speculation Archives

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Xbox console games are suddenly showing up inside the Xbox PC app

Microsoft is integrating its Xbox and Windows platforms by including Xbox console games in the Xbox app on Windows, suggesting a strategy for a unified library of Xbox and PC games. The company is also working on enabling visibility for games from Steam and the Epic Games Store within the Xbox PC app. Microsoft has rebranded its Xbox PC app to "Xbox PC" and aims to establish it as a central hub for PC gaming. Additionally, Microsoft is merging Xbox and Windows strengths for handheld devices, with changes expected later this year. There is speculation about whether Xbox console games will become playable on PC, potentially utilizing cloud infrastructure or emulation technology.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Why are Xbox Series X|S, Xbox 360 … and Windows Phone games showing up on the Xbox PC app?

The Xbox PC app, which allows access to Microsoft Store PC games and PC Game Pass, has been improving, but recent changes indicate issues with library management. Microsoft is unifying the back ends of the Xbox One store and Xbox Series X|S consoles, leading to beta tests for deactivated games appearing on devices like the Lenovo Legion Go, resulting in unplayable clutter. Users cannot hide games or track cloud save statuses, and the "My PC games" section displays outdated and non-functional titles instead of actual PC games. Clicking on non-PC Xbox games redirects users to the Xbox console store without resolution, causing frustration among gamers. Microsoft is reportedly investing in enhancing Windows 11 PC gaming and the Xbox PC app, possibly in anticipation of an announcement regarding Project Kennan. The current inconsistencies may be due to backend unification efforts, creating confusion for Xbox gamers using various devices.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Resident Evil Requiem introduces a new lead with a dark link to Raccoon City

The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) has diminished in significance, with the Summer Game Fest now showcasing upcoming games. Resident Evil Requiem, also known as Resident Evil 9, features a character named Grace Ashcroft, an FBI agent investigating her mother Alyssa's murder at the Wrenwood Hotel. Alyssa Ashcroft is a character from Resident Evil: Outbreak, which was released in 2004. The trailer suggests a return to Raccoon City, a key setting in the franchise. The last two mainline games introduced Ethan Winters, but Chris Redfield returned, and there is speculation that Leon Kennedy may appear in Resident Evil Requiem. The game is set to launch on February 27, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, with details on its availability for the Switch 2 yet to be announced.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

‘I grew up playing Halo, I’m tired of playing the same Call of Duty every year, and I wish we could have Titanfall 3!’: Splitgate 2 boss slams the state of shooters as he surprise launches a battle royale mode

Ian Proulx, CEO of 1047 Games, announced a battle royale mode for Splitgate 2 at the Summer Game Fest. This new mode introduces portals into the battle royale format, promising a unique gameplay experience. The game aims to blend elements from popular franchises while maintaining its distinct charm. The announcement has generated significant anticipation among players.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

‘I grew up playing Halo, I’m tired of playing the same Call of Duty every year, and I wish we could have Titanfall 3!’: Splitgate 2 boss slams the state of shooters as he surprise launches a battle royale mode

Ian Proulx, CEO of 1047 Games, announced at the Summer Game Fest that Splitgate 2 now features a battle royale mode, available for players immediately. This new mode has been anticipated by the gaming community, and Proulx noted the game's evolution while expressing nostalgia for classic round-based modes. The integration of portals into the battle royale format aims to provide a unique gameplay experience.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

This new Game of Thrones strategy game will let you change one of the final season’s biggest moments, and it’s coming next year

A new real-time strategy game set in the Game of Thrones universe, titled War for Westeros, was announced during the Summer Game Fest 2025, with a launch date planned for next year. This game allows players to command one of the Great Houses or the Night King, aiming to conquer the Seven Kingdoms through solo or multiplayer battles. It features a narrative twist that lets players alter the fates of iconic characters, such as Jon Snow potentially rising alongside the Night King. The game includes dramatic moments, like a dragon being taken down by a massive ballista, reflecting on Daenerys Targaryen's character arc.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Dying by sandworm in Dune: Awakening is way, way worse than any other death you might face

In Dune: Awakening, players face the threat of sandworms, which can sense footsteps and cause significant fear. If a player is consumed by a sandworm, they permanently lose all items in their inventory, including weapons, armor, tools, and resources. Players on vehicles, such as sandbikes, also lose their vehicles if devoured. Some players reported receiving compensation in the form of bike parts after being eaten, but this was inconsistent. Upon respawning, players receive a single worm tooth for crafting a knife, though many recommend finding other materials instead. The best strategy for survival is to avoid sandworms.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Summer Game Fest 2025 preview: The big games and developers to expect at Friday’s livestream

