shapes Archives

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

Two free games are available for PC gamers on the Epic Games Store now

The Epic Games Store is offering two free games, Total War: Three Kingdoms and Wildgate, as part of its Holiday Giveaway, available for PC gamers to claim until January 8. Total War: Three Kingdoms, released in 2019, focuses on ancient China and combines diplomacy and warfare, while Wildgate is a multiplayer shooter set in a futuristic environment with customizable spaceships. The holiday promotion will end soon, with regular weekly giveaways resuming on January 8 with Bloons TD 6.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

‘Friendslop’ dominated 2025 by proving time and time again that graphics are overrated

In 2025, the PC gaming industry has shifted away from the pursuit of cutting-edge graphics, as advancements have plateaued and often yield only marginal improvements. AI-generated enhancements have not generated the expected enthusiasm, especially given their high costs. Successful games like Peak and REPO demonstrate that engaging gameplay can thrive on budget-friendly PCs, some nearly a decade old. The term "friendslop" describes a genre of games that, despite being labeled low-effort, feature intentional design choices that enhance enjoyment. REPO involves transporting a fragile vase, creating tension and humor, while Peak utilizes immersive sound design and dynamic lighting to convey danger and adventure. Abiotic Factor, a survival game, runs smoothly on older hardware while using modern lighting effects. Larger productions like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Battlefield 6 prioritize performance over graphics, optimizing for mid-range and minimum-spec PCs. The common thread among these titles is that gameplay is prioritized over graphics, suggesting a potential turning point in the industry towards valuing engaging mechanics and narratives over visual fidelity.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Best PC Sports Games for 2026

Sports games on PC in 2026 showcase a diverse array of titles that blend arcade excitement, intricate simulations, and innovative concepts. Modern PC hardware enhances the gaming experience, allowing titles that once required specialized setups to run seamlessly on contemporary devices. Arcade-style sports games benefit from lower system requirements and simplified controls, while simulation-heavy titles are better suited for desktops. Standout games include Baseball Stars 2, which maintains its charm with engaging mechanics, and RetroMania Wrestling, which focuses on recognizable gameplay rather than realism. Fire Pro Wrestling World offers extensive customization and online play, appealing to players who enjoy fine-tuning their matches. Mutant Football League reimagines American football with fictional teams and exaggerated violence, while Super Mega Baseball 3 combines stylized visuals with intricate statistical systems. Rocket League remains popular for its skill-based multiplayer, and Windjammers 2 emphasizes strategic gameplay. Turbo Golf Racing merges golf with kart racing, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2 remasters classic skateboarding titles. The PC platform thrives on variety, offering arcade-style action, intricate simulations, and experimental hybrids. Notable sports games in 2026 include Rocket League, Super Mega Baseball 3, Fire Pro Wrestling World, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2, and Windjammers 2. Many sports games are suitable for the Steam Deck, especially arcade-style titles. While there are fewer officially licensed simulations on PC, some titles cater to simulation-focused players. Current trends include hybrid designs, enhanced community tools, and growing interest in customization systems.

AppWizard

December 17, 2025

There’s more to Horses than the Steam ban: The controversial horror game is a great example of how games can effectively borrow from film, and how they can also stumble

Steam rejected Santa Ragione's new art horror game, Horses, due to its unsettling content, which led to controversy and a lack of clarity from Valve regarding the ban. The game is visually striking and thematically cohesive, exploring routine through the character Anselmo's daily chores on a farm, but it struggles to engage players meaningfully. Valve's guidelines prohibit content designed to "shock or disgust," and while Horses achieves its goal of provoking thought and discomfort, it ultimately fails to fully realize its potential as an interactive experience. The game's pacing and linear progression in the latter half undermine its narrative impact, as it does not allow players time to reflect on the unsettling themes presented. The controversy has sparked discussions about the gaming industry's approach to controversial topics.

Winsage

December 11, 2025

5 essential Windows apps I always install on new PCs (and how they’re uniquely powerful)

ShareX is a versatile screen capture tool that offers various image capture methods, including capturing the entire screen, a specific window, or a designated region, and it can also record videos. It includes powerful editing tools that allow users to add shapes and text, crop areas, incorporate emoji stickers, and blur or pixelate sensitive information. ShareX enables direct uploads to third-party platforms like Google Drive and Imgur, enhancing productivity for visual communication.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Android 16 finally fights notification overload and lets you kill ugly icons

Android 16 introduces a shift from annual feature releases to continuous updates. Key features include a "Notification organizer" that groups and silences low-priority notifications, and AI tools that summarize lengthy messages and chat threads. Themed icons can now be applied across all apps for a consistent look. The update also includes a centralized Family Link hub for managing screen time and app usage on children's devices. These changes are currently rolling out to eligible Pixel devices.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Confession time: What’s that one videogame song that always gets stuck in your head?

A member of the PC Gamer team discusses the significance of video game soundtracks, sharing personal experiences and highlighting the impact of catchy tunes on gaming. They mention specific examples, such as the Final Fantasy Victory Fanfare, Tekken 7's Infinite Azure, and Heartbeat, Heartbreak from Persona 4. The team member invites readers to reflect on their favorite video game songs and how these melodies influence their gaming experiences.

TrendTechie

November 26, 2025

Официальный сайт Xubuntu был взломан — вместо торрента распространялся вредоносный файл для Windows

Recent advancements in user verification technology have introduced innovative methods to confirm user identity, enhancing security and user experience. One notable implementation is a visually engaging captcha system that combines graphical elements and interactive features, prompting users to confirm their humanity through simple actions. This system may include captivating SVG graphics requiring user interaction, such as checking a box, accompanied by messages like "Please verify you are a human." Additionally, developers are exploring machine learning algorithms to analyze user behavior patterns for better differentiation between human users and bots, reducing false positives and improving security without hindering legitimate users.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Cancelled Minecraft-Like Game Hytale Is Saved; Early Access Release Imminent

Hytale, an indie game reminiscent of Minecraft, is set to enter early access soon after being repurchased by its developer, Hypixel Studios, from Riot Games. The game, which has been in development since 2015, offers RPG-like depth and a procedurally-generated fantasy world. Following its initial cancellation by Riot Games, Hypixel founder Simon Collins-Laflamme announced the successful repurchase of the game and studio, securing a decade of funding and bringing back 30 developers. The team plans to keep Hytale in early access for several years, focusing on community collaboration and player feedback. Initially available on PC, there are hints of future expansions to other platforms.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

I don’t know how I missed this playable Windows 95-era 3D Maze screensaver, but it’s making me feel like I’m tripping out, man

A new playable version of the 3D Maze screensaver from Windows 95 has been created by a user named x86matthew, based on a reverse-engineered binary of the original screensaver. This version allows for user control through keyboard inputs via an additional DLL, enabling players to navigate a maze filled with digital brick walls. Players may encounter rat sprites and enigmatic black polyhedrons, adding elements of surprise and intrigue to the experience. This project evokes nostalgia for those who remember the original screensaver, providing a chance to reconnect with a piece of digital history.