techniques Archives

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

The Marathon server slam consumed my weekend: 21 hours later, I’ve gone from ‘meh’ to believer

Last year, Embark and Bungie conducted playtests for their extraction shooters, with Bungie's Marathon being their first project outside the Destiny universe in over 15 years. Arc Raiders, developed by Embark, launched as the first mainstream title in the genre, while Marathon faced delays. The author initially felt indifferent towards Marathon but grew enthusiastic after playing for over four days. The game features a PvP experience with looting mechanics, weapon upgrades, and unique gun modifications. Critics compare Marathon to Call of Duty and Apex Legends, but the author finds its pacing more similar to Halo, emphasizing positioning and timing. The game includes movement shooter elements, allowing creative navigation techniques. Weapon designs are visually appealing and feature a variety of modifications. The game's progression system encourages experimentation with builds, and the vendor system aids in resource management. The upcoming full version will include a third map, Outpost, and additional content like the Cryo Archive.

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

GDC is an opportunity to celebrate the games that defined 2025, and explore the new technology that will shape the future of gaming

The Game Developer's Conference (GDC) will take place from March 9 to March 13, 2026. GDC focuses on the intricacies of game creation and explores emerging technologies and innovative techniques in gaming. Attendees can expect potential game announcements from companies like Epic Games, Blizzard, Nintendo, and Xbox. The GDC Vault and the Festival of Gaming YouTube channel provide resources for game creators to share their design philosophies. A central theme for GDC 2026 will be the role of artificial intelligence in game development, with discussions led by developers from companies such as Google, Capcom, NVIDIA, Xbox, and Sega.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

We polled PC gamers on how much generative AI is acceptable in games, and here’s what they said

Generative AI is increasingly integrated into video game development, with applications ranging from art assets to gameplay mechanics. A poll of approximately 1,000 respondents revealed that over 40% prefer traditional game development with no AI involvement. More than half of participants are open to generative AI to varying degrees: 20% oppose its inclusion in final products but accept its use as a productivity tool, while 21% approve of some AI involvement if disclosed. Additionally, 14% would engage with heavily AI-utilized games if enjoyable. Concerns about AI-generated code have been raised by developers, particularly regarding its quality. Despite skepticism, there is agreement on the benefits of AI-accelerated rendering techniques for performance improvements.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Minecraft enjoyers, this spectacular-looking voxel game from a solo dev should probably be on your radar

Lay of the Land is set to be released on April 8 on Steam. The game features vibrant visuals created through procedural techniques, a Creative Mode for unrestricted building, and a survival mode that requires resource gathering. Players can manipulate terrain with various tools and engage in combat using magical abilities. The game is developed by a single developer known as 'Tooley1998' or Southern Cross Interactive. Pricing details have not been announced, but players can wishlist the game for updates.

Tech Optimizer

February 24, 2026

Fake Huorong Site Delivers ValleyRAT Backdoor in Targeted Malware Campaign

A cyber operation is targeting users of Huorong Security antivirus software through a typosquatted domain, huoronga[.]com, which mimics the legitimate site huorong.cn. Users who mistakenly visit the counterfeit site may download a file named BR火绒445[.]zip, which contains a trojanized installer that leads to the installation of ValleyRAT, a remote access trojan. The malware employs various techniques to evade detection, including using an intermediary domain for downloads, creating Windows Defender exclusions, and establishing a scheduled task for persistence. The backdoor facilitates activities such as keylogging and credential access while disguising its operations within legitimate processes like rundll32.exe. Attribution points to the Silver Fox APT group, and there has been a significant increase in ValleyRAT samples documented in recent months. Security measures include ensuring software downloads are from the official site and monitoring for specific malicious activities.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

Pirates VR: Jolly Roger Graphics Comparison – PC VR vs Quest

Pirates VR has been released on standalone VR platforms a year after its initial PC VR launch. The game has received significant updates since its original review in 2025, including improvements to combat mechanics, motion controls for swimming, and enhanced enemy AI. Players can now toggle dialogue from a parrot companion, and new narrative elements have been added. The Quest version uses optimization techniques like Application Spacewarp and fixed foveated rendering, which affect performance and visual quality. The introductory scene showcases advancements in graphics, with dynamic lighting and improved environmental details. While some graphical quality has been reduced, the overall experience remains immersive, with better water rendering compared to other Quest titles. The game is priced at .99 on Steam and PlayStation VR2, and .99 on Meta Quest 3/3S.

AppWizard

February 22, 2026

Crafting Explosions: Custom TNT In Minecraft Bedrock

TNT in Minecraft Bedrock is crafted using five units of sand and four units of gunpowder, arranged in a cross shape in the crafting grid. It can be activated through various methods, resulting in significant explosions. Custom TNT allows players to create unique explosions using command blocks, redstone mechanics, and innovative designs like TNT cannons and traps. Advanced techniques include mastering redstone circuits, TNT duplication, and utilizing data packs for further customization. Safety measures are essential when testing custom TNT, including using a controlled environment, protective gear, and regular backups of the game world. Common issues include TNT not exploding, unexpected explosion effects, and lag, which can be resolved by checking redstone circuits, adjusting parameters, and limiting the number of TNT blocks used.

AppWizard

February 22, 2026

IIJAZZGHOST’s Epic Minecraft One Block Adventure

The One Block Challenge in Minecraft begins with players on a single block of grass in the void, where they gather resources, build shelters, and aim to defeat the Ender Dragon. Each time the block is broken, a new one appears, providing various materials and creatures. Players transition through different biomes, each with unique opportunities and challenges. IIJAZZGHOST is a notable player who demonstrates effective strategies, such as resource management, building farms, and creating cobblestone generators. Essential tips for the challenge include efficient resource gathering, establishing shelter and food sources, planning base expansion, and adapting to new biomes. The One Block Challenge has evolved with community contributions, introducing different block types, customized biomes, and mods, enhancing gameplay and fostering a vibrant community.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Skyblock Minecraft: Download MCPE 1.19 & Start Playing!

Skyblock is a game mode in Minecraft where players start on a small island in the sky with limited resources, including a tree, basic supplies, a lava bucket, and an ice block for creating a cobblestone generator. The goal is to complete challenges, build structures, and develop the island. Players must use creativity, resource management, and problem-solving skills to thrive. In Minecraft Pocket Edition (MCPE) 1.19, players can enjoy new biomes, mobs, and blocks, enhancing the experience. The mobile format allows for portability, and the version is optimized for better performance and graphics. Multiplayer features enable friends to collaborate, and exclusive content is available for mobile users. To download Skyblock for MCPE 1.19, players need to install Minecraft PE, find a reliable Skyblock map compatible with version 1.19, download and extract the map file, and import it into Minecraft. Essential tips for success in Skyblock include creating a cobblestone generator, caring for trees, preventing mob spawns, managing resources, expanding the island wisely, and setting personal challenges.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Highly Rated PC Vampire Game Now Available on PS5 & Nintendo Switch (& Xbox Is Coming Soon)

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines and V Rising are notable vampire-themed video games, while Vampire Therapist has gained attention for its narrative-driven adventure and therapeutic themes. Launched on PC via Steam in July 2024, it has received an Overwhelmingly Positive rating and various awards. The game features a gunslinger turned therapist helping vampires with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and includes voice actors from titles like Hades and Baldur’s Gate 3. As of February 17th, Vampire Therapist is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch for .99 USD, with a 15% launch discount until March 3rd. An Xbox version is set to release on March 5th. The game is not yet supported on the Switch 2 due to progression issues.