heritage Archives

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

The latest Chinese PC gaming hit is an indie game that spent the last 8 years growing into something you’ve never played before

The Scroll of Taiwu is a Chinese indie game that launched in early access on Steam in 2018 and has recently reached its full version 1.0 after eight years of development. The game focuses on a thoughtful journey through Chinese mythology rather than fast-paced combat, and it combines elements from games like Crusader Kings 2, Kenshi, and Baldur's Gate. It features an expansive open world where players can master martial arts, engage with diverse characters, manage towns, and resolve conflicts. The game has over 5 million words in its script, and while it initially lacked English localization, the recent full release has introduced it, though it is still a work in progress. The game has found a dedicated audience among Chinese players, and its release comes at a time of increasing interest in Chinese-developed games among Western gamers. The developers are working on bug fixes and improving localization post-launch.

Winsage

June 29, 2026

Windows 11 just changed the name of Xbox mode (kind of)

The May 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 introduced "XBOX mode," replacing the previous "Xbox mode" as part of Microsoft's rebranding effort to align its gaming identity with the original console. This change was influenced by community feedback, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma noting user preference for the all-caps version. XBOX mode is designed to optimize gaming performance by prioritizing gaming processes and can free up to 2GB of memory on a PC. Future iterations of XBOX mode are expected in the next generation of Xbox, referred to as Project Helix. Microsoft is also working on enhancements to Windows 11 through its K2 initiative to improve the gaming experience.

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

Half-Life Sets Historic Price Record Among PC Games

A sealed copy of the game Half-Life sold for 2,725 at a Goldin auction, receiving 70 bids and starting at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: A remarkable event unfolded recently at a Goldin auction, where a sealed copy of the iconic game Half-Life fetched an impressive ,725. This particular copy, which garnered a total of 70 bids, began its journey at a modest starting price of 0 last month. The auction not only highlighted the enduring popularity of this classic title but also set a new benchmark in the realm of PC gaming collectibles. Record-Breaking Sale This sale marks a significant milestone, as Half-Life has now become the highest-priced PC game ever sold at auction. The sealed copy received an impressive "85+" rating from the Video Game Authority, underscoring its pristine condition and collectible value. According to the lot description on the Goldin website: VGA registry reports confirm only one copy of this edition with a higher grade. Released in 1998 by Sierra On-Line, this sealed copy of Half-Life is a first-person shooter for PC (for Windows 95/98/NT) and the first game in the series. Before this auction, the record for a PC game was held by Akalabeth: World of Doom (1979), which sold for ,211 several years ago. The achievement of Half-Life is a testament to its lasting impact on the gaming community. However, the ,725 price tag, while impressive, still pales in comparison to the staggering amounts commanded by some titles from the Nintendo Entertainment System. Earlier this month, a sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. made headlines by selling for an astonishing million at a Heritage Auctions event, illustrating the vast differences in collectible values across gaming platforms." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"]. This sale makes Half-Life the highest-priced PC game ever sold at auction. The copy received an "85+" rating from the Video Game Authority and is one of only two copies of this edition with a higher grade. Released in 1998 by Sierra On-Line, it is a first-person shooter for PC. The previous record for a PC game was held by Akalabeth: World of Doom, which sold for ,211.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Commodore announces Linux-based flip phone with ‘no social media, no browser’ — the Callback 8020 will be available in five retro colorways starting at $499, runs 99% of Android apps

Commodore has introduced the Callback 8020, a retro-inspired flip phone designed to promote a digital detox by eliminating distractions found in modern smartphones. It operates on a customized version of the Jolla Sailfish OS, allowing compatibility with Android apps while restricting browsers and social media. The device features high-quality audio capabilities, a minimal closed clamshell display, a 3.25-inch IPS screen, a selfie camera, a 48MP Sony camera, and Dual-SIM functionality. Accessories such as Snapback packs and Hardback cases will be available. The Callback 8020 includes classic and modern Commodore 64 games and will be offered in five colorways, priced at , with pre-orders starting at the end of the month.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

Microsoft CEO says Xbox needs to be more sustainable: “We’ve not been monetizing that entertainment”

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella discussed the evolving landscape of Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma, who is initiating a 100-day "reset" to enhance economic sustainability amidst rising costs. Sharma's letter to employees emphasized the need for adaptation in a competitive entertainment industry and acknowledged challenges from the hardware crisis and declining revenue. Nadella highlighted the importance of innovating in both hardware and gaming content while ensuring economic viability. Xbox Chief Creative Officer Matt Booty reassured the PC gaming community that exclusivity will mainly affect Xbox consoles, with titles remaining available on multiple platforms. Nadella noted the need for a sustainable business model, pointing out that current monetization strategies have not fully leveraged Xbox's entertainment value. He acknowledged the broader trend of rising prices in tech sectors and expressed confidence in Sharma's vision for Xbox's future. Matthew Ball, the new Chief Strategy Officer, suggested ad-supported tiers for more affordable consumer access, aligning with Nadella's vision for economically relevant offerings.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

