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Xbox Backward Compatibility Is Finally Bringing Original Xbox Games to PC
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Xbox Backward Compatibility Is Finally Bringing Original Xbox Games to PC

Xbox has announced the early release of backward compatibility for original Xbox games on PC, allowing players to purchase and enjoy four classic titles: Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. These games are available via the Xbox PC app and included in all Xbox Game Pass plans. Players who own digital copies on Xbox can transfer their licenses to PC without repurchasing. The games can be installed locally, and Xbox is enhancing them with PC-specific improvements, including up to 4x resolution upscaling and customizable settings. Achievements for these titles will be introduced later this year.
Microsoft just released my favorite old-school Xbox game on PC
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Microsoft just released my favorite old-school Xbox game on PC

Microsoft is reviving classic Xbox titles for PC gamers through an initiative called "Xbox Backwards Compatibility on PC." The initial rollout includes four games: Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live & Reloaded, and Fusion Frenzy, all designed to run natively on Windows PCs. Crimson Skies is priced at ten dollars but is currently available only for streaming via Game Pass. Accessing these titles requires the latest version of the Xbox Insider build, leading to some user difficulties. Despite this nostalgic initiative, Xbox faces challenges in maintaining competitiveness against rivals like PlayStation and Valve's Steam, compounded by recent layoffs within its development teams.
Feel less bad about firing AI agents, Minecraft creator says vibe coding will replace human developers
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Feel less bad about firing AI agents, Minecraft creator says vibe coding will replace human developers

Markus ‘Notch’ Persson has announced a shift to "vibe coding," which involves using artificial intelligence tools for code generation. This decision is influenced by difficulties in hiring skilled programmers and a growing comfort with AI solutions. Notch expressed frustration with the job market, stating he has trouble hiring talented programmers and would feel less bad about firing a chatbot. He sold Mojang and Minecraft to Microsoft for .5 billion in 2014 and is now working on a new project, Levers and Chests, at Bitshift Entertainment, which will likely rely on AI tools. This shift occurs amid significant layoffs in the tech industry, including at major companies like Amazon, Oracle, and Microsoft. Notch's previous stance of rejecting AI contrasts with his current acceptance of its inevitability, reflecting a broader industry trend where leaders like Linus Torvalds and Ryan Dahl also acknowledge the transition towards AI-driven development.
Gardaland Resort Launches Minecraft Meet The Mobs — an Italian exclusive event, coming to real life for the first time this summer
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Gardaland Resort Launches Minecraft Meet The Mobs — an Italian exclusive event, coming to real life for the first time this summer

Gardaland Resort is hosting the Minecraft Meet the Mobs event, running until 28 August 2026, making it the only location in Italy and one of two in Europe to feature this event. Guests can interact with Minecraft characters like Steve, the creeper, and the chicken jockey, and participate in themed activities. The event includes the Minecraft Hub, where visitors can take photos and enjoy themed snacks, and the Baby Mobs Trail, an interactive adventure across six areas featuring baby mobs. Completing the trail rewards guests with a digital prize. Additional activities include Mob Hunt and Zombie Freeze, and exclusive merchandise is available for purchase.
Microsoft is Modernizing Decades-Old Properties Window in File Explorer
Winsage
July 22, 2026

Microsoft is Modernizing Decades-Old Properties Window in File Explorer

Microsoft is updating the File Properties window in Windows 11's File Explorer to use the WinUI 3 framework, aiming to improve design consistency across the operating system. This change addresses longstanding user interface inconsistencies caused by a mix of legacy frameworks, including elements from Windows 7. The transition to a desktop-only WinUI 3 framework is intended to reduce application latency and enhance the user experience. All desktop elements are expected to operate on the WinUI 3 framework for the first time since Windows 11's launch in late 2021. Additionally, the classic Win32 Control Panel is being gradually integrated into the modern Settings app, with careful consideration to avoid disruptions.
One of 2027's most appealing cozy games drops early free sample on Steam
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

One of 2027’s most appealing cozy games drops early free sample on Steam

Lavender Station is a train station simulation game set to be released in 2027, developed by Denise Hohl, co-founder of the indie studio Ninoko. Players will manage a train station, welcoming passengers and improving the station's amenities. The game emphasizes a relaxed gameplay experience without fail states or strict timers, focusing on care and small improvements. A free demo is currently available on Steam from July 20 to July 27, expected to last around 30 minutes. The full game is anticipated to take two to four hours to complete.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Halo: Campaign Evolved, Beast of Reincarnation, and More
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Halo: Campaign Evolved, Beast of Reincarnation, and More

- Available Today: - The Planet Crafter (July 21) - Terraform a planet in solo or co-op mode. - Coming Soon: - Shift at Midnight (July 22) - Online co-op detective horror game. - Hell is Us (July 23) - Explore a nation in civil war with supernatural elements. - Halo: Campaign Evolved (July 28) - Reimagined Halo: Combat Evolved with HD visuals and new content. - Mistfall Hunter (July 30) - Dark fantasy ARPG with combat challenges. - Corsair Cove (July 31) - City-builder focused on pirate life. - Heretic + Hexen (August 4) - Re-release of classic spell-casting shooters. - Beast of Reincarnation (August 4) - Action RPG set in post-apocalyptic Japan. - In Case You Missed It: - Buckshot Roulette (July 8) - Tabletop horror game. - Denshattack! (July 15) - Fast-paced adventure in a Japanese dystopia. - In-Game Benefits: - Zenless Zone Zero (July 29) - New game featuring a first-gen Void Hunter. - Leaving July 31: - Titles departing from Game Pass include Back to the Dawn, Celeste, Crusader Kings 3, Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord, My Friendly Neighborhood, Rain World, Sniper Elite Resistance, and Whiskerwood.
Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis needs to have this one thing or it won't feel right
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis needs to have this one thing or it won’t feel right

Ava enjoys immersive RPGs, MMOs, and cozy games, particularly The Sims and Dead by Daylight. The upcoming Tomb Raider game, Legacy of Atlantis, features a quote from Lara Croft's ancestor, T.E. Croft, about the burden of legacy, which resonates with fans. Anticipation for the game increased after a mini-documentary was released on July 20, with developers Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog focusing on honoring Lara's character and movement. Lead Gameplay Designer Bartek Schweiger emphasized the importance of reflecting on the series' past. Fans are eager for the return of Croft Manor, which has not been represented in a way that evokes nostalgia since earlier games. The manor provided a space for players to practice skills and has memorable elements, such as the obstacle course and the music. Legacy of Atlantis aims to unify Lara's timeline and reintroduce Croft Manor to both veteran fans and newcomers. The mini-documentary highlights the return of Charlie the fish, a character from TR Anniversary, indicating the developers' commitment to the series' legacy. Creative Director Mikał Kuk and Game Director Raul Siqueira discussed the significance of Charlie and Lara's acrobatics, suggesting a thoughtful approach to her character development and the potential for Croft Manor to play a key role in the game.
Splitgate studio 1047 Games is laying off more people just a month after releasing its latest game
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Splitgate studio 1047 Games is laying off more people just a month after releasing its latest game

1047 Games has experienced another round of layoffs, described as the "third wave" by employees on LinkedIn. QA director Igor Krinitskiy and concept artist Jonathan Kuo confirmed their departures due to these layoffs. The studio, known for its hit title Splitgate: Arena Warfare, has struggled with subsequent projects, including the rebranded Splitgate: Arena Reloaded and the recently launched Empulse, which has not achieved significant player engagement and has seen concurrent player numbers on Steam drop below 1,000. Studio CEO Ian Proulx emphasized a focus on gradual growth rather than immediate success.
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