, including controlling both twins and coordinating their actions. Lost Twins 2 offers solo and local co-op modes, with a "try before you buy" model allowing players to download the game for free and unlock the full version with a one-time purchase.
AppWizard
August 2, 2026
Bethesda has announced the release of Oblivion Remastered for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to debut in August. Wes Johnson, a voice actor from the Elder Scrolls series, will reprise his role as Sheogorath in the promotional material. The promotional video has received positive feedback, particularly for Johnson's return, but there are concerns about technical issues with the PC version, including performance problems and bugs that have persisted since the original release in 2006. Recent Steam reviews for the PC version have dropped to a Mixed rating, despite an overall Mostly Positive status. There is hope that the Switch 2 launch may lead to renewed attention to the concerns of PC players.
AppWizard
August 1, 2026
The Epic Games Store is offering two free games, OTXO and Sol Cesto, until August 6. OTXO is a top-down shooter with over 100 abilities and a bullet-dodging mechanic, while Sol Cesto features tactical gameplay in a randomly generated underground world. The Humble Store has launched the Rage Inducing Difficult Games collection, starting at a low tier, featuring titles like Getting Over It and Pogostuck. A complete bundle is also available for a higher price. Additionally, itch.io is offering over 100 DRM-free games to support the Game Industry Hardship Fund. The GOG store is celebrating Bethesda's 40th anniversary with discounts on classic titles and special bundles. Availability and pricing may vary by region.
AppWizard
August 1, 2026
Argonaut Games has announced a remaster of Croc 2 Kingdom of the Gobbos, set to be released on modern consoles and PC. The remaster will feature classic platforming action with enhancements, including a triple jump mechanic and expanded gameplay options such as racing and flying. Players will explore four unique villages, rescue Gobbos, and encounter new Guardians. The remaster will also include the “Croc2pedia,” a digital museum with production materials and interviews about the game's development. It will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Windows PC via Steam and GOG.com.
AppWizard
August 1, 2026
Guillermo del Toro expressed admiration for the game Dead Cells but requested a mode to reduce frustrations from its difficulty. Motion Twin, the game's development team, clarified that an Assist mode already exists, allowing players to resurrect at the beginning of the current biome or at the nearest checkpoint instead of restarting the entire run. Del Toro's concerns were mainly about the roguelike mechanics that cause significant setbacks upon death. His oversight regarding the Assist mode is noted as a common experience among gamers who often overlook basic gameplay features.
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