spirit Archives

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

If you’re curious about the crazy-ambitious space survival game from the makers of EVE Online, it’s got a free trial running through the next week and change

CCP Games is offering a free trial of its space survival MMO, EVE Frontier, from June 27 to July 7. Players can participate by creating an account on the EVE Frontier website and downloading the game client. EVE Frontier serves as a testing ground for new features and concepts that may not fit into the original EVE Online. The game incorporates blockchain technology and offers ambitious modding support, appealing to gamers interested in innovation.

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

The brilliant Half-Life-inspired survival game Abiotic Factor cascades into 1.0 this July

Deep Field Games has announced the 1.0 release of its survival game, Abiotic Factor, set to launch on July 22. The game will feature a new Residence Sector, an upgrade system, enhanced base assaults, and the ability to construct office cubicles. Players have enjoyed the creative aspects of the game, such as crafting items from everyday objects. Abiotic Factor has received consistent updates, including the Crush Depth and Dark Energy expansions. The game is currently available at a 20% discount for £24 until July 10 as part of Steam's summer sale.

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

13 years ago, Mojang canceled its Lego Minecraft game amid frustrations with the toy company’s brand restrictions – now the original prototype has been found and preserved online

In 2012, Mojang began developing a Lego-themed spin-off of Minecraft called Brickcraft, which was ultimately canceled due to Lego's brand restrictions. Recently, a version of Brickcraft from June 28, 2012, was discovered and made available to players by Omniarchive. The project faced significant challenges, including disagreements over design elements, such as the inclusion of scratches on Lego bricks, which Lego opposed. Markus "Notch" Persson decided to halt the project due to frustrations with Lego's rules. Brickcraft was intended to feature expansive biomes and engaging gameplay similar to Minecraft, but it was never completed.

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

A Minecraft Movie 4K Blu-ray Review

A Minecraft Movie features four misfit characters who are transported to the Overworld, where they must collaborate with a skilled crafter named Steve to return home. The film has a simplistic plot but embraces a light-hearted tone, appealing to fans of the video game. It showcases vibrant visuals and high production quality, including an Ultra HD presentation with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound. The film has a runtime of 101 minutes, is directed by Jared Hess, and features a cast that includes Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and Jennifer Coolidge. Bonus features include five behind-the-scenes featurettes. The film is produced by Warner Bros. and is rated PG.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Back in black: Microsoft Blue Screen of Death going dark

Microsoft will retire the Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in favor of a black screen as part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative (WRI), with the change rolling out later this summer for Windows 11 version 24H2 devices. This update follows a security incident in July 2024 that affected approximately 8.5 million Windows machines. The WRI aims to enhance system resilience by reengineering Windows code and allowing security software to operate outside the Windows kernel, minimizing risks from vendor security code. A private preview of the new Windows endpoint security platform will be available to Microsoft Virus Initiative partners next month.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

The Windows Resiliency Initiative: Building resilience for a future-ready enterprise

Resilience is now a strategic necessity for organizations, prompting Microsoft to launch the Windows Resiliency Initiative (WRI) to integrate resilience and security into the Windows platform. In September 2024, Microsoft held the Windows Endpoint Security Ecosystem Summit (WESES) with endpoint security vendors and government representatives to discuss enhancing resilience. Following the summit, collaboration with Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI) partners has increased, focusing on improving Windows security and reliability through rigorous testing and safe deployment practices. Next month, Microsoft will begin a private preview of a new Windows endpoint security platform for select MVI partners, allowing security solutions to operate outside the Windows kernel for better reliability. Microsoft has released the Windows Resiliency Initiative e-book to guide organizations in building resilience. Innovative products introduced under the WRI include: - Quick machine recovery (QMR) for faster recovery from unexpected restarts, reducing downtime to approximately two seconds. - Microsoft Connected Cache to enhance bandwidth efficiency during updates by caching content locally. - Universal Print anywhere for secure printing from any location. - Hotpatch updates for critical security updates without requiring a restart. - Windows 365 Reserve for secure access to a temporary Cloud PC during device disruptions.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Peak review

Peak is a cooperative climbing game developed by Landcrab and published by Aggro Crab, set to launch on June 16, 2025, priced at .99 / £6.39. It supports multiplayer experiences for up to four players, where they must scale a mountain on a deserted island while managing hunger and navigating treacherous terrain. Players can find food and climbing gear throughout the map, but some food items may cause debuffs. The game emphasizes teamwork, with players assisting each other during challenges like snowstorms and diverse biomes. Solo play lacks the dynamic interactions of multiplayer, making it feel isolating. Peak features responsive controls and satisfying gameplay mechanics.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

Microsoft Windows Security, Resiliency Updates: 5 Things To Know

David Weston, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of Enterprise and OS Security, stated that Microsoft is preparing to enhance the resilience and security of its Windows operating system. The company will offer limited access to a Windows endpoint security platform for third-party vendors as part of its Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI), aimed at improving safe deployment practices. The platform will enter a private preview phase in July for select MVI partners, allowing them to provide feedback. Key features include collaboration with third-party vendors, services running outside the Windows kernel, and development driven by partner feedback. The Windows endpoint security platform will enable partners to develop products that operate in user mode, preventing disruptions like the previous CrowdStrike incident. Weston emphasized the importance of customer trust and transparency in the development process. Microsoft is also introducing a simplified user interface and a quick machine recovery service for Windows 11 version 24H2, along with a Connected Cache service launching on July 9 to enhance bandwidth efficiency. Support for Microsoft’s initiatives has come from various third-party security vendors involved in the MVI, with positive feedback from Microsoft solution providers regarding enhanced protection against third-party software issues.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

Microsoft rolls out Windows security changes to prevent another CrowdStrike meltdown

Last summer's CrowdStrike incident caused significant disruptions in healthcare, banking, and air travel, resulting in billions of dollars in damages. In response, Microsoft held a security summit with experts from CrowdStrike and other firms to address vulnerabilities. Microsoft announced Safe Deployment practices and architectural changes to enhance Windows security, including relocating third-party security drivers from the Windows kernel to user space. This change aims to reduce risks associated with kernel-level flaws. Upcoming features in Windows 11 24H2 include a streamlined crash report process, replacing the Blue Screen of Death with an "unexpected restart" screen, and a quick machine recovery (QMR) capability to automate fixes during outages. Additionally, Windows Autopatch will allow network administrators to deploy updates with fewer required restarts for Windows 11 Enterprise PCs, limiting them to once every three months.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

HOW DISGUISE BUILT OUT THE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR A MINECRAFT MOVIE

A Minecraft Movie, directed by Jared Hess, utilizes 3D voxel art to create its unique visual style, moving away from photorealistic graphics. The production involved a collaboration with Disguise, led by Dan Lemmon, and features a cast including Jason Momoa and Jack Black. Talia Finlayson, a Senior Unreal Artist at Disguise, emphasized the integration of the Virtual Art Department (VAD) throughout production, allowing for real-time live-compositing of the Minecraft world using Simulcam. Set designs were created in Rhinoceros 3D and transformed into interactive environments with Unreal Engine, incorporating assets from talented artists and the game itself. Flexibility was crucial, enabling rapid iteration based on feedback, with adjustments made to accommodate filming needs, such as removing a second story from a building. The design process considered practical aspects like camera movements and stunt choreography, ensuring cohesion with the Minecraft aesthetic. The use of Simulcam allowed for the merging of physical and virtual environments, enhancing production efficiency and creativity.