Manchester Archives

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

I used videogames to solve my country’s politics: Turns out the answer is ultra-mega-communism

The Labour prime minister of the United Kingdom has stepped down, leading to the anticipated leadership of former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. A simulation exercise envisions the UK in 2026 under a radical premiership, proposing initiatives like cryptocurrency, subsidized healthy food, and university grants. The legislation of the right to die significantly boosted approval ratings to approximately 43%. A financial crisis led to a state of emergency, allowing for sweeping reforms such as a state postal service and increased NHS funding. The political landscape is divided, with socialists and trade unionists supporting the leadership, while religious conservatives and capitalists oppose it, forming armed factions. The campaign strategy focused on galvanizing the base, resulting in a 70% turnout from supporters and a nationwide turnout of 72%, translating to 30 million votes and 44.7% of the overall vote for the party.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

You will never guess who turns up in this video about why you can’t build British towns in SimCity 4

YouTuber Chris Spargo analyzes why a SimCity game set in the UK may not resonate as well as its American version, noting that the game's design reflects American city governance, misrepresenting British cities. He discusses the complexities of public service management in the UK, highlighting the role of a British mayor and financial challenges faced by local councils due to centralization and social care costs. The video features a surprise cameo by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who discusses the importance of empowering local communities and the Labour government's commitment to decentralization, granting more authority to local mayors.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Proton beam therapy comes to Minecraft to help children prepare for cancer treatment at The Christie

Young cancer patients can now explore a virtual representation of the proton beam therapy centre at The Christie in Manchester through Minecraft, marking the first instance of a working NHS health facility recreated in the game. This initiative, developed by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Microsoft with input from clinical specialists, aims to familiarize children with the therapy environment to reduce anxiety before treatment. The virtual centre includes key areas such as reception, waiting areas, imaging rooms, and play preparation rooms, and features interactive elements like functioning MRI machines and hidden rooms. The Minecraft environment is scaled up to five times the actual centre for easier navigation. The project was primarily developed by Microsoft volunteers and has received positive feedback from young patients like 10-year-old Ramatulaye, who found it helpful in understanding the hospital layout.

Winsage

January 21, 2026

Busted ATM shows Windows 7 login page on screen — asks for username and password instead of PIN to dispense cash

An ATM in Manchester, England, has adopted the Windows 7 Professional login screen as its welcome interface, requiring users to enter a username and password instead of the usual Personal Identification Number (PIN). This machine has attracted attention for presenting a challenge to users who wish to withdraw cash, as they must log into a Windows account before entering their debit card code. Windows 7, released in 2009, is now 17 years old and has seen its support decline, with mainstream support ending in 2015 and extended support concluding in 2020. The use of this outdated interface raises questions about the technology behind the ATM and its implications for users.

AppWizard

October 5, 2025

Titan Quest 2’s second chapter transports you to The Northern Beaches, where you’ll find 9 new dungeons and 3 more bosses to batter

The Northern Beaches in Titan Quest 2 serve as the backdrop for the second chapter of the game, where players confront the goddess Nemesis and face new enemies like the Ketos Spawn and Bruisers. Developer Grimlore Games has updated the loot system, making affix tiers more impactful. Fraser Brown, a reviewer, noted the hope for faster gameplay in Chapter 2 compared to the first, which featured aggressive crabs as enemies. The chapter will conclude the Ichthian threat and set the stage for future chapters with new biomes and factions.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

‘We play Minecraft together!’ – Inside Erling Haaland’s love life as Man City striker reveals details of relationship with girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is in a relationship with girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen, which began during his time at Borussia Dortmund. They welcomed their first child at the end of 2024. The couple enjoys playing video games together and has a shared passion for kebabs, exploring local eateries and experimenting with recipes at home.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

EA FC 26 tactics codes

EA Sports has reintroduced the feature of sharing custom tactics in EA FC 26, allowing players to enhance their gameplay experience. The current meta for FC 26 features formations that emphasize a solid defensive structure, typically using four defenders and two deep-lying playmakers. Effective tactics codes used by various teams include: Premier League - Arsenal: Mikel Arteta (4-3-3) - EBd#$o2UuEam - Aston Villa: Unai Emery (4-2-3-1) - tYFzchR3HrJt - Chelsea: Enzo Maresca (4-2-3-1) - 1YNfMZZNhxSV - Everton: David Moyes (4-2-3-1) - MYkq6e$UWKKJ - Liverpool: Arne Slot (4-2-3-1) - RZpbfD1Rnz - Manchester City: Pep Guardiola (4-3-3) - ZByZKpVtFjv7 - Manchester United: Ruben Amorim (5-2-3) - SptUribg9cwS - Newcastle: Eddie Howe (4-3-3) - 5ASZp9BDj5NL - Spurs: Thomas Frank (4-3-3) - TBsX&XzdvTw4 La Liga - Barcelona: Hansi Flick (4-2-3-1) - jZ7NqzVtPjB# - Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso (4-1-4-1) - CJaMDYTMdMWE - Atletico Madrid: Diego Simeone (4-4-2) - @5Z$mV5HJNbf Bundesliga - Borussia Dortmund: Niko Kovac (3-4-2-1) - d54pFrNrbBxv - FC Bayern München: Vincent Kompany (4-2-3-1) - TZrBhDX@NVp1 - RB Leipzig: Ole Werner (4-3-3) - JBiPpbqdjTfb Serie A - AC Milan: Max Allegri (4-3-3) - wAJwhe466w%w - Como: Cesc Fabregas (4-2-3-1) - ZZxD@FNjkX3? - Inter: Christian Chivu (5-3-2) - SxtcqWcgUcwS - Juventus: Igor Tudor (3-4-2-1) - c53CckMu4my? - Napoli: Antonio Conte (4-3-3) - w4JwRUp6bw%Q - Roma: Gianpiero Gasparini (3-4-2-1) - ?5Zo9Gm%#6ce Ligue 1 - PSG: Luis Enrique (4-3-3) - g55?fkz&Lq?F Liga Portugal - Porto: Francesco Farioli (4-2-3-1) - GZewMK4aqQbo - Benfica: Jose Mourinho (4-2-2-2) - Rhqby3pZbPt2 - Sporting CP: Rui Borges (4-2-3-1) - #ZgyPYic&#cq Eredivisie - Ajax: Johnny Heitinga (4-3-3) - ?BX?ESe###Tg - Feyenoord: Robin van Persie (4-3-3) - vQ#PN5X55vDx - PSV: Peter Bosz (4-3-3) - #BhsnYYCsScq To import tactics codes in EA FC 26, players should select 'Tactics' under Team Management, find the 'Use Code' page, enter the tactics code, confirm the setup, name the tactic, and set it as active.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

UK industry vet Tom Stone founds new studio

Tom Stone has established a new gaming studio called Second Star Games in Manchester. The studio is preparing to work on its first project, which is based on a well-loved and globally-renowned intellectual property. Second Star Games has a core team of industry veterans and is looking to hire for several key positions. Tom Stone previously served as Managing Director of TT Games for nearly 18 years and was chairman at FuturLab before his current venture. He aims for the studio to become a leading developer and publisher of gaming experiences for young gamers and their families.