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Kalshi Challenges Illinois Sports Betting Tax as Prediction Market Jurisdiction Fight Escalates
AppWizard
July 1, 2026

Kalshi Challenges Illinois Sports Betting Tax as Prediction Market Jurisdiction Fight Escalates

Kalshi has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Illinois, challenging a law that imposes taxes and licensing requirements on sports-related trades in prediction markets. The lawsuit questions whether contracts traded on Kalshi's federally regulated exchange are classified as sports bets under state laws or as financial derivatives overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Illinois law categorizes prediction market operators as sports wagering businesses, imposing a 1.75% tax on the first five million sports wagers annually, increasing to 3.5% for wagers above that threshold, along with a costly licensing requirement. Kalshi argues that these state requirements are preempted by federal law and contends that its offerings are financial instruments, not traditional wagers. The dispute reflects a broader conflict between federal and state regulators regarding jurisdiction over prediction markets, with the CFTC previously filing a lawsuit against Illinois over similar regulatory issues. The outcome of this legal battle could have implications for the regulation of prediction contracts related to various events beyond sports.
Building a better PC than the Steam Machine for cheaper: is it possible?
AppWizard
June 25, 2026

Building a better PC than the Steam Machine for cheaper: is it possible?

The Steam Machine, Valve's gaming console, has received criticism for its high price and poor performance, largely due to rising component costs influenced by investments in artificial intelligence. In response, Linus Tech Tips, led by Linus Sebastian, is working on creating a more affordable and better-performing gaming PC. They are focusing on functionality and value while exploring various components and configurations for an exceptional gaming experience. Alternative builds may not fit as well under televisions as the Steam Machine but offer better performance and cost-effectiveness for dedicated gamers.
The Steam Machine is the most ambitious game console I’ve ever played
AppWizard
June 22, 2026

The Steam Machine is the most ambitious game console I’ve ever played

The Steam Machine retails starting at ,049 without a gamepad and ,128 bundled with one. Its performance does not significantly exceed that of the 5.5-year-old PS5, which offers sharper visuals in certain games. The Steam Machine operates more like a console than previous iterations, featuring a compact design and compatibility with modern gamepads. Valve claims to sell its components at cost, having negotiated with suppliers during a memory supply crisis. Users have reported technical issues, such as problems with the Steam Controller, sound output, and game downloads. The device requires manual adjustments for settings, lacks user-friendly configurations, and has questionable reliability with its sleep function. Valve plans to support AMD’s FSR 4 upscaling and is working on graphics driver updates. The Steam Machine is positioned as a versatile gaming and computing solution, but its limitations highlight the need for further refinement.
'We have a great relationship with IO Interactive,' Amazon says, but it won't commit to bringing the studio back for future Bond games
AppWizard
June 4, 2026

‘We have a great relationship with IO Interactive,’ Amazon says, but it won’t commit to bringing the studio back for future Bond games

Jeff Gattis, the general manager of Amazon Gaming, indicated a potential shift in the development of future James Bond games, suggesting that sequels might be produced by MGM and possibly Amazon Game Studios, which could mean IO Interactive may step back from its Bond responsibilities. An Amazon spokesperson clarified that the company is not entirely moving away from IO Interactive, though future plans remain unclear. Amazon's gaming division has faced challenges, including significant layoffs and project cancellations. Gattis expressed a belief in the convergence of television and video games, suggesting that major intellectual properties will need to integrate video game narratives. He did not confirm IO Interactive's involvement in future Bond games, stating that decisions regarding the next Bond game are still being considered. IO Interactive has not publicly responded to these developments.
007 First Light sequels will be 'done by MGM and, theoretically, by Amazon Game Studios,' Amazon exec says
AppWizard
June 4, 2026

