industry

AppWizard
April 7, 2026
Pillars of Eternity celebrated its 11th anniversary with a significant update from Obsidian Entertainment, introducing a full turn-based mode alongside the original real-time with pause (RTWP) mechanics. The turn-based option had been in beta on Steam since November before its official release. The update includes extensive patch notes, and players have reported enjoying the new gameplay style, with some preferring it for future playthroughs. Discussions among industry professionals at last year's Game Developers Conference highlighted the evolving nature of combat systems, with optimism for the future of RTWP despite the rising popularity of turn-based mechanics.
AppWizard
April 7, 2026
Apple has removed Jack Dorsey's decentralized peer-to-peer messaging service, Bitchat, from its China App Store following a request from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). The app's beta version was also suspended in the region. Dorsey confirmed that Bitchat was removed in February, and Apple stated that all apps must comply with local laws and regulations. The CAC noted that Bitchat violated regulations requiring online services that can influence public opinion to undergo a security assessment. Bitchat remains available in other countries, with over 3 million downloads on Chrome and more than 1 million on Google Play.
AppWizard
April 6, 2026
Lucas Pope is a notable game developer known for creating "Papers, Please" and "The Return of the Obra Dinn." He has since worked on smaller projects, including Mars After Midnight, but has not released anything on Steam recently. During a podcast, Pope expressed concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on game development, particularly regarding idea theft and the potential for his work to be copied or imitated. He feels uneasy discussing ongoing projects due to these risks and reflects on the pressure of following up his previous successes. Despite these worries, Pope's reputation allows him to avoid some challenges faced by less-known developers, and his next project is expected to generate significant interest.
Winsage
April 6, 2026
The Linux gaming market share among Steam users has reached 5.3%, a historic high, coinciding with Windows usage dropping below 93%. Windows 10 usage has decreased by nearly 15%, while Windows 11 has gained only 10.6%. SteamOS Holo 64-bit is the leading Linux distribution, making up 25% of all Linux users, largely due to the popularity of the Steam Deck. macOS has gained 1.2% market share, indicating a shift in gaming preferences. Valve announced plans to expand SteamOS to desktop PCs, which may further boost Linux gaming adoption.
AppWizard
April 6, 2026
Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in July 2026, requiring users to switch to Google Messages. After the shutdown, Samsung Messages will only send texts to emergency contacts and services. Users will receive in-app prompts to switch and can easily set Google Messages as the default. Devices running Android 11 or lower will remain unaffected. This follows Samsung's 2024 decision to stop pre-installing its Messages app on flagship Galaxy devices. The transition emphasizes the benefits of Google Messages, including enhanced security, support for Rich Communication Services (RCS), and improved multi-device connectivity.
BetaBeacon
April 5, 2026
Tikcotech is a mobile app that combines music, gaming, and app management into one platform. It was recognized as a significant advancement for Android users by an editorial team in July 2025. Users spend 30% more time on "super apps" like Tikcotech compared to single-purpose applications. The app comes in free and premium versions, offering features such as ad-free music playback, advanced game emulation, and unlimited app downloads. It is accessible to casual users and tech enthusiasts, with cross-platform compatibility. Machine learning algorithms and real-time computing provide a customized experience for users.
Winsage
April 5, 2026
On April 3, 2026, Anthropic expanded Claude’s desktop control feature to Windows for Pro and Max subscribers, allowing users to operate applications, navigate web pages, and manage files on their PCs without prior configuration. The feature is in research preview and includes a Dispatch companion for task assignment from mobile devices. Claude uses a structured tool hierarchy for task execution, prioritizing connectors like Slack and Google Calendar, and engages in direct desktop control only when necessary. Users must opt in to activate the feature, which integrates with existing software without requiring API keys. The technology is partly derived from Anthropic’s acquisition of Vercept AI, which specializes in AI-driven computer control. Security concerns have arisen due to vulnerabilities demonstrated shortly after the launch, prompting Anthropic to implement safeguards while acknowledging the feature's potential errors. Users can stop Claude's operations, but the company admits it cannot disable the technology remotely once tasks have started. Competitors like Microsoft and Google are also exploring similar desktop-level AI automation capabilities.
AppWizard
April 4, 2026
Digital Extremes, the studio behind Warframe and Soulframe, opposes the use of AI in game development. Community Director Megan Everett stated that the company is "very non-AI" and emphasized that all content in their games will be created by humans. She expressed frustration with AI-generated content, stating that it causes uncertainty about the authenticity of art. Despite skepticism towards AI in the industry, some developers are still using AI, as seen with Arc Raiders, which initially utilized AI voice acting but is now shifting to handcrafted assets. A survey indicated that 90% of developers want clearer AI disclosures on platforms like Steam, while some games have included AI "placeholders" in final releases. This has led to concerns among creators about the influence of AI on their work.
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