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15 indie games we saw during the Big Indie Pitch at NAGIS that you've got to check out
AppWizard
July 2, 2026

15 indie games we saw during the Big Indie Pitch at NAGIS that you’ve got to check out

The Big Indie Pitch event recently took place in Canada, showcasing indie developers and their PC and console games. Sponsored by Xsolla, the event featured a speed-dating format where developers presented their games to a panel of industry experts for five minutes. This format allowed for feedback and insights from professionals in publishing, scouting, and media. The event attracted developers at various project stages and served as a networking opportunity. The pitching sessions are a staple of Pocket Gamer Connects conferences and other gaming events worldwide. Interested participants can visit the Big Indie Pitch website for information on future events.
Windows 11’s huge July 14 update is loaded with new features — these are the 13 that matter most
Winsage
June 26, 2026

Windows 11’s huge July 14 update is loaded with new features — these are the 13 that matter most

Microsoft will launch the Windows 11 July 2026 Security Update on July 14, 2026, introducing new features and bug fixes. Key features include the Point-in-time Restore recovery feature, which allows users to revert to a stable system state using restore points, and enhancements to Bluetooth, network virtualization, and touchpad functionality. The update will be available for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, managed through Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology. The update enhances the "Pause updates" functionality with a calendar view for pausing updates for up to 35 days. The Magnifier tool will allow users to input exact zoom percentages, and printer installations will default to the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). Location settings will be simplified, and File Explorer will see performance improvements, including new options on the Home page. Bluetooth enhancements will improve reliability and audio performance, while Phone Link will refine call handling between Windows 11 and smartphones. Voice Typing and Voice Access will be improved for real-time text refinement and support multiple languages. Networking improvements will focus on reliability and performance, particularly in virtualized environments, and touchpad customization options will allow adjustments to the right-click area.
Minecraft Update 3.41 Released on June 25 to Apply Fixes
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Minecraft Update 3.41 Released on June 25 to Apply Fixes

Mojang released a hotfix for Minecraft on June 25, identified as update 3.41, which includes technical enhancements for gameplay stability and user experience. The update resolves an issue preventing players from joining Experiences when 'Screen Animations' was disabled, addresses an ID collision for split-screen guests on Nintendo Switch, fixes a glitch with projectiles from upward-facing dispensers, and corrects several crashes that could disrupt gameplay, including one in the main menu on Switch.
Minecraft Bedrock Update 26.31 Released as Patch 1.051
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock Update 26.31 Released as Patch 1.051

Minecraft Bedrock version 26.31 (console version 1.051) was released on June 25, focusing on bug fixes. Key updates include: - Resolved an issue preventing players from joining Experiences when 'Screen Animations' was disabled, which caused freezing. - Fixed an ID collision issue for split-screen guests on Nintendo Switch. - Corrected a bug preventing projectiles from launching from upward-facing dispensers. - Addressed multiple crashes during gameplay and a crash issue in the main menu on Switch.
14 indie games we saw at Pocket Gamer Connects Barcelona that you've got to check out
AppWizard
June 24, 2026

14 indie games we saw at Pocket Gamer Connects Barcelona that you’ve got to check out

The Very Big Indie Pitch at Pocket Gamer Connects Barcelona 2026, sponsored by Xsolla, showcased indie game development through a speed-dating style competition where developers presented their games to industry experts for feedback. The event included both mobile and PC/console segments, featuring a variety of innovative projects. It served as a networking opportunity for developers and highlighted work-in-progress titles. The pitching sessions are a staple of PG Connects conferences, offering insights into regional development scenes and connecting indie developers with industry professionals.
Minecraft Is Becoming Entertainment’s Most Unexpected Storytelling Tool
AppWizard
June 18, 2026

Minecraft Is Becoming Entertainment’s Most Unexpected Storytelling Tool

In Minecraft, avatars lack facial expressions, prompting players to use imagination and body language for emotional interpretation. Players utilize vocal cues for storytelling, making viewers active participants who can influence gameplay. This interactive storytelling fosters social bonds between creators and audiences, allowing real-time audience engagement. Minecraft serves as a versatile platform for gaming, filmmaking, animation, and social networking, promoting independent media consumption. As Generation Z and Alpha engage with narratives across multiple platforms, Minecraft exemplifies this trend. Community innovators, including modders and animators, have inspired Mojang Studios to create narrative content like Minecraft Story Mode and Minecraft Dungeons, with a sequel set to release in September.
'[It] is going to change a lot about how games are made': Epic merges Unreal Engine 5 with Unreal Engine for Fortnite to give game devs around the world Unreal Engine 6
AppWizard
June 18, 2026

‘[It] is going to change a lot about how games are made’: Epic merges Unreal Engine 5 with Unreal Engine for Fortnite to give game devs around the world Unreal Engine 6

Epic Games unveiled developments for Unreal Engine 6 at the State of Unreal event in Chicago, highlighting its evolution from Unreal Engine 5. The new engine will incorporate features from Fortnite and UEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite), which allows users to create game levels easily. Unreal Engine 6 will adopt open standards for tools, code, and APIs to simplify development across industries. The anticipated release is set for 2027, with early access expected by the end of that year. Verse, a new scripting language, will be central to the gameplay programming model, while C++ will remain foundational. The Scene Graph will replace the existing gameplay framework, and artificial intelligence will play a larger role, with the UE5.8 release introducing the MCP server plugin for deploying large language models.
When Windows 7 Arrived in Japan, It Came Printed on Toilet Paper
Winsage
June 14, 2026

When Windows 7 Arrived in Japan, It Came Printed on Toilet Paper

On October 22, 2009, Japan launched Windows 7, accompanied by a unique promotional item: a roll of toilet paper featuring Windows 7 branding and details about its enhancements. This marketing strategy was similar to the previous promotion for Windows Vista Service Pack 1. The toilet paper included messages about Windows 7's speed, security, and compatibility improvements, with sections detailing faster startup times, enhanced memory management, a streamlined user interface, and security features like the Action Center and BitLocker To Go. Networking capabilities were improved with HomeGroup, and Windows Media Center expanded its functionality. The design of the promotional toilet paper allowed users to revisit key points easily, and some versions mimicked Windows software boxes. This initiative was driven by local retailers, reflecting Japan's trend of quirky promotions in the electronics retail sector.
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