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I finally found out what Windows does during "Getting things ready" — and I'm no longer annoyed
Winsage
August 29, 2026

I finally found out what Windows does during “Getting things ready” — and I’m no longer annoyed

Windows Patch Tuesdays often lead to uncertainty for users due to the "Getting things ready" screen, which lacks a percentage bar or estimated time of completion. During this time, Windows is performing complex tasks managed by the Update Orchestrator, which assesses applicable components of updates, prepares necessary files, and stages them for installation. The servicing stack, including Component-Based Servicing (CBS), ensures that only relevant parts of an update are applied at the component level. The update process involves checks, package handling, staging, installation, and finalization, influenced by each PC's unique configuration, installed components, optional features, and drivers. The variability in wait times is due to these factors, and while Microsoft does not provide precise completion times, clearer messaging about the current task could improve user experience. The lack of information can create confusion between necessary updates and a system that appears stuck.
Paradox's next grand strategy game is taking cues from Fallout and Mad Max
AppWizard
August 25, 2026

Paradox’s next grand strategy game is taking cues from Fallout and Mad Max

Paradox Development Studio is developing a new game titled Afterworld, set in a post-apocalyptic North America. Players will lead a tribe of survivors, choosing their tribe's origins and focusing on survival by gathering resources. The game allows players to rebuild civilization or create new societal structures, including religions and laws, while utilizing pre-collapse technology. A unique tech tree evolves through exploration, with procedural generation ensuring varied experiences in each playthrough. Dan Lind, the game director, emphasizes that Afterworld is Paradox's first non-historical setting in a decade, offering a fresh perspective for a grand strategy game. A preview of the game mechanics will be released in the coming weeks.
Gallipoli (PC) Review
AppWizard
August 20, 2026

Gallipoli (PC) Review

BlackMill Games' World War I series has surpassed a decade of gameplay, with the latest installment, Gallipoli, focusing on the Gallipoli Campaign. This campaign aimed to capture the Dardanelles Strait and Constantinople but ended in a disastrous retreat for the Allies. Gallipoli features improved visuals, refined gunplay, and balanced mechanics, enhancing the gameplay experience. The game introduces new mechanics such as increased team sizes, a ticket system with unpredictability, realistic ballistics, a refined stamina system, and a suppression system that affects soldiers' performance. However, concerns exist regarding the limited rewards in the progression system, which may impact player engagement over time.
Overwatch's newest Emerald rank is like a live grenade wedged between plat and diamond
AppWizard
August 19, 2026

Overwatch’s newest Emerald rank is like a live grenade wedged between plat and diamond

Overwatch's Season 4 has introduced a new rank called Emerald, positioned between Platinum and Diamond, to address the skill gap between these ranks. The addition aims to provide players with a better sense of rank identity and a new goal to achieve. Emerald serves as a buffer in matchmaking, allowing for a more tailored competitive environment for players who are better than average but may lack refined teamwork. Players in Emerald experience unpredictable game outcomes, reflecting the rank's demographic. Additionally, there is a noted decrease in toxicity within matches at this rank, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and adaptability in gameplay.
Marvel Tōkon's simple but effective combo trials are an elegant tutorial solution that I wish more fighting games had
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

Marvel Tōkon’s simple but effective combo trials are an elegant tutorial solution that I wish more fighting games had

The combo trial in fighting games allows players to experiment with characters but often lacks effectiveness in teaching optimal strategies. Players frequently rely on external resources for better guidance. Marvel Tōkon introduces a new approach with "Level-Up Missions," which encourage players to create their own combos based on specific criteria rather than following explicit inputs. These missions promote creativity and a deeper understanding of character mechanics, with increasing complexity as players progress. While their impact may lessen in competitive play, they provide a valuable exercise in engaging with the game’s systems and offer a more organic learning experience compared to traditional tutorials.
Hell Let Loose: Vietnam (PC) Review
AppWizard
August 13, 2026

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam (PC) Review

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam has officially launched after a series of open betas and a brief delay. Expression Games has adapted the 50 vs 50 first-person combat experience from World War II to the Vietnam War, featuring dynamic firefights, strategic planning, expansive maps, and historically accurate weaponry. The game combines elements of an arcade shooter and a military simulator, with gameplay that is faster and more fluid than its predecessor. Players can swim, climb ladders, and utilize helicopters, gunboats, logistics trucks, and tanks, although vehicle controls can be clunky. The game has visual and technical challenges, including texture popping and difficulty in differentiating maps due to similar appearances. Recent improvements have been made in hit detection and overall stability. The game has received positive feedback despite its challenges, offering a unique take on the franchise.
Get Ready to Dimension Clash
AppWizard
August 7, 2026

Get Ready to Dimension Clash

In Minecraft's "Dimension Clash," players engage in team-based combat across floating islands, with matches lasting 10 to 20 minutes. There are three teams representing different dimensions: Overworld, Nether, and End. The goal is to fill a base shrine with five ESSENCEs, which can be obtained from opposing teams' shrines or neutral islands. Each match features a player-voted Twist that alters gameplay, and players gain levels that enhance their abilities.
One Minecraft modder has casually been besieged by exploding apples
AppWizard
August 3, 2026

One Minecraft modder has casually been besieged by exploding apples

A Minecraft player, Reddit user 'Saledka,' experienced an unusual event while harvesting apples from modded apple trees, where explosions occurred instead of the expected sounds of falling fruit. This phenomenon was attributed to the SoundBarrier mod, which alters audio effects when players reach high speeds, affecting the sounds associated with falling apples. The incident gained significant attention on the feedthebeast subreddit, receiving over 2,900 upvotes and 125 comments in 19 hours. Players are now advised to check their mod lists for potential interactions that may cause similar occurrences.
Blizzard is keeping secrets about Diablo 4's next season until BlizzCon, but you can still try some of it out next week
AppWizard
July 31, 2026

Blizzard is keeping secrets about Diablo 4’s next season until BlizzCon, but you can still try some of it out next week

Blizzard will reveal detailed patch notes for Diablo 4's upcoming season 15 at BlizzCon in September, marking a departure from their usual practice of providing advance details. The season will introduce new seasonal items, returning favorites, and adjustments to the Mythic Unique item system. New features include "Challenge Dungeons," which are boss encounters with customizable difficulty in the open world, and "Overland Ambushes," where players must react quickly to being hunted by a demon. Players can expect new items called "Soul Splinters" that enhance jewelry with damage buffs, and revamped Unique items from previous games, such as Leoric's Crown. The season will also see the return of the "Rebirth" system from Diablo 3 and changes to the Mythic Uniques, including the introduction of weaker, Unique versions of Iconic Mythics. A public test realm (PTR) for these features will be available from August 4 to August 11.
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