islands Archives

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Japanese authorities just dropped a Minecraft map based on actual submarine topographic data, and it lets you explore the seabed from Tokyo Bay to the Mariana Trench

The Japan Coast Guard released a Minecraft map showcasing the submarine topography around Japan's coastline on May 12, coinciding with "Japan Coast Guard Day." The map is available for free download in Java and Bedrock formats and allows players to explore an artistically rendered version of Japan's underwater geography. Players start near Tokyo Bay and can encounter the Seven Islands of Izu and the Iwojima ridge, which includes active volcanoes. The map also features the Mariana Trench, the deepest oceanic trench, which the Japan Coast Guard first measured. The map can be accessed through the Japan Coast Guard's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department website, and it includes a tool for looking up block coordinates. The initiative follows a similar project by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in 2025, which created a Minecraft representation of the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Game industry lobby group that argued against preservation efforts from libraries is now pushing back on Stop Killing Games, saying it could prevent ‘new games, features, and technology’

Stop Killing Games has evolved from a grassroots initiative to a significant international player, with presentations at the European Parliament and collaborations with global NGOs expected by 2026. In April, the organization endorsed the Protect Our Games Act (AB 1921), which aims to require game developers to inform consumers of server shutdowns and provide options such as offline versions, patches, or refunds. Smaller game studios are adapting their titles to remain playable post-server closure, with examples including Lunarch Studios and 1047 Games. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) opposes the bill, claiming it burdens developers, while Stop Killing Games clarifies that the legislation does not require perpetual server maintenance. Historically, the ESA has lobbied against measures to preserve game access, including opposing a DMCA exemption for libraries and museums. The ESA's concerns mirror those of Video Games Europe, warning that Stop Killing Games' demands could lead to unsafe content and financial burdens on developers.

AppWizard

April 30, 2026

Fortnite’s Star Wars gamble: a tale of chaos, jank, and opportunity

Fortnite has launched three new Star Wars-themed islands, allowing creators and UEFN studios access to pre-licensed assets. This initiative marks a shift in gaming, encouraging unpredictability and creativity. UEFN, a simplified version of Unreal Engine, enables developers to create and publish projects within Fortnite. The three islands include: 1. Galactic Siege: A conquest-style island where teams battle for capture points, featuring hero leveling and NPC interactions, though it suffers from netcode issues. 2. Escape Vader: A four-player co-op mission where players infiltrate a Star Destroyer to retrieve an artifact while avoiding Stormtroopers and Darth Vader, creating a thrilling experience. 3. Droid Tycoon: An idle management simulation where players build a droid army, featuring a gameplay loop of collecting cash and purchasing droids. Epic Games and Disney's strategy integrates Star Wars assets into Fortnite, allowing for creative remixes, but raises concerns about the identity of iconic characters in the Fortnite universe.

AppWizard

April 27, 2026

FF14 Evercold release date window, jobs, trailers, and latest news

The FF14 8.0 expansion, titled "FF14 Evercold," will release in January 2027, with Patch 7.56 arriving on September 8, 2026. The level cap will increase from 100 to 110, and players will encounter a flood of ice in the Fourth reflection of the Source. The expansion will introduce two new jobs: one Tank and one Ranged Physical DPS. Evolved Mode and Reborn Mode will be available, allowing players to choose between a streamlined battle system or a traditional playstyle. The expansion will feature six new zones, approximately six dungeons, three new trials, and a series of eight-player raids. A crossover with Neon Genesis Evangelion will occur in patches 8.1, 8.3, and 8.5. Updates will also include changes to PvP, FATEs, and the Tomestone rewards system. Further details will be revealed at upcoming Fanfests in Berlin and Tokyo.

