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Microsoft once used its own brand of 'Lego' to optimize Windows
Winsage
June 18, 2026

Microsoft once used its own brand of ‘Lego’ to optimize Windows

Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer reflected on software performance challenges during the '90s, specifically the limitations of machines with 12 MB of RAM. He discussed the Basic Block Tool (BBT), which optimized software binaries by reorganizing their structures to enhance execution speed. A typical binary contained around 10 MB of code, but only about 300 KB was necessary for startup. If this essential code was scattered, it led to performance degradation due to excessive page access. BBT defragmented binaries, grouping related code to streamline access and improve user experience, particularly for large products like Windows and Office. Modern tools like BOLT and HP's Dynamo continue to optimize binary layouts and runtime code, but Plummer cautioned about the risks of manipulating binaries. He noted that while computational power has increased, modern software faces similar performance challenges, with larger binaries and complex dependency graphs. He emphasized the importance of locality in software design, advising to keep hot data and code together to enhance performance.
Kings Do Not Fall – Coming Soon to Android on Google Play !
BetaBeacon
June 17, 2026

Kings Do Not Fall – Coming Soon to Android on Google Play !

Players take control of King Alden in the game "Kings Do Not Fall" as he fights through six levels against monsters like goblins, orcs, and the undead. The game features classic arcade-inspired visuals, fast-paced side-scrolling combat, and the ability to unlock achievements and compete on a leaderboard.
Xbox Game Pass Makes Incredible 140 Hour RPG Free
AppWizard
June 14, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Makes Incredible 140 Hour RPG Free

Xbox Game Pass has added Persona 5 Royal, an acclaimed RPG with a Metacritic score of 95, available for subscribers on PC, Premium, and Ultimate tiers. The game offers up to 140 hours of gameplay, requiring at least 100 hours to complete the main storyline. It features a blend of social simulation, narrative, anime-inspired aesthetics, and turn-based combat. Persona 5 Royal is a standalone experience, allowing new players to start without prior knowledge of the series. The duration of its availability on Game Pass is uncertain, but titles typically remain for 12 to 24 months.
'I try to play as a completionist and leave no stone unturned and no enemy unkilled': Returnal director Harry Krueger talks Deus Ex, Resident Evil, and the arcade classic that inspired Housemarque's best games
AppWizard
June 14, 2026

‘I try to play as a completionist and leave no stone unturned and no enemy unkilled’: Returnal director Harry Krueger talks Deus Ex, Resident Evil, and the arcade classic that inspired Housemarque’s best games

Harry Krueger began his journey in PC gaming with Quake 3: Arena and later became a programmer at Housemarque, working on games like Outland and Resogun. He served as Game Director for Nex Machina in 2017 and Returnal in 2021, which won four BAFTAs in 2022, including Best Game. He has logged over 200 hours in Tetris Effect, which he appreciates for its simplicity and finesse. Ikaruga is a game he holds dear, describing it as influential and comforting. Krueger uses PureRef, an image collection tool, for organizing his creative process. His desktop is relatively tidy, with project-related files organized, though he admits to having some clutter.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
June 14, 2026

3D narrative adventure game Sesame Street: Friends & Fun announced for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Switch, and PC

Outright Games, in collaboration with Infinigon, has announced the release of Sesame Street: Friends & Fun, a 3D narrative adventure game for up to two players. The game will launch on October 9 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam. Players will explore the Sesame Street neighborhood, customize characters, and interact with characters like Elmo and Grover. The game is designed for young children, featuring intuitive controls, light challenges, and educational mini-games. Sesame Street has been a trusted brand in children's media since 1969, reaching over 300 million households worldwide.
Sim racing is flourishing, but what happened to the arcade racer?
AppWizard
June 13, 2026

Sim racing is flourishing, but what happened to the arcade racer?

The author began playing racing games at age five with Lego Racers on a Windows 95 PC, which sparked a passion for cars. They later played Gran Turismo 2 and invested in a Thrustmaster T150 RS racing rig during the pandemic, immersing themselves in Forza Horizon 4. The racing game landscape has shifted towards a dominance of sim racing, overshadowing traditional arcade racing games like Need for Speed and Burnout. Despite the rise of sim racing, it has alienated casual gamers, and even successful sim titles struggle to match the sales of older arcade franchises. Real-world motorsport has become more accessible, attracting new fans, and sim racing serves as an affordable entry point into motorsport. Representatives from the sim racing industry note that many newcomers may transition to real racing, exemplified by YouTubers who have moved from gaming to professional racing. The decline of traditional car games may reflect broader changes in car culture, with fewer young people obtaining driver's licenses, making sim racing a more viable option for motorsport engagement.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
June 12, 2026

Retro Arcade Shop Simulator Brings the Neon 80s to PC

The Retro Arcade Shop Simulator, developed by Alt Tab Game, will debut on PC with a demo available on June 11. The full version is expected in 2026/2027, with a console release in 2027. The game allows players to build and manage their own retro arcade, featuring 28 types of entertainment options and interactive machines. The demo includes four progression levels, six types of attractions, and customization options for layout and decor. Players can manage a cafeteria and hire staff. The minimum system requirements for the PC demo include Windows 10 (64-bit), Intel Core i3-14100F or AMD Ryzen 5 5560U, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600, and 8 GB of available SSD space.
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