NewApp Digest
search bot

paper

What 'long tail' should you expect for your PC game in 2026?
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

What ‘long tail’ should you expect for your PC game in 2026?

GameDiscoverCo hosted the 'Scrappy Saves The Animals' game jam in collaboration with the Oakland Ballers on Itch.io, with the top game being Scrappy’s Rescue Run, which will be showcased at an upcoming event. GDCO Pro reported on trending unreleased Steam games, with Dear Passengers leading in wishlists, followed by Paper Shredder and Guildrun. An analysis revealed that AI-flagged games achieve around 3,000 sales, which is 55% of the rate of non-AI titles. The Binding Of Isaac Complete Bundle sold nearly 4 million additional units after a 90% off sale during the Steam Summer Sale. A developer was arrested for injecting malware into Steam games, affecting around 8,000 users and stealing approximately 0,000 in cryptocurrency. Roblox announced a UGC-centric Build feature, raising concerns about predatory offers to creators. Xbox Game Pass added titles like Halo: Campaign Evolved and Beast of Reincarnation. Valve updated SteamVR with a more VR-native interface. Epic Games and Google withdrew a lawsuit settlement attempt that could impact Android app stores. GameDiscoverCo Pro introduced automated graph annotations for Steam demo launches. An analysis of games released between July 2023 and July 2025 showed cumulative sales increases over time, with higher-priced titles having better long-term sales. Multiplayer and co-op games are experiencing promising sales trajectories. The GameDiscover Show has returned, discussing trends in game discovery and insights from GDCo’s AI survey.
I Built My Second ETL Pipeline. This Time, I Started Thinking Like a Data Engineer
Tech Optimizer
July 21, 2026

I Built My Second ETL Pipeline. This Time, I Started Thinking Like a Data Engineer

The author transitioned from a data analyst role to a data engineer, creating a 12-month self-study roadmap focused on learning by building projects. The first project was a GitHub ETL pipeline, which evolved from a simple Python script to a more complex system using SQLite and GitHub Actions for automation. The author realized that the challenges of data engineering lay in system design and orchestration rather than just writing ETL logic. For the second project, the author built an automated RSS ingestion pipeline to explore engineering decisions in creating a reliable data pipeline. The project emphasized the importance of separating application responsibilities from orchestration tasks, leading to the use of Docker for consistent execution environments and Kestra for orchestration. The author validated each component of the project incrementally: first the Python ETL, then PostgreSQL, followed by Docker, and finally Kestra. This approach ensured that each layer functioned correctly before adding complexity. The final architecture included distinct responsibilities for each component: Python for data processing, PostgreSQL for data storage, Docker for execution, and Kestra for orchestration. The author learned that effective engineering involves considering system reliability, error handling, and observability, shifting the focus from merely writing code to designing entire systems. The experience transformed the author's mindset, emphasizing the importance of incremental building and the separation of execution and orchestration responsibilities.
Overwatch's attempt at bringing back 6v6 feels like a bad compromise—it just doesn't work
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

Overwatch’s attempt at bringing back 6v6 feels like a bad compromise—it just doesn’t work

Overwatch introduced a 1-3-2 flex mode, allowing one tank, three DPS, and two support characters, with the option for one DPS to switch to tank. Early experiences indicate that teams with two tanks often dominate those with one, raising concerns about the format's balance. Adjustments to tank health and abilities do not sufficiently address the advantages of having two tanks. The exploration of this hybrid format does not resolve the ongoing debate between the 5v5 and 6v6 setups, as each has distinct characteristics that complicate finding a viable compromise.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

Fanatical has a new cozy bundle offering 18 Steam Deck-friendly games worth $192 for just $30

Fanatical has launched the Best of Cozy bundle, featuring a selection of cozy games that are Verified and Playable on the Steam Deck. The bundle allows users to build their own collection with pricing incentives: three to four games cost .85 each, five to six games cost .75 each, and seven or more games cost .65 each. Purchasing all 18 games in the bundle is priced at , representing an 85% discount from the original total of 2. The bundle includes various titles, each with a Steam key for redemption, and their compatibility with the Steam Deck is noted. Prices are accurate as of July 10th, 2026, but may fluctuate.
Even though Old School RuneScape was 'not built to have a LAN setup at all,' it just had a live esports tournament with 4,000 attendees: 'We were doubting at times whether we actually can pull it off'
AppWizard
July 13, 2026

