region Archives

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

A Steam glitch convinced some Fallout fans a New Vegas remaster was imminent, only to have the rug yanked out from under them: ‘Slowly turning into r/HalfLife’

The gaming community is speculating about potential remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas following the successful remaster of Oblivion. Bethesda is currently focused on developing Starfield and Elder Scrolls 6, and any announcements regarding the remasters may take time. A glitch on Steam prevents users from leaving reviews for Fallout 3 and New Vegas, stating, "You must wait until this product has been released before writing a review for it," which has fueled speculation about imminent remasters. This glitch has also affected other games, such as Kerbal Space Program, and discrepancies in search results for Fallout games on Steam may be due to region-specific packages. Some fans are hopeful for announcements at the upcoming Xbox Developer Direct, while others advise caution regarding the excitement surrounding the remasters.

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.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

VG Insights: Souls-like games on PC and Consoles

The Souls-like genre saw a release of 371 titles in 2024, marking a 41% year-over-year growth, with 207 games tagged as Souls-like by October 2025. Best-selling titles include Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (41.3 million copies), Elden Ring (40.6 million), and Monster Hunter: World (35 million). AAA developers generated approximately 75% of Souls-like revenue on Steam by 2024. Souls-like games represent about 4-5% of all titles on Steam. The APAC region accounts for 80% of all Souls-like projects and 97% of total revenue as of 2025. Chinese players make up 47% of the audience for top Souls-like games on Steam, followed by the US at 23%. Most AAA titles in the genre are priced between .99 and .99.

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

How Android Apps Are Adapting To The Rise Of Cross-Platform Digital Payments

Android developers are adapting to a rapidly changing global payments landscape, driven by user demand for seamless experiences across platforms, shifting regulatory frameworks, and the rise of cross-border transactions through mobile applications. This evolution is particularly relevant for international sectors like igaming, which often utilize alternative payment methods under offshore licensing. Developers are focusing on streamlined in-app experiences by adopting payment frameworks that enhance security and expedite verification processes. Over the past two years, payment standards have diversified, leading to the implementation of unified payment layers in Android apps to accommodate various tokens, cards, mobile wallets, and region-specific methods. The number of global mobile payment users is projected to reach 5.6 billion by 2025, highlighting the need for cross-platform support. Mobile wallets, NFC, and universal payment APIs are being integrated more deeply into the Android ecosystem, allowing for instant recognition of users' preferred wallets. Streaming platforms are adopting cross-platform billing strategies, while travel apps are implementing flexible frameworks to adapt to regional regulations. In online gaming, there's a focus on diverse payment options to meet international audience expectations. By 2026, Android applications are expected to feature more cohesive payment interfaces, increased biometric verification, and dynamic updates of payment methods based on user location and device capabilities.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

Code Vein 2 is largely more of the same despite its story reset, but I think I’m okay with that

Code Vein 2 has been announced and is set to launch on January 29, priced at .99 / £54.99. The game retains core mechanics from the original, including checkpoints called Mistles and a system for reclaiming lost currency called Haze. It features extensive character customization, with a detailed editor and various Blood Codes that influence play style. Combat dynamics include faster-paced encounters and new weapon types, such as twin blades and rune blades, with over 200 Formae to master. The narrative involves Blood-drinking Revenants and human hunters in an apocalyptic setting, with players awakening 100 years after a catastrophic event. Companions can assist in combat and revive players upon death, adding strategic depth. Exploration has improved, with more complex dungeon layouts and navigation aids.

Tech Optimizer

January 4, 2026

Best Antivirus for Mobile Security in 2026

In 2026, mobile security has become essential due to the increasing management of sensitive tasks by smartphones, making them targets for cybercriminals who use advanced tactics such as harmful apps, phishing scams, QR code fraud, and sophisticated malware. The top four mobile antivirus and security applications of 2026 are: 1. TraceX Guard - Best overall mobile security in 2026, designed for India with AI-powered, real-time protection, focusing on region-specific scams and offering multilingual support. 2. Bitdefender Mobile Security - Premium antivirus with excellent malware detection and privacy tools, including real-time app scanning and a built-in VPN. 3. Norton Mobile Security - Trusted global antivirus providing strong all-round protection, including real-time malware protection and Wi-Fi security alerts. 4. McAfee Mobile Security - All-in-one solution featuring antivirus, identity monitoring, and a secure VPN. TraceX Guard excels in detecting and blocking scams specific to India, such as fake loan apps and phishing links in regional languages. Its key features include AI-driven malware detection, APK installation protection, QR code and URL risk scanning, network security, identity protection, and multilingual support. Bitdefender offers real-time scanning, advanced anti-phishing protection, a built-in VPN, and privacy monitoring. Norton provides malware protection, app safety, and network security alerts. McAfee combines malware detection with identity monitoring and secure browsing features. When choosing a mobile antivirus app, users should consider their location and threat exposure, with TraceX Guard recommended for India-specific protection, Bitdefender for premium features, Norton for reliability, and McAfee for an all-in-one solution.

