influence Archives

Winsage

January 17, 2026

Reddit users: r/WindowsCentral is live — join us to shape coverage, boost visibility, and help build the strongest Microsoft community online

The Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central announced the launch of their subreddit, r/windowscentral, emphasizing the vibrant community engagement it offers. Reddit allows for fast-paced discussions, immediate access to news, and real-time feedback, enhancing their journalism. The subreddit provides a direct connection to readers, free from algorithmic barriers, and fosters a collaborative space for sharing insights, troubleshooting, and engaging in technical discussions. Following the subreddit will also grant users access to behind-the-scenes content, polls, and editorial debates, strengthening the community and supporting independent tech journalism.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Heartopia (PC) Review

Heartopia is a life-simulation game that blends cozy simulation elements with MMO features, allowing players to cultivate a town and interact with locals. However, the MMO aspects dilute the individuality typically found in cozy games, as multiple players receive the same accolades for completing quests. Gameplay involves repetitive fetch quests to unlock activities like home decoration and fishing, which can feel tedious. The game features a community aspect, but players may find their neighbors' homes replaced or their own home relocated between sessions, undermining familiarity. Character design is uninspired, and the user interface resembles a mobile game, lacking polish. As a free-to-play title, it includes multiple currencies that create confusion, with microtransactions for premium items. Despite these issues, the game offers engaging home-building mechanics and unique hobbies like Birdwatching and Pet Care. Overall, Heartopia struggles to effectively merge MMO elements with cozy simulation, making it a less appealing option compared to established titles like Animal Crossing.

Winsage

January 15, 2026

Wine 11 runs Windows apps in Linux and macOS better than ever

Wine 11.0 has been released, allowing users to run 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit Windows x86 binaries on Unix-like operating systems without distinguishing between 32-bit and 64-bit commands. It introduces support for the Linux kernel's NT synchronization primitive, enhancing performance for Windows binaries. Wine 11 is compatible with older kernels, though with reduced performance. It supports x86-to-Arm translation on Arm64 Linux systems through FEX-Emu and works on Apple Silicon Macs via Rosetta 2. The version simplifies command usage to a single wine command and eliminates 32-bit support libraries. Enhancements include improved clipboard handling over Wayland, full-screen mode functionality, Direct3D support, native Vulkan video decoding for H.264, and better handling of SCSI devices and game controllers. Wine 11 downloads are available for Linux and macOS, with a FreeBSD port expected. Testing on Ubuntu 25.10 under GNOME using Wayland showed positive results for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Watch: Minecraft-like RPG Hytale expects over 1 million players at launch

Previews provide a glimpse into upcoming games, highlighting innovative gameplay and stunning graphics. Reviews influence consumer perceptions and purchasing decisions through detailed analyses of games. The Nintendo Switch 2 is generating excitement with rumors of enhanced graphics, improved performance, backward compatibility, and an expanded game library. Staying informed about gaming news is essential for consumers and industry professionals, as it reveals trends and developments. Trailers serve as a marketing tool that captivates audiences and sets expectations for upcoming games.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Fable creator Peter Molyneux’s new strategy game is set to fill the Black and White void, and you can play it surprisingly soon

Masters of Albion is an upcoming game set to be released on April 22, 2026. It features a unique universe inspired by the ancient name for Great Britain and combines city-building with combat gameplay. Players will manage resources and construct a town during the day, while at night, they take on the role of a hero to fend off enemies in third-person combat. The game includes extensive customization options for warriors, the ability to recruit allies, and a god game mechanic that allows players to craft weapons and interact with townsfolk. A trailer has been released showcasing dynamic battles, and players can wishlist the game and join its official Discord community. Peter Molyneux has described it as a "reinvention of the god game."

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Microsoft Adds Copilot AI to Windows 11 File Explorer Amid Privacy Debates

Microsoft is enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities in Windows 11 by potentially integrating its Copilot AI into File Explorer, as indicated by recent code discoveries in insider preview builds. This integration may introduce a new Copilot button or sidebar, allowing users to engage with AI for contextual queries about files, such as summarizing documents or organizing folders. Concerns have been raised regarding privacy and system performance, as the AI could access local files. The integration may also include chat capabilities, prompting fears of data exposure. Microsoft has assured users that Copilot prioritizes local processing and operates with consent. However, critics worry about the potential for intrusive AI suggestions and the possibility of forced updates. The integration is expected to leverage Microsoft's agentic AI framework and may require advanced hardware for optimal performance. Financial incentives, such as Copilot Pro subscriptions, are also a factor in this strategic push. User feedback will be crucial in determining the success of this integration, with mixed reactions from the tech community regarding privacy and control.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Steam Reveals Most Played PC VR Games of 2025

