reports Archives

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

This month 25 years ago in PC gaming, our biggest concerns were pro gaming, moral panics about violent games… and we still thought Halo was a PC exclusive

In June 2000, PC Gamer UK highlighted the emerging world of esports, featuring professional gamers Amir Haleem and Sujoy Roy, who had earned significant prize money and were considering transitioning to full-time gaming careers. The magazine suggested that gaming could become a viable profession, drawing parallels to sports figures like David Beckham. By 2025, Haleem became CEO of a blockchain company, while Roy led partnerships at OG esports, reflecting the evolution of professional gaming careers amid ongoing concerns about sustainability and burnout. The 2000 Channel 4 Dispatches documentary 'Video Nasties' sparked debates about violent video games, claiming they could influence players' perceptions of real-world situations. Anticipation for Team Fortress 2 was high, with promises of innovative gameplay elements, while Bungie's Halo was initially expected as a PC-exclusive but was designed for console controls. The summer of 2000 saw few notable game releases, with The Longest Journey receiving modest reviews. Additionally, Bluetooth technology was beginning to gain traction in the market, although its use in competitive gaming was met with skepticism.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

Microsoft rolls out Windows security changes to prevent another CrowdStrike meltdown

Last summer's CrowdStrike incident caused significant disruptions in healthcare, banking, and air travel, resulting in billions of dollars in damages. In response, Microsoft held a security summit with experts from CrowdStrike and other firms to address vulnerabilities. Microsoft announced Safe Deployment practices and architectural changes to enhance Windows security, including relocating third-party security drivers from the Windows kernel to user space. This change aims to reduce risks associated with kernel-level flaws. Upcoming features in Windows 11 24H2 include a streamlined crash report process, replacing the Blue Screen of Death with an "unexpected restart" screen, and a quick machine recovery (QMR) capability to automate fixes during outages. Additionally, Windows Autopatch will allow network administrators to deploy updates with fewer required restarts for Windows 11 Enterprise PCs, limiting them to once every three months.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

Microsoft confirms Family Safety blocks Google Chrome from launching

Microsoft's Family Safety parental control service is experiencing a significant issue that prevents users from launching Google Chrome and other web browsers on Windows systems. This problem has been reported since early June, with users facing unexpected crashes when trying to access Google Chrome. A bug in the web filtering tool requires children to seek parental approval to use alternative browsers, as new versions of approved browsers are inadvertently blocked after updates. Microsoft is updating its block list to include the latest versions of these browsers. The issue affects devices running Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 11 22H2 or later. Users are advised to enable the 'Activity reporting' feature to ensure proper parental approval requests. Microsoft is working to resolve the absence of consent prompts and the unintentional blocking of updated browser versions.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

Microsoft’s Upgrade Mistake For 400 Million Windows Users

Microsoft has announced an extension of Windows 10 support until October 2026 at no additional cost, affecting approximately 400 million users. This extension was previously set to end in October 2025. Users with eligible PCs for an upgrade number around 400 million, while about 240 million are not eligible. The extension includes Security Intelligence Updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 through October 2028, but it is a one-year arrangement and not full security support. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program through options like cloud backup, reward points, or a fee, and this feature will be available to all users in the coming weeks.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Peak has now sold 2 million copies in just 9 days, as the devs reveal what’s next for this co-op climbing game: ‘Let’s talk about what we’re cooking’

Peak, developed by Landfall and Aggro Crab, sold one million copies within six days of its launch and reached two million copies sold in nine days. The developers are gathering community feedback for the first major update, focusing on quality-of-life improvements, new content, and bug fixes. They are addressing technical issues such as disconnection problems, performance optimization, and audio concerns. Players can choose to run the game using Vulkan or DX12, with some reporting issues with Vulkan. Future plans include localization to enhance accessibility, but the developers are cautious about making promises regarding new features.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Report: Xbox poised to make yet more layoffs

Microsoft is expected to announce significant job cuts in its Xbox division next week, as part of ongoing restructuring efforts. This follows earlier reports of potential layoffs affecting thousands of positions in Microsoft's sales business. The upcoming layoffs at Xbox would mark the fourth round of job reductions in 18 months, totaling approximately 15,000 employees let go since January 2023. Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's gaming division, confirmed the redundancy of 650 staff members in September 2024, highlighting the emotional impact of these changes and the importance of support within the team.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Newzoo: Top 20 PC/Console Games of May 2025 by Revenue and MAU

In May, three new titles entered the revenue rankings: Elden Ring Nightreign (4th place), DOOM: The Dark Ages (9th), and FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time (20th). Elden Ring Nightreign sold over 3.5 million copies across six markets. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 returned to the top 10, while Destiny 2 jumped 30 positions to 11th place due to pre-orders for its expansion. On PlayStation, F1 25 debuted at 15th place, and on Xbox, RoadCraft entered at 18th. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was not listed on Xbox due to Game Pass availability. On PC, Helldivers II returned to the top 20 at 19th place after an update. For Nintendo Switch, FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time was the only newcomer, with ten Nintendo titles remaining in the top 20. In MAU rankings, DOOM: The Dark Ages reached 16th place, and Elden Ring Nightreign appeared in the top 20 on PC. Star Wars: Battlefront II re-entered the top 20 due to promotional discounts, and Helldivers II climbed to 14th place in MAU rankings.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

New FileFix attack brings ClickFix social engineering to Windows File Explorer — how to stay safe

Researcher mr. d0x has introduced a new variant of the ClickFix social engineering tool called FileFix, which uses the Windows File Explorer address bar as its interface to deceive users into executing harmful commands. FileFix targets corporate employees and employs familiar elements like reCAPTCHA prompts or error messages to spread malware, including infostealers and ransomware. The method integrates malicious commands directly into Windows File Explorer, enhancing its effectiveness by utilizing the environment users are comfortable with. The phishing scheme includes a deceptive ‘Open Fixe Explorer’ button that activates File Explorer and copies a PowerShell command to the clipboard, initially displaying a fake path in the address bar. ClickFix tactics are effective because they manipulate victims into compromising their own security, often exploiting urgency and existing online behaviors. Users are advised to be cautious of verification pop-ups and requests to open command windows, and to share this knowledge to help others navigate safely.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Russia set to develop national messaging app

Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed the development of a national messaging application aimed at enhancing digital communication within public institutions. The initiative addresses security concerns over popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The Digital Development Ministry is leading the project, which may be inspired by China's WeChat and based on the Max application from Russian tech company VK. The app is expected to be pre-installed on new smartphones sold in Russia and mandated for use in public institutions.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Updates Broken — Fix Now, Here’s How

Microsoft is facing challenges due to a system takeover attack and a secure boot bypass vulnerability affecting Windows users. They have advised users to update their systems immediately. However, Windows 11 version 24H2 users may experience issues with the "Scan for Updates" function, particularly if they have not installed the May non-security preview update, KB5058499. Microsoft recommends installing KB5058499 or the KB5062324 configuration update, which is being rolled out gradually. Users can check for updates by adjusting their settings and restarting their systems.