Vulkan Archives

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xodus Cracks Xbox Authentication and Game Package Decryption to Bring PC Game Pass to Linux

Developers of the Heroic Games Launcher have announced Xodus, an open-source project aimed at enabling access to PC Game Pass on Linux and macOS. Launched on August 10, 2026, Xodus has successfully addressed Xbox identity authentication and the decryption of MSIXVC packages, allowing local play of Game Pass titles for Linux and macOS users. Currently, the only way to access Game Pass on non-Windows devices is through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and introduces latency. Xodus employs a layered architecture, including an Xbox Authentication Library (xal-rs) for managing Microsoft account sign-ins and license verification, and a reimplementation of the xgameruntime.dll for license checks and Xbox service access. The project can retrieve MSIXVC game packages using a valid Game Pass subscription and decrypt executables for local storage. However, it does not yet support UWP-based titles and lacks a user-friendly interface for general users. The project is under pressure due to Microsoft's upcoming transition to the MSIXVC2 package format, which Xodus does not currently support. Xodus is in early development with only a command-line interface available, and the team is working on emulating the GDK Gaming Services layer necessary for game initialization. The project is legal as it reimplements Xbox runtime behavior without enabling piracy, but it faces risks if Microsoft alters its authentication infrastructure.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

Project Xodus Brings Native Xbox PC and Game Pass Games to Linux

Project Xodus is an open-source initiative focused on reverse-engineering Xbox PC and Game Pass titles to enable their use on Linux and Mac systems. The project has made significant progress in Microsoft authentication and package decryption, allowing Linux users to download and process Xbox subscription games locally. The team has successfully reverse-engineered Microsoft’s identity services and license verification systems, unlocking encrypted MSIXVC game files and enabling the verification of game licenses and decryption of installation packages on non-Windows operating systems. Xodus serves as a translation bridge for Microsoft’s proprietary ecosystem services, providing custom proxy libraries for games to function as if they are running in a native Windows environment. It specifically targets modern games built on Microsoft’s GDK framework, excluding older titles using the Universal Windows Platform and those dependent on kernel-level anti-cheat mechanisms. The project aims to improve access to Xbox Game Pass on devices like the Steam Deck by facilitating direct local hardware execution, reducing reliance on cloud streaming and enhancing portable gaming experiences. Community feedback has been positive, with developers actively sharing updates and engaging with inquiries.

BetaBeacon

August 10, 2026

One year of updates couldn’t save the Pixel 10’s GPU — and now the Pixel 11 is at risk

The Pixel 10 series had a troubled start with issues such as antialiasing glitches and performance drops in emulators. Google issued updates to improve performance and fix bugs. Despite improvements, the Pixel 10 Pro XL still struggles with gaming performance compared to its predecessor. The upcoming Pixel 11 series is expected to have a new GPU architecture, raising concerns about performance and driver issues.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Minecraft 26.3 Snapshot 7

The 26.3 Snapshot 7 update introduces new features including Concrete Stairs and Slabs in 16 colors, and Explorer Maps that lead to various Abandoned Camps in multiple biomes such as Bamboo Jungle, Cherry Grove, Birch Forest, and others. Significant structures like Ancient City and Desert Pyramid also have new maps. Changes include updated loot tables for Abandoned Camp Barrels and adjustments to player icons on maps. Explorer Maps are now distinct items with unique icons, and existing maps will convert to the new item type upon loading. Technical changes involve updates to Data Pack and Resource Pack versions, along with various command and data component modifications. Bugs have been fixed, improving overall gameplay experience.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

Minecraft Java Edition Now Demands 16GB RAM in First Hardware Overhaul in 17 Years

Mojang Studios has updated the system requirements for Minecraft: Java Edition for the first time in 17 years, raising the recommended memory to 16GB of RAM. The new minimum specifications include a 64-bit operating system, a quad-core CPU, a graphics card supporting Vulkan 1.3 API with at least 2GB of VRAM, and 8GB of system RAM for discrete GPUs or 12GB for integrated graphics. For the recommended "Fancy" preset, 16GB of system memory, a current-generation processor, and a graphics card with 6GB or more of VRAM are required. Older hardware may struggle to run the game, leading to low frame rates and visual issues. Mojang is transitioning from OpenGL to Vulkan to enhance game performance and visuals. Players can still use Minecraft: Bedrock Edition for lower system requirements or community optimization mods like Sodium to improve performance on less capable hardware.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

Minecraft’s system requirements are being raised for the first time in 17 years.

