joystick Archives

Winsage

January 19, 2026

How to run Windows apps on Linux with Wine

With the end of support for Windows 10, Zorin OS saw over 100,000 downloads within two days. Many users are looking to run Windows applications on Linux, which can be done using Wine, a compatibility layer for running Windows applications on Linux. Wine's latest version, Wine 11, includes features such as NTSYNC support, a unified 64-bit binary, enhanced Wayland/X11 integration, improved graphics via Vulkan/D3D12, better gamepad support, and smoother performance through WoW64. To install a Windows application like Notepad++ on Linux using Wine, users need to download the installer, navigate to the Downloads directory in the terminal, and run the installer with the command PLACEHOLDER62382e95b0b64d01. If 32-bit support is missing, it can be added with the command PLACEHOLDER069a94c8ac48a981. Additionally, users can install Windows applications through Winetricks, which simplifies the process by automatically downloading and running the necessary installers. Some applications may require further configuration, particularly games, which can be adjusted using Winetricks.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

Joystick Gaming Lounge has everything from board games to PC gaming!

Joystick Gaming Lounge in Dixon offers a variety of gaming options for all ages, including state-of-the-art PC gaming bays, classic retro consoles, 29 arcade games, and over 200 board games. The lounge provides a comfortable atmosphere with snacks, coffee, and meal deliveries. It features affordable pricing, including monthly "all you can play" passes and Legendary Birthday Party Packages that include a private party room, decor, a t-shirt for the birthday VIP, prizes, and food from local businesses. The lounge aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for gamers and fosters community connections.

AppWizard

December 17, 2025

Six Xbox Game Pass titles to dive into during the holidays

The text describes a cozy holiday atmosphere enhanced by gaming, highlighting six games suitable for the festive season: 1. Fallout 4: An award-winning RPG set in a post-apocalyptic Boston where players can build settlements and explore a vast open world. 2. Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor: A game where players control a dwarf miner, gathering resources and battling aliens, featuring a unique path-carving mechanic and a rich progression system. 3. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7: The latest installment in the franchise, offering three game modes and over thirty multiplayer maps for co-op campaigns and competitive play. 4. Age of Mythology: Retold: A reimagining of the 2002 classic real-time strategy game, featuring mythological heroes and significant gameplay improvements. 5. Abiotic Factor: A survival game where players are stranded scientists dealing with a paranormal outbreak, focusing on resource scavenging and teamwork, nominated for PC Game of the Year. 6. Diablo 4: A loot-driven game with engaging mechanics, featuring roguelike events and character customization, set in demon-infested zones.

AppWizard

December 13, 2025

With Starfield’s promised “exciting things” for 2025 still yet to materialize, it feels like we’ve been left to suffocate in space

Fans of Starfield have experienced a disappointing year, with criticism aimed at the game's lack of interstellar exploration and tedious planetary exploration. The official Starfield Twitter account acknowledged fan concerns in March, promising updates that have yet to materialize. The first expansion, Shattered Space, released a year after the game's launch, received 'mostly negative' reviews for its limited content. Despite some communication from Bethesda, including a developer spotlight and hints at a second DLC titled Terran Armada, fans remain uncertain due to the lack of substantial updates and a dedicated expansion page on Steam. As the year ends, the flow of information about Starfield has been minimal, leaving fans disheartened.

BetaBeacon

December 11, 2025

Epic is letting you grab this critically acclaimed roguelite for free

The Epic Games Store offers free games every Thursday on Android and PC. Today's free game is Dead Cells, a popular roguelite, Metroidvania-inspired game.

BetaBeacon

December 11, 2025

A Secret Input Engine Could Change Android Gaming Forever

Google is preparing system-level powers for game controllers in Android, including a deep controller remapping engine and a "virtual gamepad" that converts controller presses into touch actions. The company is also experimenting with controller profiles that can be saved and tied to specific devices. The feature set currently exists only in Android Canary and its future availability is uncertain.

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

Catch up on the GOTY conversation with these Game Awards nominees on Xbox Game Pass

The Golden Joystick Awards have concluded, and discussions about Game of the Year are increasing as The Game Awards approach. Xbox Game Pass provides access to many acclaimed games from the year. The latest installment of Ninja Gaiden, featuring the character Yakumo, continues the series' tradition of precision gameplay and intense battles. Hades, a nominee for Game of the Year in 2020 and winner of multiple awards, allows players to control Zagreus as he attempts to escape the underworld, encountering gods and engaging in combat. Hades is recognized for its unique gameplay loop and character development, and its sequel, Hades 2, has also received several nominations.

AppWizard

November 28, 2025

Lies of P director says ‘I will not disappoint you’ when it comes to the sequel, and after playing its award-winning DLC this year, I fully believe him

Lies of P has gained critical acclaim with its recent downloadable content (DLC) titled Overture, which won the Best Game Expansion at the Golden Joystick Awards. The DLC features a rich narrative and stylistic innovation, incorporating cinematic storytelling and team-up challenges. It enhances gameplay with a stance break mechanic inspired by Bloodborne and Sekiro. Overture transforms a convoluted story into an emotionally engaging experience, showcasing character arcs that evoke genuine emotion. Anticipation for a sequel is high, with promises of hauntingly beautiful covers of classic rhythm game tracks integrated into the game's gothic atmosphere.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

Clair Obscur creative director says he knew the game was going to be ‘cool,’ but he really didn’t expect it to be so ‘big’

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has sold over five million copies and received significant recognition at the Golden Joystick Awards. Creative director Guillaume Broche expressed surprise at the game's popularity, stating it was not expected to be a major success before its launch. Voice actor Ben Starr noted that the game was never intended to achieve such heights and attributed its success to its authenticity. The game has also received a record number of nominations for The Game Awards 2025, with results to be revealed on December 11.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Minecraft and Pokemon Go among winners at Golden Joystick Awards

The Golden Joystick Awards, celebrating its 43rd year, recognized standout games through public votes and an expert panel. Minecraft won the Still Playing Award for console and PC games, marking its 15th anniversary and maintaining a monthly player base of around 160 million. In the mobile gaming category, Pokemon Go received the Still Playing Award, having transformed player interaction since its 2016 launch. Donkey Kong Bonanza won the Critics' Choice Award, highlighting the character's lasting influence in gaming.