Even though Old School RuneScape was ‘not built to have a LAN setup at all,’ it just had a live esports tournament with 4,000 attendees: ‘We were doubting at times whether we actually can pull it off’

On June 20, 4,000 fans attended the Deadman All Stars PvP tournament for Old School RuneScape in Chicago, with over one million viewers online. The tournament showcased a successful adaptation of the game for modern esports, featuring a combat system that requires quick item switching and strategic gameplay. Players used their own equipment for comfort and performance, often opting for a low-resolution display to enhance focus. The matches followed a format similar to crew battles, with players starting fresh accounts and a 120-hour playtime limit to prepare. Jagex faced logistical challenges in creating a LAN setup for the tournament, which was their first major event in North America and their largest to date, surpassing RuneFest in the UK.
Going from skull-cracker to safecracker in Dishonored 2
AppWizard
July 12, 2026

Going from skull-cracker to safecracker in Dishonored 2

The author reflects on their experience playing Dishonored and its sequel, detailing their initial chaotic playstyle that led to a High Chaos ending. They express a desire to adopt a stealth approach in the game, facing challenges from the Chaos system and the deteriorating state of the city. In Dishonored 2, they aim for a flawless run without kills or detections, which requires extensive planning and execution. The Clockwork Mansion mission tests their resolve, particularly when confronting the character Kirin Jindosh and solving the Jindosh Lock puzzle. The author ultimately finds satisfaction in solving the puzzle independently, using creativity and notes to aid in their success.
Google Cloud: PostgreSQL community contribution updates
Tech Optimizer
July 10, 2026

Google Cloud: PostgreSQL community contribution updates

Google Cloud actively participates in the PostgreSQL ecosystem by supporting community-driven events and contributing to open-source initiatives. Recent key events include: - **PGConf.dev 2026**: Featured strategic discussions on logical replication and global index architecture, with a consensus to adopt a deparsing-based approach for DDL replication. Dilip Kumar presented on global indexes. - **PGConf India 2026**: Attracted over 580 participants, featuring various sessions including keynotes and technical talks by Google Cloud contributors. - **PGDay Paris & PGDay France 2026**: Matt Cornillon was involved in organizing PGDay France, with sessions led by him and Yves Colin. - **PGDay FOSDEM 2026**: Focused on AI-assisted workflows in PostgreSQL development, with a technical talk by Matt Cornillon. - **PGConf Belgium 2026**: The session was selected as supplementary material for a database exam, indicating student engagement. - **Nordic PG Day 2026**: Google participated as a Partner-level sponsor and hosted a dedicated booth. - **Swiss PGDay 2026**: Featured a demonstration on processing vectors in PostgreSQL. - **Postgres Conference 2026 San Jose**: Google sponsored the event, with Vikas Arora discussing PostgreSQL adaptations for AI workloads. Community leadership roles included: - Dilip Kumar on the Program Committee for PGConf.dev 2026 and the Paper Selection Committee for PGConf India 2026. - Matt Cornillon on the organization committee for PGDay France, and Yves Colin on the Program Committee. Acknowledgment was given to various contributors for their dedication to PostgreSQL conferences.
Steam Summer Sale may be over, but this Fanatical bundle has 15 Steam Deck games worth $206 for $22
AppWizard
July 10, 2026

Steam Summer Sale may be over, but this Fanatical bundle has 15 Steam Deck games worth $206 for $22

