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Bethesda 40th anniversary sale knocks 50% off Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations just a month after launch
AppWizard
August 9, 2026

Bethesda 40th anniversary sale knocks 50% off Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations just a month after launch

Bethesda has launched a 40th anniversary sale on Steam, running until August 13, featuring discounts on its entire catalog, including games from id Software and Arkane Studios. The Doom: The Dark Ages expansion, Revelations, is available at a 50% discount, while the base game is reduced by 67%. Skyrim is also discounted, though Dark Messiah of Might and Magic remains at its regular price. Recent layoffs at Bethesda Game Studios, Zenimax Online, and id Software raise concerns about the company's future.
There's an x64 Port of Microsoft Word 1.1a for Windows
Winsage
August 8, 2026

There’s an x64 Port of Microsoft Word 1.1a for Windows

Developer John Marshall has successfully ported Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1a to run on Windows 11 as a native 64-bit executable. This project involved reconstructing the original application from the early 1990s by translating 16-bit Assembly language into C/C++ code and adapting it to modern Win32 APIs. Marshall's work was made possible by Microsoft's release of the source code for Word for Windows 1.1a in 2014. Users interested in setting up the port will need Visual Studio with the C++ workload, the latest Windows SDK, CMAKE version 3.25 or newer, and to execute specific PowerShell scripts provided by Marshall.
Stop waiting for the Game of Thrones CRPG of your dreams and settle for the pleasant eurojank compromise instead
AppWizard
August 8, 2026

Stop waiting for the Game of Thrones CRPG of your dreams and settle for the pleasant eurojank compromise instead

Warhorse Studios, known for its medieval simulations, was considered a candidate to develop a Game of Thrones CRPG, but its parent company Embracer shifted focus to Middle-earth Enterprises, affecting Warhorse's future. Obsidian, another RPG developer, is unlikely to create a Game of Thrones game due to Josh Sawyer's criticisms of HBO's adaptations. In 2012, Cyanide developed a Game of Thrones game that struggled for identity, coinciding with Telltale Games' release of a similar title. Cyanide, recognized for other games like Styx and Blood Bowl, also released Confrontation and Of Orcs and Men during this period. The narrative of Game of Thrones: Kingsroad deviated from George R.R. Martin's storytelling style, lacking the complexity and weight characteristic of the source material.
Blocky zombie survival sim Unturned releases its source code so players can build a 'lasting legacy' for the game 'regardless of the changes we make'
AppWizard
August 8, 2026

Blocky zombie survival sim Unturned releases its source code so players can build a ‘lasting legacy’ for the game ‘regardless of the changes we make’

Smartly Dressed Games has released the source code for their free-to-play zombie survival simulator, Unturned, for non-commercial use, encouraging community creativity. They emphasized the importance of their passionate community and hope to empower players to expand the game. Modifications must be non-commercial and free for players, with some code elements excluded due to licensing restrictions. Unturned is not classified as open source, and the developers aim to re-license the U3 SDK under the MIT License in the future. Unturned was created by Nelson Sexton and entered Steam early access in 2014, reaching full release in 2017. A significant update in April expanded the game's California map and introduced over 100 new quests.
Big Walk patch addresses voice volume complaints with restraint: 'We consider it an important part of the game's design that you can only hear players who are close to you'
AppWizard
August 8, 2026

Big Walk patch addresses voice volume complaints with restraint: ‘We consider it an important part of the game’s design that you can only hear players who are close to you’

The puzzle game Big Walk features a proximity voice chat that has received mixed feedback from players regarding volume levels, especially for those with quieter microphone setups. In response, developer House House released a patch to enhance audio, making quieter voices more audible at close and medium distances, while maintaining the original distance at which voices fade. The patch does not increase the range of voice communication or allow for separate adjustments of voice and background audio levels. Players have reported varying experiences with the voice volume, with some adapting quickly while others find the volume drop-off challenging.
Ambrosia Sky: Act Two Launches on PC, Split Critics Praise Story Over Systems
AppWizard
August 8, 2026

Ambrosia Sky: Act Two Launches on PC, Split Critics Praise Story Over Systems

Toronto's indie game studio, Soft Rains, has released Ambrosia Sky: Act Two on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The game has received mixed reviews, with two-thirds praising it as an emotional journey, while one review questions its gameplay and the "immersive sim" label. Owners of Act One receive Act Two for free, while new players can purchase the full game for .99 USD, with a 20% discount available until around August 14, after which the price will increase to .99 USD. Ambrosia Sky is a first-person game where players control Dalia, a field scientist returning to her home colony after a fungal outbreak. Players use an upgradeable chemical sprayer to cleanse space stations and uncover a conspiracy. Act Two focuses on Dalia's search for her ex-girlfriend Maeve and introduces new locations, exo-fungus species, a revamped progression system, and new equipment. The Corruptor fungus adds a new mechanic that has received mixed reviews. The total playtime for both acts is approximately six to seven hours. Critics debate the game's classification as an immersive sim, with some arguing it lacks the open-ended environments typical of the genre. The narrative has been positively received, with praise for its emotional depth and storytelling. The full game is priced competitively for narrative-driven indie games, and the current pricing offers good value for players interested in the story and atmosphere. As of now, Ambrosia Sky has received two critic reviews on Metacritic, scoring 80 and 60.
New official 30th anniversary Quake mission pack adds new maps and mechanics
AppWizard
August 7, 2026

New official 30th anniversary Quake mission pack adds new maps and mechanics

Players can experience a new campaign in Quake where they assume the role of a Ranger in a dimension with a unique time-looping structure. They will collect runes to unlock new pathways and upgrades, enhancing gameplay for both new and veteran players. The newly added maps are available for free to existing owners of Quake on Steam and current and last-generation consoles. Meanwhile, id Software has experienced layoffs due to Microsoft’s reorganization, but most of the studio is focused on the Doom reboot series, while MachineGames is developing new content for Quake. Classic games like Quake are receiving new content years after their release, similar to the revival of Age of Empires II.
John Romero says id Software once sold empty Doom boxes to Taiwanese pirates so fans there could have legit copies: 'For us, it was distribution'
AppWizard
August 7, 2026

John Romero says id Software once sold empty Doom boxes to Taiwanese pirates so fans there could have legit copies: ‘For us, it was distribution’

Doom was initially distributed through a shareware model, offering the first chapter for free to players. This approach allowed players to experience the game before purchasing the remaining episodes, fostering a unique relationship between developers and players. In the early gaming landscape, distribution was challenging, particularly before the internet, with players often relying on Bulletin Board Systems (BBSes) and facing barriers such as long-distance phone call costs and the need for a modem. Despite these challenges, Doom's popularity led to the rise of resellers selling shareware versions for a fee. id Software, led by John Romero, focused on accessibility over copy protection, believing that players would find ways to copy games regardless of protective measures. This philosophy emphasized community engagement and set a precedent for future innovations in the gaming industry.
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