007 First Light sequels will be ‘done by MGM and, theoretically, by Amazon Game Studios,’ Amazon exec says

Jeff Gattis, general manager of Amazon Gaming, discussed the positive trajectory of the James Bond video game franchise following the success of 007 First Light. Amazon acquired the James Bond film rights in 2025, which has complicated game development due to a pre-existing agreement that allowed IO Interactive to self-publish First Light. Future sequels are expected to be developed in collaboration with MGM and possibly under Amazon Game Studios. Amazon is also developing a Tomb Raider television series for Prime Video and has various projects that will connect with Prime Video intellectual properties. In 2025, Amazon shifted its strategy away from large-scale game development, focusing instead on delivering exceptional gaming experiences. The company plans to publish upcoming Tomb Raider titles and may explore cost-effective mobile games powered by AI.
READY, SET, ACTION! SABER INTERACTIVE REVEALS STUNTMAN: HOLLYWOOD, A THRILLING NEW RIDE FROM THE CLASSIC ACTION-RACING GAME SERIES
AppWizard
June 3, 2026

READY, SET, ACTION! SABER INTERACTIVE REVEALS STUNTMAN: HOLLYWOOD, A THRILLING NEW RIDE FROM THE CLASSIC ACTION-RACING GAME SERIES

Saber Interactive, in partnership with Universal Products & Experiences, announced the upcoming release of Stuntman: Hollywood during Sony’s State of Play Showcase. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, featuring a single-player experience that combines racing with cinematic elements. Players will take on the role of an aspiring stuntman, performing stunts inspired by popular films and TV shows from Universal Pictures and NBCUniversal. Key features include performing stunts in iconic scenes, mastering jumps and drifts to become a sought-after stunt performer, and driving legendary vehicles such as K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider and the Time Machine from Back to the Future. The game will soon be available for wishlisting on various platforms, with updates available on saber.games/stuntmanhollywood and social media.
Behold: Every Xbox and PC game that refused to be overshadowed by Marvel's Wolverine at Sony's June 2026 State of Play
AppWizard
June 3, 2026

Behold: Every Xbox and PC game that refused to be overshadowed by Marvel’s Wolverine at Sony’s June 2026 State of Play

The Sony State of Play showcased several upcoming games, including: - Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis: Launching on February 12, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with pre-orders available. - Onimusha: Way of the Sword: A new trailer was released, and a playable demo is available across all platforms. - Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve: Scheduled for release on October 2, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with pre-orders now open. - Dune: Awakening: Originally launched for PC on June 10, 2025, it will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 on September 22, 2026. - Control: Resonant: Set for release on February 24, 2026, across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with pre-orders available. - Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered: Scheduled for release on October 1, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with pre-orders open. - Silent Hill: Townfall: Confirmed for release on September 24, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and PC. - Stuntman: Hollywood: Release date not announced, but available for wishlisting. - ILL: Set to release for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC at a later date, with wishlisting available.
Remedy's new CEO thinks cross-media deals will help its games sell more, and for once I think I agree
AppWizard
May 26, 2026

Remedy’s new CEO thinks cross-media deals will help its games sell more, and for once I think I agree

Remedy Entertainment appointed Jean-Charles Gaudechon as CEO earlier this year. Gaudechon has a background in EA and the sports betting industry and emphasizes scaling operations for lasting value. He aims to maximize the potential of existing franchises like Alan Wake and Control before expanding the portfolio. Gaudechon stated that the focus is not solely on driving revenue but on making existing games shine and reaching new audiences. Remedy is also pursuing a "Remedy Connected Universe" to explore cross-media opportunities, including television and film, to broaden the reach of its narratives and characters.
"Куинджи 93"
TrendTechie
May 24, 2026

“Куинджи 93”

"Куинджи 93" is a short visual novel set in Mariupol during March 2022, following a young volunteer from Donetsk delivering humanitarian aid while his father is in combat. The game captures the war-torn atmosphere with various haunting details, such as fluttering sheets of paper, buried bodies, damaged vehicles, and distant artillery sounds. It features a character named "Воробей," based on a real commander who died in 2023. Players face choices regarding their role as a volunteer or transporting military aid. The game takes just over an hour to complete and pays tribute to fallen volunteers, concluding with a list of their names and death dates. It has received 94% positive reviews on Steam and is available for free, though some in Ukraine have criticized its release on an American platform. Future developments may enhance its depth and interactivity.
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