gaming world Archives

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Microsoft just released my favorite old-school Xbox game on PC

Microsoft is reviving classic Xbox titles for PC gamers through an initiative called "Xbox Backwards Compatibility on PC." The initial rollout includes four games: Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live & Reloaded, and Fusion Frenzy, all designed to run natively on Windows PCs. Crimson Skies is priced at ten dollars but is currently available only for streaming via Game Pass. Accessing these titles requires the latest version of the Xbox Insider build, leading to some user difficulties. Despite this nostalgic initiative, Xbox faces challenges in maintaining competitiveness against rivals like PlayStation and Valve's Steam, compounded by recent layoffs within its development teams.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

Gears of War’s creator is considering returning to game development, but whatever he makes won’t be PvP like his last efforts: “Good look to anyone in that space.”

Cliff Bleszinski, known for creating the Gears of War franchise, is considering a return to game development after an eight-year break following the closure of his studio, Boss Key Productions, in 2018. During his time away, he wrote an autobiography, produced a Tony Award-winning musical, and addressed his alcoholism, which included a hospitalization earlier this year. He expressed a desire to create characters and worlds again, focusing on player-versus-environment (PvE) experiences rather than PvP multiplayer games. Although he has not disclosed specific projects, he indicated that he is inspired and open to new creative endeavors in the gaming industry.

BetaBeacon

July 19, 2026

Tired of free-to-play trash? These 6 Android games are worth paying for in 2026

- Minecraft Bedrock for Android offers full cross-play gameplay support with Bedrock PC and console users, as well as the same marketplace and servers. - Stardew Valley on Android has a more stable multiplayer scene and supports extensive modding, but there is no official mod support for the Android version. - Animal Crossing Pocket Camp Complete offers a mobile-first design focused on a cozy camp experience, and progression is tied to leveling up friendships with villagers. - Balatro is an addictive rogue-like deck builder game that feels like a cross between poker and solitaire. - Siralim Ultimate is a monster-catching RPG with over 1,200 creatures to engage with and places an emphasis on strategic squad-building. - Dead Cells is a unique game with smooth and responsive combat that can be challenging and addictive, offering a decent narrative and dark humor.

AppWizard

July 19, 2026

Grab a free Steam game full of misery and decision-making for a limited time

The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante, released on Steam in 2021, is a text-heavy narrative RPG focused on complex decision-making within the Blessed Arknian Empire. Players assume the role of Sir Brante, facing choices that have significant consequences throughout a narrative filled with struggle and sacrifice. A promotional event for the upcoming game, The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian, is currently running on Steam until July 23, 2023, featuring themes of political intrigue and royal complexity.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

GTA 3 and Vice City are now playable inside San Andreas — a mod lets you revisit Liberty City and Vice City without leaving San Andreas

A modder named DryxioGTA has created a modification that enables players to play Grand Theft Auto III (GTA 3) and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (GTA VC) as mini-games within Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (GTA SA). This mod was demonstrated in a YouTube video, showing it running on a Windows virtual machine while on macOS. Players can interact with a television screen in GTA SA to launch either GTA VC or GTA 3. Additionally, DryxioGTA showcased the ability to run GTA Vice City within GTA 3 while still navigating through GTA SA. The release of GTA 6 is anticipated on November 19, following several delays.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

The 3 Big Reasons Why GTA 6 Isn’t Coming To PC At Launch

In 2026, Grand Theft Auto VI is set to launch on PS5 and Xbox Series on November 19, but there is no announced release date for the PC version. Historically, every main entry in the Grand Theft Auto series has been delayed on PC, with previous titles typically releasing several months after their console counterparts. The trend indicates that GTA VI may also experience a similar delay. Rockstar prioritizes console development due to strategic partnerships and market dynamics, which allows for a more refined gaming experience. Although PC gamers must wait for the release, they often receive a superior version with improved graphics and performance. In 2026, the performance of current-generation consoles has narrowed the gap with PCs, leading to speculation about a potentially shorter delay for the PC version of GTA VI.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

PC Gamer Repurposes Old SSDs to Create a Steam Game Cartridge System

Jibril-sama, a Redditor, has transformed old 2.5" SSDs into a new gaming cartridge system, combining nostalgia with modern technology. The SSDs, acquired for approximately each, serve as the basis for this project, which involves minor software tweaks and custom printed labels. The setup allows games stored on the SSDs to auto-navigate to their Steam pages and can auto-start games. This approach offers a practical solution for PC gamers facing rising storage costs, utilizing spare drives while maintaining SATA III speeds. The configuration requires a systemd template and a udev rule to launch scripts from the SSDs.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Modern Warfare 4 lead isn’t scared of the GTA 6 black hole: ‘It’s a little head-to-head, that’s great’

Grand Theft Auto 6's anticipated release has influenced the gaming industry, prompting publishers and developers to adjust their release strategies. Call of Duty's upcoming Modern Warfare 4 is set to launch in late October, moving away from its usual November release to avoid competition with GTA 6. Mark Grigsby from Infinity Ward stated that the team is focused on delivering a quality experience rather than feeling pressured by GTA 6. Game journalist Morgan Park, after experiencing Modern Warfare 4's multiplayer, expressed optimism about its gameplay, noting improvements over Modern Warfare 2. The competition between these titles is expected to impact the gaming industry's future.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Cognition Method, a First-Person Puzzle Game From an Ex-Cyberpunk 2077 Developer, Announced for PC

Cognition Method is a first-person, atmospheric sci-fi puzzle game inspired by Stanley Kubrick's film, 2001: A Space Odyssey. It features a narrative centered around a mysterious artifact called The Cube and includes innovative gravity-changing puzzle mechanics. The game is developed by a three-person team led by Timur Ozdoev, a former environment artist from CD Projekt Red, and is set to launch on PC on September 1. The game draws visual inspiration from both 2001: A Space Odyssey and the minimalist architectural style of Tadao Ando. A trailer and screenshots are available, and players can add the game to their wishlist on Steam.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Grand Theft Auto 6 leaker who was given an indefinite sentence in 2023 because he wouldn’t stop hacking is now out of hospital and awaiting retrial

Arion Kurtaj, previously involved in high-profile cyberattacks as part of the hacking group Lapsus$, has been transferred from a secure hospital facility to a standard prison while awaiting retrial. At 18, he was found liable by a UK court for cyber intrusions targeting major corporations, notably leaking 90 videos of Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2022. Initially held under police protection with limited technology access, he was sentenced to a secure hospital pending a medical assessment. This assessment has concluded, allowing his transfer to prison. Kurtaj's retrial is scheduled for November, coinciding with the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6.