speculation Archives

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Hideo Kojima posts a cryptic message about ‘editing’ something and an awful lot of people are convinced it means Death Stranding 2 for PC will be announced later this week

Death Stranding 2 is currently not available on PC, but there are hints that it may be released soon. Hideo Kojima shared an image on his X account that suggests a PC version might be in the works, alongside a calendar for Death Stranding set for 2026 that appeared on the ESRB website in November 2025. A State of Play showcase is scheduled for February 12, which could potentially include an announcement about a PC release or a 'Director's Cut' version. The response to Kojima's hints has been optimistic, with speculation about a PC announcement growing.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Microsoft Announces Windows Baseline Security Mode and User Transparency and Consent

Microsoft has introduced two initiatives to enhance user trust in the Windows operating system: Windows Baseline Security Mode and User Transparency and Consent. These initiatives focus on transparency in app and AI agent behaviors, allowing users to reverse decisions and limiting access to defined capabilities. Windows Baseline Security Mode will enforce runtime integrity safeguards, permitting only properly signed apps, services, and drivers to run, while allowing users and IT administrators to override these safeguards if necessary. User Transparency and Consent will prompt users when apps attempt to access sensitive resources or install additional software, providing clear and actionable options for users to review and modify their choices. The rollout will occur in Windows 11 through a phased approach, with potential implementation in the Windows Insider Program by mid-year, possibly aligning with a future Windows 11 version or Windows 12 release.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Could Be Merged with PC Game Pass and Expanded with More Third-Party Services

Microsoft is reportedly considering merging the Xbox Game Pass Premium console subscription with the PC Game Pass. This information has been corroborated by multiple sources, indicating substantial interest in this direction. The current features of both subscriptions differ in price, platforms, first-party day-one access, EA Play inclusion, cloud gaming capabilities, online multiplayer options, and game library size. The potential merger could introduce a new subscription tier that includes cloud gaming, EA Play, and first-party day-one access, likely at a higher price point. Additionally, Microsoft is speculated to be exploring bundled third-party services to enhance Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. There are also rumors about a next-generation Xbox console launching in 2027, which may be a hybrid model capable of running PC applications.

Winsage

February 1, 2026

5 Essential Free Apps That Aren’t Available On The Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store has recently added applications like VLC, Foobar2000, Firefox, and Brave, but several essential applications are still missing, leading users to download installers from developers' websites. Microsoft has discontinued support for Office installations via the store, and the transition to allowing Win32 app formats has introduced more applications, although many developers may find this shift too late, with full support for Win32 apps not expected until 2025. Notable applications currently unavailable on the Microsoft Store include: - Steam: A critical gaming platform with over 140 million users, absent from the store due to Valve's competition with Microsoft. - Notepad++: A popular text and code editor known for its simplicity and versatility, requiring direct download from its official website. - Calibre: An open-source e-book manager that allows users to organize, convert, and enrich e-books, also needing to be downloaded from its official site. - qBittorrent: A free and open-source torrent client offering a clean interface and extensive features, available only through direct download from its official website. - Paint.net: While available on the Microsoft Store for a fee, it can be downloaded for free from the developer's website, providing robust image editing features.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Xbox Insider Teases More “Heavy-Hitting” First-Party Games Coming To Steam, And I’m On My Knees Begging For Minecraft

Minecraft is not available on certain gaming platforms, presenting an opportunity for Microsoft to tap into a new revenue stream. Legacy titles like Fable 3 are connected to the now-defunct Games for Windows Live, creating challenges for integration into modern systems. There is speculation that Game Pass may expand its offerings to include these legacy titles, which could enhance Microsoft's competitive position in the gaming market.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Minecraft Steam rumors reignite, after insider says more Xbox games will land on Valve’s PC store

Windows Central reports that the GamingLeaksandRumors subreddit has become a popular source for gamers seeking information about upcoming game releases, hardware innovations, and industry trends. Recent discussions include speculation on anticipated titles, next-generation consoles, and shifting market dynamics. TheGamer emphasizes the significance of community insights in shaping the gaming industry's future.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

After joking about buying Amazon MMO New World, Rust boss says to “keep hope” as he signs NDA with an “unnamed company”

Alistair McFarlane, head of Facepunch Studios, has expressed interest in reviving the canceled Amazon MMO, New World, and has made a light-hearted offer for its rights. He is entering a non-disclosure agreement with an unnamed company, urging fans to keep "low expectations." McFarlane engaged with the New World community by jokingly tagging Amazon Games and discussing the planned shutdown of the New World: Aeternum servers in January 2027. He believes in empowering the community through public server hosting if a deal occurs. McFarlane has acknowledged the game's rough start and lack of long-term support but sees potential for its revival. Facepunch Studios prioritizes community engagement, as demonstrated by the ongoing success of their game Rust. The identity of the unnamed company remains undisclosed, but speculation points to Amazon Games. McFarlane emphasizes that discussions are confidential and that there are no confirmed deals or announcements at this time.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

The best Elder Scrolls game that isn’t an Elder Scrolls game is getting a big patch in February and free DLC in March

Questline, the developer of Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, achieved significant financial success in 2025, selling over one million copies of the game. The release coincided with a fifteen-year gap since the last major Elder Scrolls RPG, creating strong demand for expansive, open-world experiences. Throughout 2025, Questline provided regular patches to enhance the game and announced plans for a significant update in February and a free DLC in March. The latest patch, version 1.16, improved framerate performance, added new alchemy recipes, and fixed various bugs. Critics have praised the game, noting that its strengths outweigh its weaknesses.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Apps are going missing from Google’s Nest Hub displays

Users of Google’s Nest Hub smart displays are reporting a significant reduction in available apps, with many noticing their app drawers becoming sparse. A Reddit user shared that their second-generation Nest Hub had only three accessible applications: Sling, Stories, and YouTube TV. Other users, including those with a Nest Hub Max, confirmed that shortcuts to previously available apps had disappeared without explanation. The timeline of this disappearance is unclear, as some users had access to these apps just a day before they vanished. Google has not publicly addressed the issue, leaving users to speculate whether it is a temporary glitch or a permanent change.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Black Ops 7 Season 2 is bringing some wild loadout additions, and I haven’t been this scared of a scorestreak in years

Treyarch is set to introduce new content for Black Ops 7 Season 2, including a scorestreak called the Lockshot, inspired by Titanfall's Smart Pistols, which can lock onto multiple targets and eliminate them with a single trigger pull. Players will also have access to new weapons through the battle pass, including the REV-46 submachine gun, EGRT-17 assault rifle, and H311-SAW melee weapon. Additional weapons, such as the SG-12 shotgun, Voyak KT-3 assault rifle, and the returning Swordfish burst rifle from Black Ops 4, will be available later in the season. Season 2 will also feature the launch of Ranked Play, providing a competitive gameplay environment. The season officially begins on February 5.