reception

AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Jack Dorsey, former CEO and co-founder of Twitter, is developing a Bluetooth-based messaging application called Bitchat, which enables communication without internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, or cellular service, using peer-to-peer connections over distances up to 300 meters. The app is currently in the testing phase on TestFlight, which has reached its capacity of 10,000 users. Dorsey has expressed interest in learning about Bluetooth mesh networks and related technologies through this project. The app has sparked discussions about mesh networks and resilient communication, but it has also received mixed reactions, with some users expressing skepticism and concerns about potential misuse.
Winsage
July 7, 2025
Microsoft is introducing widget recommendations on the Windows 11 lock screen to suggest widgets that may interest users. This feature, called the Discover Widget, is currently in a preview build and does not have a specific rollout date. The initiative aims to increase user engagement with widgets, which have seen slow adoption on Windows 11 compared to other platforms. The reception of this feature is uncertain due to past user skepticism towards recommendation systems in Windows 11.
AppWizard
July 6, 2025
Romero Games has officially closed due to the withdrawal of crucial funding from Microsoft for its first-person shooter project. Former employees reported that meetings with the publisher occurred just a day before the funding was pulled, leaving the studio's future uncertain. Despite the closure, efforts are being made to explore alternative funding for the in-development FPS project. The studio had recently increased its social media presence and engaged with the gaming community through a new "FPS Fridays" series on Twitch.
AppWizard
July 6, 2025
Former Forza content coordinator Fred Russell announced on Facebook that the Forza Motorsport series has been effectively discontinued following Microsoft's mass layoffs, which reportedly affected up to 50% of Turn 10 Studios' workforce. Russell confirmed that the Forza Horizon spinoff will continue. The Forza Motorsport series currently holds a "Mixed" rating on Steam, while Forza Horizon 5 received a 90% score from PC Gamer.
AppWizard
July 4, 2025
Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that the game Anthem will be taken offline on January 12th, 2026. Players will no longer be able to purchase in-game currency, but any accumulated premium currency can still be used until the game's closure. EA has stated that there will be no immediate layoffs associated with this decision, although future job impacts remain uncertain. Anthem, developed by BioWare and launched in early 2019, struggled to gain a significant audience and faced a troubled development process, leading to the cancellation of an enhancement project known as Anthem Next.
AppWizard
July 4, 2025
The live-action adaptation of "Lilo & Stitch" is the highest-grossing film of 2025 globally, with a worldwide gross of 7.6 million and an international take of 3.9 million. It surpassed the previous records held by "A Minecraft Movie," which grossed 4.9 million worldwide and 0.9 million internationally. "A Minecraft Movie" retains the U.S. domestic box office record for 2025, with a gross of 3.9 million. "Lilo & Stitch" is still in its sixth week of release, having debuted on May 23, and has contributed to making 2025 the most lucrative Memorial Day weekend in history for cinemas. It achieved the second-largest opening for any four-day holiday weekend, following "Black Panther" in 2018. The film ranks among the top films in markets such as Brazil and Mexico, helping Disney amass a total of 1.1 billion in 2025. Significant changes were made to the original narrative, including the omission of Captain Gantu and a twist ending where Nani relinquishes custody of Lilo. A live-action sequel, "Lilo & Stitch 2," is currently in development.
AppWizard
July 4, 2025
Build A Rocket Boy, the developer of MindsEye, is preparing for potential layoffs, informing its approximately 300 UK employees and those at its subsidiary PlayFusion of possible redundancies. MindsEye, launched in early June, faced a poor reception due to technical difficulties, leading the company to address these issues. Co-CEO Leslie Benzies attributed some challenges to "internal and external saboteurs," a sentiment echoed by co-CEO Mark Gerhard. However, the game's publisher has stated they do not believe any sabotage occurred during development or launch.
AppWizard
July 3, 2025
Capcom's fiscal year report for April 2024 to March 2025 reveals a 61.1% increase in revenue from Steam game sales, with over 28 million copies sold. Console game sales have declined, with PlayStation revenue dropping below 10%. The release of Monster Hunter Wilds contributed significantly to revenue, selling over 10 million copies in its first month. Despite strong sales, the game has received "Overwhelmingly Negative" reviews on Steam due to performance issues and lack of challenge. Capcom is addressing player feedback with free updates and new content. The company is optimistic about its upcoming title, Resident Evil Requiem, and aims to improve optimization and quality in future releases.
AppWizard
July 3, 2025
Ampersat, a 2022 RPG developed by Gaterooze, Ink, and GrabTheGames, is available for free on Steam until July 6. The game, which typically has a price, has received positive feedback with 81% favorable user reviews. It is inspired by classic games like The Legend of Zelda and Smash TV and primarily falls within the roguelite category, featuring twin-stick combat mechanics. The gameplay experience lasts a few hours, and while it is accessible to all Steam users, compatibility on the Steam Deck is currently marked as "Unknown."
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