strategic Archives

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Google expands Android scam protection feature to Chase, Cash App in U.S.

Google is expanding its in-call scam protection feature for Android to include various banks and financial applications in the United States. This update supports fintech platforms like Cash App, which has 57 million users, and the JPMorgan Chase mobile banking app, with 50 million downloads on Google Play. The feature, initially launched in May and integrated into Android 16, alerts users when they are using a financial app during a call with an unknown number, warning them that the caller may not be legitimate. The alert remains visible for 30 seconds, allowing users to reassess the situation. The feature is compatible with Android 11 and later versions and was previously tested in the U.K., Brazil, and India. Users are advised to remain vigilant and avoid risky behaviors that could compromise their security.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

For just $10, this PC board game bundle has some phenomenal cozy games – but you’ll have to be quick

Fanatical is offering a 'Build your own Tabletop and Deckbuilder' bundle featuring 14 products, including the board game Roll Player and indie deckbuilder video games like Wingspan, Calico, Raiders of the North Sea, Yellow & Yangtze, Sagrada, and Wings of Glory. The bundle is valued at nearly 0 but is available for .99, with options to select three, five, or more games at varying prices. The bundle is available until December 22, but there is limited stock of Steam codes, particularly for the Dire Wolf pack.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Gemini is getting a ChatGPT-flavored tweak and new Maps features

Gemini is set to unveil a redesigned tool menu that resembles OpenAI's ChatGPT interface, featuring a sliding menu that integrates various functionalities like image and video generation. A new voice input feature will allow continuous recording by pressing and holding the microphone icon. Gemini will enhance its Maps integration with detailed place recommendations and the ability to export curated lists to Google Maps. Additionally, a new Labs icon in the Gemini Live interface suggests potential experimental features may be introduced soon.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

New Helldivers 2 update just shaved 131GB off its PC file size with a “slim version” beta, and I’m ecstatic — here’s how to opt into the patch

Helldivers 2, launched in 2024, initially had a file size of 70GB, which increased to 154GB due to performance and technical issues. A recent update, Python Commandos Warbond, reduced the file size by 131GB to 23GB, an 85% decrease. This slim version is currently in testing and not the default; players must manually opt into it via Steam. The Xbox Series X|S and PS5 versions require 35-40GB of storage. The game is available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5, with the PC version currently on sale for .99.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Wait and build: Slipknot’s Clown launches ‘Minecraft’ realm

Shawn "Clown" Crahan, the percussionist of Slipknot, has launched a Minecraft world called Vernearth, inviting fans to explore his creative environment. A preview of Vernearth was shared on Slipknot's TikTok. The band recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of their debut album with a reissue in September and announced a catalog deal with HarbourView Equity Partners in November.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Minecraft is changing how it handles update version numbers — but what does that mean for us players?

Since the Tricky Trials update in June 2024, Minecraft has been at version 1.21, as Mojang Studios shifted to more frequent, smaller updates instead of large annual releases. Mojang is revamping its version numbering system to better reflect this new update cadence, with the latest game drop titled "The Copper Age" designated as version 1.21.9 for Java Edition and 1.21.110 for Bedrock Edition. The first snapshot for the upcoming Mounts of Mayhem update will be labeled as 25.4-snapshot-1. The familiar "Minecraft 1.x.x" format will be retired, with the Mounts of Mayhem update scheduled for release on December 9 and the first update of the new year recognized as Minecraft 26.1. Mojang has also pledged to eliminate code obfuscation from Minecraft: Java Edition to enhance the modding experience.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Attention survival game sickos: you can be among the first to playtest the sequel to one of my favorite survival RPGs

Outward 2, the sequel to the 2019 title Outward developed by Nine Dots Studio, is set to expand the game's world. An alpha playtest will occur from December 9 to December 15, allowing participants to explore the city of Haboob and the Bellowgale region. The full game is expected to be released in 2026.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Payday 3 tears up one of its worst systems and replaces it with a shiny new one, and it’s a huge step in the right direction