Winsage

April 26, 2026

Microsoft explains why Windows 11 File Explorer scrolls smoothly in some places, but not everywhere

Users have reported an inconsistent scrolling experience in Microsoft’s File Explorer, with smooth scrolling in the Gallery and Home views but jagged scrolling in standard folders. This discrepancy is due to the Gallery and Home views utilizing the WinUI 3 framework, while standard folders rely on legacy Win32 code. Microsoft is modernizing aspects of File Explorer but has not yet rewritten its foundational elements, leading to different rendering paths. The traditional folder views retain essential functionalities but sacrifice some modern UI features. Touch support issues are acknowledged, with current interactions prioritizing mouse and keyboard over touch gestures. Microsoft is addressing performance and reliability issues, with improvements in folder view consistency and reduced crashes noted in recent preview builds. These updates are expected in the May 2026 update, while smooth scrolling enhancements are planned for the future.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is finally out this summer and “it is not an RPG”

Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced is set to launch on July 9. The remake features enhanced visuals and modernized gameplay, utilizing Ubisoft's Anvil engine for improved combat mechanics, including parries, blocks, and finishing moves. The parkour system has been updated for smoother movement, and the game eliminates the insta-fail tailing missions, offering players options to fight or negotiate. The world design allows for seamless exploration without loading screens. While some original content, such as DLC and multiplayer, has been removed, the focus remains on the single-player narrative. New features include three new officers with unique questlines, the option to adopt a cat or monkey as a ship companion, new shanties, and additional quests for Blackbeard. Preorders are available.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred review – Sanctuary is safe, but I’m conflicted

Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred introduces a revamped endgame experience with eight distinct classes, including the new Warlock class, which combines spellcasting and summoning abilities. The narrative centers on the protagonist's relationship with Lilith and the threat posed by Mephisto, set against the backdrop of the visually striking region of Skovos, inspired by Grecian architecture. The game features enhanced customization options, improved class skill trees, and a new War Plans system that revitalizes the endgame experience. However, the overarching story is criticized for its pacing and character development, particularly regarding the Amazons and the reliance on Lilith. Despite these critiques, the campaign offers visually stunning boss encounters and a compelling soundtrack. The game raises questions about its future direction, with concerns about evolving into a live-service model.

AppWizard

April 19, 2026

Windrose Discoveries: Every item you’re missing from the Coastal Jungle, Foothills, and Cursed Swamps

Players in Windrose engage in a crafting adventure across three distinct regions: the Coastal Jungle, Foothills, and Cursed Swamps. The Coastal Jungle is the starting zone, requiring players to complete main quests like "I Need a Bigger Boat" and "Rescuing the Crew" to unlock the Foothills after defeating Thomas Richards. In the Foothills, players face challenges from hostile pirates and wildlife, necessitating upgrades to their ships and crafting tools like the Iron Pickaxe and Axe. Some items, such as Corn, may require exploration across multiple islands. The Cursed Swamps, the final region in the early access version, presents survival challenges, with caution needed in areas with glowing pink foliage. Beans can be found in 'Ruin with a Flowerbed' landmarks, along with other valuable resources. A Windrose Discovery list categorizes discoveries by region and notes boss encounters or quest requirements for progression.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Can’t find the Windrose Traveler’s Camp second chest? We couldn’t either… until we remembered a clue from another camp

In the co-op pirate survival game Windrose, players earn experience points (XP) by exploring islands and completing tasks, which include finding and opening treasure chests. The game map indicates the number of chests remaining at each location. During gameplay, the PC Gamer team found one chest at a Traveler's Camp but struggled to locate the second. A memory of a previous camp led them to search for trees with red scarves tied around them, which consistently marked the location of hidden chests. Digging at the base of these trees allowed them to successfully find the second chest at various Traveler's Camps.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Windrose Fifteen Men on a Dead Man’s Chest quest guide

Players can find the Blurry Sketch of the Island curio at a shipwreck on the east coast of the island, which marks the treasure's location on their map. The treasure is buried in the center of a circle of skeletons, indicated by a star icon, and requires a shovel to dig it up. Upon opening the chest, players will encounter four drowned level 2 enemies that must be defeated to access the chest's contents, which include experience points, silver ingots, and guineas. After securing the treasure, players can acquire their first ship and utilize fast travel between islands as they collect more curios.