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17 years later, Minecraft is finally adding somewhere to sit
AppWizard
July 9, 2026

17 years later, Minecraft is finally adding somewhere to sit

Minecraft's latest update introduces cushions, allowing players to sit in the game for the first time since its launch 17 years ago. Cushions can be crafted using three Wool Slabs of the same color and are available in 16 color variants. The update also features straw beds, which are single-use and allow players to sleep without setting a spawn point, crafted from three Hay Bales to make four beds. The update, version 26.40.30, includes new abandoned camps in the Pale Garden and Flower Forest biomes and improvements to the Dappled Forest. Additionally, Microsoft announced significant layoffs affecting over 3,200 jobs across various Xbox-owned studios, marking a major restructuring in the industry.
Are you excited for a new Fallout game from Obsidian? You know, given everything
AppWizard
July 9, 2026

Are you excited for a new Fallout game from Obsidian? You know, given everything

Microsoft has acquired Bethesda, leading to speculation about a new Fallout RPG being developed by Obsidian, with Josh Sawyer, director of Fallout: New Vegas, at the helm. Reports indicate that Obsidian has paused the production of an Avowed sequel and other projects to focus on this new Fallout game. However, this development occurs amidst significant layoffs at Xbox, raising concerns about team morale and stability.
Cracked version of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced leaked days prior to official release despite Denuvo DRM protection — Denuvo unable to stop crackers, with some finding ways to completely remove it from other titles
AppWizard
July 8, 2026

Cracked version of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced leaked days prior to official release despite Denuvo DRM protection — Denuvo unable to stop crackers, with some finding ways to completely remove it from other titles

The Denuvo anti-tamper technology has been bypassed in pre-release versions of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, allowing unauthorized copies to circulate since June 7, 2026, ahead of its official launch on July 9, 2026. This incident follows similar leaks of major titles earlier in the year, including Forza Horizon 6, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, and Subnautica 2. Critics argue that Denuvo causes performance issues and intrusive online checks, raising doubts about its effectiveness and necessity in protecting single-player titles.
GTA Trilogy remaster boss understands fan anger but says 'a lot of people were playing them and really enjoying them'
AppWizard
July 8, 2026

GTA Trilogy remaster boss understands fan anger but says ‘a lot of people were playing them and really enjoying them’

The release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition in 2021 was met with disappointment due to technical issues, including bugs and poorly upscaled textures. Grove Street Games, the developer, was absent from the game's splash screen after a patch in 2024, reflecting the criticism they faced. GSG CEO Thomas Williamson acknowledged the issues but noted that some players enjoyed the remaster. He expressed hope for further enhancements, including reinstating the original soundtracks, to improve the experience of iconic titles like GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas.
Former Elder Scrolls Online designer laments the destruction of layoffs: 'There’s really no one left and no changing it now'
AppWizard
July 8, 2026

Former Elder Scrolls Online designer laments the destruction of layoffs: ‘There’s really no one left and no changing it now’

Yesterday, layoffs at Xbox affected ZeniMax Online Studios, with reports indicating that half of its workforce was impacted. This has raised concerns about the studio's future and morale among remaining employees. Game director Matt Firor left the studio following the layoffs, which also resulted in the cancellation of a new MMO project called Project Blackbird. The situation has drawn comparisons to Amazon's New World, which was shelved due to a reassessment of its gaming strategy. A former developer expressed deep sadness over the loss of team camaraderie and creativity.
After nearly 15 years, Minecraft finally lets us camp anywhere in its ever-generating worlds without resetting our spawn
AppWizard
July 7, 2026

After nearly 15 years, Minecraft finally lets us camp anywhere in its ever-generating worlds without resetting our spawn

The latest update for Minecraft, version 26.40.30, introduces Cushions and Straw Beds to enhance player comfort in the Bedrock Edition. Straw Beds provide a more effective resting option, while Cushions add aesthetic appeal to player-built spaces. Mojang's lead developer emphasizes that smaller updates are intended to feel sustainable, with a commitment to continuously enrich the player experience.
My first 40 days in Moonlight Peaks started off with juicy feuds, but its anemic character writing is starting to show through
AppWizard
July 7, 2026

My first 40 days in Moonlight Peaks started off with juicy feuds, but its anemic character writing is starting to show through

A new farm simulation game, Moonlight Peaks, has been released, featuring gameplay elements such as cultivating crops, foraging, tending to animals, forging friendships, crafting, mining, and fishing. The game introduces four feuding families of supernatural beings, adding drama to the narrative. Initial impressions suggest that while the characters provide entertainment, the game struggles with tone consistency, particularly with the portrayal of Orlock, a comedic vampire patriarch, and the serious dynamics involving his daughter, Mina. Moonlight Peaks faces competition from the upcoming game Fields of Mistria, and the reviewer is currently unconvinced of its value in the market.
This 28-year-old open-source Windows alternative can finally run Half-Life 2
Winsage
July 7, 2026

This 28-year-old open-source Windows alternative can finally run Half-Life 2

ReactOS has successfully run Half-Life 2, following its ability to run the original Half-Life a month prior. This was achieved using a GeForce GTX 960 graphics card with Nvidia's 368.1 legacy driver and Creative Sound Blaster Audigy drivers. The progress was documented by @AotorHibiki. ReactOS is an open-source project aimed at creating a Windows-compatible operating system, currently in alpha state after nearly three decades of development.
Valve Ships Official Windows Drivers For The Steam Machine, But Installing It Wipes SteamOS Entirely
Winsage
July 7, 2026

Valve Ships Official Windows Drivers For The Steam Machine, But Installing It Wipes SteamOS Entirely

Valve has released official Windows drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing users to install Windows while ensuring compatibility with essential hardware components like the AMD Radeon graphics card, WiFi, Bluetooth, and the SD card reader. However, Valve does not recommend transitioning to Windows OS on the Steam Machine at this time. Installing Windows requires wiping the Steam hardware, as dual-booting with SteamOS is not currently available. Valve plans to update its SteamOS installer with a dual-boot wizard in the future, enabling users to run both operating systems simultaneously. SteamOS is promoted as the preferred operating system, offering a console-like gaming experience and optimized user interface.
Xbox's CEO wants its games to cater to 'more than a billion people each day', or 24 times more than the peak population of Steam, which is delusional
AppWizard
July 6, 2026

Xbox’s CEO wants its games to cater to ‘more than a billion people each day’, or 24 times more than the peak population of Steam, which is delusional

Asha Sharma, the newly appointed CEO of Xbox, announced a goal to achieve 24 times the peak user engagement of Steam, aiming for 984 million active users daily. This ambition follows the closure of several studios and plans to reduce the workforce by 3,200 employees by 2027. Sharma's vision has been met with criticism for its lack of realism, especially given the simultaneous demand for greater output from a smaller team.
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