modding Archives

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

For Project Zomboid players, the year-long wait for a stable build is nearly over

Project Zomboid's build 42 was released in an 'unstable' form in December 2024 and has not yet transitioned to a 'stable' state, despite the addition of multiplayer support in late 2025. Concerns have arisen within the community regarding the team's communication during this prolonged development. Christian 'Serellan' Allen became the new design director in late 2025 and aims to address these issues. He acknowledges the complexity of the game and the need for dedicated design leadership. The team is currently focused on bug fixes, balancing, and polishing build 42, with no specific release date for the stable version. Enhancements made under Allen's direction include a revamped right-click menu and planned balance adjustments for game modes. He emphasizes the importance of community feedback and intends to improve communication about the game's direction.

Winsage

February 28, 2026

Steam OS vs. Windows: Which Wins for Handheld Gaming?

The handheld PC market is currently divided between powerful Windows devices, like the ASUS ROG Ally X, and Steam OS-powered devices that focus on gaming immersion. Steam OS allows users to access their game libraries immediately upon booting, providing a distraction-free experience. In performance comparisons, devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S show a 69% speed increase on SteamOS (39 fps) compared to Windows (23 fps), while the ROG Ally X can see a 32% performance boost with SteamOS. Battery life differs significantly, with the Steam Deck offering 3 to 6 hours of gameplay versus the ROG Ally X's 2 to 4 hours, despite the latter having a larger battery. Windows handhelds provide compatibility with various gaming platforms but suffer from inefficiencies due to background processes that consume CPU resources. Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience attempts to improve usability but does not resolve the underlying issues. Windows handhelds typically have 8GB or 16GB of VRAM, which may be insufficient for future games, while SteamOS's lighter footprint allows for better VRAM allocation, enhancing performance. SteamOS is gaining traction not necessarily due to technical superiority but because of its efficiency in addressing the unique constraints of handheld gaming.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

“Square Enix, hire us, I’m not joking,” says team of Final Fantasy modders who gave Final Fantasy 7 new voice acting and audio, because “we must fix” the JRPG’s busted new PC version

A new PC version of Final Fantasy 7 was released by Square Enix, replacing the 2013 version, which has been delisted. Existing owners can access the new version for free, while newcomers must purchase the 2026 edition. User reviews on Steam have been "very negative," citing performance issues, including a glitch that causes battles to run at double speed. The modding team Tsunamods has proposed to Square Enix to hire them to fix these issues, highlighting their experience with mods for Final Fantasy 7. The 2013 version is still available on the PlayStation Store, and players are advised to wait for updates on the new release before playing.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

GOG agrees with Ultrakill publisher boss that “the future of preservation is decided by players who give a s**t”

Dave Oshry, CEO of New Blood Interactive, questioned the long-term viability of GOG as a competitor in the PC gaming market after its acquisition by a co-founder of CD Projekt Red. He praised GOG's commitment to game preservation and modding but expressed skepticism about its sustainability. In response, GOG acknowledged his concerns and emphasized the importance of community support for game preservation, encouraging players to engage with the platform. GOG has been focused on preserving classic games for nearly 20 years and differentiates itself from competitors like Steam and Epic Games Store through its DRM-free offerings and modding capabilities. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in attracting users away from Steam, which dominates the market.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

The 15 Best Steam Deck Games

Valve’s Steam Deck is a leading handheld PC known for its user-friendly design and gaming capabilities. It supports a range of games, including: - Vampire Survivors: Affordable, engaging gameplay, and seamless performance. - Stardew Valley: A beloved farming simulator that supports modding. - Balatro: Combines poker mechanics with rogue-like elements, low battery consumption. - Dave the Diver: Quick gaming sessions with charming 2D art style. - Blue Prince: Cozy exploration game with puzzles, suitable for bedtime play. - Dredge: Eerie experience with a day-based structure for brief sessions. - Deep Rock Galactic Survivor: Sci-fi elements and mining challenges, engaging gameplay. - Hades / Hades 2: Action roguelikes with stunning visuals and compelling gameplay. - Sektori: Fast-paced twin-stick shooter, smooth performance. - Elden Ring: Expansive RPG that performs well on the Steam Deck. - Resident Evil 2: Smooth-running remake with a gripping narrative. - Big Hops: 3D platformer with charming visuals and fluid performance at 60FPS. - Warframe: Live-service game offering fast-paced combat, requires internet. - TMNT Shredder’s Revenge: Pixel art brawler with solo and multiplayer options. - Megabonk: 3D version of Vampire Survivors, steady framerate and intuitive controls.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

