loading screens Archives

AppWizard

September 21, 2026

Ads in XBOX Games Are Getting Closer: Microsoft Patent Reveals How They Will Work on Consoles and PC

Microsoft is exploring the integration of advertisements into its XBOX gaming ecosystem without increasing prices. The company filed a patent on September 3 for a system that introduces ads during non-disruptive moments in games, such as loading screens or after missions. This system includes the concept of "advertising credits," allowing players periods free from ads. XBOX plans to incorporate ads into services like XBOX Cloud Gaming, which will offer a free tier for users who engage with ads. The company aims to prioritize player experience, avoid interrupting gameplay, maintain high-quality standards for ads, clearly distinguish ads from game content, and align ads with player expectations.

AppWizard

September 21, 2026

When Memory Becomes a Release Metric: Preparing Android Apps for Google Play’s New Limits

In August 2026, Google Play announced new performance requirements for memory management that will be enforced starting February 2027. These requirements include metrics for dynamic memory usage, bitmap memory, and DEX code optimization. Applications that exceed these thresholds may face reduced visibility and publishing capabilities on the platform. Dynamic memory usage is defined as the sum of anonymous RSS and swap, excluding file-backed data. Google is focused on whether applications retain non-visible bitmaps and requires at least 25% coverage in DEX optimization. Memory issues can be difficult to reproduce, and developers are encouraged to use Android Studio’s Memory Profiler to investigate memory growth. A thorough investigation involves monitoring memory changes, taking heap dumps, and understanding reference paths. Bitmap memory should be carefully managed, as the runtime cost of images can exceed their file size. Google will provide real-world memory metrics through the Play Console, and teams are advised to establish memory budgets and perform pre-release checks to identify potential issues before they lead to out-of-memory (OOM) crashes.

AppWizard

September 9, 2026

‘We are no longer using that one red pipe asset we weren’t supposed to use’: The Blood of Dawnwalker hotfix clears up one of the game’s more charming mistakes

A new hotfix for The Blood of Dawnwalker has been released, focusing on stability improvements, resolving progression blockers, and fixing controller-related frame rate drops. Key enhancements include: - Improved game stability. - Resolved tutorial progress issues with the Voracious Bite ability. - Fixed character Coen becoming trapped in buildings. - Enabled dialogue between Crake and Coen during training. - Prevented dead NPCs from initiating conversations. - Addressed blocking issues under specific conditions. - Resolved game saving problems. - Ocha will no longer attack Coen when guards are present. - Fixed a bug causing Coen to get stuck in a cave during the "Deep Down" quest. - Ensured Murohn spawns correctly. - Corrected premature ending of a solution in the "Hive and Seek" quest. - Resolved infinite loading screens in the "On the Run" quest. - Accurate display of difficulty level for "A Lone Wolf's Hunt." - Fixed a soft-lock issue after following Sara. - Investigating the rag in the "Smoke and Ashes" quest is now optional. - Resolved a blocker in "The Heart Wants What It Wants" quest. - Coen and Iorgu will drink from cups at lower graphical settings. - Removed the red pipe asset. - Fixed music stopping during the prologue. - Fixed frame rate drops from outdated GameInput software. - Torches will no longer grow uncontrollably. - Resolved issues with Quality preset mods. - Fixed VSync issues with FSR Frame Generation. The hotfix is now live on Steam.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Guild Wars 3 is a lot smaller scale than Guild Wars 2 because of the new approach to combat and movement: ‘You would probably see about 20 players in a large combat scenario’

Guild Wars 3 will enter beta next year and features a maximum player count of around 20 in large combat scenarios, aimed at providing a more focused and visceral gameplay experience. The game emphasizes meaningful collaboration among players and promises a seamless interaction experience with fewer loading screens. Cities and towns will have no player cap, creating bustling social hubs, while traditional server barriers will be removed for easier play with friends. Party sizes will be limited to four players, which may affect regular gaming groups.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

A modder has brought No Man’s Sky-style seamless takeoffs to Starfield, and even in beta they look pretty great

Bethesda's space RPG, Starfield, faces challenges due to frequent loading screens that disrupt the gameplay experience. A mod called Seamless Planet Takeoffs aims to enhance the takeoff experience by allowing players to remain in the cockpit during launch, providing a more immersive transition. The mod is still in beta and does not completely eliminate loading screens but improves the experience by masking transitions. The creator, 0xBobby, notes that while the mod enhances takeoff fluidity based on atmospheric conditions, seamless landings remain difficult to achieve and may not be possible.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Dishonored dev defends loading screens: ‘I actually have a soft spot for all that’

Raphaël Colantonio, co-creative director of Dishonored, streamed a session revisiting the game's level, Lady Boyle's Last Party, with team members including Harvey Smith, Stevan Hird, and Anthony Huso. During the session, Smith defended the inclusion of loading screens, arguing they provide a necessary transition and enhance world-building. Colantonio reflected on the challenges of revisiting the game after 14 years. The stream revealed a discarded plot point where Daud was meant to sever Corvo's hand, which would have added depth to the narrative. This concept later influenced Dishonored 2. The team has four more levels to explore in their playthrough, with fans hoping for discussions on the Knife of Dunwall and Brigmore Witches expansions.