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Winsage

April 13, 2026

Microsoft Revives Windows Insider Program with Simplified Channels and In-Person Meetups

Microsoft is transforming its Windows Insider Program to enhance user engagement in Windows 11 development. The program will feature a simplified Beta and Experimental channel structure, replacing the previous four-tier system. Users will be able to perform in-place upgrades between Insider builds and have manual control over hidden features through 'Feature Flags.' Microsoft is reintroducing in-person Insider meetups in five major cities: New York City on April 21, Hyderabad on May 7, Taipei on May 13, San Francisco on June 4, and London on June 23. Marcus Ash leads the design and research for the Windows + Devices team, overseeing the revamped meetups.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Modder turns Sekiro into Tony Hawk-style skateboarding sim ‘Jet Set Sekiro’

Modder Ionian-MikiriyAKATotallyNotShinobi created a custom skateboarding level for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice called Jet Set Sekiro, allowing players to skate through the Fountainhead Palace. The mod features a new movement system that integrates skateboarding mechanics into the game. The Mod Server on YouTube showcases this mod, highlighting its creative gameplay. Previous skateboarding mods have existed for FromSoftware titles, such as a Firelink Shrine map for Tony Hawk's Underground 2. Additionally, the game Skate Story is currently on sale on GOG.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Hytale devs hire Minecraft modders behind incredible Create mod, teasing that it “opens the door to automation and a whole lot more” in their sandbox RPG

Mojang is focusing on smaller updates for Minecraft, including the Tiny Takeover drop and the upcoming Chaos Cubed. The developers of the Create mod are collaborating with Hypixel Studios on Hytale, an expansive sandbox RPG inspired by Minecraft that has been in development for nearly a decade and entered early access in January. Simon Collins-Laflamme from Hypixel Studios confirmed that the Create mod team is now part of Hytale's core design team, which may lead to innovative gameplay features. The community has responded positively to this collaboration, expressing hope for its potential impact on the game.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

Minecraft World to open at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027

Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios are developing Minecraft World, a theme park land inspired by the video game, set to open in 2027 at Chessington World of Adventures in Greater London. The project involves an investment of £50 million (€57 million) and will feature attractions based on Minecraft's biomes, mobs, and items, including a world-first coaster, interactive adventures, and themed retail and dining options. Angela Jobson from Merlin Entertainments highlighted the collaboration with Mojang Studios to create an authentic experience for Minecraft fans.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

Minecraft Theme Park Aims to Bring Digital Creativity to Life

A Minecraft theme park is set to open at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027, with a million-dollar investment announced in early 2026. The project is a collaboration between Mojang Studios and Merlin Entertainments, aiming to capture the essence of Minecraft through rides, interactive adventures, and retail experiences. Iconic Minecraft creators are involved in the design process to ensure the park reflects the game's spirit.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Viral pirate survival game Windrose has a release date, and it’s very, very soon

Windrose is a "PvE survival adventure" game set in the Age of Piracy, allowing players to embark on solo or cooperative journeys with up to four friends. Players can build bases, recruit NPCs, trade with factions, and engage in challenging combat reminiscent of souls-lite mechanics. The game has gained significant attention, with over 1.5 million wishlists and 850,000 demo players during Steam Next Fest, ranking eighth on Steam's Most Wishlisted chart. Windrose is set to enter early access on April 14. The development team has made improvements based on feedback from over 12,000 surveys and 7,500 reviews, including enhanced multiplayer capabilities and changes to naval combat.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Marketplace Content April 2026

Embracing a monstrous persona can help overcome Writer's Block, as demonstrated by using playful attire such as Monster Invading Hands, Monster Invading Feet, Dark Monster Head, Dark Monster Tentacles, Monster Invade Hoodie, and Monster Pants. Subscribing to Realms Plus or Marketplace Pass on a Minecrafting device offers access to various content, with Realms Plus providing a personal server for up to ten friends and Marketplace Pass catering to individual players. An in-game counter will inform users of any changes to the catalog, and reactivation or separate purchase is required if a Marketplace Pass membership lapses or an add-on is removed.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Trippy, psychedelic alien shooter ChainStaff shows there are still new ways for games to be ‘retro’

Bumpy Grumpy features a vibrant palette with stark black outlines and flat colors reminiscent of early '80s games, incorporating elements like "SOUND!" and "SCROLLING!" with a modern twist. Shoot 1UP DX captures the essence of a '90s cult classic with colorful lasers and pixel art. ChainStaff, from Mommy's Best Games, transports players to a whimsical world with oversized laser-firing insects and crustaceans, featuring vibrant landscapes and surreal architecture reminiscent of the Commodore Amiga era. Players encounter bizarre creatures such as angry alien pigs with neon hairstyles and colossal butterfly-gun-dragons, creating a psychedelic experience filled with hyper-saturated colors and imaginative designs.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Dota 2 patch 7.41b puts a stop to Meepo’s reign of terror as Valve locks in its new meta

Dota 2 patch 7.41b introduces several significant changes following the removal of Facets. Key adjustments include a nerf to Meepo, affecting his maximum health and mana bonuses, and increasing the cooldown for Megameepo to 90 seconds. Other notable nerfs target Doom, Tidehunter, and Ember Spirit, with reductions in damage and scaling abilities. Conversely, heroes like Timbersaw, Invoker, Broodmother, and Chaos Knight receive buffs, enhancing their abilities and scaling. Drow Ranger's starting agility has increased, but her Marksmanship ability can now be disabled nearby. Nyx Assassin experiences a reduction in Vendetta's duration but gains immunity from true sight from the Book of the Dead. The full patch notes are available from Valve.

AppWizard

April 5, 2026

Kremlin’s drive for a state-backed messenger touches a nerve for some

The Kremlin is promoting its state-backed messenger service, MAX, but many Russians are skeptical about it due to privacy and functionality concerns. The initiative occurs alongside extensive internet censorship and the blocking of popular messaging platforms like Telegram. While some users have adapted to MAX, the majority remain cautious. Officials justify MAX as essential for national security, arguing that foreign apps pose risks. The parent company, VK, claims 107 million users, expanding its reach beyond Russia. Opposition activists warn of potential state surveillance and user data access. Many users feel compelled to download MAX due to state requirements but prefer other options like Telegram. There is a strong sentiment among the public that app usage should be a personal choice, with critics expressing discontent over the government's approach to mandating downloads.