testing phases Archives

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

Videogame ‘beta versions’ are anything but, says veteran RPG dev—real games are ‘shy, shy, shy, shy, slightly less sh***y, and it skyrockets’ at the end

Prokop Jirsa, the lead designer for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, argues that the term "beta" in video game marketing often misrepresents the actual state of game development. He points out that what players experience in public betas is typically much more polished than the internal alphas or betas, which are less refined. Jirsa humorously suggests that these pre-release versions could be more accurately labeled as gammas or deltas. He emphasizes the non-linear progression of game quality, noting that significant time and effort are required to achieve a polished final product, which can take months or even years. Jirsa reflects on the challenges faced during the development of the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance, given the limited resources and tight timelines.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

Edge vs Chrome heats up again as Reddit users say performance and features matter more than brand loyalty

Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome are both built on the Chromium foundation, but they differ in efficiency, features, and ecosystem integration. Microsoft Edge has introduced features like sleeping tabs and Startup Boost to enhance user experience and battery life, and it integrates seamlessly with Windows 11. Users have reported better memory management with Edge compared to other browsers. However, Google Chrome maintains a lead in ecosystem integration and reliability across various websites, as developers often prioritize it during development. Privacy concerns exist for both browsers, with users noting that neither is a privacy-first option. The choice between Edge and Chrome depends on individual usage patterns, with Edge being a strong option for Windows 11 users and Chrome being favored for its consistent performance and integration with Google services.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

Microsoft is Officially Rebuilding Windows 11 Again to Satisfy Users

Microsoft is committed to improving Windows 11 based on consumer feedback, particularly from Windows Insiders. The company has formed a team of product experts to enhance the Windows experience and is actively reviewing feedback from testers. A highly requested feature, a movable taskbar, is confirmed to be in development and has been showcased in recent preview builds. Microsoft plans to implement changes influenced by user input, with a focus on performance, reliability, user-friendliness, and overall experience, including significant updates expected in 2026. Anticipated enhancements include redesigning legacy interfaces, improving multitasking, expanding Virtual Desktop customization, allowing taskbar and Start menu resizing, introducing a faster File Explorer, creating a cleaner Notification Center, reducing reboots during updates, offering flexible update pause controls, and minimizing upsell prompts during setup. The company emphasizes a renewed focus on stability and responsiveness driven by user feedback.

AppWizard

February 13, 2026

Left 4 Dead creator’s new co-op shooter just won me back after its limp Game Awards reveal

4Loop is a new co-op shooter developed by Bad Robot Games, led by Mike Booth, known for Left 4 Dead. The game features a roguelite structure with tactical maps made up of interconnected nodes for missions, which require at least one player to survive to advance. Players can vote on objectives, and missions include tasks like rescuing hostages or harvesting resources. The game encourages creative tactics against AI opponents, utilizing features like portals and invisibility. A notable boss encounter involves navigating a dynamic obstacle course of lasers. The game is currently in pre-beta, with upcoming playtests planned, and will launch on PC and PS5. Specific release dates have not been announced.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Search Labs initiates a Google app test that lets users ‘tailor’ their feed on Android

Search Labs has introduced a feature called "Tailor your feed" within the Google app for Android, currently in testing phases across the U.S. This tool allows users to customize the content they see and avoid, leveraging user prompts for a more personalized experience. The feature builds on Google's earlier Discover feed experiment and is powered by advanced AI technology. Additionally, Google previously tested the "Daily Listen" feature, which created audio summaries of content based on users' Discover feeds and search behaviors, aiming for a streamlined online experience.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

Minecraft’s next big update is officially less than two weeks away with new mobs, a new weapon, and more

Mojang Studios will release the Mounts of Mayhem update for Minecraft on December 9, 2025. They are currently testing the update and sharing pre-release snapshots with select insiders for feedback. Additionally, Mojang is collaborating with King on a new mobile spin-off titled Minecraft Blast.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

Quantic Dream’s upcoming MOBA is opening its doors for a closed beta weekend in just a couple of weeks, but only a few players will make the cut

Quantic Dream will release Spellcasters Chronicles, a MOBA featuring three-on-three battles against other teams and waves of enemies. A closed beta will run from December 4 at 3 PM UTC to December 8 at 9 AM UTC for players in Europe and North America. Participants can choose from six spellcasters: the Swamp Witch, Astral Monk, Iron Sorcerer, Fire Elementalist, Mystic Scribe, and Stone Shaman, each with unique abilities and an ultimate power to summon a titan. Not all applicants will gain access, but those who do not will be eligible for future testing phases. A second closed beta is planned for early next year with additional content. Players can follow updates on the game’s Steam page or official website.

AppWizard

November 22, 2025

The PUBG extraction shooter spinoff springs back to life with a closed alpha test set for December, and its focus on exploration over pure combat sounds a lot like my favorite part of Arc Raiders

In 2023, Project Black Budget, a spinoff of the PUBG franchise designed as an extraction shooter, was announced with a closed alpha testing phase scheduled for December 2025. The testing will take place from December 12-14 and December 19-21, accessible to players in North America, Europe, and Asia. Interested players can request access via the game's Steam page, but entry is not guaranteed. There is no non-disclosure agreement for the alpha phase, allowing players to stream and share their gameplay. Access keys will also be available through Twitch Drops during the testing period. PUBG Studios has acknowledged potential technical issues during the alpha and aims to refine gameplay systems through community feedback.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

New Spin-off Minecraft Blast Is a ‘Minecraft Meets Candy Crush’ Puzzler You Can’t Miss

Mojang, in collaboration with King Studios, is developing a mobile puzzle game called Minecraft Blast, currently in early testing phases exclusively on the App Store in Malaysia. The game is free-to-play and involves matching blocks by color or type, with unique challenges and limited moves per level. Players can use boosts like pickaxes, swords, and shovels, unlock themed areas, and construct structures inspired by the Minecraft universe. Progress from early tests will not carry over to the final version of the game. The development of Minecraft Blast will not affect updates for the original Minecraft game.

AppWizard

October 26, 2025

Here’s how Old School Runescape’s Sailing skill came to be, as Jagex’s 18-year odyssey finally arrives in port

Old School Runescape has fully illuminated its world map, marking the end of an era with the introduction of the Sailing skill set to launch on November 19, 2023. This skill allows players to navigate uncharted waters and commandeer their own vessels, a concept that has been discussed in the community since 2007. The game has expanded its landmass over the years, notably with the continent of Zeah in 2016, and the Sailing update will introduce diverse biomes and activities at sea. The new mechanics will allow for faster movement across the ocean, fundamentally altering gameplay. Sailing will integrate with over ten other skills, ensuring continuity within the game while maintaining balance so it does not overshadow existing skills. The narrative integration has been facilitated by prior groundwork, allowing for a smooth transition into the new content. Community feedback has been positive, with growing excitement for the upcoming update.