Since its launch in 2023, Payday 3 has faced challenges, with daily player counts on Steam for Payday 2 being approximately 20 times higher than for Payday 3. Starbreeze has canceled a Dungeons & Dragons project to focus on enhancing Payday 3 and has transitioned support for Payday 2 to another studio. The upcoming free update, Skills 2.0, will overhaul the skill system by eliminating the previous buffs (Rush, Edge, and Grit) and introducing a more intuitive structure with six main archetypes: Soldier, Ninja, Mechanic, Hacker, Conman, and Professional, each with three subdivisions. Players will have access to 51 skill points upon reaching Infamy level 150 and an online tool will help plan skill progression. Starbreeze has adjusted weapon damage to maintain balance and introduced various enhancements, including the ability to throw bags at enemies to stagger them and resolving a bug with throwing knives.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

The best PC games of all time in 2025

Since 1873, Rock Paper Shotgun has annually curated a selection of the finest PC games, beginning to document this list in 2021. The definition of the best PC games evolves each year, reflecting the current team's tastes. They aim to highlight personal favorites, intentionally leaving out other important titles. The team will unveil their selections for the RPS 100: 2025 Edition throughout the week. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth features dual protagonists Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu, blending serious themes with surreal humor in a turn-based RPG format. Inscryption challenges players in a card game against a gremlin in a haunted forest, known for its creativity and unexpected twists. House Of The Dying Sun is a space combat game inspired by classics, offering exhilarating battles and intuitive controls. Dragon's Dogma II introduces the Unmaking Arrow, adding unpredictability to its gameplay. Devotion is recognized as a top horror game, exploring despair through a masterfully crafted narrative. DayZ is a survival mod for ArmA II that retains its core essence despite updates, emphasizing player interactions. Wreckfest is a driving game focused on chaos and enjoyment rather than just winning. Dyson Sphere Program immerses players in factory building across planets with smooth gameplay. BattleTech incorporates mercenary economics into tactical gameplay. Full Throttle is a classic adventure game with high production values and a gripping narrative. Deep Rock Galactic features procedurally generated environments and cooperative gameplay. Stray portrays a cat navigating a dystopian city, creating an immersive experience. Return Of The Obra Dinn involves investigating a maritime mystery through unique gameplay mechanics. Plants Vs Zombies is a charming tower defense game appealing to all ages. Pentiment explores 16th-century life through a monk's perspective, enhancing storytelling with its art style. Gorogoa offers a unique puzzle experience with hand-drawn art. Conquests of the Longbow blends historical authenticity with engaging gameplay in the Robin Hood saga. Into The Breach presents a tactical challenge with innovative mechanics prioritizing civilian safety. The Stanley Parable encourages exploration and choice, thriving on humor and inventive design. Peggle encapsulates randomness and joy through its simple premise. The next reveal of the 80th to 61st best PC games will occur tomorrow, with previous selections available from 2021 to 2024.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

League of Legends is giving every role a transformative rework as part of the best slate of changes I’ve seen in years

League of Legends will introduce a battle pass system and dynamic seasonal Rifts in 2026, with a focus on enhancing balance, game duration, and introducing new formidable monsters. The season will feature a Demacia theme, with champions receiving new skins and Morgana getting a cosmetic upgrade. Role rebalancing will include Role Quests for top laners and ADCs, with improvements such as a longer-cooldown Teleport spell for top laners and increased gold acquisition for ADCs. Mid lane players will receive new tier three boots, while junglers will have enhanced movement speed and rewards. Supports will gain a dedicated control ward spot and improved gold generation. Atakhan, the Bringer of Ruin, will be retired, replaced by the new mechanic Crystalline Overgrowth. Game time will accelerate with minions spawning sooner, and Ranked play will see reinstated Solo/Duo queues and adjusted MMR calculations. Eleven new items will be introduced, including Hextech Gunblade and Stormrazor. The season launches on January 7, with changes appearing on the PBE on December 3.