release Archives

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Xbox Backward Compatibility Is Finally Bringing Original Xbox Games to PC

Xbox has announced the early release of backward compatibility for original Xbox games on PC, allowing players to purchase and enjoy four classic titles: Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. These games are available via the Xbox PC app and included in all Xbox Game Pass plans. Players who own digital copies on Xbox can transfer their licenses to PC without repurchasing. The games can be installed locally, and Xbox is enhancing them with PC-specific improvements, including up to 4x resolution upscaling and customizable settings. Achievements for these titles will be introduced later this year.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Microsoft brings OG Xbox games to PC with backward compatibility

Microsoft is expanding its backward compatibility initiative to include original Xbox console games on PC, starting with four titles: Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies, and Fusion Frenzy. These games are available for purchase and included in Xbox Game Pass, with licenses transferring seamlessly for those who already own them digitally on Xbox. New graphics settings have been introduced, allowing up to 4x resolution upscaling, VSync support, fullscreen and windowed modes, anisotropic filtering, and enhanced anti-aliasing. This launch is part of a larger effort to preserve Xbox's gaming legacy and integrate achievements into classic titles. The move comes amid discussions of game preservation in the industry, particularly with Sony ending physical disc production by 2028. The upcoming Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, will support both Xbox and PC games, indicating a trend towards cross-platform integration.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Xbox Is Bringing Backward Compatible Games To Your Windows PC

Microsoft has announced the early release of its Xbox backward compatibility program for Windows PCs and portable handhelds, allowing players to access four classic Xbox games: "Fuzion Frenzy," "Blinx: The Time Sweeper," "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge," and "Conker: Live and Reloaded." These games can be purchased individually or accessed through Xbox Game Pass. The program will support Xbox achievements, which will be activated later this year, and offer customizable graphics settings. Minimum system requirements for PCs include Windows 11, updated drivers, 8GB of RAM, a minimum 4 Core CPU, and a compatible GPU.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

Redmond’s reaper cometh: October 2026 set to bury a graveyard of Microsoft products

October 2026 will see the end of support for several Microsoft products, including Office LTSC 2021, which requires organizations to transition to LTSC 2024 or Microsoft 365 for continued support. Windows Server 2022 will exit mainstream support on October 13, 2026, while Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will also reach their end of life on the same date. The enterprise and education versions of Windows 11 23H2 will be supported until November 10, 2026. Publisher 2021 will be discontinued without a successor. Additionally, Entra ID Sign-In risk policies will be phased out on October 1, 2026, necessitating a transition to Conditional Access to maintain user and sign-in risk protection. SQL Server 2017 is scheduled for retirement in October 2027.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Promising Time-Loop Metroidvania Echo Weaver Arrives On Consoles And PC This October

Echo Weaver is set to launch on consoles and PC on October 8. The game features a time-loop mechanic and is described as "Metroidbrainia" by developer Moonlight Kids. Players take on the role of the last Weaver in a desolate world, navigating an expansive 2D map filled with puzzles and enemy encounters. Progression in the game relies on mastering specific mechanics rather than simply unlocking abilities. A digital preview is available for Game Informer subscribers. The game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

GTA: Vice City gets free DLC-sized story content ahead of GTA 6 launch

Fans of Grand Theft Auto can download a free mission pack titled Vice City: New Legacy for GTA: Vice City, created by modder Rohansrinivasan123. This DLC includes 25 original story missions featuring gang wars, heists, and shootouts, along with new characters and storylines. The mod is designed using Sanny Builder and CLEO and is available on the Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Nexus Mods page, specifically for the original version of the game. Rockstar Games is preparing to release Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with pre-orders available for the Standard and Ultimate Editions. Pre-loads will begin on November 12, 2026.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Halo: Campaign Evolved, Beast of Reincarnation, and More

- Available Today: - The Planet Crafter (July 21) - Terraform a planet in solo or co-op mode. - Coming Soon: - Shift at Midnight (July 22) - Online co-op detective horror game. - Hell is Us (July 23) - Explore a nation in civil war with supernatural elements. - Halo: Campaign Evolved (July 28) - Reimagined Halo: Combat Evolved with HD visuals and new content. - Mistfall Hunter (July 30) - Dark fantasy ARPG with combat challenges. - Corsair Cove (July 31) - City-builder focused on pirate life. - Heretic + Hexen (August 4) - Re-release of classic spell-casting shooters. - Beast of Reincarnation (August 4) - Action RPG set in post-apocalyptic Japan. - In Case You Missed It: - Buckshot Roulette (July 8) - Tabletop horror game. - Denshattack! (July 15) - Fast-paced adventure in a Japanese dystopia. - In-Game Benefits: - Zenless Zone Zero (July 29) - New game featuring a first-gen Void Hunter. - Leaving July 31: - Titles departing from Game Pass include Back to the Dawn, Celeste, Crusader Kings 3, Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord, My Friendly Neighborhood, Rain World, Sniper Elite Resistance, and Whiskerwood.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved and Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation Lead Xbox Game Pass July 2026 Wave 2 Lineup

Xbox Game Pass will add several titles in late July and early August, including: - Shift at Midnight (July 22) - Hell is Us (July 23) - Halo: Campaign Evolved (July 28) - Mistfall Hunter (July 30) - Corsair Cove (July 31) - Heretic + Hexen (August 4) - Beast of Reincarnation (August 4) Halo: Campaign Evolved and Beast of Reincarnation will be available on day one for subscribers of Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Several titles will leave Xbox Game Pass on July 31: - Back to the Dawn - Celeste - Crusader Kings 3 - Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord - My Friendly Neighborhood - Rain World - Sniper Elite Resistance - Whiskerwood

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

The Witcher 3’s expansion reveal is scheduled for next month

CD Projekt Red announced a new expansion for The Witcher 3 titled Songs of the Past, set to release in 2027. The expansion is co-developed with Fool's Theory and aims to provide a substantial experience similar to the Blood and Wine expansion. A reveal will take place on August 25 during Gamescom's Opening Night Live event. CDPR co-CEO Michał Nowakowski mentioned that the expansion will cater to various playstyles and that the decision to delay the release from 2026 to 2027 allows for a more polished product. Additionally, there will be 80 new beard styles for Geralt.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis needs to have this one thing or it won’t feel right

Ava enjoys immersive RPGs, MMOs, and cozy games, particularly The Sims and Dead by Daylight. The upcoming Tomb Raider game, Legacy of Atlantis, features a quote from Lara Croft's ancestor, T.E. Croft, about the burden of legacy, which resonates with fans. Anticipation for the game increased after a mini-documentary was released on July 20, with developers Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog focusing on honoring Lara's character and movement. Lead Gameplay Designer Bartek Schweiger emphasized the importance of reflecting on the series' past. Fans are eager for the return of Croft Manor, which has not been represented in a way that evokes nostalgia since earlier games. The manor provided a space for players to practice skills and has memorable elements, such as the obstacle course and the music. Legacy of Atlantis aims to unify Lara's timeline and reintroduce Croft Manor to both veteran fans and newcomers. The mini-documentary highlights the return of Charlie the fish, a character from TR Anniversary, indicating the developers' commitment to the series' legacy. Creative Director Mikał Kuk and Game Director Raul Siqueira discussed the significance of Charlie and Lara's acrobatics, suggesting a thoughtful approach to her character development and the potential for Croft Manor to play a key role in the game.