6 PC games you can play completely offline in 2026

Gamers often face challenges with online license verification for PC titles, which can restrict access to games. For offline experiences, a variety of games spanning several decades are available. Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world game set in Gilded Age America, featuring a narrative about Dutch’s outlaw family and offering fulfilling missions and side quests. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has been updated with Unreal Engine 5 and allows offline play without digital rights management, supporting extensive modding. Blue Prince combines roguelike mechanics and adventure gameplay, set in Mt. Holly manor, where players navigate a world of puzzles and secrets that reset daily. Hades II features Melinoë, the daughter of Hades, as the protagonist, introducing new combat mechanics and the challenge of defeating Chronos. Balatro reimagines poker in a roguelike format, requiring players to create scoring hands and adapt strategies against increasing difficulty and unique abilities. Pacific Drive takes place in a fictional Exclusion Zone, where players must navigate a dangerous landscape using their vehicle for survival. These games offer substantial single-player experiences that do not require an active internet connection.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

Minecraft is facing a major transformation. Developers say it’s inevitable.

Mojang is transitioning Minecraft Java Edition from the OpenGL framework to the Vulkan API, with a gradual rollout starting with snapshot versions and a stable release expected in summer 2026. This change is driven by the outdated nature of OpenGL and Apple's discontinuation of support for it on new macOS devices. Vulkan offers native support for Windows and Linux, and compatibility with macOS, aiming to improve stability across all platforms. The transition will introduce graphical enhancements previously exclusive to the Bedrock version, although average players may not notice significant changes unless using mods. Modders will need to adapt their creations to the new architecture, and Mojang will provide support for them during this migration. The updates will only affect Java Edition, leaving the Bedrock version unchanged.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

After 17 years, Minecraft Java Edition starts replacing OpenGL with a Vulkan multi-threaded renderer — update will prove a boon for performance and modding

Mojang Studios is releasing a new Vulkan renderer for Minecraft Java Edition to improve performance, stability, and modern graphical effects. The update, called the Vibrant Visuals update, will begin testing this summer, allowing players to switch between the OpenGL and Vulkan renderers. Players with graphics cards that do not support Vulkan may face challenges with the update.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

Another step towards Vibrant Visuals

Efforts are being made to modernize Minecraft: Java Edition by transitioning from OpenGL to Vulkan for rendering. OpenGL, which has been in use since the 1990s, is being phased out due to lack of updates and compatibility issues on macOS. Vulkan, a more modern graphics API, is supported by contemporary Linux and Windows devices and can be used on macOS through a translation layer. This transition aims to enhance graphics and performance while ensuring accessibility across major operating systems. The switch to Vulkan will impact existing mods that rely on OpenGL, requiring modders to update their creations for compatibility. Feedback from the modding community is encouraged, and support will be provided during this transition. Players should be aware that their favorite mods may be affected and will need to be patient as mod authors update them. A testing phase for Vulkan is planned for the summer, allowing players to toggle between OpenGL and Vulkan until stability is achieved. Players will be notified before OpenGL is removed, along with updates to system requirements.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

Minecraft Java is switching from OpenGL to Vulkan for the Vibrant Visuals update

Work is progressing on the Vibrant Visuals update for Minecraft Java Edition, which involves a transition from OpenGL to Vulkan rendering technology. This change, announced by Mojang on February 18th, aims to enhance visual fidelity and performance while maintaining accessibility across various operating systems, including macOS and Linux. Mojang plans to use a translation layer for macOS users due to the lack of direct Vulkan support. Modders are advised to prepare for the transition, as it will require significant effort to update from OpenGL to Vulkan. Mojang encourages modders to move away from OpenGL and utilize internal rendering APIs. The rollout of Vulkan alongside OpenGL is expected to begin in development snapshots "sometime over the summer," allowing players to toggle between the two until Vulkan's performance and stability are confirmed. OpenGL will eventually be phased out.