Riot Games has decided to cease active development of its fighting game, 2XKO, six months after significantly reducing its development team. This decision follows a layoff of approximately 80 developers due to the game's failure to generate the necessary momentum for long-term support. Despite attracting a considerable number of players and fostering a vibrant community, 2XKO did not achieve a sustainable player base. The game, which was officially confirmed in 2019 and released in January 2026, struggled to engage the broader fighting game community, despite being well-received by diehard tag fighter enthusiasts. Riot had previously expressed commitment to the game's future but has now acknowledged the need to conclude active development due to a lack of meaningful, sustained change in player engagement. The studio plans to provide a roadmap for remaining updates and support for the community.
Nikolay Samokhvalov has introduced PGSimCity, an open-source educational tool that visualizes PostgreSQL cluster mechanics in a 3D simulation accessible via web browsers. The tool represents PostgreSQL 18's internals as municipal districts, with components like shared_buffers and Write-Ahead Logging organized spatially. It separates rendering from state transitions to maintain architectural integrity. Backend developers can trace SQL statement lifecycles and simulate operational anomalies, such as memory restrictions leading to performance issues. The project has generated discussions on AI-assisted visualization and has received community feedback for improvements. PGSimCity includes PGlite for in-browser PostgreSQL execution and has a roadmap for future enhancements, with its codebase available on GitHub under the Apache-2.0 License.
An entrepreneur attempted to build a business empire starting with a department store in Jakarta that sold only laundry detergent, which led to financial losses due to a misalignment with market demand. Despite diversifying the product range to include cookies and leather shoes, losses continued. A later venture in Bombay, selling CPUs, silica, and raw tobacco, yielded a profit, albeit still negative. The entrepreneur learned valuable lessons about market demands and strategies, leading to a successful department store in Guangzhou that focused on shampoo and air conditioners, resulting in substantial profits. The game "Capitalism," which the entrepreneur engaged with, reflects the post-Cold War era and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in business.
Microsoft's OneDrive Photos app was inadvertently distributed to millions of PCs. Jeff Teper, Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Apps and Agents, confirmed the premature rollout but indicated it has led to insights about the app's capabilities and future plans. Microsoft is preparing for a formal release that will include administrative controls allowing organizations to manage user sign-ins with personal Microsoft accounts. Additionally, users will soon have the option to uninstall the OneDrive Photos app independently without affecting the OneDrive app or file sync. The new app raises questions about its necessity, given the existing Photos app for Windows, which already integrates with OneDrive. Further details are expected to be reflected in the Microsoft 365 Roadmap.
Xbox has reduced the pricing of its Game Pass offering, attracting interest from open-source developers, particularly those working on the Heroic Games Launcher. A new open-source project called Xodus aims to bring PC Game Pass games to Linux and macOS by utilizing Valve's Proton and custom runtimes. Previously, Linux gamers had limited access to Game Pass titles, mainly through Xbox Cloud streaming, which faced latency issues. Xodus plans to support third-party launchers like Heroic, Lutris, and Bottles, allowing users to install and launch games via Steam. The development team has made progress in authorization and game downloads and is now focusing on game SDK development to ensure effective gameplay on Linux.
Campfire Cabal has released Expeditions: Samurai in early access on Steam, transitioning from ancient Rome to feudal Japan. Players create a custom character arriving in Japan aboard the Dutch frigate De Albatros during the Sengoku era. The game features an expanded companion system with eight characters, stealth mechanics for tactical combat, and cooperative gameplay allowing a second player to control a twin of the main character. Expeditions: Samurai includes five main quests, three side quests, and 14 locations, with plans for future updates to add new content and features. The final version aims to have over 35 side quests, a player village, crafting mechanics, and mini-games, with completion expected by early 2027. Early adopters can purchase the game at a lower price.
Microsoft has made significant improvements to Windows 11 in response to user feedback, focusing on enhancing the user experience. Key changes include a revamped Windows Update process that synchronizes updates for drivers, frameworks, and security, allowing users to restart their systems only once a month and pause updates indefinitely. The presence of ads and AI features has been reduced, with updates to the Widgets board and the removal of Bing and MSN ads from Windows Search. Performance enhancements include a "Low Latency Profile" feature for better CPU optimization and improvements in WinUI interfaces, leading to faster navigation in File Explorer and more consistent search functionality. Microsoft is also testing new customization options for the Taskbar and Start menu, allowing users to reposition and resize the Taskbar and hide specific segments of the Start menu. Additional features are in development, with plans for further updates by the end of 2026 and some expected in 2027.
T-Mobile is transitioning to an app-centric model with the T-Life app, which will become the primary platform for managing customer accounts by the end of 2026. A leaked roadmap indicates that the rollout will occur gradually, starting with the migration of the concierge experience to the app and focusing on phone upgrade transactions. By the fourth quarter of 2026, all new customer accounts are expected to be established exclusively via T-Life. While this change may appeal to many customers, some may prefer in-store interactions, and less tech-savvy individuals might find the app approach challenging.
Microsoft is testing a new Xbox emulator for Windows 11, allowing select Xbox Insiders to access classic original Xbox games like Fuzion Frenzy, Conker: Live & Reloaded, and Crimson Skies. A broader official launch is expected before the end of the year, with plans to include Xbox 360 games next year. An internal document indicates a full launch of backwards compatibility on PC is scheduled for October 2026, coinciding with the Xbox brand's 25th anniversary, followed by a rollout of the Xbox 360 catalog for next-generation Xbox devices in 2027-2028. The emulator will handle the technical challenges of emulating original Xbox and Xbox 360 games, allowing developers to choose whether to make their titles accessible on Windows 11. Backwards compatible games may be available for purchase through the Microsoft Store or included in Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Additionally, a disc-to-digital program is anticipated to launch in August, enabling Xbox console owners to convert physical game discs into digital copies.