AppWizard

January 4, 2026

How to Get Minecraft APK Safely?

Minecraft is a popular game that has been engaging players for over ten years, allowing for creativity and exploration. The term "Minecraft APK" refers to the Android Package Kit used to install the game on Android devices. Players may seek the APK for various reasons, such as lack of Google Play support on their device, using an Amazon Fire tablet, or wanting to reinstall the game after switching devices. However, downloading the APK from unofficial sources poses risks, including malware, compromised accounts, game crashes, bans from online servers, and legal issues, as Minecraft is a paid title developed by Mojang and owned by Microsoft. To obtain Minecraft on Android safely, players can use the Google Play Store, which is the recommended method, or the official Minecraft Trial available for free. Users of Amazon Fire tablets can download the game from the Amazon Appstore. Advanced users may need to manually install an APK from official channels, ensuring to enable and disable the "Install unknown apps" setting cautiously. Players should avoid modded or cracked APKs, websites requiring surveys, and files demanding unrelated permissions to protect their devices and personal information. Minecraft on Android offers cross-play capabilities, regular updates, access to realms and online servers, and stable performance, making it a valuable mobile gaming option.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

The PC game releases we’re most excited about in January

January typically sees a quieter period for PC gaming, with many anticipated titles debuting later in the month. Notable releases include: - January 12: Quarantine Zone: The Last Check (Steam) - Players act as a checkpoint officer in a zombie apocalypse. - January 26: Highguard (Steam) - A free-to-play hero shooter facing skepticism. - January 29: Cairn (Steam) - A mountain climbing game praised by early players. Upcoming gaming events and sales include: - CES from January 6-9. - Steam Winter Sale (December 18 - January 5). - Detective Fest (January 12 - January 19). - Board Game Fest (January 26 - February 2). - Taipei Game Show (January 29 - February 1). Early access launches in January: - January 6: StarRupture (Steam) - A sci-fi base building and defense game. - January 22: Bladesong (Steam) - Players craft blades in a dark fantasy setting. - January TBA: Echoes of Elysium (Steam) - A co-op airship survival RPG delayed from December. Major updates and events: - January 20: World of Warcraft's Midnight Pre-Expansion Content Update. - January 12: Anthem concludes its service. - January 22: Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven expansion introduces new content. Additional game releases in January include: - January 9: Pathologic 3 (Steam). - January 12: Big Hops (Steam). - January 15: Craftlings (Steam) and Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon (Steam). - January 16: BrokenLore: Unfollow (Steam). - January 20: Mio: Memories in Orbit (Steam). - January 21: Dynasty Warriors Origins: Visions of Four Heroes (Steam). - January 22: Nova Roma (Steam) and Arknights: Endfield (Epic). - January 28: The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin (Steam) and The Midnight Walkers (early access). - January 29: Don't Stop, Girlypop! (Steam).

BetaBeacon

January 3, 2026

What’s Next for Augmented Reality and Casino Games on Android?

- AR in casino gaming refers to digital elements appearing in a real environment, not replacing it - AR casino games on Android rely on ARCore and engines like Unity or Unreal for stability - Early AR casino experiences on Android are about curiosity and low commitment - Most AR casino projects on Android focus on adjusting existing games rather than introducing new concepts - Benefits for players include familiar games feeling different and enhanced social features - Challenges for AR casino gaming on Android include device performance variations and legal considerations - Tips for developers include prioritizing reliability over visual ambition and testing across a broad range of hardware - Tips for players include preparing their environment with good lighting and keeping ARCore and system software up to date - Progress in Android-based AR casino games is expected to come from slow improvements rather than sudden leaps - Wearable AR devices and hands-free interaction through movement and voice capabilities are expected to be the future of AR casino gaming on Android

Tech Optimizer

December 31, 2025

Planting commits in Siberia: Postgres Pro opens in Akademgorodok

IT companies are increasingly focused on enhancing their public image through innovative contributions, particularly in coding. Postgres Professional emphasizes its commitment to open-source development, actively contributing to PostgreSQL with over 40 engineers involved in patches for version 18. The company has established a new office in Novosibirsk Akademgorodok, chosen for its vibrant scientific community and research environment, to invest in the next generation of systems programmers and engineers. Their initiatives include advancing PostgreSQL components, researching performance models, and providing educational programs such as the Postgres Pro Summer School and collaborative projects with local universities. The aim is to foster hands-on experience and mentorship in systems programming, ensuring the development of world-class technology rooted in open-source principles.