vote Archives

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

Malware campaign targeting Minecraft users infects over 116,000 systems

A recent investigation by McAfee researchers has identified a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) operation called WeedHack, which targets Minecraft users. Since its launch in January 2026, WeedHack has compromised over 116,000 systems, with 2,000 to 3,000 new infections daily. The operation uses YouTube and SEO poisoning to distribute malware, promoting Minecraft mods and utilities through videos. WeedHack is accessible for free, with premium features available at low costs. The malware targets Minecraft session IDs, collects system information, and extracts credentials from various platforms. It includes a web-based dashboard for tracking infections and offers tools for injecting malware into legitimate mods. The operation has also been linked to incidents of cyberbullying among its users. McAfee advises caution when engaging with Minecraft-related content on YouTube.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

The Stop Killing Games movement hits another major milestone as a game preservation bill passes California State Assembly vote

The California State Assembly passed the Protect Our Games Act (AB 1921) with a vote of 43 to 16. This bill aims to address game preservation issues, particularly following Ubisoft's decision to de-list its online racing game, The Crew, which affected many players. Stop Killing Games, an organization advocating for game preservation, has established NGOs in the EU and the US to counter lobbying efforts related to game shutdowns. The bill will now proceed to the California State Senate for further support but faces opposition from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which argues it could misallocate developers' resources.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

A Minecraft Movie Squared reveals Matt Berry and Kirsten Dunst

The sequel to the Minecraft movie, titled "A Minecraft Movie Squared," is set to be released in theaters on July 23, 2027. Kirsten Dunst will portray Alex, the female counterpart to Steve, and Matt Berry is rumored to play the character Herobrine. The film will feature a build challenge for fans, with the winner's creation potentially appearing in the movie. The sequel will introduce new biomes, characters, and mobs to the Minecraft universe.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Minecraft dev Mojang just added two huge multiplayer features to Java Edition with new Snapshot build

Mojang Studios has introduced new multiplayer features in the Minecraft 26.2 Snapshot 7 for Java Edition, including a Friends List and peer-to-peer connection options. The Friends List allows players to send and receive friend requests using Profile Names and includes tabs for managing friend statuses. Players can invite friends to join their single-player worlds, enhancing social interaction. Previously, private multiplayer sessions required LAN setups or third-party servers. The update may also support mods for peer-to-peer multiplayer if all players have the same mods installed. Additionally, the upcoming Chaos Cubed update will introduce a new sulfur cave biome, scheduled for release in Q2 2026.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Karl Jacobs Tops Minecraft Charts with New US Fan Push

Karl Jacobs is experiencing a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly among younger gamers, due to his recent Minecraft challenge streams that focus on intricate redstone contraptions and survival worlds. This has led to increased viewership on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, with significant engagement during evening hours. His content is praised for its creativity, and discussions on social media highlight his engaging streaming style. The timing of his resurgence aligns with Minecraft's popularity in schools and colleges, providing a stress-reliever for students. Fans can easily access highlights on TikTok, and his collaborations with creators like GeorgeNotFound and Sapnap contribute to the dynamic Minecraft scene. His use of shaders and mods appeals to tech-savvy gamers, and community discussions reflect his humor and relatable gameplay. Future interactive events are anticipated to maintain high engagement levels. Additionally, his connections to Minecraft Education Edition and podcast appearances further enhance his relevance in the gaming community.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

‘Obviously we love the PC,’ Gabe Newell told us 15 years ago, but his focus was on ‘a responsibility to gamers and game developers’

Steam is the dominant platform in PC gaming, with Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, emphasizing a customer-centric approach focused on gamers and developers rather than a duty to represent the entire PC gaming ecosystem. He remains optimistic about PC gaming's vitality, citing 350 million PCs sold in the previous year. Valve has maintained its foundational principles despite the rise of cloud streaming, introducing features like Steam Greenlight and allowing any developer to publish games on the platform, though this has led to controversy over content moderation. Challenges to the value proposition of PC gaming include rising RAM demand and economic factors, while the Steam Machine initiative aims to bring PC gaming into living rooms despite concerns over pricing. Overall, high console prices reinforce the appeal of PC gaming in the current market.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Polls will appear in the Max messenger before the May holidays

The national digital platform will introduce features similar to those found in popular messaging apps, including group chat polls and custom sticker pack creation, expected to launch before the May holidays. The testing phase for comments in channels is set to conclude by summer. The platform currently has 110 million registered users, with over 80 million active daily. Following the blocking of Western services, Max has gained popularity among the Russian audience and aims to incorporate essential community features to enhance user experience.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

European civil servants are being forced off WhatsApp

Apps like Signal and WhatsApp are recognized for their end-to-end encryption but are increasingly seen as inadequate for organizational communication due to their consumer-grade design. Benjamin Schilz, CEO of Wire, points out the risks of using such apps for professional purposes. Recent cybersecurity threats, including a Russian espionage campaign targeting these applications, highlight the importance of advanced features like access controls and metadata management, especially for large organizations. Belgium's De Waele advocates for controlled communication environments that include only government employees to mitigate risks. Transparency advocates have raised concerns about the privacy features of consumer apps obscuring important decision-making processes, as exemplified by a situation involving Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and a vaccine deal. The re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump has prompted a shift in priorities towards secure communication channels within European governments.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

Send us your best gaming clips from Crimson Desert and you could win $500 in Steam gift cards

PC Gamer has launched a new feature called PC Gamer Clips, allowing gamers to share entertaining gameplay moments on social media. Each month, the editorial team will select a favorite clip, and the creator of the winning video will receive a prize of 0 in Steam gift cards. This prize is currently available only to residents of the US and UK. To participate, gamers can record their gameplay and upload it via a submission form on the Clips page, including their social media handle for credit.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

Overwatch Season 2 is “modernizing” old heroes, and I’m ready for a Pharmercy revival

The Overwatch Season 2 update will feature significant changes, including the return of the 'Pharmercy' duo with revamped abilities for original heroes. Mercy will receive a Flash Heal ability, enhancing her healing capabilities, while Pharah will gain Drift Thrusters to improve her maneuverability during Barrage. Reaper will have Dire Triggers as a standard ability to better engage distant targets. The post-match experience will be revamped with a new accolades system for player recognition and a shared lobby voice chat during the Play of the Game. Competitive play will see reduced ranking penalties for losses on new or reworked maps, and a system for automatic map selection based on player votes. Blizzard is also considering improvements to the hero bans system for future updates. Overwatch Season 2 is set to launch on April 14, introducing new character Sierra.