portfolio Archives

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Riot Games Launches League of Legends 2026 Season 1 PC Café Event With Free Rewards, Skins and Esports Prizes

Riot Games has launched its first PC café promotion of 2026, coinciding with the Season 1 update for League of Legends. The promotion, running until January 21, offers in-game rewards, trial cosmetics, and sweepstakes for players at participating PC cafés. Players can earn tiered rewards based on playtime, with those logging 20 hours receiving up to 15 Hextech Chest and Key sets. Participants are also entered into prize drawings for tickets to major esports events. A separate reward track is available for ranked victories, offering randomized rewards. Additionally, players will have temporary access to 15 champion skins from the Demacia region until January 30.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026

Microsoft has officially ceased all support for Windows Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026, including paid extended security updates. This end-of-life scenario poses significant security risks for organizations still using the outdated operating system, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The transition away from Windows Server 2008 requires careful planning, as many organizations face challenges in migrating legacy applications to modern systems. The lack of ongoing patches means that any new vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance failures, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance. Microsoft has encouraged migration to Azure, offering incentives for early adopters, but the transition can be complex and costly. The end of support also affects global supply chains and compatibility with newer software applications. Organizations are advised to conduct audits of their software portfolios and consider hybrid environments to enhance flexibility and security.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Promising Bully mod, which mirrored GTA Online multiplayer, gets axed just one month after launching

Bully, a cult classic from Rockstar Games, remains popular two decades after its release. A group of modders, led by YouTuber Swegta, attempted to create a multiplayer version called Bully Online, featuring various minigames. However, the project was shut down, with an announcement stating that the Bully Online project is shutting down forever, leading to the closure of its server and removal of all associated data. The reasons for the shutdown are unclear, but monetization efforts may have raised legal concerns. Despite this, Bully's legacy endures, and there is hope for a sequel, Bully 2, in the future.

Tech Optimizer

January 12, 2026

Percona launches fixed-scope packages for open databases

Percona has launched Percona Packages, a suite of consulting and support services for database and IT teams using open-source systems. The initial offerings include: 1. **Quickstart**: Prepares database environments for high-demand periods with proactive optimization, a health check, and three months of expert support. 2. **Performance Optimization**: Identifies and resolves database performance issues, including slow queries and configuration problems, through hands-on tuning and best-practice guidance. 3. **AI Readiness**: Tailored for PostgreSQL, this package optimizes databases for AI workloads, featuring performance metrics analysis and benchmarks. These packages aim to address the skills shortage in data engineering and management, supporting various open-source database technologies like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, and Valkey. The services are designed to help organizations prepare for peak usage and improve ongoing performance, allowing them to focus on innovation rather than infrastructure.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Turkiye’s PC games to watch in 2026

A curated watchlist highlights promising Turkish video games set for release in 2026, featuring titles that indicate a 2026 release window on Steam. The main list includes: - Anomaly President by Phew Phew Games: A presidential roguelike action game set for Q1 2026 on PC. - Dead Engine by Chocolate Dungeon Games: A pixel-art, post-apocalyptic survival action-roguelite launching in Early Access on January 22, 2026. - Emberbane by Hamlet Games: A pixel-art action-adventure game scheduled for January 2026. - Eternity’s Echo: Patient Zero by Demonsoft Games: A first-person psychological survival-horror title set for Q1 2026. - Gamer Stop Simulator by Red Axe Games: A simulation game set in Japan, aiming for a higher visual standard, with no specific release date mentioned. - Island Market Simulator by Zentium Studio: Set for Q1 2026, focusing on managing an island-town business. - Mayhem Brawler II: Best of Both Worlds by Hero Concept: A beat 'em up game set for 2026 release on Steam and consoles. - Papa Needs a Headshot by Phew Phew Games and Vercial Games: An FPS set for Q2 2026 release. - Sagas of Lumin by Elos Games and Arts: An action RPG launching in Q1 2026. - The Enigma Cases by Red Axe Games: A co-op detective mystery game set for 2026. - Who Do Voodoo by Kuixo: A multiplayer social-deduction game targeting Q1 2026 for Early Access. Additionally, several titles are under consideration for a potential 2026 release, including: - Black State by Motion Blur: A single-player action-adventure shooter marked as “To be announced.” - Deckfort Alchemist by Team Machiavelli: A strategic roguelike tower defense game currently marked as “Coming soon.” - A new project from Fubu Games is anticipated following their successful titles in 2025.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Gamble 500+ Free Slot Games On the web, Zero Signal-Up otherwise genesis slots pc games Download

