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Best Free PC Games You Should Be Playing in 2026
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

Best Free PC Games You Should Be Playing in 2026

The costs associated with PC gaming are rising, with new GPUs priced like used cars and AAA games exceeding high prices. However, there are many high-quality free games available. Marvel Rivals is a team-based hero shooter featuring characters from the Marvel universe, offering tactical gameplay and vibrant art. Valorant, developed by Riot Games, blends tactical shooting with character-specific abilities and remains popular five years after its launch, emphasizing team composition and skill. Delta Force has returned as a free-to-play tactical shooter, combining expansive battlefield modes with extraction gameplay, satisfying gunplay, and a robust player base. Wuthering Waves is an open-world action RPG with an anime art style and dynamic combat, allowing players to enjoy the game without spending money despite a gacha system. Dota 2, launched in 2013, remains one of the most played games on Steam, known for its depth, over 120 unique heroes, and a steep learning curve, along with a large esports scene. There are many more free PC games available across platforms like Steam and Epic, with new titles launching regularly and opportunities for players to discover quality games.
Wine has been translating Windows games to Linux since 1993, but Proton is what made it effortless
Winsage
April 2, 2026

Wine has been translating Windows games to Linux since 1993, but Proton is what made it effortless

Wine is a compatibility layer, not an emulator, that translates Windows API calls into POSIX equivalents, allowing Windows applications to run on Linux. Proton, developed by Valve, builds on Wine and includes additional components like DXVK and VKD3D-Proton to enhance performance for Windows games on Linux through Steam. For Steam users, Proton is recommended for a streamlined gaming experience, while Lutris is suggested for those outside the Steam ecosystem. Wine has been in development since 1993, focusing on recreating the Windows API, but faced challenges with gaming compatibility. Cedega was an early attempt to improve gaming support over Wine but ultimately declined. Valve's development of Proton was motivated by the need for better compatibility for Windows games on Linux, especially highlighted by the launch of the Steam Deck. Wine struggled with synchronization issues and handling direct kernel access by Windows applications, which Proton addressed with seccomp-bpf filters and syscall user dispatch. Both Wine and Proton are crucial to the current state of Linux gaming.
I tried Android Auto's new kids' games, and yes, they're a terrible idea
BetaBeacon
March 29, 2026

I tried Android Auto’s new kids’ games, and yes, they’re a terrible idea

- 75% of respondents would not allow their child to play games on Android Auto - Android Auto's latency does not make for a satisfying gaming experience - The dashboard screen is designed for front passengers, not for kids in the rear seat - Normalizing gaming on Android Auto within the car could negatively affect children when they eventually learn how to drive - The priority of adding kids' games to Android Auto is questioned, considering other features that could have been added first
Owlcat is using generative AI for The Expanse Osiris Reborn, but the final game will be "100% human made"
AppWizard
March 27, 2026

Owlcat is using generative AI for The Expanse Osiris Reborn, but the final game will be “100% human made”

Owlcat has admitted to using generative AI in the development of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, specifically for prototyping and placeholders, which will be replaced before final assets are created. PR manager Katharina Popp clarified that this approach is intended to streamline development, allowing for rapid iteration. However, this decision has sparked debate among fans, many of whom prefer human creativity over AI-generated content. Owlcat previously stated that generative AI was not used in their other titles, raising questions about their commitment to originality. The community has expressed resistance to the technology, with some players stating they do not want to play games that incorporate generative AI.
This Android TV launcher fixes everything I dislike about the default one
AppWizard
March 25, 2026

This Android TV launcher fixes everything I dislike about the default one

Android-based televisions, including Google TV models from TCL and Sony, often have a cluttered and slow default launcher filled with ads, recommendations, and bloatware, making navigation cumbersome. The Projectivy launcher offers a minimalistic, customizable, and ad-free alternative that enhances speed and flexibility. It allows users to modify their home screen, including app arrangements, icon sizes, and the visibility of categories. Projectivy supports features like tailored recommendations, remote control via smartphones, and custom app icons, although some features require a premium subscription. Overall, Projectivy provides a significantly faster and cleaner interface compared to the stock launcher.
Google Play Launches “Buy Once, Play Anywhere” Feature Across PC and Mobile Games
AppWizard
March 19, 2026

Google Play Launches “Buy Once, Play Anywhere” Feature Across PC and Mobile Games

Google Play has introduced a new feature called "buy once, play anywhere," allowing players to purchase select PC and mobile games and play them across both platforms. This feature was announced at GDC 2026. Additionally, Google Play has launched Game Trials, enabling players to try paid games before buying them. The platform currently has a larger selection of free-to-play games but plans to expand its catalog with more premium titles. While not all games will support the 'play anywhere' model, it has the potential to benefit the 160 million users of Google Play games. This initiative is part of Google’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the gaming sector, particularly in PC gaming.
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