progress Archives

AppWizard

June 28, 2026

The Steam client was hurting PC gaming on Android — Valve’s VR headset accidentally solved it

Playing Windows games on Android has become feasible due to Winlator and open-source technologies like Wine, Box64, and DXVK. User-friendly applications such as GameHub and GameNative have emerged, enhancing mobile gaming experiences to rival dedicated handheld consoles. A major challenge was the reliance on the x86 Windows Steam client, which was resource-intensive on mobile devices. GameNative 1.0 introduced an experimental feature that eliminates the need for the desktop Steam client by using Valve's native Android libraries, improving the gaming experience significantly. Valve released Steamworks SDK version 1.63 in November 2025, which included native ARM64 libraries for Android, allowing for essential Steam functionalities without a translation layer. GameNative integrated these libraries, replacing the desktop client with a more efficient "bionic" Steam client that operates without a user interface, streamlining DRM and matchmaking processes. GameNative now supports Steam Guard TOTP sign-in, enabling smooth authentication and access to the user's Steam library. It downloads games natively, supports cloud saves, and is compatible with most single-player games with Steam DRM. The application boasts a high compatibility rate, with 221 out of 241 games in one user's library showing as compatible. GameNative 1.0 has improved performance with a Vulkan renderer and reworked controller stack. Despite its success, GameNative is not yet available on the Play Store, with nearly a million users sideloading the application. Developers aim to create a Play Store version that complies with Google's policies for easier installation.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Discussion time: Most big MMOs are seasonal now—do you prefer it that way, or do you loathe the FOMO checklist?

Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs) are increasingly adopting a seasonal structure, with titles like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and The Elder Scrolls Online implementing named seasons. This shift aims to address player fatigue from extensive power grinds, offering a reset mechanism that allows for a more level playing field. In contrast, games like Old School RuneScape, EVE Online, and Project Gorgon focus on permanent progress without seasonal resets. Guild Wars 2 utilizes a hybrid model, combining major patches with a horizontal progression system.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Palworld 1.0 update has ’27 pdf pages of changes and additions,’ says publishing lead

Palworld is set to launch its version 1.0 on July 10, completing its development cycle. The game will introduce numerous new features, including a flight-enabling wing pack and various items and pals, with the World Tree playing a significant narrative role. It currently has over 35,000 concurrent players and has received multiple Steam awards. Players will not need to restart their progress for the new content, although starting fresh may enhance the experience.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

Microsoft now lets you pause Windows updates indefinitely and cuts restarts down to one a month

The Windows team at Microsoft has introduced a calendar-based option for pausing updates, allowing users to select a specific end date for their pause, extending up to 35 days. Users can set this by navigating to Settings > Windows Update and choosing their end date from a calendar. The calendar pause is not permanent; once the pause period ends, Windows will automatically check for and install updates. Users can manually reset the pause to extend it further by another 35 days. Additionally, Microsoft is consolidating driver, .NET, and firmware updates into a single monthly restart to enhance user experience. The "Update and shut down" feature has been improved, allowing users to shut down their PCs without installing pending updates. The calendar pause feature is available in the June optional update KB5095093, while the other changes are accessible to Windows Insiders in the Experimental and Beta channels.

AppWizard

June 26, 2026

Minecraft Adventure Maps — okay so let me just tell you what actually works

Adventure maps in Minecraft allow players to experience curated gameplay without survival mechanics or resource gathering. These maps are designed in Adventure Mode, preventing players from altering the environments. They vary in length and complexity, with some lasting only 20 minutes and others several hours, often featuring custom dialogue and narratives. Quality adventure maps can be found on platforms like Planet Minecraft, MCPEDL, CurseForge, and the Minecraft Marketplace. It's important to check version compatibility to avoid glitches. Recommended adventure maps include Herobrine’s Mansion, Diversity 3, SkyBlock, The Forgotten, Chronos, and Parkour Paradise. Multiplayer maps should be labeled as such to avoid common issues like skipped puzzles and disrupted story pacing. Installing maps differs between Java and Bedrock editions, with Java scanning the saves folder and Bedrock requiring the opening of a .mcworld file. Players may face issues like command blocks failing or visual discrepancies due to missing resource packs or version mismatches. To evaluate a map's quality before downloading, check the download count and read comments for potential bugs. Java and Bedrock maps are not interchangeable, so verifying the edition and compatibility is crucial for a smooth experience.

AppWizard

June 26, 2026

Eric Barone gives players a small update on Haunted Chocolatier’s progress: ‘It’s not a simple task, as I torture myself over every last detail’

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone has been developing Haunted Chocolatier for five years, focusing on refining every aspect of the game. He aims for it to be larger and more complex than Stardew Valley, with a bigger map, more characters, and intricate systems. Barone has dedicated significant time to the chocolate-making mechanics and is committed to creating an engaging user interface that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. He emphasizes the importance of balancing information presentation to avoid overwhelming players and aims to replicate and enhance the intuitive design of Stardew Valley. Barone prioritizes quality over speed, indicating that the game may take additional years to complete.

BetaBeacon

June 26, 2026

11 Essential Apps Every Retro Gamer Needs On Their Phone

RA Tracker is an unofficial companion app for RetroAchievements that allows users to track their progress, browse leaderboards, and look up achievement sets. It connects to your account via the public API and is free to download from the Google Play Store.

BetaBeacon

June 25, 2026

Marie Android is a 3D action game in which the cute heroine can get absolutely shredded

Marie Android is a 3D action-adventure game developed by Jinbey Aoyama, set to be released this summer. Players control a small robot named Marie with unique powers, such as transforming into a tank or flattening herself. The game involves solving puzzles and combat, with each section of the map presenting different challenges that players must master to progress. Aoyama, who has been active as a VTuber since 2018 under the name Marie Android, is working on the game solo, with virtual singer Pochi Korone lending her voice talents to the project.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Age of Empires Mobile: PC Edition now available

Age of Empires Mobile is now available on Steam and the Microsoft Store for PCs, allowing players to transition seamlessly between mobile devices and PCs while retaining their progress. The PC Edition has been optimized for enhanced gameplay, featuring mouse control and full keyboard navigation for improved strategic maneuvers and resource management. Further details and updates about the game are available for interested players.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Star Wars: Galactic Racer Fuses Episode 1: Racer and Burnout Into a Compelling Roguelite Racing Game

Disney has shifted its Star Wars video game strategy to allow a wider range of developers to create games, moving away from reliance on a limited internal team. The upcoming title, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, is developed by Fuse Games and features players as Shade, who participates in an underground racing circuit in the Outer Rim. The game includes various vehicles, a roguelite structure, and character customization. Players face challenges from AI competitors and can explore planets between races, upgrading vehicles and interacting with characters. The game also features an Arcade mode for podracing, emphasizing quick reflexes and control.