A new app called Messages by OzarksMade aims to emulate the look and feel of Samsung Messages and include RCS support via integration with Google Messages.
Cecilia, a writer with over a decade of experience in League of Legends, reflects on her journey through the game and the nostalgia sparked by the introduction of League Classic, which incorporates beloved elements from the past. League Classic offers a tribute to the early game experience, featuring iconic draft music, classic champion models, and the return of runes and masteries. Edgar "MeDroiD" Medina, Senior Manager for League Classic in EMEA, stated that Classic is designed "to endure and evolve." Cecilia encourages players to try League Classic for its nostalgic appeal, though she questions its long-term viability due to some limitations in gameplay and champion abilities. She envisions playing Classic with friends but acknowledges it may not become her primary game mode.
Next week, several games are set to launch for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC:
- Beast of Reincarnation: Releases on August 3, available on Game Pass and optimized for Xbox Series X|S. Players explore a post-apocalyptic Japan as Emma and her dog Koo, with customization options and exclusive pre-order rewards.
- Kynseed: Releases on August 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. A life simulation sandbox RPG from the creators of Fable, focusing on farming, family, and community interactions.
- Detective Holmes: Hidden Objects: Releases on August 3, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, featuring Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson in a hidden object game with various gameplay modes.
- Space Tail: Definitive Edition: Releases on August 3, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. Players follow Bea, a dog in space, engaging in observation-based gameplay.
- Fading Clouds: Releases on August 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. A puzzle adventure game with 30 levels set in the skies, focusing on creative problem-solving.
- Five Hearts Under One Roof: Releases on August 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. An interactive FMV romance game centered on complex relationships.
- Mate’Morphosis: Releases on August 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. A chess-inspired puzzle game where players become the pieces they capture.
- Aery – Surreal World: Releases on August 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. A flight exploration game through dreamlike landscapes.
- Herd Dispatch: Releases on August 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. A puzzle game where players guide sheep home through strategic planning.
- Montabi: Releases on August 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. A creature-collector roguelike deckbuilding game.
- Sokogem: Releases on August 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. A minimalist puzzle game focused on logical movement.
- Vengeance of Mr. Peppermint: Releases on August 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. A side-scrolling beat-’em-up game featuring a detective seeking vengeance.
- Yellowcreek Stories – The Cabin Watcher: Releases on August 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. A first-person stealth slasher game.
- INK ENIGMA 2: Hidden Object Challenges: Releases on August 7, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. A hidden object game with upgraded gameplay.
- John Fox: Releases on August 7, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. An action-adventure game featuring an elite warrior.
- Limbot: Releases on August 7, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. A multiplayer game with a cardboard robot navigating a destructible city.
- The Relic: First Guardian: Releases on August 7, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. An action RPG set in a devastated world with fast-paced combat.
- Tailbreak: Releases on August 7, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. An arcade shooter featuring dinosaurs and a voiced story mode.
Nik Samokhvalov created PGSimCity, a visualizer for the open-source database PostgreSQL, inspired by the game SimCity. It allows users to navigate a city-like environment using gaming controls, where database transactions are represented as animations. The project originated from a prompt to Claude and involved 3.86 billion tokens of AI-assisted coding. PGSimCity is open source and has potential for adaptation to explain other complex technologies.
Players of Path of Exile 2 experienced frequent game freezes every 20 minutes since the early access launch, causing frustration and concern about character loss. A temporary workaround involved adjusting settings that reduced visual quality. Game director Jonathan Rogers identified a bug in the Nvidia driver as the root cause, which required specific reproduction steps. The release of NVIDIA Game Ready Driver 610.88 provided a fix for the long pauses during gameplay in DX12 mode, marking a resolution to the issue. This update allows developers to focus on optimizing other performance problems. The community is hopeful for a smoother experience leading up to the official 1.0 release later this year.
Garkus repurposed three Advantech DS-081 mini PCs, previously used by Subway, which are powered by Intel Core i3 6100U processors with Intel HD Graphics 520 and originally had 4GB of RAM, later upgraded to 8GB. The mini PCs were designed for continuous operation in temperatures from 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F) and initially ran Windows in kiosk mode. Garkus tested various operating systems, including Bazzite Linux and macOS Monterey. He successfully ran Peggle but struggled with Grand Theft Auto V, which averaged around 15 fps and experienced long load times and crashes. Testing Mario Kart Wii emulation and Minecraft yielded inconsistent results, with Minecraft hovering around 25 fps. Garkus concluded that the mini PCs are better suited for emulating older consoles, particularly up to the PlayStation 2 and original Xbox era, recommending lighter games and lower settings for a smoother experience.
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ceased support for Windows 10, which means it will no longer receive technical assistance, feature updates, or security patches. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which has been extended to October 2027, allowing users to continue receiving essential security updates if their device meets specific criteria. Eligibility for ESU includes running Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations edition, having the latest Windows update installed, being signed in with an administrator Microsoft account, and enabling Windows Backup. ESU is free for users utilizing Windows Backup; otherwise, a one-time fee or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points is required. For devices not qualifying for ESU, alternatives include installing third-party antivirus software, upgrading to Windows 11, or switching to Linux. To enroll in ESU, users can navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, where an Enroll Now link will appear if eligible.
Valve has introduced a revamped ranked mode for Deadlock, featuring a new match balancing system aimed at enhancing the competitive experience. This update marks a significant transformation from the previous straightforward ranked mode, which allowed players to select heroes and compete for ranks. Players should prepare for an adjustment period as the community adapts to these changes. Additionally, there are indications that Valve may consider expanding access to Deadlock beyond its current invite-only format.
NEOCRAFT LIMITED surprised fans by releasing Dynasty Warriors: Overlords mobile game earlier than expected. The game, licensed by Koei Tecmo, was initially set to launch on July 1 but launched servers on July 30. It features classic musou gameplay, story campaigns, cooperative raids, and boss battles. Players can download the game for free on iOS and Android devices.
Owning a Roku TV or streaming box allows for seamless integration with existing tech setups, enhancing the viewing experience. Users can mirror their Android phone's screen to the Roku device, provided both support the Miracast protocol. Most Roku devices support screen mirroring, but some Android devices, like Google Pixels, do not support Miracast natively. Users can still cast individual apps such as YouTube or Netflix using the DIAL protocol.
To mirror the screen, users must navigate to the settings menu on the Roku and select the screen mirroring mode. Samsung Galaxy users can easily mirror their screens by using the Smart View feature. While mirroring, a Smart View pill allows users to adjust settings and aspect ratios. If audio issues arise, users should check the volume on both devices.
Samsung Galaxy smartphone users can utilize the DeX feature for a desktop-like experience when connected to a Roku. To activate DeX wirelessly, users can access quick settings and select the Wireless DeX toggle. Some lag may occur during wireless use, which can be mitigated by adjusting the TV's picture mode to gaming.
