ports Archives

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

“Why I Deleted My Steam Account After 20 Years”: Modder who spent “over a decade” fixing broken games with the “Swiss Army Knife of PC gaming” drops Valve, saying it has “fragmented PC gaming irreparably”

Kaldaien, known for his Special K utility mod, recently posted on GitHub about his decision to delete his Steam account after 20 years, criticizing Valve's Steam platform. He has spent over a decade improving PC game ports and argues that alternative platforms like the Epic Games Store and Microsoft Store offer better value without unnecessary features. He also praises GOG for promoting user control and version preservation, while acknowledging the challenges faced by all gaming platforms, including Steam. An expert noted that Valve has effectively managed issues that other services struggle with, comparing their approach to Netflix's user engagement strategies.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Microsoft fixes critical wormable Windows flaw (CVE-2025-47981)

Microsoft released patches for 130 vulnerabilities in the July 2025 Patch Tuesday update. Notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-49719, an uninitialized memory disclosure in Microsoft SQL Server, and CVE-2025-47981, a wormable remote code execution flaw in Windows. CVE-2025-49719 is assessed as having "unproven" exploit code, while CVE-2025-47981 has a high likelihood of exploitation within 30 days. Other vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-49717, a buffer overflow in SQL Server, and CVE-2025-49704, which allows code injection in SharePoint. Additionally, updates address vulnerabilities in Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) and Microsoft Edge, including CVE-2025-6554, which has been actively exploited. Administrators are advised to prioritize patching internet-facing assets and consider additional mitigations for RRAS vulnerabilities.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

After 4 years, Windows 11 finally beats Windows 10

Four years after its launch, Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 as the most widely used version of Windows, with 52% of users on Windows 11 compared to 44.59% on Windows 10. Six months prior, Windows 11 had only 35% market share. The shift in user adoption has been influenced by Microsoft's announcement of an end date for Windows 10 support in October 2025 and the introduction of the Windows Backup for Organizations tool, which has facilitated upgrades for businesses. Despite appealing upgrades, users have expressed frustrations with certain features, such as the right-click menu, which some find less intuitive. Microsoft is rolling out updates to improve user experience, including enabling USB-C ports on certified PCs and introducing new AI features.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Video Game Review | ‘Stellar Blade’ Comes to PC

Stellar Blade, originally a PlayStation 5 exclusive, has been released as a PC port. The game's narrative follows Eve, the last member of the 7th Airborne Squad, as she navigates a post-apocalyptic Earth to confront the Elder Naytiba. The combat system features heavy-hitting combos and a satisfying parry mechanic, with impressive animations. The game was tested on an RTX 4070 Super with 32 GB of RAM at maximum settings, running smoothly at 60 frames per second with minor audio glitches and occasional lag. Critics have compared it to Nier Automata, describing it as a budget version, but the combat mechanics are considered superior. Stellar Blade is available on Steam, the Epic Store, and the PlayStation Store.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

I wouldn’t be able to use my gaming PC without this one mod

Special K is a versatile utility for PC gaming that enhances gameplay across various titles. It features a frame rate limiter that improves consistency, surpassing Nvidia's built-in limiter in minimum frame rates during tests. Special K allows users to force games into borderless or exclusive fullscreen modes, enable Nvidia Reflex, adjust DLSS settings, and link input devices to specific applications. It also addresses HDR support issues by enabling HDR injection in games that lack native support, with extensive customization options for HDR settings. Originally developed to fix problems in PC ports like Fallout 4 and Batman: Arkham Knight, it has evolved to optimize a wide range of games, including Elden Ring, Monster Hunter: World, and Final Fantasy VII Remake. Special K has limitations with online games due to anti-cheat concerns but is highly applicable for single-player titles. The introduction of the SKIF GUI has made it more accessible for users.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

I built a PiKVM to control my PC remotely, and it’s a game-changer

The PiKVM project allows users to control a desktop or server remotely using a Raspberry Pi 4B and an HDMI-CSI bridge adapter, providing comprehensive keyboard, video, and mouse control even during reboots. It offers browser-based access to the PC's screen in real-time, enabling actions like force shutdowns, BIOS access, and operating system reinstallation, independent of the host system's operating system. The setup captures HDMI output and simulates USB input, functioning in scenarios like BIOS or crash screens. Essential components for building a PiKVM include a Raspberry Pi 4B, an HDMI-to-CSI bridge adapter, a microSD card, USB cables, an official power supply, and the latest PiKVM OS image. The setup process involves writing the OS image to the SD card, connecting the hardware, and accessing the web interface for remote control. PiKVM is beneficial for tasks such as troubleshooting boot sequences, configuring BIOS settings, and monitoring system status without physical interaction.

BetaBeacon

July 2, 2025

SEGA just delisted nine free classic mobile ports from iOS and Android

Twitter user @Wario64 has shared exciting news hinting at a potential collaboration or partnership, sparking speculation among fans and followers.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Cats Away Confirmed For PC & Console Release Next Week

Indie game developer Studio Saizensen, in collaboration with publisher Nicalis, will release Cats Away on July 10, 2025, for PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PS5. The game features three sisters—Kanna, Lilia, and Alicia—who embark on a maritime adventure with their feline companions. Players will manage their ship's crew and resources, engage in combat, and explore various ports. The game includes over 60 catmates with unique abilities, a single-player experience of over 30 hours, customizable ships, over 150 unique weapons, and an unlockable online mode. Special cat crew members inspired by popular characters will also be available.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

The Steam Summer Sale Is Officially Live With New PC Gaming Deals for 2025

The Steam Summer Sale is running until July 10, offering significant discounts on a variety of PC games. Notable deals include Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for .99, a Twin Pack of Final Fantasy VII Remake for .99, and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered at a 20% discount. Other highlighted indie titles from 2025 are R.E.P.O., Schedule I, and Blue Prince. Major discounts include Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Wars Battlefront II, each reduced by 90%. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is also available at its lowest price. Amazon Prime Day starts on July 8, offering deals on PC hardware and free PC games for Prime members.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Pterodactyl is my favorite way to manage self-hosted game servers, and no other tool comes close

Self-hosting game servers is more performance-efficient and cost-effective compared to commercial providers. Pterodactyl is a game-server management tool that supports various core games like Minecraft, Counter-Strike, and Garry's Mod, and allows for easy deployment through its two components: the panel and "Wings." Community-created "Eggs" enable users to host servers for specific games quickly. The setup process can be intricate, but tools like Proxmox helper scripts can assist. Deploying a server involves allocating necessary ports, and Pterodactyl simplifies configuration for various games. It provides an intuitive user interface and allows for remote management through port forwarding.