Players can earn ten complimentary spins in the Big Crappy Wolf slot game, with the potential to increase to twenty by collecting three additional scattered icons. Landing five icons on a payline can yield a 40x score. The game allows players to select the number of spins to be executed before returning to the controls. The game prominently features all three little pigs as symbols on the reels. The stuffed pig symbol pays out 8x for five on a payline, while the brick and wooden house pigs yield 10x and 12x, respectively. The game includes features like Swooping Reels and the ability to trigger Live Bonus Games by landing three Wolf Bonus symbols. The RTP rates can vary, with a favorable version close to 99% and a lower setting around 97.34%. Cash prizes are not available in free play mode, but players can win real cash rewards in other modes.

AppWizard

December 27, 2025

“The physical world gave us possibilities we didn’t have before”: How Grim Fandango’s 3D environments revolutionized PC gaming in 1998

Grim Fandango is influenced by film noir, art deco, and the Mexican Day of the Dead. Director Tim Schafer gained creative freedom for the game due to the success of his previous title, Full Throttle. Schafer was inspired by the 3D graphics of contemporary games like BioForge to innovate within the adventure game genre. The game was remastered in 2015, making it available on modern platforms and allowing players to switch to the original graphics. Schafer has a strong personal attachment to Grim Fandango and considers it a product of a talented collaborative team.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Siliconera’s PC Game of the Year 2025

The PC platform has become a supportive environment for indie game developers, allowing innovative titles to thrive before expanding to other systems. Siliconera's PC Game of the Year selections showcase games that have succeeded due to the unique PC ecosystem. The awards reflect the opinions of the Siliconera team, with multiplatform games assessed based on the platform that received the most support. Hades II continues the legacy of its predecessor, showcasing the developers' commitment to quality during its Early Access phase, resulting in a seamless gameplay experience. Monster Train 2 expands on the original by introducing more factions, increasing strategic possibilities and providing fresh challenges for players. Blue Prince, the winner, offers engaging puzzles with clear solutions, making it accessible for players who may struggle with traditional exploration puzzle games.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

‘We actually didn’t attribute any value’ to Warner’s game studios, Netflix boss says about the acquisition deal: ‘They’re relatively minor compared to the grand scheme of things’

Netflix has acquired Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal valued at nearly billion, which includes assets such as HBO, HBO Max, the DC Universe, and game studios. Despite this acquisition, Netflix's interest in expanding its gaming initiatives appears limited, as the company is shifting focus towards investments in generative AI. Warner Bros. has experienced both successes and challenges in its gaming division, with notable titles like Hogwarts Legacy and failures such as Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League leading to restructuring and project cancellations. The future of Warner Bros. Discovery and its gaming division remains uncertain amidst ongoing industry changes.

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

Cyberpunk platformer Replaced launches on PC, Xbox, Steam, GOG, and Epic in March 2026 after years of delay

Sad Cat Studios is gaining attention in the gaming industry due to its innovative game design and storytelling approach. The studio focuses on creativity and player engagement, blending traditional gameplay mechanics with new narratives. It has built a strong community by actively engaging with players on social media and forums, encouraging feedback and interaction. Additionally, Sad Cat Studios has formed strategic partnerships with established industry players to enhance its market presence and distribution channels. The studio has a pipeline of upcoming projects and aims to continue its growth while maintaining its commitment to creativity and community engagement.