games Archives

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

DayZ creator Dean ‘Rocket’ Hall has over 2,000 hours in Kerbal Space Program and played the original XCOM at Mount Everest base camp: ‘I think when I die, I will still be playing that game’

Dean Hall, the founder of RocketWerkz, began his gaming journey with a Commodore 64 and developed a passion for computers after a challenging five-hour gaming session. He is currently developing Icarus, a space survival game that has recently become profitable after a difficult launch. Hall has logged 1,400 hours in RimWorld, where he has released two popular mods. He enjoys playing Ostranauts, accumulating at least 150 hours per playthrough, and is looking forward to its upcoming update. Hall has also played the original XCOM for around 600 hours over the past year. He has nearly 5,000 hours in Stationeers, a game developed by his studio, and over 2,000 hours in Kerbal Space Program. His favorite game is Space Station 13, where he plays a character named Colton Murphy. For non-gaming software, he relies on Rider for programming development. Hall maintains a very clean desktop, regularly organizing it for security and efficiency in his game development process.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Steam Giving Away PC Game From 2024 for Free for Few Days Only

GGTech Studios will transition their 2024 3D platformer, eWorlds, from a free-to-play model to a paid option on April 16, 2024, with a price set at .99. Players can add eWorlds to their Steam libraries for free until that date. The decision to charge is aimed at maintaining the game's multiplayer servers. eWorlds has received Steam Deck Verified status, ensuring smooth gameplay on the device, and currently holds a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, with 87% of 325 user reviews being favorable. The game is compared to Super Mario Odyssey and has a runtime of a few hours, with mixed feedback on its latter half.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Apex Legends reaches 20-month Steam high, proving Respawn’s communication is paying off

Apex Legends was launched by Respawn Entertainment in February 2019 with minimal fanfare. As of April 11, 2024, the player count on Steam surpassed 300,000 for the first time in 20 months, coinciding with the launch of Season 22. After experiencing a decline in player numbers following Season 25, the game has seen a 50% increase in players since the launch of Season 28 in February 2024. Respawn has actively addressed issues like cheating and server performance, implementing strict measures and maintaining open communication with the community. The recent crossover with Gundam has positively impacted player sentiment, which is reflected in favorable discussions on Reddit. Community feedback highlights Respawn's consistent quality updates and responsiveness to player concerns.

Winsage

April 12, 2026

“What else were Steam Deck users to do but create their own solutions?”: I watched Valve’s Linux-first handheld turn into a Windows 11 experiment in its community

Valve's Steam Deck was released on February 25, 2022, and received positive reviews for its custom Linux operating system, SteamOS. Initially competing with the Nintendo Switch, it now faces competition from new handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, which run Windows 11. Although not originally designed for Windows 11, users found ways to install it, leading Valve to release official drivers for easier installation. Running Windows 11 on the Steam Deck allows access to Xbox Game Pass and other game launchers, but it introduces challenges like performance issues due to additional telemetry and bloat. A community on Reddit, r/WindowsOnDeck, has formed to support users dual-booting Windows and SteamOS, providing resources and guides. Despite the challenges, the Steam Deck has become an unexpected Windows gaming handheld, sustained by community enthusiasm.

Winsage

April 12, 2026

How the Steam Deck became an unlikely Windows 11 handheld — and the community making it work

The Steam Deck was released on February 25, 2022, and received a five-star review for its design. It initially ran on SteamOS, a custom Linux version, which introduced many gamers to Linux. The device faced competition from the Nintendo Switch, but as its popularity grew, other manufacturers began releasing their own PC handhelds with Windows 11. Windows 11 offers better game compatibility and access to various platforms, leading some Steam Deck users to seek ways to install it on their devices. Although not originally designed for Windows, early adopters found methods to install it, prompting Valve to release an official Windows driver package. With Windows 11, users gained access to features like anti-cheat support and compatibility with multiple game launchers, though challenges remained. A community on Reddit, r/WindowsOnDeck, emerged to support users dual-booting Windows and SteamOS, providing guides and troubleshooting assistance. Despite the challenges, the Steam Deck has become a notable option for Windows gaming handhelds, aided by community efforts.

BetaBeacon

April 12, 2026

Google’s Tensor G5 is ‘good enough’ — but 2026 flagships are leaving the Pixel 10 behind

- Google Pixel's lackluster performance may deter some buyers - The Pixel 10 Pro XL can hit 120fps on medium and very high graphics settings in COD Mobile - The Pixel's raw performance is behind rivals like Xiaomi and Samsung - Google's Tensor chip may struggle to catch up to Qualcomm's Snapdragon in terms of gaming performance - The Pixel 10 series is improving in performance but may not be the best choice for gamers looking for the smoothest frame rates

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

1000xResist developer added a video sequence ‘out of desperation’ but now they’re bringing FMV back for their next game

Players of 1000xResist navigate through chapters with new perspectives and mechanics, featuring a transition to video footage of Hong Kong, which was incorporated out of necessity by creative director Remy Siu using archival documentary footage. The game explores the theme of convincing an AI of its humanity and utilizes full-motion video (FMV) as a storytelling tool, with the team focusing on narrative-driven games for innovation. The resurgence of FMV in gaming is highlighted by titles like Her Story and Road to Empress, showcasing diverse storytelling possibilities. Despite its niche status, Siu believes their unique approach can contribute to the genre. Another title, Prove You're Human, is set to launch on Steam, further enhancing the narrative landscape.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

What are we all playing this weekend?

The atmosphere has shifted to a warmer state, causing indecision about wardrobe choices as winter clothing remains in use. James is exploring new games, including Skull Horde and the RPG Neverway, after being encouraged by Julian to diversify his gaming. Callum is engaged in Pokémon Nuzlockes on Pokémon Black and White, with a character named Bazooka, and is preparing for revenge against a trainer named Timmy. Mark is concluding his Atomfall playthrough and plans to play Dirt Rally 2.0, Automobilista 2, and revisit Starfield after its updates. Edwin has been sent outdoors to reconnect with nature after his last adventure and is expected to return to normal by teatime on Tuesday. Jeremy has returned from family outings in London and Paris and is busy completing a secret upcoming game for a walkthrough, while also enjoying Franco-Belgium comics. Ollie has escaped the Maw but needs time to recuperate after an encounter with Edwin. Julian anticipates a busy weekend due to a stag do but looks forward to playing strategy games afterward.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

One of the Best Legend of Zelda Games Is Getting a PC Port

A dedicated development team, linifadomra, is working on a PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess titled "Courage Reborn." They recently showcased a playable version of the Ordon Village section, demonstrating that the game is designed to run at a native 60 frames per second. The demo features functioning core systems, including NPC interactions, combat mechanics, and horseback riding. The game will support keyboard and mouse setups as well as controller configurations, and will be compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux platforms. The main menu will offer new graphical options for customization. The project has been in development since 2025, and while significant progress has been made, it remains incomplete, with no release date announced. Players will need a ROM of the original GameCube version to run the PC port.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Fighting game YouTuber offers $10,000 bounty for upgraded netcode in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Maximillian Christiansen, known as Maximilian Dood, is offering a financial reward for integrating rollback netcode into Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, which currently uses a delay-based netcode that affects gameplay. He previously invested nearly ,000 into a mod for Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite in 2024. Rollback netcode improves online play by anticipating player actions, resulting in a smoother experience compared to delay-based systems. Christiansen aims to enhance the online experience for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and draws inspiration from the Super Smash Bros. Melee community, which successfully implemented rollback netcode through an emulator wrapper.