Steam's list of the most played PC VR games for 2025 features only one new title, "VR Secretary: Ailey Edition," which is an early access dating sim and has received a silver rating. The top-ranked games include: Platinum: - No Man’s Sky (2016) - Beat Saber (2019) - Hot Dogs, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades (2016) - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR (2018) - Phasmophobia (2020) - Gorilla Tag (2023) - Blade & Sorcery (2024) - Ark: Survival Evolved (2017) - Vtol VR (2017) - VRChat (2017) - Half-Life: Alyx (2020) - Assetto Corsa (2014) Gold: - BONELAB (2022) - The Forest (2018) - Hard Bullet (2020) - Superhot VR (2017) - War Thunder (2013) - Pavlov (2024) - BONEWORKS (2019) - Google Earth VR (2016) - Euro Truck Simulator (2012) - Blood Trail (2019) - Rec Room (2021) - Half-Life 2: VR Mod (2022) Silver: - Automobilista 2 (2020) - DCS (2013) - Assetto Corsa Competizione (2019) - Arizona Sunshine II (2023) - Ghosts of Tabor (2023) - Bigscreen (2016) - The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners (2020) - The Lab (2016) - Contractors Showdown: ExfilZone (2024) - Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted (2019) - Subnautica (2018) - Metro Awakening (2024) - Into the Radius 2 (2024) - Fallout 4 VR (2017) - Tactical Assault VR (2023) - Elite Dangerous (2015) - Into the Radius (2020) - Propagation VR (2020) - Job Simulator (2016) - VR Secretary: Ailey Edition (2025) - DiRT Rally 2.0 (2019) - Hitman World of Assassination (2022) - VTOL VR Mod Loader (2024) - Contractors (2018) - Arizona Sunshine Remake (2024) - BeamNG.drive (2015) The report indicates a trend of established games maintaining popularity, with a growing community of PC VR users and an increase in monthly connected headsets on Steam. The anticipated Steam Frame may influence future PC VR game adoption.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Attacks on Kingdom Come: Deliverance for gay romance, representation ‘only mattered to a handful of terminally online culture warriors,’ reckons KCD2’s exec producer, and probably didn’t impact the games’ reception

Kingdom Come: Deliverance has faced criticism for its narrative choices, particularly regarding the portrayal of Czech protagonists and Cuman adversaries, as well as the inclusion of gay romance and diverse characters in its sequel. Warhorse Studios, the developer, expressed a desire to move away from these cultural debates to focus on creating an engaging game. Co-founder Martin Klíma acknowledged the complexity of the controversies, suggesting they might provide visibility but could also detract from the game itself. He believes the impact of these controversies on sales and team morale has been minimal, noting that they primarily concern a small group of online critics, while the broader gaming audience remains largely indifferent. Klíma mentioned that the controversies fostered a sense of camaraderie among the development team, many of whom are unaware of the discussions surrounding the games.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

With The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian has finally delivered the RPG that Fallout New Vegas fans have craved for 16 years

The Outer Worlds 2 is a sequel that builds on its predecessor's foundations, featuring impactful decision-making and refined gameplay. Set in a different galaxy, players take on the role of an agent of the Earth Directorate, tasked with investigating catastrophic rifts threatening the galaxy, particularly the Arcadia colony. The game critiques hyper-capitalism while being developed under Microsoft, incorporating satirical elements. Players' choices significantly influence gameplay, with character builds affecting the narrative and challenges faced. The revamped flaws system introduces both positive and negative effects based on player actions, encouraging exploration. The game features expertly crafted quests that intertwine with the main storyline, leading to unique outcomes. Companions add emotional depth to the experience, each with distinct personalities. While initial planets showcase engaging quests, later areas feel less vibrant, and combat lacks depth, often becoming repetitive. The crafting system allows for customization but may not be fully utilized due to the game's ease. Performance is strong, running smoothly on high-end hardware. Overall, The Outer Worlds 2 emphasizes meaningful player choices but reveals a need for improved combat mechanics.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Fallout Games Get Uptick in Concurrent Players on PC in Midst of Amazon Prime Show’s Second Season

The Amazon Prime Video's Fallout series has significantly increased player engagement with the franchise, particularly for Fallout 76, as noted by creative director Jon Rush in March 2025. Data from PCGamer shows a rise in concurrent players across Bethesda-era Fallout titles: Fallout 3's peak player count increased from nearly 700 to just under 1,000; Fallout 4's average rose from about 22,000 to nearly 33,000; and Fallout: New Vegas jumped from approximately 8,000 to around 15,000 players. Fallout 76's average player count climbed from about 20,000 to a peak of nearly 30,000. Bethesda is committed to supporting Fallout 76 with updates like the Glow of the Ghoul and is considering a remastered version of Fallout 3. Todd Howard confirmed that Fallout 5's narrative will be influenced by the Amazon series, acknowledging community requests for remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas.