Winlator is an orchestration layer that combines four open-source projects to run Windows games on Android phones. The projects involved are Wine, Box86, Box64, DXVK, and VKD3D-Proton.
Halfbrick Studios is developing a dungeon crawler game called Guncrypt, which features a unique weapon system with three guns, over 60 bullet types, and 80 relic types. Players can customize their gameplay by strategically loading bullets and fusing them for new effects. The game includes tarot cards for passive bonuses and a Curse Level that introduces escalating challenges across five tiers. It consists of four procedurally generated floors with various enemies and a boss at the end. The demo version runs smoothly on Linux using Steam Play with Proton, and the gameplay involves innovative movement mechanics and combat strategies. The game currently has no confirmed release date or pricing, but a demo is available, and a native Linux build is in development.
The Nintendo GameCube can run Windows NT, a mid-1990s workstation operating system, due to a PowerPC version developed by Microsoft. A group of contributors adapted the OS for the GameCube, making it available on GitHub, and it also works on the Wii and Wii U’s vWii mode. Users need to use various controller-entry methods for text input, as the GameCube lacks a dedicated keyboard, although some rare controllers with integrated keyboards exist. A video tutorial on YouTube details the installation process.
YouTube is expanding its in-app messaging feature, initially tested in Ireland and Poland, to the United States and other global markets. The feature, called YouTube Chat, allows users to directly message and share content within the app. Users can invite friends to chat, enabling them to share posts and discuss videos. This update aims to enhance user engagement and streamline sharing activities, reflecting a trend towards private messaging. Favorable feedback has been received during initial testing, although the feature's success will depend on user willingness to use it in place of established messaging platforms.
In Minecraft, horror mods enhance the gameplay experience by introducing unsettling elements that create tension and fear. Notable horror mods include:
- Cave Dweller: Features a creature that breathes heavily as it approaches, causing dread.
- The Man From The Fog: A figure that silently observes players, creating suspense.
- Weeping Angels: Statues that move only when players are not looking, increasing stress.
- Creepypasta Mod: Incorporates characters from Minecraft creepypasta tales, offering unpredictable encounters.
- Silent Hill Fog Mod: Reduces visibility with dense fog, enhancing atmospheric horror.
These mods are primarily compatible with Forge, and players should check compatibility before installation. Combining multiple horror mods may lead to performance issues. Playing with friends can amplify the experience, but all participants must have the same mods installed. Players should be aware of their comfort levels, as some mods can induce jump scares or prolonged psychological tension.
YouTube is expanding its in-app video sharing and messaging feature for users aged 18 and older in the U.S. and various international markets. The update allows users to share videos and react in real-time through a new messaging icon in the app. This feature has received positive feedback from regions where it was previously implemented, and YouTube encourages adherence to its Community Guidelines for shared content. The company aims to gather user feedback to refine the platform further.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 was showcased at a private Xbox event in Los Angeles. The game features an interconnected world for exploration, allowing players to pursue objectives in larger environments. It introduces verticality, enabling players to jump and execute jump attacks. The art style has been refined, with concept art used during loading screens. Multiplayer gameplay supports solo play or teaming up with up to three others, both online and locally. The combat system retains exhilarating action while introducing new items and effects, with no distinct character classes. Players can equip four armor slots and utilize new equipment types like artifacts and talismans. A mini-inventory system has been implemented for quick equipment management. The demo took place in the Deep Dark biome, featuring familiar and new mobs, and included a challenging boss fight that emphasized teamwork. Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to launch on September 29 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.
Ball State University’s Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts (IDIA Lab) has launched the Mesa Verde Virtual Companion, an augmented reality mobile app designed to enhance public engagement with Mesa Verde National Park. The app is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play and includes features such as augmented reality experiences, 3D visualizations of ancestral structures, narrated interpretations, animated figures, and interactive learning content about the Ancestral Pueblo people. The app aims to facilitate both on-site and off-site exploration of the park, which contains nearly 5,000 archaeological sites and is recognized as a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It targets park visitors, educators, families, and remote users, incorporating accessibility features like a welcome tutorial and voiceover options. The project emphasizes immersive learning and cultural preservation, using advanced digital media to connect users with Indigenous history. The IDIA Lab, supported by Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s Digital Media Initiative, develops projects that explore virtual and augmented reality and collaborates with various organizations to enhance educational experiences.
Focus Entertainment and Broken Arms Games announced the release of BioEden, a solarpunk management game, set to launch on September 3, 2026, on Steam, with later releases planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. Players will take on the role of a Keeper, tasked with revitalizing a distressed planet by building a self-sustaining network and resurrecting extinct animal species. A demo of BioEden is currently available on Steam, featuring a tutorial that introduces players to the game's mechanics.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has been released for Mac users in 2026 by Feral Interactive, following its original PC release in 2019. The game is a real-time strategy (RTS) title that allows players to control various nations and historical figures, featuring numerous single-player campaigns and three DLC expansion packs. The Mac version includes enhanced 4K/high-resolution graphics, is optimized for Apple Silicon processors, and is available on Steam with plans for a Mac App Store release later in 2026. Online multiplayer is restricted to Mac users only, with no cross-platform play with PC players. The Definitive Edition offers hundreds of hours of gameplay through historical scenarios and skirmish battles.
