influence Archives

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

id Software co-founder John Romero was apparently one week removed from co-founding a completely different icon of PC gaming, but he’d already made plans

John Romero revealed on Nightdive Studios' Deep Dive podcast that Paul Neurath, founder of Looking Glass Studios, invited him to co-found the company, but he declined due to a prior commitment. Romero began his career at Origin Systems in 1987, where he initially worked on porting 2400 AD from the Apple 2 to the Commodore 64, but the project was canceled, leading him to collaborate with Neurath on Space Rogue.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Leak reveals upcoming Epic Games Store free game ahead of official announcement

A user named MeguminShiro has initiated discussions in the r/EpicGamesPC community, focusing on Epic Games Store offerings. They frequently share analyses of new game releases, covering gameplay mechanics, visual aesthetics, and performance reviews. Their contributions have fostered engagement among members and positioned them as a respected voice in the community. MeguminShiro's insights reflect broader gaming trends and influence other members' decisions on which titles to explore. The r/EpicGamesPC subreddit serves as a welcoming space for gamers of all levels, promoting a collaborative spirit.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Microsoft finally fixes one frustrating Windows 11 pop-up – just as a more irritating one arrives to take its place

Windows 11 users are experiencing improvements and challenges as Microsoft refines the operating system. The 'second-chance out-of-box experience' (SCOOBE) has been streamlined to enhance user experience. However, a new pop-up in the Start menu encourages users to consider a OneDrive subscription for backing up files, which could lead to additional costs due to limited free storage. This notification is classified as 'required' and cannot be disabled, unlike SCOOBE prompts. In the EU region, a test installation did not show this alert, possibly due to regional data regulations.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

40 years of Windows: How XP changed everything

In 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP, which combined consumer and business versions of Windows and was built on the Windows NT core. It provided a more stable platform compared to Windows 98 and Windows Me, despite initial malware issues. Windows XP featured a vibrant blue interface, the iconic green Start button, and the recognizable "Bliss" wallpaper. It introduced customization options, including user-created themes, and tools like Stardock's WindowBlinds. Key features included System Restore, USB plug-and-play support, built-in CD burning, native ZIP file support, and Windows Movie Maker. Microsoft implemented an activation system to combat software piracy. Security measures improved significantly with the release of Windows XP Service Pack 2 in 2004, which introduced a default firewall and a Security Center. Windows XP became popular during the rise of the internet and supported applications like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Skype. It left a lasting cultural impact, with many users expressing nostalgia for the operating system.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

Dark isometric survival management game Peregrino announced for PC

Inverge Studios has announced its new project, Peregrino, a dark isometric survival management game set to launch on PC via Steam, with no specific release date yet. Players will lead a group of pilgrims through a dangerous landscape, facing life-or-death decisions that impact their journey and the fates of their followers. Key features include brutal survival management requiring resource management, a horror journey confronting nightmarish creatures, character-driven gameplay with unique pilgrim stories, a customizable caravan serving as a home and defense, careful inventory management, and a gothic horror-inspired 19th-century aesthetic. An announcement trailer is available for viewing.

Tech Optimizer

August 4, 2025

Zero-Day Flaw in PostgreSQL Exploited to Target BeyondTrust Systems

A significant PostgreSQL vulnerability, CVE-2025–1094, was identified during the investigation of another vulnerability, CVE-2024–12356, which was exploited in the BeyondTrust breach in December 2024. The breach involved unauthorized access to BeyondTrust's systems and was linked to the state-sponsored hacking group Silk Typhoon from China. The U.S. Treasury Department confirmed its network was compromised through a stolen BeyondTrust API key. CVE-2025–1094 is an SQL injection vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands due to improper handling of invalid UTF-8 byte sequences. Rapid7 found that CVE-2024–12356's exploitation relied on CVE-2025–1094, and that CVE-2025–1094 could be exploited independently. BeyondTrust issued patches for these vulnerabilities, but the patch for CVE-2024–12356 did not directly address the underlying cause of CVE-2025–1094. The exploitation of these vulnerabilities underscores the need for timely patching and proactive security measures in organizations using PostgreSQL.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

Rhythm games use a lot of classical music, huh?

Classical music has significantly influenced video game soundtracks, with examples including Philippe Vachey’s incorporation of Johann Strauss and Saint-Saëns, and games like Catherine and Grand Theft Auto 3 featuring classical pieces. The rhythm game Pump it Up Rise includes classical remixes, a hallmark of the series since 1999, with remixes by BanYa such as Take The Devil and Turkey March. BanYa's adaptations, like Winter and Beethoven Virus, showcase a blend of classical and modern elements. Other rhythm games, including Audition Online and Taiko no Tatsujin, also feature classical music. The use of classical compositions in games is partly due to their emotional resonance and copyright advantages, as works by composers like Beethoven and Mozart are in the public domain.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

The Guild: Europa 1410 announced for PC

The Guild: Europa 1410 allows players to lead a dynasty, starting with a small business and expanding their family's influence while navigating a complex political landscape. Players can choose from various professions, such as blacksmith or alchemist, affecting their business success. The game includes options for engaging in crime, like theft and robbery, or upholding the law. Politics play a crucial role, with opportunities for blackmail to gain power, though such actions carry risks. The game features advanced graphics for an immersive experience, showcasing a realistic historical city that evolves based on player actions. Additionally, it offers multiplayer sessions for up to 12 players, allowing for competition and collaboration in various activities.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Microsoft to Open-Source WinUI Components for Windows 11

Microsoft Corp. plans to open-source key components of the Windows 11 user interface framework, WinUI, over the next six months. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and collaboration, driven by demands from developers and the tech community. The process involves carefully disentangling publishable code from sensitive areas to ensure system security and protect intellectual property. Industry observers believe this could empower developers to customize Windows interfaces, potentially accelerating innovation in app design. Microsoft is adopting a phased approach, starting with isolating components and establishing new governance models for contributions. Developer feedback indicates cautious optimism, with hopes for quicker bug fixes and feature additions, though concerns about the scope of the initiative persist. Microsoft intends to share more details and potentially previews of open-sourced repositories on GitHub. Balancing openness with user data security and system integrity remains a critical challenge for the company.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

A Minecraft Movie Had A Clever Callback To A Steven Spielberg Movie

"A Minecraft Movie" includes a reference to "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in its opening scene, where Jack Black's character, Steve, shapes mashed potatoes into a mineshaft, reminiscent of a pivotal moment in Spielberg's film. Director Jared Hess has acknowledged the influence of Steven Spielberg's films on his work, particularly praising "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" as a "perfect film." The movie is now available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, digital HD, and streaming on HBO Max.