programmer Archives

Winsage

May 27, 2026

When Microsoft was developing Windows 95, developers discovered that SimCity had a severe memory bug that caused it to crash on the new operating system—but instead of forcing the game studio to fix it, Microsoft engineers actually rewrote the core Windows 95 source code to detect if SimCity was running and safely allocate memory for it.

Windows 95 contains a block of code that checks if the user is playing SimCity and adjusts memory management to address a bug from the game's programming. This bug, a "use-after-free" error introduced by SimCity's developer Jon Ross, went unnoticed in Windows 3.x but caused crashes in Windows 95 due to its different memory management. Instead of asking Maxis to fix the bug, Microsoft engineers modified Windows 95 to mimic the older memory behavior, ensuring SimCity would run smoothly. This approach reflects Microsoft's broader strategy of maintaining compatibility with older software through various "shims," allowing legacy programs to function on modern systems.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

Russia’s State-Mandated Max Messenger Reportedly Hides Powerful Tracking Tools

The state-mandated messenger Max, developed by VK and supported by the Kremlin, is preinstalled on all new smartphones in Russia as of September 1, 2025, and is designed to function during internet blackouts. Following WhatsApp's ban in February 2026, officials have promoted Max as a "sovereign" alternative to Western messaging platforms. A reverse-engineering study revealed numerous surveillance features in Max, including VPN detection that restricts access until VPNs are disabled, real-time monitoring of contact lists, NFC control for manipulating the phone's NFC chip, silent message deletion, IP address tracking, a persistent hardware identifier, the creation of fake chats and reviews, and code injection capabilities. The study also found an on-device machine-learning system that detects keywords from audio input and the ability to record microphone audio during calls without user notification. Additionally, Max monitors access to foreign services and compiles sensitive user information into reports sent to analytics channels. The integration of Max is part of Moscow's broader initiative to consolidate internet traffic through state-controlled platforms, even reaching the International Space Station for communication purposes. Critics view the promotion of Max as part of a strategy to establish a "sovereign" communications system, raising concerns about digital privacy and freedom in Russia.

Winsage

May 13, 2026

Linux gains more critical Windows apps … 3D Movie Maker and Space Cadet Pinball

Several notable Windows applications, including Space Cadet Pinball and Microsoft 3D Movie Maker, have been successfully ported to Linux. Space Cadet Pinball, originally part of the Microsoft Plus Pack for Windows 95, has been decompiled and rebuilt, now available across 14 platforms, including Linux, thanks to Muzychenko Andrey. The source code for Microsoft 3D Movie Maker was released by Microsoft, and a new fork has been developed by Mark Cave-Ayland and Ben Stone, enabling it to run on Linux. Their project also includes bug fixes, 64-bit compatibility, and builds for ARM64 Windows, with plans for a Raspberry Pi version.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Surprise: The studio making Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is full of former BioWare devs

LucasFilm Games announced a new title, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, at The Game Awards 2025, described as a "spiritual successor" to the Knights of the Old Republic series. Casey Hudson, former project director of KotOR and Mass Effect, is the CEO and game director at Arcanaut Studios, which he co-founded after leaving BioWare. The development team includes former BioWare employees, such as Chris Bain, the CFO, and Ryan Hoyle, the CTO. The studio's team also features talent from companies like Microsoft, Epic, Remedy, The Coalition, and ZeniMax. The game's artistic direction includes sci-fi visuals that align with the Old Republic aesthetic. Fate of the Old Republic will introduce new characters and a fresh storyline, not serving as a direct sequel to previous games. Arcanaut Studios was established in 2025.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Subnautica 2 Coming to Xbox Game Preview on May 14

Subnautica 2 will debut in Game Preview on May 14 for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, ROG Xbox Ally, and through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Players will assume the role of a crew member aboard Alterra’s CICADA ship, tasked with creating a home for themselves and 40,000 passengers. The game will feature multiplayer capabilities, allowing exploration solo or with up to three friends. The developers have optimized the game for Xbox, focusing on performance and controller experience. The ROG Xbox Ally's performance was considered during development, with a default graphics preset and customization options. The game is a result of years of development, with ongoing updates planned for new biomes, creatures, and craftables. Players can add Subnautica 2 to their Xbox Store wishlist and join the Official Discord for updates.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Review: ‘Minecraft’ is still getting better with version 26.1

Minecraft was developed by Markus "Notch" Persson in May 2009 and led to the establishment of Mojang Studios a month later. The official version was released for Mac and PC in November 2011. By September 2014, it had sold 54 million copies and had 100 million registered users, prompting Microsoft's acquisition of Minecraft and Mojang Studios. Under Microsoft's ownership, the game has continued to grow, with the latest version, Minecraft 26.1, released in March, featuring new blocks, mechanics, mobs, and challenges.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Subnautica 2 dev confirms there’s no gen AI “at all” in its survival sequel

The development of Subnautica 2 faced challenges between Unknown Worlds and its publisher, Krafton, but these issues have been resolved. The game is set to release in two weeks, and Scott MacDonald, Creative Media Producer at Unknown Worlds, confirmed that no generative AI was used in its development. He stated that the studio opted for traditional development methods, with all work being done by human programmers. Design Lead Anthony Gallegos noted that Krafton recognizes that mandating AI tools could disrupt the development process. Following a legal ruling reinstating Unknown Worlds president Ted Gill, Krafton is committed to supporting the game's Early Access launch.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Death By Scrolling Out Now on Consoles and PC

April 16, 2026 marks the launch of Death By Scrolling, an action roguelite game set in Purgatory™, available on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. The release includes a significant update featuring a new playable character, a new biome, and various gameplay improvements. Players navigate a vertically scrolling world filled with monsters and hazards, avoiding the Reaper while collecting gold and unlocking upgrades. Key features include a varied cast of characters, relentless pursuit by the Reaper, loot and progression mechanics, optional challenges, diverse monsters, quirky lore, and leaderboards for competition.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

’90s style Command and Conquer spiritual successor DORF smashes its Kickstarter to raise $300,000

DORF is a real-time strategy (RTS) game inspired by '90s titles, currently funded on Kickstarter, raising nearly 0,000. It features three factions: the Union of Imperial States, the Collective, and the Warbands. The game includes single-player campaigns, skirmish modes, online multiplayer, and a map editor. Additional content from the funding includes special online co-op campaigns, unique voice lines for units, and new environmental zones like snowy regions and megacities. DORFteam is expanding their development team, particularly seeking dedicated mappers. The tentative release date is set for 2028, but they aim for a 1.0 launch by 2027. Players can wishlist DORF on Steam for updates.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

Microsoft’s VP brings macOS-style click to reveal desktop feature to Windows with new tool

Scott Hanselman, VP at Microsoft, has introduced a tool called PeekDesktop for Windows, which allows users to minimize all open windows by clicking on an empty area of their desktop wallpaper. A second click or switching back to any application restores the windows to their original positions. This feature is similar to the "click wallpaper to reveal desktop" function in macOS Sonoma, which has not been available in Windows until now. PeekDesktop is easy to install from GitHub, requires no additional setup, and is compatible with Windows on ARM. It uses minimal system resources and operates through lightweight Windows APIs to manage window states. Users can customize settings from the system tray, and Hanselman is working on enhancements to replicate more macOS-style behaviors.