Notion Archives

AppWizard

September 13, 2026

Playing RTS with a controller? Total War: Warhammer 40,000 dev says it ‘really does work’ in their game: ‘I think we’ve landed in a really solid spot’

Creative Assembly is set to release Total War: Warhammer 40,000 on consoles, challenging the belief that controller support is incompatible with real-time strategy (RTS) gameplay. Dave Petry, the battle product owner, stated that controllers are an accessibility tool that can enhance player engagement. The studio has prior experience with console RTS games, having co-developed Halo Wars 2, which successfully integrated controller support. Total War: Warhammer 40,000 will focus on real-time battles rather than traditional building and technology management, and Petry is optimistic about creating a satisfying experience for players using controllers.

Winsage

September 13, 2026

Microsoft reveals why 32-bit Windows was limited to 4GB RAM, and it wasn’t a technical limit

32-bit Windows is commonly thought to be limited to 4GB of RAM due to its 32-bit address space, but this overlooks the role of Physical Address Extension (PAE), which allows access to more than 4GB of RAM on compatible processors. PAE enables 32-bit x86 processors to use 36-bit physical addresses. Windows allocates a 4GB virtual address space to each 32-bit application, with 2GB reserved for the application and 2GB for system use. Windows Server 2003 SP1 Enterprise can support up to 64GB of RAM, while the Datacenter edition can handle 128GB. Microsoft did not extend this capability to consumer editions due to the complexities and potential issues with hardware drivers, which often assume a 32-bit framework. Modifying drivers for PAE can be challenging, as incorrect assumptions about physical and virtual addresses can lead to memory corruption. To mitigate risks, Microsoft capped physical address space at 4GB in Windows XP SP2 and Windows Server 2003 SP1 Standard Edition. Server environments typically have more controlled hardware selections, allowing for the use of drivers that are tested for compatibility with addresses exceeding 4GB. Microsoft began discouraging the production of 32-bit systems in 2020 and ended 32-bit edition production with Windows 11.

Winsage

September 7, 2026

Excel keeps people on Windows, and a Linux distro creator wants Microsoft to end that

Omarchy is a Linux distribution created by David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH), designed for developers and creators, based on Arch Linux. DHH has challenged Microsoft to develop native Office applications for Linux, highlighting that while Microsoft 365's web version is available, Linux users only access about 90% of the functionality compared to Windows users. Microsoft’s revenue from Windows has decreased by 7% year-over-year, while Microsoft 365 Commercial cloud revenue has grown by 14%, and Azure by 43%. Windows now accounts for only 5% of Microsoft's total revenue, indicating a shift towards cloud services. Microsoft has launched Edge for Linux and supports tools like VS Code and PowerShell on the platform. The web version of Office lacks features found in the desktop version, affecting usability for professionals. Despite Linux's growing interest, particularly through the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), it may not be enough to prompt Microsoft to prioritize a native Office port. DHH's Omarchy aims to create a user-friendly Linux experience rather than convert Windows users.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

‘If you’re designing an RPG, you have to go back to the source:’ The post-apocalyptic RPG Entropy takes notes from Fallout and a long-abandoned Warhammer spinoff

Entropy is an early access RPG developed by the creators of Dread Delusion, marking a shift towards a JRPG style reminiscent of Final Fantasy 10 and Lost Odyssey, while also incorporating elements from PC gaming traditions. The game features a larger party size for tactical battles, permadeath mechanics, and locational damage. Lead developer James Wragg emphasizes the influence of tabletop gaming on the design, allowing for extensive character customization and creative freedom due to its low-fi graphics. Entropy is currently available in early access on Steam, along with a free demo for players.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

There are two kinds of Windows users—and one of them is unknowingly making the OS worse

There is a divide between casual Windows users and engaged enthusiasts, with passive users often accepting default settings that contribute to system bloat. Passive users enable telemetry and promotional content by not customizing their installations, while active users take steps to enhance privacy and performance. Microsoft interprets user inaction as approval for unwanted features, leading to an accumulation of bloatware and unnecessary updates. The Connected User Experiences and Telemetry service collects user data, justifying the inclusion of features like Copilot, which many users may not want. Users face challenges in maintaining control over their systems, often needing technical knowledge to opt out of unwanted features. Microsoft's feedback system is inadequate, interpreting silence as consent rather than a lack of interest, making it difficult for users to effect meaningful change.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

Are Vibe-Coding and AI-Slop the cause of Windows 11 issues (desktop background, mouse pointer, etc.)?

The preview update KB5120998 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, released on August 27, 2026, has caused issues such as erratic mouse pointer behavior and disappearing desktop backgrounds, particularly in non-English versions. Microsoft has acknowledged these problems, indicating that they stem from coding practices that fail to load certain settings correctly. Specific issues include a "black desktop background" due to desktop settings not loading and mouse customization resetting to default configurations. The problems may be related to translation issues within the registry, as registry keys have been altered post-update. Users have suggested that manually adjusting these registry keys could restore normal functionality.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

I spent a month with YouTube Premium Lite, and I’m already canceling my subscription

YouTube Premium Lite was launched in South Africa as a budget-friendly option at R49.99 per month, approximately 39% cheaper than the full YouTube Premium subscription. Users were disappointed to find that ads still appeared in various areas of the app, including recommended feeds and search results, despite the promise of an ad-free experience. The service lacks features such as offline video downloads, leading to a perception that users are not getting their money's worth. A survey indicated that many users opt out of YouTube Premium, often using ad blockers or tolerating ads instead. The demand for a more affordable ad-free experience remains unmet, and users feel that their subscriptions do not adequately support creators, especially as Alphabet reports record profits.

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Resident Evil 2’s director believes Capcom has become ‘completely numb to how scary’ recent games have been and wants a ‘non-horror mode’

Players of horror games, particularly those with extensive experience, are becoming desensitized to fear, as noted by one player who found the latest Resident Evil installment lacking in genuine scares. Hideki Kamiya, director of Resident Evil 2, believes Capcom has become oblivious to horror elements in recent titles and admits to his own inability to handle scary content. He humorously suggested a lighter version of the franchise with non-scary modes. This raises questions about accessibility in horror gaming, as many players find it difficult to introduce friends to the genre due to its intense fear factor. Kamiya expressed a desire for a non-horror mode, highlighting a disconnect between developers and their audience. The player hopes Capcom will maintain the horror essence of the franchise, longing for a return to the intense fear experienced in Resident Evil 7.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Fable’s story will be ’15-20 hours’ long, according to its game director, although the game’s life systems are ‘limitless’

Fable will offer approximately 40 hours of gameplay, including 15 to 20 hours for the main storyline and an equal amount for side quests and exploration. The game features innovative life-systems that allow players to engage with NPCs, commit various acts, and purchase property, potentially leading to limitless gameplay possibilities. It will also introduce a sophisticated reputation system that is character-specific, allowing for nuanced in-game navigation, and wealth may enable players to bypass certain moral dilemmas.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

The Blood of Dawnwalker review

The Blood of Dawnwalker, developed by Rebel Wolves and published by Bandai Namco, is set to launch on September 3, 2026, priced at in the U.S. and £60 in the U.K. It is a vampire RPG set in a world reminiscent of 1300s Romania, featuring a protagonist named Coen, a peasant navigating a land ruled by a warfaring vampire named Brencis. The game emphasizes moral ambiguity and presents players with difficult choices that often lead to unfavorable outcomes. It has a runtime of approximately 40 hours and is noted for its worldbuilding and storytelling, though it has been criticized for lacking innovative RPG design and suffering from common open-world issues.