The Steam Summer Sale ends on July 9, and Fanatical has launched the Onyx Bundle, allowing gamers to customize their selection of titles. The pricing for the bundle is as follows: three to four games cost .65 each, five to six games cost .60 each, seven or more games cost [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As the Steam Summer Sale draws to a close, with its final curtain falling on July 9, gamers are left to reflect on the discounts that have now reverted to their original prices. However, for those who may have missed the excitement, Fanatical has introduced a new opportunity that is sure to pique interest among Steam Deck owners and PC gamers alike. What does the bundle offer? How much does it cost? Enter the Onyx Bundle, a customizable offering that allows gamers to select their desired titles rather than purchasing a pre-defined package. This build-your-own theme empowers players to curate their gaming experience, enabling them to exclude any games they may have already played or simply aren’t interested in. The flexibility of this bundle means you can also share any extra codes with friends. The pricing structure of the Onyx Bundle is designed to reward bulk selections. For instance, choosing three to four games will set you back .65 each, while selecting five to six games lowers the price to .60 per title. The savings continue to grow, with seven or more games bringing the cost down to an impressive .45 each. Opting for the full 15 Steam Deck-compatible games will cost only .75, a staggering 89% discount from the original total of 5.84. Here’s a detailed look at the Steam Deck-friendly games included in Fanatical’s Onyx Bundle. Keep in mind that this offer is available for just six more days, so act quickly to take advantage of these savings: Game Steam Deck compatibility Original price Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate Verified .99 Last Time I Saw You Verified .99 Heroes Of Loot: Gauntlet Of Power Verified .99 Surmount: A Mountain Climbing Adventure Verified .99 Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Playable .99 Hamster on Rails Playable .99 SHEEPO Verified .99 Escape From Lavender Island Playable .99 Garden Simulator Verified .99 Fight of Animals Unknown, but reportedly runs fine .99 Russian Subway Dogs Unknown, but reportedly runs fine after some tweaks .99 Omno Playable .99 Nasty Zombies Playable .99 Diorama Builder + Medieval Castle DLC Playable .98 VOSPETKA Simulator Playable .99 For newcomers to the Steam Deck ecosystem, games marked as Verified are guaranteed to perform seamlessly on the device, while those labeled as Playable may require minor adjustments for optimal play. Additionally, for those looking to expand their library further, Fanatical's Indiependence Day bundle features 15 Steam Deck-friendly games valued at 8, available for just .49." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].45 each, and the full 15 games cost [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As the Steam Summer Sale draws to a close, with its final curtain falling on July 9, gamers are left to reflect on the discounts that have now reverted to their original prices. However, for those who may have missed the excitement, Fanatical has introduced a new opportunity that is sure to pique interest among Steam Deck owners and PC gamers alike. What does the bundle offer? How much does it cost? Enter the Onyx Bundle, a customizable offering that allows gamers to select their desired titles rather than purchasing a pre-defined package. This build-your-own theme empowers players to curate their gaming experience, enabling them to exclude any games they may have already played or simply aren’t interested in. The flexibility of this bundle means you can also share any extra codes with friends. The pricing structure of the Onyx Bundle is designed to reward bulk selections. For instance, choosing three to four games will set you back .65 each, while selecting five to six games lowers the price to .60 per title. The savings continue to grow, with seven or more games bringing the cost down to an impressive .45 each. Opting for the full 15 Steam Deck-compatible games will cost only .75, a staggering 89% discount from the original total of 5.84. Here’s a detailed look at the Steam Deck-friendly games included in Fanatical’s Onyx Bundle. Keep in mind that this offer is available for just six more days, so act quickly to take advantage of these savings: Game Steam Deck compatibility Original price Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate Verified .99 Last Time I Saw You Verified .99 Heroes Of Loot: Gauntlet Of Power Verified .99 Surmount: A Mountain Climbing Adventure Verified .99 Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Playable .99 Hamster on Rails Playable .99 SHEEPO Verified .99 Escape From Lavender Island Playable .99 Garden Simulator Verified .99 Fight of Animals Unknown, but reportedly runs fine .99 Russian Subway Dogs Unknown, but reportedly runs fine after some tweaks .99 Omno Playable .99 Nasty Zombies Playable .99 Diorama Builder + Medieval Castle DLC Playable .98 VOSPETKA Simulator Playable .99 For newcomers to the Steam Deck ecosystem, games marked as Verified are guaranteed to perform seamlessly on the device, while those labeled as Playable may require minor adjustments for optimal play. Additionally, for those looking to expand their library further, Fanatical's Indiependence Day bundle features 15 Steam Deck-friendly games valued at 8, available for just .49." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].75 each, representing an 89% discount from the original total of 5.84. The bundle includes various Steam Deck-compatible games, with some marked as Verified and others as Playable. Additionally, Fanatical offers an Indiependence Day bundle featuring 15 Steam Deck-friendly games valued at , available for .49.
Search