Ball State IDIA Lab Launches Mesa Verde Virtual Companion App for Apple and Android Devices

Ball State University’s Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts (IDIA Lab) has launched the Mesa Verde Virtual Companion, an augmented reality mobile app designed to enhance public engagement with Mesa Verde National Park. The app is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play and includes features such as augmented reality experiences, 3D visualizations of ancestral structures, narrated interpretations, animated figures, and interactive learning content about the Ancestral Pueblo people. The app aims to facilitate both on-site and off-site exploration of the park, which contains nearly 5,000 archaeological sites and is recognized as a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It targets park visitors, educators, families, and remote users, incorporating accessibility features like a welcome tutorial and voiceover options. The project emphasizes immersive learning and cultural preservation, using advanced digital media to connect users with Indigenous history. The IDIA Lab, supported by Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s Digital Media Initiative, develops projects that explore virtual and augmented reality and collaborates with various organizations to enhance educational experiences.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Moonana announces ‘vampire Soulsvania’ game Bathory: Heritage of Blood for Switch, PC

Developer Moonana has announced their new project, Bathory: Heritage of Blood, set for release in 2027 on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. The game features Ursula Bathory, a vampire princess seeking to reclaim her throne after being poisoned and imprisoned by her mother, Queen Regent Elizabeth Bathory. Players will explore Čachtice Castle, engage in combat using their life force, and can regenerate health by claiming blood from defeated enemies. The game includes a unique combat system with various magical attacks, the ability to steal spells, and a narrative involving the vampire underworld and a conspiracy by the Church.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

Li’l Friday: ‘Beetlejuice,’ PC Highland Games, Venus Flytrap Festival

Every Thursday evening through Labor Day, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk hosts the Boardwalk Blast event, featuring free music and fireworks. On May 28, The Petty Mac Revue will perform at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. On May 29, the Broadway tour of “Beetlejuice” will be at the Wilson Center, with five performances from May 29 to 31. Other events include “Ten-Minute Miscellany” at Thalian Hall, “Mahalia: A Gospel Musical” by Techmoja Dance Company, “Twelfth Night” by Cape Fear Shakespeare, and a stand-up comedy show by Nick Murphy at Dead Crow Comedy Room. On May 30, the Port City Highland Games will take place at 3600 Randall Parkway, celebrating Scottish heritage and benefiting paws4vets, with over 1,500 participants expected. Other events include NC Vibe Fest, a performance by Striking Copper at Waterline Brewing, The Pop Culture Expo at Elk’s Lodge, Venus Flytrap Festival at BSL Community Center, and CFCC Riverfront Boat Show. On May 31, “Dear Evan Hansen” will be performed at Front Street Theater, with final performances from May 28 to 31. Other events include a donation drive in the Brooklyn Arts District and a concert by Titans Wilmington Symphonic Band.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

Age of Empire 4’s new DLC drops today, and the Jin Dynasty is a beautifully-realized civ

Age of Empires 4's latest expansion, Yue Fei's Legacy, introduces a new campaign featuring eight missions centered on the general Yue Fei and his ally Han Shizhong, tasked with protecting the Song Dynasty's last prince from Jin forces. The campaign begins with the Jiankang Incident of 1127 and includes various challenges such as evading Jin pursuers and reclaiming territory. The expansion also adds the Jin Dynasty as a new civilization, characterized by efficient horse-mounted villagers and the elite Iron Pagoda cavalry units. The Jin Dynasty features a unique defensive mechanism called the Meng'an Mouke Emplacement, which automatically deploys defensive cavalry units when enemies approach.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Stranger Than Heaven sure looks like a Yakuza series prequel in its first 30-minute deep dive, oh and Snoop Dogg is here

RGG Studios is developing an action game titled Stranger Than Heaven, which serves as a prequel to the Yakuza series. The game spans 50 years, starting in 1915, and follows Makoto Daito, a boy of mixed Japanese and American heritage. Key characters include Yu Shinjo, Makoto's friend and rival, and Orpheus, an international smuggler voiced by Snoop Dogg. The game features five cities: Kokura (1915), Kure (1929), Minami (1943), Atami (1951), and Kamurocho (1965). Music plays a significant role, with gameplay mechanics allowing players to record environmental sounds. The combat system has evolved to a more dynamic style, focusing on Makoto's limbs and weaponry. The narrative hints at connections to the Yakuza franchise, particularly the origins of the Tojo Clan. The game's release is tentatively scheduled for winter 2026 or early 2027.