playing Archives

BetaBeacon

July 10, 2025

The Game Boy of my dreams is finally back in stock for good

The ModRetro Chromatic is the ultimate Game Boy, with an enhanced but authentic screen and exquisite build quality. It only plays Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, replicating the original hardware closely. It has a backlit LCD panel, premium build quality, and a battery indicator. The device has been restocked with new colorways and accessories. The price has been adjusted, making it a pricey option for diehard Game Boy fans. It is considered the ultimate way to play Game Boy cartridges for dedicated collectors.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Call of Duty: WWII pulled from PC Game Pass after hackers hijack players’ PCs

Activision has removed Call of Duty: WWII from the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass due to reports of player hacks linked to a critical security vulnerability that allowed hackers to gain remote access to players' computers. This issue arose shortly after the game's introduction to Microsoft’s Game Pass in late June 2025, with players experiencing computer freezes, unexpected command prompts, shutdowns, and direct messages from hackers. The vulnerability, known as Remote Code Execution (RCE), was present in the outdated version on the Microsoft Store, while the Steam version had been patched. Activision has not provided details on the removal or a timeline for the game's return, and players are advised against downloading it from any platform until security concerns are addressed.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Minecraft vs. Roblox: Which Video Game is #1 in 2025?

Roblox reported 79.5 million daily active users (DAUs) in Q1 2025, while Minecraft had 140 million monthly active users (MAUs) in 2023. Roblox generated .8 million in revenue in Q1 2025, compared to Minecraft's million for the entirety of 2023. 54% of Roblox users are under 13 years old, while Minecraft appeals to a broader demographic, including adults. Roblox focuses on user-generated content and social interaction, while Minecraft emphasizes creativity and nostalgia.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Can you guess the PC game based only on the health bar?

Health bars are essential informational tools in gaming, experiencing a resurgence in RPGs while declining in popularity among big-budget shooters. Recent years have seen the creation of aesthetically pleasing and uniquely designed health bars. Players often spend significant time looking at these indicators, raising questions about their memorability. A quiz is available to test players' ability to identify games by their health bars, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary titles. Some iconic health bars, like Isaac's from Dead Space, may not be included in the quiz.

BetaBeacon

July 9, 2025

Google is turning Circle to Search into the game guru you never knew you needed

Google has introduced a new gaming help feature to Circle to Search, allowing players to access tips and information about the game they are playing to progress and overcome challenges.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Steam Users Buy Games They’re Never Going to Play, Says Analyst

Steam remains the largest online gaming store for PC users, despite Epic Games' efforts to compete. Valve takes a 30% revenue cut from developers, while Epic takes only 12% after the first million in revenue. Steam's popularity is attributed to its large community of gamers who often buy games they do not play. Analysts note that Valve has successfully marketed to individuals overwhelmed by entertainment options, creating a scenario where gamers feel they might eventually play the games they purchase. A survey indicated that many players add games to their wishlist without trying them. An example is Chris Wray, who owns 6,062 games on Steam but has only played about 20% of them. Steam frequently offers significant discounts, especially during sales events.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Activision pulls Call of Duty game after PC players are hacked

Activision has removed Call of Duty: WWII from the Microsoft Store and Game Pass due to security breaches affecting players. The game is offline while the publisher investigates reports of hacks experienced by PC users. It remains available on Steam and other consoles. Players have reported significant security threats, including a video from streamer Wrioh demonstrating hacking incidents. The version of the game on Microsoft’s platforms reportedly contained an outdated flaw.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Activision took down Call of Duty game after PC players hacked, says source

Activision has temporarily removed the Microsoft Store version of “Call of Duty: WWII” due to a serious security breach involving a vulnerability that allowed hackers unauthorized access to players' computers. The company is investigating the situation and is working on a patch to resolve the exploit. Players have reported hacking incidents while playing, with concerns raised about a remote code execution vulnerability. The affected version of the game differs from those on Steam, as it contained an outdated flaw that had already been patched elsewhere. Activision has faced multiple hacking incidents in recent years, including issues with its anti-cheat system and malware targeting players. The company has also experienced layoffs that have impacted its cybersecurity resources.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Android Auto’s Spotify update adds new playlist options for long trips

Spotify has updated its app to enhance collaboration with Android Auto, introducing the Spotify Jam feature that allows all vehicle passengers to contribute to a shared playlist by scanning a QR code. This feature is available to anyone, including those with free Spotify accounts, while the connected device must have a Spotify Premium account. The update also includes visual enhancements, such as a new floating Search button for easier access to a voice-powered search page, allowing users to select tracks from a list of results instead of automatically playing a suggested track. Additionally, the Downloaded section in the Spotify library has been made more prominent, with indicators for offline tracks, improving access for users mindful of data usage. Users can access these features by updating the Spotify app on their smartphones, with similar enhancements planned for vehicles with built-in Android Auto in the future.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Gamers hacked playing Call of Duty: WWII—PC version temporarily taken offline

The PC version of Call of Duty: WWII has been temporarily taken offline due to a serious security concern involving a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability. This flaw allows attackers to execute malicious code on players' machines without consent, leading to unauthorized control during multiplayer sessions. Exploits reported include opening command prompts, sending messages via Notepad, forcing remote shutdowns, and changing desktop wallpapers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for PC gamers using Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service, as it stems from the game's reliance on peer-to-peer networking. Activision is speculated to be enhancing its anti-cheat systems in response, but the effectiveness of updates to address the RCE vulnerability is uncertain.