humble beginnings Archives

Winsage

April 12, 2026

Original Windows Task Manager Was Just 80 KB, Says Microsoft Engineer

The original Windows Task Manager was 80 KB in size, while its current version is 4 MB. Dave Plummer designed it to remain operational during system freezes, emphasizing that every line of code has a cost. The Task Manager could manage multiple instances by sending private messages to existing ones and launching new instances if the original was unresponsive. It utilized global strings and direct access to the kernel’s process table for speed and efficiency. Users have noted that modern systems consume more resources for similar tasks compared to older versions like Windows 7.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

‘There wasn’t really a game or team’ when Undead Labs made the now-5-year-old State of Decay 3 reveal trailer: ‘The game was in a Word document’

Philip Holt of Undead Labs discussed the early development of State of Decay 3, revealing that the project was initially just a concept documented in a Word file when the trailer featuring a zombified deer was created. The announcement was not planned, as the studio was still determining the game's direction, influenced by Microsoft's strategy to promote the Xbox Series X/S. After six years of silence, Undead Labs has opened sign-ups for an alpha playtest. The game will feature four-player co-op gameplay, innovative base-building mechanics, enhanced resource management strategies, and intense combat scenarios.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Disco Elysium, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Final Fantasy IV and More

- Available Today: - DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – March 17 - South of Midnight (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC) – March 18 - The Alters (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – March 18 - Disco Elysium (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – March 19 - Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC) – March 24 - Absolum (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – March 25 - Nova Roma (Game Preview) (PC) – March 26 - The Long Dark (Cloud, Console, PC) – March 30 - Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (Cloud, Console, PC) – March 31 - Barbie Horse Trails (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC) – April 2 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, PC) – April 2 - Final Fantasy IV (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – April 7 - In Case You Missed It: - Minishoot’ Adventures (Console, Cloud, Handheld, PC) – March 3 - Game Updates: - Valorant (PC, Console) – March 18 - Sea of Thieves: Season 19 (Console, PC) – March 19 - In-Game Benefits: - Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 (Console) – Available now - Skate. (Console, Game Pass Ultimate only) – Available now - Leaving March 31: - Peppa Pig World Adventures (Cloud, Console, PC) - Mad Streets (Cloud, Console, PC)

Winsage

December 7, 2025

Notepad on Windows 11 can now make Markdown tables — here’s how to master it

Notepad on Windows 11 has been upgraded to version 11.2510.6.0, introducing table support that enhances its Markdown capabilities. This feature allows users to create tables using Markdown syntax, providing a simple way to organize information without competing with spreadsheet applications like Excel. Users can open Notepad, ensure they have the correct version, define rows and columns using Markdown, preview the table, and save their document to preserve the table's structure.

AppWizard

December 6, 2025

The 10 best Total War games to play today ahead of Medieval 3

The Total War series has evolved over two decades from a simple wargame to a complex strategy format combining real-time tactics with a strategic world map, incorporating military, political, and economic dimensions. Total War: Napoleon (2010, PC) focuses on gunpowder campaigns and emphasizes combat tactics and army strategy. Total War: Rome (2004, PC) is considered a franchise-defining title, introducing a variety of unit types and campaign factions, and remains popular with numerous mods available. Total War: Attila (2015, PC) immerses players in a world on the brink of collapse, focusing on empire management and societal decline. Total War: Medieval 2 (2006, PC) is known for its intense battles and intricate tactics, becoming a popular modding platform. Total War: Shogun 2 (2011, PC) is praised for its refined gameplay and accessibility, set in a single nation during a specific historical period. Total War: Rome 2 (2013, PC) has developed a distinct identity despite initial criticism, offering rich strategic gameplay. Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019, PC) introduces character-driven politics and relationships, enhancing narrative engagement. Total War: Warhammer (2016, 2017, 2022, PC) provides a dark fantasy experience with a vast game map and diverse factions, solidifying its place in the franchise.

AppWizard

October 25, 2025

Europa Universalis lead Johan Andersson says Paradox’s DLC model has been ‘pretty f***ing great’: ‘You decide what’s going in, you decide the scope, you decide exactly when you can release’

Paradox Interactive is known for its 4X and grand strategy games, particularly for its downloadable content (DLC) strategy. Johan Andersson, the lead for Europa Universalis V, is confident in the DLC model, stating it has been effective. The company has grown from a small team to hundreds of employees with five internal development teams, allowing game directors more control over release timing and content scope. Early expansions faced challenges, with some, like Mare Nostrum, receiving mixed reactions. Andersson reassured players that features from Europa Universalis IV will largely carry over to Europa Universalis V. He believes EU5 will serve as a long-term platform for future content development.

AppWizard

October 9, 2025

The Viral PC Hit is on XBOX as Supermarket Simulator Stocks Up With a Day One Game Pass Launch

Supermarket Simulator has launched on Xbox Series X|S and PC as a Day One Game Pass title, available for £16.74 for non-subscribers. Developed by Nokta Games and published by NAISU, the game has received a "Very Positive" rating on Steam since its release in June. Players take on the role of a supermarket manager, designing their store, curating product selections, and managing various retail challenges. The game features hands-on gameplay, allowing players to order stock, unpack items, and organize products. Players must make strategic decisions regarding purchases and pricing to maximize profits while managing online orders and maintaining store security. Supermarket Simulator is an Xbox Play Anywhere title, enabling cross-platform access on Xbox and Windows PC with cloud synchronization.

AppWizard

September 2, 2025

Distributor Curveball moves into games publishing

Welsh distributor Curveball Leisure is launching a games publishing arm called Curveball Games, led by Ed Gregory as senior publishing manager. Located in Cardiff, Wales, Curveball Games will provide comprehensive publishing support, including funding for indie and mid-tier game developers. Gregory emphasizes the need for a fresh approach in the gaming industry, aiming to champion developers and nurture creativity. Andrew Nauton, COO of Curveball, notes the company's evolution over two decades and views the launch of Curveball Games as a natural progression to broaden their reach and enhance their brand.

BetaBeacon

July 1, 2025

How Android Game Development Is Fueling the Next Generation of Mobile Entertainment

- Android gaming ecosystem has evolved significantly in the last decade, offering a wide range of gaming experiences. - Android game development has reshaped the way entertainment is consumed on mobile devices. - Android offers advantages such as device diversity, open-source flexibility, monetization freedom, robust development tools, and global reach. - Key trends shaping Android game development in 2025 include cloud gaming integration, AI-powered game design, cross-platform play, AR and VR capabilities, and the continued dominance of hyper-casual games.

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

Xbox confirms brand new games releasing this week – and there’s 18 of them

Xbox is set to release 18 new games from June 30 to July 4 across its consoles and platforms. Game Releases: - 30 June - Mystic Pathways: Crystal Quest (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC) - 1 July - Irem Collection Vol. 3 (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) - No Heroes Here 2 (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC) - 2 July - Mecha BREAK (Xbox Series X/S, PC) - Arena Renovation (Xbox Series X/S) - Dead of Darkness (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC) - Mystic Thief - Elemental Conquest (Xbox Series X/S) - Rally Arcade Classics (Xbox Series X/S) - SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off Extra Krusty Edition (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) - 3 July - Music Drive: Chase the Beat (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) - 4 July - Aery: Titans of the Future (Xbox Series X/S) - All the Words She Wrote (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) - Beat of Life (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) - Farm Together 2 (Xbox Series X/S) - Frozen Axe (Xbox Series X/S) - Golf Guys (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC) - Hexa Road (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) - Novel Rogue (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC)