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AppWizard
June 24, 2025
PC gaming in Germany has declined by 20% since 2019, with 13.1 million active PC gamers by the end of 2024, a decrease of 400,000 from the previous year. In 2019, there were 16.3 million PC gamers compared to 15.9 million console gamers, but the gap has now widened to over 7 million in favor of consoles, which currently have 20.5 million users. Game sales have decreased by 17% and hardware sales by 10%, while online gaming services have grown by 12%. Factors contributing to the decline in PC gaming may include shortages of new components, particularly GPUs.
Tech Optimizer
June 23, 2025
The extended statistics feature in PostgreSQL allows for the collection of additional statistics on specific sets of table columns, which is beneficial for datasets with implicit relationships between columns. For instance, in the power plant dataset, the primary_fuel column is linked to the country column, affecting query results and row count estimates. When using extended statistics, more accurate cardinality estimates can be achieved, such as improving the estimate for Norway from 93 to 1 row after implementing statistics on country and primary_fuel. Extended statistics can be defined in three types: MCV (Most Common Values), ndistinct, and dependencies. MCV is effective for common value combinations, while ndistinct is useful for estimating group counts in operations like GROUP BY. Despite their advantages, extended statistics are rarely used due to concerns about the time-consuming ANALYZE command and the complexity of determining when to create these statistics. Two rules of thumb guide the creation of appropriate statistics: Rule 1 suggests creating statistics based on index definitions, while Rule 2 focuses on real-world filter patterns. The extension concept involves collecting created object IDs and managing the timing for adding statistics definitions to the database. A columns_limit parameter and a stattypes parameter help manage the computational cost of generating extended statistics. Testing the extension showed that running ANALYZE took longer with the extension activated, particularly when including dependencies. Deduplication procedures were introduced to minimize redundant statistics, resulting in modest gains in time and a significant reduction in the volume of statistics. Comparisons with another statistics collector, joinsel, indicated that while it provides some benefits, it lacks the full capabilities of extended statistics, particularly in terms of dependencies.
Winsage
June 23, 2025
Microsoft's Windows 11 features System Restore, allowing users to create snapshots of system files, settings, and registry. These restore points will automatically expire and be deleted after 60 days. Previously, Windows 10 restore points could last up to 90 days, but since Windows 11's launch, the retention period has varied between 10 and 90 days, often leaning towards the shorter duration. Following a June 2025 security update, Windows 11, version 24H2 will maintain restore points for a maximum of 60 days. Users are encouraged to create their own restore points regularly, which will also last for 60 days.
Winsage
June 22, 2025
Microsoft plans to discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, despite a strong preference for it among users. As of June 2025, Windows 10's market share dropped from 66% to 49%, while Windows 11's share increased from 29% to over 47%. The gap between the two operating systems has narrowed to 1%. Microsoft has implemented full-screen reminders to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, branding 2025 as the "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." Windows 11 adoption has increased, but many PCs are unable to upgrade due to stringent minimum system requirements, which include a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and TPM version 2.0. Microsoft introduced a new category of Windows 11 PCs called Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced capabilities and security measures. Starting October 14, 2025, users on Windows 10 will not receive free updates, leaving them vulnerable to security risks. Users whose PCs do not meet the requirements for Windows 11 can either buy new machines or subscribe to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued support. Enterprise users will pay £48 for the first year of ESU, increasing to £192 for the third year, while consumers can access it for £24 for an additional year. Some users are exploring alternatives like Linux or ChromeOS Flex for older hardware.
AppWizard
June 21, 2025
Once Human has introduced custom, dedicated servers to enhance player experience, officially backed by developer NetEase Games. Players can use these private servers for various gameplay styles, including building environments or survival challenges. A YouTube stream is scheduled to provide a new roadmap, reveal the next scenario, share insights on upcoming features, and update on community events. Additionally, updates on the PvP spinoff, Once Human: Raidzone, set to launch in July, will be included.
AppWizard
June 20, 2025
Grounded 2 is a sequel to the original game, announced at the Xbox Games Showcase, and is set to expand the gameplay beyond the backyard. The game takes place in 1992, two years after the first game, where four teenage protagonists have disappeared while shrunken down to the size of ants. Players will navigate dangers in the park and work to regain their original size. The game hints at the identity of a fifth child, whose fate is uncertain and may play a significant role in the story. Grounded 2 features a map three times larger than its predecessor, introduces insect mounts called buggies for faster travel and exploration, and includes a new Omni-tool that combines multiple tools into one for easier inventory management.
AppWizard
June 20, 2025
NetEase Games, in collaboration with 24 Entertainment Lin’an, has announced a new AAA single-player action-adventure game titled Blood Message, designed for consoles and PC. This game is NetEase Games' first fully single-player experience, featuring a cinematic, linear story driven by the Unreal 5 Engine. Set during the final years of the Tang Dynasty, players will follow a nameless messenger and his son as they navigate East and Central Asia to deliver a critical message amidst a righteous uprising. The game will explore themes of loyalty, family, and the impact of ordinary individuals on history. Players will traverse approximately 3,000 li (around 1,000 miles) back to Chang’an, facing various perilous environments. Key features include narrative-driven gameplay, realistic combat, and expansive landscapes inspired by the region's diverse terrains.
AppWizard
June 19, 2025
Hideo Kojima advocates for smaller development teams in gaming, believing they foster creativity and efficiency. He praised the compact team size of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which has about 30 core members, despite a larger pool of contributors from outsourcing firms. Kojima reflected on his early experiences with a six-member team, noting that larger teams complicate control and communication. He expressed a preference for smaller groups, stating that they can lead to more innovative projects. Kojima highlighted the tension between the desire for grandiosity in game design and the efficiency of smaller teams, emphasizing the challenges modern developers face.
AppWizard
June 19, 2025
PC Gamer has provided an exclusive look at Anshar Studios' reimagining of the FPS game Painkiller, featuring insights from creative director Damian Wyspiański. The game is set in Katowice, Poland, and boasts a weapon arsenal that aims to attract both new and veteran players. Painkiller is noted for its significant impact on the Polish gaming landscape, comparable to The Witcher. Additionally, the magazine discusses the role of choice in Cyberpunk 2077, consulting various developers and academics on its importance in RPGs. The issue includes previews of upcoming titles like Anno 117: Pax Romana, Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream, and others, along with features such as a group test of CPU air coolers, a revisit to Redneck Rampage, and a deep dive into a mod for Streets of Rage. The issue is available in print and digital formats, with subscription options offering exclusive covers.
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