Revitalizing Archives

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Payday 2’s next update is “a massive undertaking” to modernize the FPS, stop crashes, and cut its install size by 60%

Starbreeze has transferred the ongoing support of Payday 2 to Sidetrack Games, allowing the original developers to focus on Payday 3. Payday 2 continues to attract around 30,000 players on Steam, while Payday 3 struggles with about 1,000 players. Sidetrack Games is planning a significant overhaul, migrating the game to a new 64-bit engine called Diesel 3.0, which aims to improve gameplay and reduce file size from 86 GB to 32 GB. An open beta for this upgrade is scheduled to start on June 30 and run until the end of July. The transition will require a complete re-download of the game, and some mods may break due to the engine change.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Hasbro Games Junior Collection release date confirmed on consoles and PC

Outright Games, in collaboration with Hasbro, will release the Hasbro Games Junior Collection on November 6, 2026. This collection includes Monopoly Junior, Clue Junior, and Game of Life Junior, designed for players of all ages with interactive challenges and simplified rules. It supports up to four players in local multiplayer mode and will be available on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Winsage

June 18, 2026

This $13 Windows 11 Pro offer is too good to ignore

Microsoft is currently offering Windows 11 Pro for .97, down from its regular price of 9.99, representing a discount of 0.03. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V virtualization, Windows Sandbox, TPM 2.0 support, Snap Layouts, improved search functionality, multi-monitor support, and Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant.

Winsage

June 15, 2026

Should Xbox CEOs have term limits, and did this week show why the question matters?

Microsoft's Xbox division is facing significant challenges, including a margin crisis and the need for substantial organizational changes, as stated by the head of Xbox. The company is preparing for significant layoffs and budget cuts while emphasizing its commitment to console gaming despite the evolving landscape. Xbox is struggling to articulate its value to potential players and is dealing with the impact of rising RAM prices and recent game failures. Phil Spencer, the CEO, has been instrumental in revitalizing the brand but is also associated with the current difficulties, raising questions about leadership transitions in the future.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies vet tells me the theme park ‘assembly line’ MMO just isn’t viable anymore, especially as dev costs spike: ‘We hit the wall’

Raph Koster, known for his work on Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies, is developing a new MMO called Stars Reach, which aims to recapture the sandbox experience of earlier games. Koster believes the current MMO industry is stagnating, with many players feeling bored and frustrated due to a lack of innovation and over-monetization. He acknowledges the challenge of revitalizing the genre but hopes that Stars Reach will offer a fresh and novel experience for players. The game is set to enter early access this summer.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Gothic 1 Remake How to Turn VSync On and Potentially Fix Stuttering

The Gothic 1 Remake has been released using Unreal Engine 5, but PC players may experience screen tearing due to the VSync option being grayed out. To enable VSync, players should open the graphics tab, go to the “Latency optimization” section, toggle off the “Nvidia Streamline Reflex” option, and then return to the Display settings to access VSync. This adjustment can help reduce screen tearing and stuttering, especially during the opening cinematic. Gothic 1 Remake is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved Hands-On Demo – It’s The Halo You Love, But Even Better

The remake of the level "Assault on the Control Room" from Halo: Combat Evolved is featured in the upcoming release of Halo: Campaign Evolved. This level, known as the fifth and longest in the original campaign, has been redesigned to enhance gameplay while preserving its original essence. Creative Director Max Szlagor emphasized the level's importance and its core sandbox experience, highlighting improvements in pacing, navigation, and visual detail. The remake includes enhanced AI for Covenant forces, vehicle hijacking, and a cooperative play option for up to four players. The game is set to launch globally on July 28, 2026, with early access for Premium Edition owners starting July 23, and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Wardens of Avalon is knightly ARPG with an intriguing touch of… wait, city repair?

An individual has drawn inspiration for home decor from a goblet of blood to enhance the ambiance of a flat and make a memorable impression during social gatherings. The Wardens of Avalon, a game that combines action and restoration, was recently unveiled at the PC Gaming Show. Players will engage in slaying monsters and revitalizing the ruins of Tristram. Steam is offering playtests for those interested in experiencing the game before its official release.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Solarpunk management game BioEden announced for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC

Publisher Focus Entertainment and developer Broken Arms Games are releasing the solarpunk management game BioEden on PC via Steam on September 3, with future releases planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Switch 2. A demo is currently available for PC users. In BioEden, players act as a Keeper, tasked with revitalizing a world by crafting biomes for various animal species and restoring ecosystems. Players will discover debris sites to recycle materials, build structures, and establish solar energy and water systems while managing resources and pollution. The game features a Cosmic Collective of five Guilds, each with unique identities and philosophies that influence gameplay. BioEden emphasizes exploration and transformation without fail states or time constraints.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Focus Entertainment Reveals ‘BioEden’ Coming to PC this September, Console Release to Follow Later

Focus Entertainment and Broken Arms Games announced the release of BioEden, a solarpunk management game, set to launch on September 3, 2026, on Steam, with later releases planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. Players will take on the role of a Keeper, tasked with revitalizing a distressed planet by building a self-sustaining network and resurrecting extinct animal species. A demo of BioEden is currently available on Steam, featuring a tutorial that introduces players to the game's mechanics.