team Archives

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Microsoft VP Signals Windows 11 Forced Account Requirement Could Be Removed

Scott Hanselman, Vice President at Microsoft, discussed the mandatory Microsoft account requirement for setting up Windows 11, which applies to both Home and Pro editions. This requirement was introduced with the 22H2 update in 2023 and has faced criticism as it prevents the creation of local accounts without an internet connection. There are unofficial workarounds to bypass this requirement, but they are not officially supported by Microsoft. Internal debates at Microsoft exist regarding the necessity of this account requirement, with some advocating for its removal while others support its continuation. No definitive timeline or commitment for changes to the account requirement has been provided by Hanselman or Microsoft.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

I love Teamfight Tactics Set 17’s Hades vibes, but I’m going to find it hard to say goodbye to Lore and Legends

Riot Games has announced the next installment of Teamfight Tactics, named Space Gods, which draws inspiration from Hades 2. The previous set, Lore and Legends, is noted for its well-crafted design and strategic depth, making it a favorite among players. The new set will replace the carousel mechanic with selectable god boons and introduce new gameplay mechanics, including Fiora’s guaranteed victories in 1v1 encounters. TFT Set 17 will be available on the PBE on March 31 and launch with Patch 17.1 on April 15, 2026.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

“We love punching Nazis,” Jeronimo Barrera says. That’s why Nekome: Nazi Hunter is all about killing them

Nekome: Nazi Hunter is a story-driven game that explores themes of vengeance and the darker aspects of human experience during World War II, particularly the Holocaust. Players assume the role of Vano Nastasu, a young Romani man seeking revenge against the Nazis who murdered his family. The game features hyper-violent combat and a comic-book aesthetic, inspired by grindhouse cinema and films like Inglorious Basterds. The development team emphasizes that the violence serves a narrative purpose and collaborates with consultants to ensure respectful representation of the Roma and Sinti people's experiences. The game includes a notoriety system that affects how Nazi soldiers react to players' actions, adding complexity to combat. Scheduled for release in 2026, the game is generating interest among potential players and can be added to wishlists on Steam.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Wyldheart Announced for PC, Blending Tabletop Roleplay With Online Co-Op Action

Wyldheart is a cooperative fantasy RPG developed by Wayfinder Studios, featuring a team of former developers from EA DICE, Embark Studios, and Mojang Studios. The game is currently in development for PC and can be wishlisted on Steam and the Epic Games Store. It allows solo or cooperative play for up to four players, focusing on collaborative storytelling, exploration, and combat. Players will experience multiple campaign arcs, each offering around 10 hours of gameplay, set in the fallen Kingdom of Caerwyn. The game emphasizes player choice, exploration, and character development, placing players in the roles of unknown adventurers. The development team includes industry veterans like Dennis Brännvall and Fia Tjernberg, and they are seeking community support through Kickstarter.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Microsoft plans native apps for Windows

Microsoft plans to develop fully native applications for Windows 11 and is establishing a dedicated team for this initiative. The new software will utilize Windows-specific technologies like WinUI instead of web-based components. Some upcoming applications will not include web-based elements. This shift aligns with Microsoft's broader efforts to improve Windows 11, which recently received an update to address performance issues and optimize various features. Many existing applications, including popular tools and flagship offerings, currently rely on web-based frameworks. It is unclear whether Microsoft will modernize existing applications or focus on new native solutions.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Star Wars Zero Company director has ‘an axe to grind’ with turn-based tactics, says fans don’t have to settle for no story, crummy graphics, and clunky controls: ‘Depth doesn’t cost you elegance’

Greg Foertsch, the creative director of Star Wars: Zero Company, believes that a compelling narrative is essential for tactics games, challenging the idea that they can succeed solely on strategic gameplay. He emphasizes that tactics games can successfully combine engaging narratives with strategic depth, as demonstrated in his previous work on Marvel's Midnight Suns. Foertsch aims to redefine expectations in the genre by delivering a game that excels in both storytelling and visual appeal.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Minecraft’s switch to smaller game drops doesn’t rule out “more transformative updates”

The Tiny Takeover update is the ninth 'game drop' from Mojang since the company adopted a strategy of smaller, more frequent updates in 2024. This approach allows for a sustainable development model, enabling different teams to focus on various projects simultaneously. The update emphasizes art and sound design for baby mobs, while previous updates targeted different gameplay aspects. Mojang plans to continue releasing updates that cater to diverse play styles, ensuring there are appealing options for all players. The company is also working on larger transformative updates, such as the Vibrant Visuals graphics refresh for Minecraft Java.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

The director of Tales of Kenzera: Zau learned his most important game development lesson while working with Ridley Scott: ‘That’s why we’re able to make games faster’

Surgent Studios faced challenges after the commercial failure of their first game, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, leading to layoffs and potential redundancy for the entire team by October 2024. However, the studio rebounded by launching two new games, including the horror game Dead Take in 2025, which was well-received on Steam. This shift in strategy focused on smaller, more sustainable projects rather than lengthy development cycles. The experience gained from Zau contributed to the studio's efficiency in producing new games. Salim, the studio's director, also created a child-friendly multiplayer game called FixForce. He remains open to larger projects in the future but acknowledges the competitive nature of the gaming market.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

XCOM meets Rashomon in Vaunted, a tactical RPG where your characters can rewrite history from their perspective

Vaunted is a sci-fi tactical RPG developed by Hooded Horse, showcased during the Xbox Partner Preview. Players navigate a criminal underworld, commanding a team of thieves and mercenaries after a high-stakes expedition goes awry. The game features a dual combat system that allows toggling between turn-based strategy and real-time action, enhancing tactical gameplay. Character loss can lead to new narrative perspectives, with player decisions significantly impacting the story. The game includes a roguelite element where characters earn "credibility" for upgrades upon death. James Phinney, known for his work on StarCraft and Guild Wars, leads the development team. Vaunted is set to launch later this year, although a specific release date has not been announced.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Deadlock isn’t a death sentence for Dota 2 – it’s “a gateway,” according to caster and ESL product manager ‘Avo+’

The Dota 2 ESL One Birmingham 2026 tournament features a significant patch, 7.41, released by Valve just before the playoffs, which has sparked discussions about its impact on the competitive scene. ESL product manager Álvaro 'Avo+' Sánchez Velasco notes that this approach tests teams' adaptability and acknowledges the stress it places on players and production teams. He praises the patch's design philosophy, highlighting Valve's experimentation with game mechanics and the importance of player independence. Velasco believes the new game, Deadlock, could positively influence Dota 2 by attracting new players and enhancing community engagement. He observes an uptick in player interest and viewership, indicating a stable audience for Dota 2. As the grand finals approach, three teams remain in contention: Tundra Esports, Team Yandex, and Xtreme Gaming, with Velasco expressing particular support for XG and its star player, Wang 'Ame' Chunyu.