industry Archives

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Take-Two CEO says the original Borderlands’ art style overhaul cost a year of dev time and $50 million: ‘Had we not done that, Borderlands wouldn’t have been a hit’

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, discussed the development of Borderlands in a conversation with podcaster David Senra. The game, initially revealed nearly two decades ago, started with a muted palette and somber tone, contrasting sharply with its final vibrant aesthetic. Transforming Borderlands required an investment of millions and an additional year of development, as the team realized the original art style was not differentiated enough. Randy Pitchford, a key developer, noted that early testers found the initial design reminiscent of other titles like Rage and Fallout 3, which felt dated. Ultimately, Borderlands' unique style has become a defining characteristic, distinguishing it from other shooters.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Capcom Games Sell More on PC Than on Consoles, and Almost All Sales Are Digital

Capcom's PC sales surpassed console sales for the third consecutive year, with 32.17 million copies sold on PC compared to 22.76 million on consoles during the 2025 fiscal year, which ended on March 31. The company sold nearly 60 million games, exceeding expectations by five million copies. In 2022, PC sales accounted for 52% of Capcom's total game sales. Capcom's success is attributed to strategic pricing, including discounts and promotions for PC gamers. The company also incorporates generative AI for tasks like error checking and data analysis in game development.

Tech Optimizer

May 17, 2026

Avast Antivirus free download and security basics

Avast Antivirus is a consumer-focused security application designed to detect and block malware, unsafe downloads, and dubious websites on personal computers. It employs local scanning and cloud-assisted analysis to assess files and URLs for known or suspicious patterns. The software operates background services that continuously monitor files and web traffic for harmful content on both Windows and Mac systems. Avast offers a free version for personal use, with optional paid upgrades, and provides English-language downloads and support specifically for US users. It is developed by Avast, part of Gen Digital, which is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker GEN. Independent testing organizations like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives evaluate Avast Antivirus, positioning it among mainstream antivirus solutions.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick doubles down on GTA 6 date

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed that GTA 6 is set to launch on November 19, despite rumors of potential delays. He acknowledged that the project is approximately 18 months behind its original schedule. Currently, the release is confirmed for consoles only, with PC gamers awaiting confirmation for their platform.

Tech Optimizer

May 17, 2026

Norton 360 explained: features, protection and US use

Norton 360 is a subscription-based security suite developed by Gen Digital, designed to protect various devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets, from threats like malware and phishing attacks. It includes features such as antivirus and anti-malware scanning, a smart firewall, a password manager, a secure VPN, and dark web monitoring. The suite operates quietly in the background, continuously monitoring for malicious behavior. Norton 360 is marketed in the US and available in Europe and Asia-Pacific, targeting households with multiple devices and online accounts. Gen Digital, the company behind Norton 360, is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker GEN.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Jack Black starts filming Minecraft Movie 2 with Kirsten Dunst

Jack Black and Kirsten Dunst are filming A Minecraft Movie 2, set to be released on July 23, 2027. The film is directed by Jared Hess, who also directed the original movie. The cast includes Jack Black as Steve, Kirsten Dunst as Alex, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Coolidge, and Matt Berry. Filming began in May 2026 in Auckland, New Zealand. The screenplay is written by Jared Hess and Chris Galletta. The sequel aims to explore new realms in the Minecraft universe, featuring challenges and encounters with characters like the Ender Dragon.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek has no interest in writing Half-Life 3: ‘I don’t want to touch that with a 10-foot pole’

Chet Faliszek, a former writer for Half-Life 2 and Left 4 Dead, addressed speculation about Half-Life 3 in a YouTube video, clarifying that he is not involved in any current projects related to it. He expressed that creating Half-Life 3 would not be "incredibly easy" due to the complexities of modern gaming lore, which he finds challenging. Faliszek stated he does not want to revisit established franchises, including Half-Life and Left 4 Dead, due to concerns about altering long-standing narratives and the potential backlash from dedicated fans. He described sequels as a "disaster nightmare" and emphasized his preference for exploring new ideas rather than engaging with existing lore.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Lego racing game 2K Drive will be delisted next week, but online multiplayer won’t shut down until next year

Forza Horizon 6 has been released, while Lego 2K Drive will be removed from the digital marketplace on May 19, three years after its launch. Players who own or purchase the game before this date will retain access to its multiplayer features until May 31 of the following year, after which online functions will cease. Lego 2K Drive has received mixed reviews, with a critic rating it at 59%, citing "greedy microtransactions" as a downside. The game features a kart creator based on real-life Lego specifications but has faced scrutiny for its digital currency bundle aimed at children. Other games, including Disney titles and Star Trek: Resurgence, have also been removed from digital storefronts, with potential licensing issues suggested as a reason for Lego 2K Drive's withdrawal.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

MercurySteam announces ‘difficult and painful’ job cuts as its God of War-inspired hack ‘n’ slash arrives on Steam

MercurySteam has announced a workforce adjustment following the launch of its game, Blades of Fire, on Steam. The game has faced commercial challenges, with its sales performance described as "underperformed," leading to an anticipated write-off of €8 million by its parent company, Digital Bros. Blades of Fire initially launched as an Epic Store exclusive but struggled against major titles and received mixed reviews, scoring 74. The recent Steam release includes a significant 2.0 update with new features such as a New Game Plus mode, a new difficulty level called Titanium, an arena system for boss battles, expanded death animations, and full Steam Deck support.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Horizon Group USA Partners with Minecraft for New Line of Licensed Products

Horizon Group USA has entered into a licensing agreement with Minecraft to create a product line that transforms digital experiences into physical activities. The upcoming products will include tactile playsets, STEM-focused dig kits, and other interactive formats aimed at fostering community engagement and creativity. The product line is expected to debut this summer at major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart.