games Archives

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Minecraft Update 3.46 Released on August 14

Mojang has released a hotfix for Minecraft, updating the game from version 26.41 to 26.43, recognized as Minecraft update 3.46. This update includes fixes for multiple crashes during gameplay and issues with missing assets when loading into a world due to network connection changes. Additionally, cloud world storage on Windows has been temporarily disabled to address recent issues.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock 36.41/42/43 Applied via Update 1.056

Mojang released hotfixes for Minecraft Bedrock versions 26.41, 26.42, and 26.43 on August 14, appearing as Minecraft update 1.056. The update includes fixes for several crashes that could disrupt gameplay and resolves issues related to missing assets during world loading, especially with fluctuating network connections. Cloud world storage has been temporarily disabled on Windows platforms to address identified issues.

BetaBeacon

August 14, 2026

Aptoide becomes the first rival app store to return to Google Play in the US

Aptoide, a Portugal-based app distributor, has returned to Google Play in the U.S. after more than a decade, taking advantage of new options that allow competing Android app stores to be accessed directly from Google Play.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

The Epic Games Launcher will be available on Linux ‘soon’ says dev, after it’s had a bit of work

Linux gaming is gaining momentum, with 2026 expected to be a pivotal year for broader audience engagement. The Epic Games Store is considering Linux support, as indicated by a developer's emoji tease, which has generated excitement among gamers. Discontent with Windows 11 is driving gamers to explore Linux alternatives. Valve is enhancing handheld support for its Linux-based SteamOS, particularly with the popular Steam Deck. GOG Galaxy is set to launch a Linux version, and the Heroic Games Launcher currently provides access to the Epic Games Store and GOG on Linux. Anticipated advancements from both GOG and Epic promise a wider array of choices for Linux gamers.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

A dev tried to warn WB Games not to launch Lord of the Rings: War in the North 10 days before Skyrim, but was ‘overruled’

The Lord of the Rings: War in the North has been re-released on Steam as a Legacy Edition, receiving a Very Positive rating. Originally launched on November 1, 2011, the game struggled to gain attention due to its release timing, coinciding with the launch of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Christian Allen, a former developer at WB Games, noted that the game's launch strategy could have been improved and highlighted the influence of quarterly revenue targets on publishing decisions.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Google’s Rival App Store Installation Process Faces Court Order

Google has started allowing rival Android app stores to be distributed through its Play Store due to court-ordered compliance measures. Epic Games has criticized the complicated installation process for these competing marketplaces, which includes multiple steps and warnings that could deter users. Judge Donato identified these extra steps as unnecessary "anticompetitive friction" and ordered Google to simplify the installation process within a week. Additionally, Epic Games raised concerns about search results in Google Play, where searches for app stores predominantly show physical retail locations instead of third-party app stores. Judge Donato deemed this unacceptable and instructed Google to address the search result issues. Google is also preparing to launch a new sideloading process starting September 30, 2026, which will involve a mandatory 24-hour waiting period.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Google ordered to make it easier to download alternative Android app stores

Google has allowed third-party app store downloads within its Play Store, but US District Judge James Donato has raised concerns about the implementation, citing unnecessary "anticompetitive friction." He has mandated Google to address these issues. Google and Epic Games are in a global partnership but remain adversaries in an ongoing antitrust case. In 2023, Google lost a case requiring it to incorporate third-party app stores into the Play Store, with Aptoide Games being the first to benefit from this ruling. Judge Donato criticized Google's execution of the mandate, noting that access to the alternative app store page is difficult for users, as it is buried within menus and does not yield effective search results.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

US Judge says Google Play Store isn’t doing enough to help users find rival app stores

A recent court session involving Epic Games and Google highlighted issues with the Play Store's app search functionality. Judge Donato expressed dissatisfaction with the current search process and instructed Google to improve it, specifically by removing the third-party app store-specific page under the "Are you looking?" banner. Aptoide has returned to the Play Store due to Google's Play Catalogue Access Program, which allows qualifying third-party stores to publish their apps. Epic Games continues to challenge Google’s practices, arguing that the Play Store complicates the installation process for rival app stores. Judge Donato noted the unnecessary friction caused by the "Are you looking for?" banner, questioning its utility and instructing Google to eliminate it. The ongoing legal battle has also led to the Epic Games Store being allowed on the Play Store in 2025.

BetaBeacon

August 14, 2026

Friday’s best Android app deals and freebies: Dragon Prana, Soul Historica, Conquistadorio, more

Android app price drops include titles like RPG Dragon Prana, RPG Ruinverse, RPG Infinite Links, Legend of The Moon2, RPG Soul Historica, TLOTS: Gold Edition, Conquistadorio, and more. Pre-order deals on Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold offer enhanced trade values, up to 0 gift cards, and a FREE Pixel Watch 5. Amazon is also offering an additional 0 off Pixel 11 Pro XL with a specific code.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Windows has a secret database that makes your old games

Microsoft's Windows operating system has developed intricate compatibility mechanisms over decades to ensure that older games can run on modern machines. It maintains compatibility databases that recognize software with known issues and applies specific fixes, known as shims, which adjust the OS's responses to meet the game's expectations without modifying the game's executable. Users can also manually apply fixes through Compatibility settings, allowing them to emulate earlier operating system behaviors and address specific issues. The compatibility shims can modify interactions with APIs, file handling, system privileges, and display scaling. Microsoft provides AppHelp warnings for applications with known compatibility issues and maintains a comprehensive compatibility database located at C:WindowsAppPatch. Users can access this database and explore compatibility settings using the Windows ADK and the Compatibility Administrator tool.