E3 has transitioned into the Summer Game Fest, led by Geoff Keighley, featuring a livestream on June 6 at 2 pm Pacific on YouTube. New developers include Raw Power Games, working on a medieval sandbox game, and Soft Rains, developing a sci-fi action game. Big studios like 505 Games, 2K Games, Bandai Namco, Capcom, CD Projekt, Embark, IO Interactive, Square Enix, Techland, Xbox, PlayStation, Epic Games, Pearl Abyss, and Sega are expected to showcase new titles or updates. Additional partners include 1047 Games, Amazon Games, Annapurna Interactive, Atari, Bellring Games, Blumhouse Games, Coffee Stain, Devolver Digital, Dotemu, Dreamhaven, Enhance, Focus Entertainment, Frontier, Funcom, iam8bit Presents, Kakao Games, Kinetic Games, Kuro Games, Level Infinite, Magic the Gathering, Megabit, Meta Quest, Mundfish, NCSoft, Nekki, Neowiz, Netmarble, Niantic, Nintendo Switch 2, Nuverse, Playstack, PlaySide, PM Studios, Razer, Supermassive Games, Xsolla, and Yacht Club Games. An "intense body horror" game titled ILL and beta access to Soulframe will also be featured, with Hideo Kojima confirmed to attend.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

Death Stranding 2: All the key details on the next game from Hideo Kojima

Norman Reedus first engaged in the surreal world of Death Stranding almost six years ago, and Hideo Kojima is set to unveil the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. Kojima Productions is also developing a horror game titled OD and a project reminiscent of Metal Gear called Physint. The original Death Stranding garnered a dedicated fanbase, and the sequel promises to elevate the experience with new elements, including colossal ships, guitar-playing cyborgs, and a ventriloquist dummy resembling Turkish director Fatih Akin. The sequel appears to shift towards a more action-oriented gameplay style. Kojima Productions now owns the intellectual property for Death Stranding 2, which may lead to a shorter release timeline, though it may depend on the publishing agreement with Sony. Sony titles typically see a price reduction upon their eventual release on PC. The latest trailer for Death Stranding 2 debuted at SXSW and features disjointed dialogues and stunning gameplay sequences, highlighting Sam's journey and combat. The trailer emphasizes Neil, a character reminiscent of Solid Snake, and includes notable figures like the President, portrayed by Alastair Duncan. Death Stranding 2 invites players to traverse a post-apocalyptic landscape, delivering packages while encountering adversaries. Sam Porter Bridges will explore new territories, including the Australian outback and Mexico, with dynamic weather events enhancing gameplay. Combat is now a focal point, aiming to balance action and strategy. The story is set 11 months after the original game, with Sam enjoying a quieter existence until the return of Fragile prompts him to connect Mexico to the Chiral Network. New characters include Tomorrow, who can manipulate the game's unique goo, Tarman, inspired by George Miller, and Dollman, a sentient ventriloquist dummy. Neil, portrayed by Luca Marinelli, resembles Solid Snake. Kojima Productions is offering a digital deluxe edition for Death Stranding 2, which includes exclusive cosmetics and early access to certain items. The future of DLC for Death Stranding 2 is uncertain, with no immediate plans for a PS6 release. It seems likely that the sequel will include more unconventional elements similar to the first game. Die-Hardman’s real name is humorously noted as John McClane, reflecting the quirky creativity of the Death Stranding universe.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

Snowflake to Acquire Crunchy Data for AI-Ready Postgres

Snowflake intends to acquire Crunchy Data, a provider of open-source PostgreSQL technology, to enhance its AI Data Cloud by integrating Crunchy Data's enterprise-grade Postgres offerings. The new product, "Snowflake Postgres," will be a developer-friendly, AI-ready database for mission-critical applications. Snowflake plans to invest approximately 0 million in this acquisition, which aims to support complex AI applications at scale and bring a team experienced in Postgres. This move comes amid a competitive cloud data market, with Snowflake's stock trading near its 52-week high. The acquisition is expected to influence how enterprises approach AI and data integration, potentially setting a new benchmark for cloud platforms.