SDK Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 2, 2025

Bun 1.2 Improves Node Compatibility and Adds Postgres Client

Bun v1.2 has been released, enhancing compatibility with Node.js and introducing a native S3 object storage API and a built-in Postgres client alongside the existing SQLite client. The update focuses on Node.js compatibility, achieving a 90% pass rate on the Node.js test suite for core modules. The team adapted the Node test suite for Bun to address challenges with error message verification. New features include support for the node:http2 module, which offers a 2x speed enhancement, and additional support for node:dgram, node:cluster, and node:zlib. The built-in S3 support allows file operations with a 5x speed improvement over Node.js packages. The new Postgres client includes optimizations such as automatic prepared statements and connection pooling, potentially increasing read speeds by 50% compared to popular Node.js Postgres clients. Bun is developed in Zig and uses WebKit’s JavaScriptCore as its JavaScript engine, with the first version launched in September 2023.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Minecraft-Like Game ‘Hytopia’ Launches AI Vibe Coding Competition

Hytopia, a Minecraft-inspired crypto voxelverse and world-building game, is hosting a competition for creators to develop web-based mini-games using its SDK and AI-powered "vibe coding." The competition lasts 14 days, from April 1 to April 15, 2025, with a judging period of one week afterward. Participants must ensure their mini-games are at least 80% AI coded. Prizes include ,500 for the winner, ,000 for second place, and 0 for third place. Vibe coding allows users to interact with an AI assistant for coding without needing advanced skills. Hytopia was originally launched in 2022 as NFT Worlds but pivoted to create its own game after Mojang prohibited NFTs on its servers.

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

After 16 years, The Dark Mod finally has guards as perceptive as in Thief: ‘The days of seeing knocked-out AI in the middle of a bright spotlight get ignored are over’

The Dark Mod, launched in 2009 as a total conversion for Doom 3 and transitioned to a standalone title in 2013, has released its latest update, version 2.13, which includes significant enhancements to gameplay. The update features a comprehensive rework of guard AI, improving their perceptiveness to mirror the original Thief experience. The AI now utilizes a "stochastic sampler model" that allows them to gauge illumination levels effectively, making them more aware of their surroundings. Additionally, the update introduces support for parallax occlusion mapping, enhancing visual detail, particularly in ceiling rendering, along with improved water reflections and volumetric lights. User experience improvements include a refined mission management system with a search filter and updates to the training mission. A fix for the "broken behaviors" of drunk guard AI has also been implemented. The Dark Mod 2.13 is available for download, and fans have access to unofficial content, including the 2023 campaign The Black Parade and the upcoming game Thick as Thieves.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Discord revamps overlay and desktop to make PC gaming easier

Discord has released updates for its desktop application to improve the gaming experience for PC players. The new Game Overlay has been redesigned for better performance and now includes individual widgets for easier access to voice and video controls, as well as the ability to view friends' game streams. The update supports a wider range of games and includes a help section for users. Additionally, the desktop interface has been refreshed with new customization options, including four free themes and three UI Density settings. Users can now resize the channel list for better navigation, and there are improved controls for voice and video during calls, along with enhanced visual indicators for active devices. These updates aim to enhance legibility and reduce visual clutter, with ongoing improvements planned throughout the year.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

AMD 25.3.2 driver fixes major bug so Windows Update no longer installs older driver on 9070

AMD has released a beta display driver version 25.3.2 for Windows 11 and 10, which addresses a bug that caused older drivers to be installed via Windows Update, affecting various GPU generations. This issue has been resolved for the RX 9000 series graphics cards. The driver adds support for Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows and The Last of Us Part II Remastered, along with several bug fixes, including improvements for Counter-Strike 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Assetto Corsa Competizione. Developer updates include support for RX 9000 series in the AMD Radeon Developer Tool Suite and the availability of AMD FSR 3.1 in over 110 games. Known issues include memory leaks with SteamVR, performance logging notifications, crashes with certain games, and stuttering with some VR headsets. The driver can be downloaded from AMD's official website.

BetaBeacon

March 21, 2025

Android games will soon be compatible by default for Google Play Games PC, unless devs opt out of it intentionally

Google announced a new strategy for Google Play Games PC platform at GDC 2025. The platform will now offer options for "PC Only" and "PC Limited Exclusivity" in addition to traditional "Android to PC" conversions. Developers can earn up to an additional 15% revenue for native PC games and will have easier access to the platform with the new default "opt-in" setting. Google Play Points will offer more booster periods and bonus rewards exclusive to the PC platform.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google introduces new developer tools and titles for games on mobile and PC

Google has introduced new features for PC and mobile gaming, coinciding with the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Key updates include the transition of Google Play Games for PC from beta to general availability, a dedicated SDK for native PC games, enhanced Play Console for managing game builds, and default availability of mobile games on PC via the Play Store. Optimized games will feature specific icons, and support for AMD-based devices is forthcoming. A new Graphics API named Vilkan will improve frame rates and visual fidelity, and the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) will be enhanced. Developers can launch user acquisition campaigns for mobile emulated and native PC titles, and port their games to Google Play for PC, potentially earning additional revenue. New PC-optimized titles announced include “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,” “Sonic Rumble,” and “ODIN: VALHALLA RISING.” Google will also bring PC titles like “DREDGE” and “TABS Mobile” to mobile, with “Disco Elysium” to follow. Customizable controls for PC games will be introduced, along with a game sidebar for quick adjustments and multi-account support. Play Points tracking on PC will be simplified, with up to 10x points boosters for purchases.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Epic Games is addressing one of Windows-on-Arm’s last big app compatibility gaps

Utilizing a Windows PC powered by an Arm-based Snapdragon processor has become more similar to traditional Intel or AMD systems due to developers optimizing applications for native performance and Microsoft's advancements in Windows' Prism technology. However, compatibility issues remain, particularly with online multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat software, as Prism cannot translate drivers and foundational Windows software. The small user base for Arm PCs has also discouraged some developers from creating compatible versions of their software. Epic Games plans to enhance support for Arm PCs by introducing its Easy Anti-Cheat software and official support for Fortnite later this year, which will also be available to developers through an Epic Online Services SDK release.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google Play Games Announces Major Expansion on PC

Google has expanded its Google Play Games on PC platform to support native PC games in addition to mobile offerings. This initiative aims to help developers connect with a larger player base. The expansion includes a Play Games PC SDK for native PC games, featuring in-app purchase integration, enhanced security, simplified game packaging, and an earnback bonus of up to 15 percent. Mobile games will now be available on PC by default, with developers able to opt out. A “playable” badge will indicate games that meet performance requirements, while an “optimized” badge will show adherence to Google’s quality standards. The platform now supports AMD desktop PCs and laptops, and introduces new features like controls customization and a game sidebar for quick adjustments.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Epic Games and Qualcomm are teaming up to solve one of the biggest roadblocks to gaming on Snapdragon X PCs

Epic Games and Qualcomm have announced a partnership to enhance Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) support for Snapdragon X-powered PCs later this year. Fortnite will be the first game to implement this support. Epic Games will provide developers with an Epic Online Services SDK to help integrate EAC compatibility into their titles. The collaboration aims to improve the gaming experience on Snapdragon X, addressing challenges related to anticheat software.