Unfortunately Archives

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Why are Xbox Series X|S, Xbox 360 … and Windows Phone games showing up on the Xbox PC app?

The Xbox PC app, which allows access to Microsoft Store PC games and PC Game Pass, has been improving, but recent changes indicate issues with library management. Microsoft is unifying the back ends of the Xbox One store and Xbox Series X|S consoles, leading to beta tests for deactivated games appearing on devices like the Lenovo Legion Go, resulting in unplayable clutter. Users cannot hide games or track cloud save statuses, and the "My PC games" section displays outdated and non-functional titles instead of actual PC games. Clicking on non-PC Xbox games redirects users to the Xbox console store without resolution, causing frustration among gamers. Microsoft is reportedly investing in enhancing Windows 11 PC gaming and the Xbox PC app, possibly in anticipation of an announcement regarding Project Kennan. The current inconsistencies may be due to backend unification efforts, creating confusion for Xbox gamers using various devices.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Arkane’s Deathloop Is Free For A Week On The Epic Games Store

The Epic Games Store will offer three free games: Deathloop, Ogu and the Secret Forest, available until June 12, 2025, and Two Point Hospital, which will be free from June 12-19. Deathloop is developed by Arkane Lyon, and Ogu and the Secret Forest is created by Sinkhole Studio and Moonlab Studio. These titles replace Tiny Tina's Wonderland and Limbo, which were available previously. The giveaway is part of the Epic Games Store's 2025 Mega Sale, which started on May 15.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

RuneScape maker Jagex confirms layoffs

Jagex has confirmed layoffs as part of a restructuring aimed at enhancing focus on RuneScape games and community growth. The layoffs primarily affected roles not directly involved in game development or player interaction, with some exceptions within the RuneScape team. Liam "Mod Hooli" Ashley, head of community and social, stated that the company's commitment to growing and investing in RuneScape 3 remains unchanged, and the game's roadmap will not be affected by these job reductions. The studio is prioritizing support for those impacted by the layoffs. This restructuring occurs under new CEO Jon Bellamy, following multiple rounds of layoffs in recent years.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft issues out-of-band patches for Windows 11 startup failure

Microsoft invests significant resources into patch testing prior to software release, but the complexity of modern software makes it nearly impossible to account for every potential scenario. Tyler Reguly, associate director of security R&D at Fortra, states that human intervention is required at large scales, and humans are fallible. The transparency of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) reports is limited, leaving stakeholders with only swift resolutions. When human error is identified, changes in processes or policies may be necessary, while edge cases can arise from various factors, especially in environments where hardware and virtualization intersect. Reguly notes the unpredictability of such systems and emphasizes the limitations of expecting comprehensive coverage in a complex technological landscape.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ sucks, I love it

“A Minecraft Movie” is a 100-minute film that debuted on April 4, featuring a disjointed plot, lackluster script, and minimal character development. The film takes viewers into the “overworld” of Minecraft, where characters attempt to return to reality but face a rushed narrative that prioritizes action and comedy over coherent storytelling. Jack Black stars as Steve, with Jason Momoa as Garrett Garrison, showcasing strong chemistry. Supporting characters, including siblings Henry and Natalie, lack depth, and Jennifer Coolidge’s subplot feels inconsequential. Despite critical reception, the film has grossed over half a billion dollars, driven by the popularity of Minecraft and viral snippets of dialogue. Audience members engaged with the film during screenings, indicating a level of enjoyment despite its flaws.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

4 years after being delisted, Lost Planet 2 finally got a Steam update to remove Games for Windows Live—but it also removed online multiplayer and blew up everyone’s saves

Lost Planet 2, a sci-fi third-person shooter from Capcom, was removed from Steam in 2021 due to issues with the discontinued Games for Windows Live (GFWL). A recent update lifted GFWL but disrupted online multiplayer functionality and erased local save files. Initially launched in 2007, GFWL aimed to merge multiplayer services for PC but ultimately failed, leading to many games, including Lost Planet 2, being left in disrepair. Despite being delisted, players found ways to keep the game alive, though installation issues hindered the multiplayer experience. Guides have emerged to revert the game to its previous state to restore GFWL. There is speculation that Capcom may be working on a comprehensive Steamworks update, as the game has not reappeared in Steam listings.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Google confirms that Instagram battery drain you’ve noticed on your phones is real

A growing number of Android users have reported that the Instagram app is significantly draining their device batteries, with one user noting that Instagram used 12.4% of battery during 54 minutes of screen time compared to WhatsApp's 2.4% in 49 minutes. Users attempted various solutions, including reverting to older app versions, which sometimes led to increased device heating. Some users found that using Instagram Lite improved battery performance. Google has acknowledged the issue and recommended users update to Instagram version 382.0.0.49.84 to address the battery drain, and feedback following the update has been largely positive, indicating the issue has been resolved for many.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows on Arm vs Intel: Which laptop platform is right for you?

The Windows laptop market has shifted towards devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, moving away from traditional Intel and AMD architectures. This initiative, known as Windows on Arm, has produced notable products like the Asus ZenBook A14 and Dell XPS 13, which are praised for their performance in AI applications and impressive battery life. These devices can run Intel-based applications through an emulation layer called Prism, which translates x86-64 code into ARM64 instructions, allowing compatibility with non-native software. While they perform well for office tasks and some creative applications, limitations exist in gaming and high-demand software due to the need for specific drivers and graphics performance. Currently, the market features three Windows on Arm processors: Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and X. Pricing for these laptops often exceeds ,000, making Intel and AMD options more appealing for budget-conscious consumers.

BetaBeacon

May 24, 2025

Check out the 5 Best New Apps for Android and iPhone this Week

- Chainsaw Juice King is an idle simulation game where players manage a juice empire by harvesting animated fruits using a chainsaw and selling the juices to customers.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Over 25 Years Ago, This Lemmings-Esque Puzzler Was Sent Out To Die – Its Fans Had Other Plans

Monolith Productions announced its closure earlier this year, prompting tributes to its 30-year legacy. One notable title from the studio is Gruntz, a puzzle strategy game released for PCs in 1999, which has maintained an active community despite its initial rocky launch. The game was designed by Nick Newhard, who aimed to create a game that his wife would enjoy, blending real-time strategy elements with puzzles. After Newhard's departure from the project due to internal disagreements, Kevin Lambert took over development, infusing humor and personality into the characters. Gruntz received mixed reviews upon release, but found a favorable reception in Europe. The game's inclusion of level editing tools led to a dedicated fan community, with ongoing projects like Dizgruntled and Gruntz Unityverse. The community currently has over 368 accounts, showcasing the game's lasting appeal.