speculation Archives

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Grounded 2: All the key details on the shrunken survival-crafter

Grounded 2 is a sequel to the original game, announced at the Xbox Games Showcase, and is set to expand the gameplay beyond the backyard. The game takes place in 1992, two years after the first game, where four teenage protagonists have disappeared while shrunken down to the size of ants. Players will navigate dangers in the park and work to regain their original size. The game hints at the identity of a fifth child, whose fate is uncertain and may play a significant role in the story. Grounded 2 features a map three times larger than its predecessor, introduces insect mounts called buggies for faster travel and exploration, and includes a new Omni-tool that combines multiple tools into one for easier inventory management.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

007 First Light: All the key details on IO Interactive’s upcoming stealth action game

IO Interactive has revealed details about their upcoming stealth action game, 007 First Light, featuring a young James Bond. The game, previously known as "Project 007," was showcased in a trailer during Sony's June State of Play event. In the game, Bond is depicted as a 26-year-old still developing his skills after a heroic act in Iceland, with a backstory that includes a tragic loss at age 11. The narrative involves Bond's mission to capture rogue agent 009, described as a master manipulator, and will take players to various global locations, including Slovakia and Vietnam. Familiar characters from the Bond universe, such as M, Q, and Moneypenny, will appear. The gameplay will combine third-person stealth action with dynamic engagement, allowing players to revisit missions with modifiers. The game aims to capture the essence of the spy fantasy while differentiating itself from the Hitman series, emphasizing Bond's more aggressive approach.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Report: The Chinese Room has laid off small number of staff

The Chinese Room has reportedly reduced its workforce, with about ten employees seeking new job opportunities, although the studio has not confirmed the layoffs or the number of affected employees. Studio Director Ed Daly stated that more information about the studio's situation will be shared in the coming weeks. The studio, acquired by Sumo Digital in 2018, recently developed the Siren's Rest DLC for Still Wakes The Deep and took over the development of Paradox's Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 in 2023. Sumo Group has undergone significant changes, shifting back to a work-for-hire model and experiencing departures of its founders and several developers. Speculation exists regarding the future of The Chinese Room, including the possibility of a sale.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft testing physical-to-cloud PC failover

Microsoft has introduced a preview of "Windows 365 Reserve," which offers pre-configured cloud PCs for users when their primary devices are unavailable. The service includes essential Microsoft 365 applications, user-specific security policies, and customizations. Users can access a Cloud PC for up to 10 days per year, with the option to use the time all at once or in shorter sessions. Key features include data synchronization via OneDrive, pre-loaded corporate applications, and management through Microsoft Intune. Enhanced security measures involve disabling certain redirections and implementing virtualization-based security. Additionally, Microsoft is conducting a private preview of Windows 365 Cloud Apps for secure access to individual applications without needing a dedicated Cloud PC. Improvements to Windows 365 Link include a new "Connection Center" for selecting multiple Cloud PCs, enhanced multi-monitor support, and NFC card login capabilities.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft has a brand-new service aimed at saving all your files from disastrous cloud drop-out

Microsoft has introduced Windows 365 Reserve, a web-based service that provides temporary, pre-configured Cloud PCs for users during device disruptions. Users can access these Cloud PCs from any device, and they come equipped with Microsoft 365 applications, corporate settings, and security protocols. The service can be utilized for up to 10 days each year. Pricing details are not yet announced, and a preview is expected to launch soon. There is speculation about a possible subscription-based model, and an online application process will be available for early access. Additionally, a 20% discount for first-time customers has been announced for the existing Windows 365 platform.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

‘Exciting’ Red Dead Redemption news less exciting than previously thought, says John Marston actor: ‘Rockstar Games makes announcements for Rockstar Games’

Rob Wiethoff, the voice of John Marston from Red Dead Redemption, hinted at "exciting news" related to the game but later clarified that the excitement may have been overblown. He has also been active in fitness content on YouTube. The gaming community is speculating about the nature of his news, which could involve a new project or a revisit to the Red Dead universe.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Elon Musk’s latest gaming take is ruthlessly mocked by Bioshock fans: ‘Probably thinks Andrew Ryan was the hero’

Elon Musk attempted to align himself with the No Kings protests in the U.S., which had over five million participants, to enhance his image on X. On June 15, he posted a message interpreted as a reference to protests against Trump, amid a contentious relationship with the former president. Musk had previously claimed credit for Trump's election victory, leading to Trump's threats to withdraw government subsidies for Musk's ventures. Reactions to Musk's post varied, particularly within the BioShock community, where fans noted the character Andrew Ryan's downfall. Musk has faced criticism for previous misinterpretations of gaming culture and was recently criticized for account boosting in Path of Exile 2. Speculation surrounds Musk's understanding of gaming narratives, especially regarding his reference to Andrew Ryan, whose ambitions lead to ruin.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

After 4 years of silence, one of the most disappointing games of 2020 gets a surprise expansion

Empire of Sin has released a new expansion titled "Hunt for Aurora," developed by Moonmana after Romero Games stepped aside. This expansion introduces a new boss, British mobster Robin Kray, and his partner Sylvia Taylor, along with a new gangster class called Vanguard, specializing in melee combat. It features the Dance Club racket, a new companion dog named Lucky, and several new weapons, including various firearms and melee options. The expansion includes a total of 14 new missions centered around the quest for the Aurora diamond. The game initially launched in 2020 with a 49% review score but has seen a revival after a period of stagnation.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

New Surreal Horror Game Concierge Announced For PC

Indie game developer Kodino Artee, in collaboration with publisher Digital Tribe, has announced a new project titled Concierge, set to launch on PC via Steam in September. This surreal horror puzzle game features an elderly man navigating a desolate hotel while grappling with his identity. Players awaken without memory or voice, guided by a cryptic concierge and an antiquated camcorder called the Parasonik. The game offers a nonlinear narrative with six distinct game worlds, each presenting unique mechanics and unsettling puzzles. Players must uncover secrets without guidance, using the Parasonik to reveal phantoms and solve illusions. The game's aesthetic blends melancholy with lo-fi analog horror, creating a sense of psychological decay. Players are encouraged to learn mechanics intuitively, as mastery leads to deeper understanding within its complex environment.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Minecraft receives separate trailer for the Switch as doesn’t support Vibrant Visuals

The Chase the Skies update has been released in Minecraft, but Nintendo Switch players will not have access to the Vibrant Visuals update. Switch users can still enjoy the Chase the Skies content, which includes new features such as flying with a ghast companion, creating a caravan of camels, and using the Player Locator bar. There is speculation that Microsoft and Mojang may develop a version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, potentially offering enhanced graphics.