Mojang Studios has updated the system requirements for Minecraft: Java Edition for the first time in 17 years. The recommended memory requirement has increased from 4GB to 16GB. The new minimum requirements for Full HD resolution (1920x1080) at 30 frames per second (fps) include a CPU with four or more cores, a GPU supporting Vulkan 1.3 with at least 2GB of VRAM, and 8GB of memory for dedicated GPUs or 12GB for integrated GPUs. The recommended specifications for 60fps with 'Fancy' graphics settings include 16GB of RAM and 6GB or more of VRAM, with suggested GPUs like the GeForce RTX 2060 or Radeon RX 5600 XT. The old and new requirements show significant increases in memory and processing power, with the new minimum requirements including Windows 10 or 11, macOS 12 or later, and various CPU and GPU specifications. While systems not meeting the new minimum can still run the game, performance may vary, and future updates may affect compatibility. The update is part of a transition to Vulkan technology for improved performance and functionality.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

‘Minecraft’ Official PC Requirement Now Raises Recommended Specs After Over 17 Years

Mojang has updated the minimum and recommended system requirements for "Minecraft: Java Edition." The new minimum requirements include a 64-bit system, 8GB of RAM with a discrete GPU (or 12GB with integrated graphics), a 4-core processor, a Vulkan 1.3-capable GPU with at least 2GB of VRAM, and compatible operating systems (Windows 10 64-bit, Windows on ARM, macOS 12 or later, Linux 64-bit) to support 1080p resolution at 30 FPS using the Fast preset. The updated recommended requirements include 16GB of RAM, a stronger processor, a graphics card with 6GB of VRAM, and compatible operating systems (Windows 11 64-bit, macOS 14 or later, Linux 64-bit) to aim for 1080p at 60 FPS using the Fancy preset. Mojang emphasizes that these new specifications are modest compared to many modern AAA titles and aim to provide players with a clearer understanding of the hardware needed for optimal performance. The update does not affect "Minecraft: Bedrock Edition" and players with older setups may still launch the game, but performance cannot be guaranteed.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Minecraft System Requirements Change After 17 Years

Microsoft has updated the system requirements for Minecraft for the first time in 17 years. Players will now need CPUs and GPUs that support the 'Vulkan 1.3' graphics API. The recommended RAM has increased from 4GB to 16GB, with the new specifications being: - Recommended: 16GB of RAM and 6GB of VRAM - Minimum: 8GB of RAM (12GB if using integrated graphics) and 2GB of VRAM Mojang Studios stated that these changes aim to provide realistic guidelines for playing the game at high settings in Full HD resolution, and reassured existing users that performance demands will not drastically change overnight.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Minecraft Java Edition gets a PC system requirement update 17 years after launch

Mojang Studios has updated the system requirements for Minecraft: Java Edition, necessitating more memory, faster processors, and enhanced graphics capabilities. The new minimum requirements are: - Target: 1080p @ 30 FPS, Fast preset - OS: Windows 10 64-bit, Windows on ARM, macOS 12+, or Linux 64-bit - Architecture: x64, ARM64 - Memory: 8 GB (with discrete GPU) or 12 GB (with integrated GPU) - Processor: Intel Core i3-10100, AMD Ryzen 3 3100, Qualcomm Snapdragon X, or Apple M1 (minimum of 4 physical cores) - Graphics: Vulkan 1.3-capable GPU with at least 2 GB VRAM (e.g., NVIDIA GTX 950 or newer, AMD Radeon RX 460 or newer) The recommended requirements are: - Target: 1080p @ 60 FPS, Fancy preset - OS: Windows 11 64-bit, macOS 14+, or Linux 64-bit - Architecture: x64, ARM64 - Memory: 16 GB - Processor: Intel Core i5-12400, AMD Ryzen 5 5600, or Apple M2 Pro - Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT, Intel Arc A580, or Apple M2 Pro with 6 GB VRAM If a computer does not meet the minimum requirements, it may still run Minecraft but with potential issues such as lower frame rates and visual glitches. Mojang has indicated that support for older hardware may be phased out in the future.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

How Valve’s desperation to escape Windows 8 turned it into a Linux powerhouse

In 2012, Valve's CEO Gabe Newell expressed concerns about Microsoft's control over the PC market due to Windows 8, prompting the company to explore Linux and develop SteamOS. Valve addressed the "chicken and egg" issue of game compatibility on Linux by introducing Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux without separate versions. The company also began contributing to the Linux ecosystem by upstreaming improvements in graphical rendering and developing the RADV open-source Vulkan driver for AMD GPUs. Valve has made SteamOS available for free download and installation on personal computers, aiming to compete with Windows in the gaming sector and promote broader Linux adoption. As a result, Valve has become a significant player in the Linux landscape, enhancing the gaming experience and benefiting the open-source community.