western Archives

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Champion modder ports the OG ‘Father’ Nier back into the PC remaster, original voiceovers and all

Modder Elevna has released Nier Gestalt ver.1.22474487139…, which replaces the youthful protagonist from the 2022 remaster with the older version from the original 2010 game. The mod enhances the character model and integrates audio files from the original voice actor, Jamieson Price. It features reimagined alternate skins, repurposed voice lines, and includes original DLC content that allows players to engage in battles as different versions of Nier. The mod aims to provide a nostalgic experience for fans of the game.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

HMD Asha 305: a sub-$75 Android phone with no Google apps

HMD is reintroducing the Asha brand with the launch of the Asha 305, priced at PHP 3,999 in the Philippines and around 2,390 baht in Thailand. The phone features a Unisoc SC9832E processor, options of 2–3GB of RAM, and 16–32GB of storage. It has a 5-inch display with a resolution of 854×480 pixels, a 5MP rear camera, a 2MP front camera, and a 2,500mAh battery with 5W charging. The Asha 305 operates on Android 14 Go without Google Mobile Services, offering around 100 pre-loaded apps. HMD has not announced availability or pricing for the US or UK markets.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Steam may be celebrating the railway experience with its Train Fest, but let’s remember how rubbish the typical train trip is with some Train Sim World DLC

Steam Train Fest is ongoing until July 27, featuring discounts on games like Train Sim World 6, Victoria 3, and Thomas & Friends: Wonders of Sodor. The author reflects on their experiences with the UK rail system, noting its delays and overcrowding. They explore the Train Sim World expansion, Great Western Express, which replicates part of their journey from Bath to London. The game allows players to drive trains and experience the journey as a passenger, starting at Reading station. The recreation of the station is detailed, though it lacks certain familiar elements like a pasty shop. The author finds the experience surreal and notes the absence of realistic sounds and interactions on the train. They appreciate the game's authenticity despite minor critiques and express a preference for simulators that capture everyday life.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Games industry analyst says Meccha Chameleon’s June revenue on PC was second only to Fortnite

Meccha Chameleon, created by lemorion_1224 and Haganeiro, has achieved significant commercial success, ranking just behind Fortnite in select Western markets for June, according to Newzoo data. The game's accessibility and viral popularity on platforms like YouTube have contributed to its rapid rise. Analyst Mert Şahin noted that lower-budget, socially driven multiplayer games can achieve impressive outcomes. Despite challenges such as cheating and AI imitations, the game has received positive reviews, with PC Gamer describing it as "a delightfully elevated take on hide-and-seek." The creators are also planning their first collaboration to further engage their community.

Winsage

July 23, 2026

China Wants a Future Without Windows. It Starts This September.

Huawei will launch its first PCs powered by HarmonyOS in September, aiming to reduce China's reliance on Windows and create a homegrown computing ecosystem. The rollout will initially target government departments, financial institutions, and enterprise customers. HarmonyOS has been developed in response to U.S. sanctions, which restricted Huawei's access to Google services, advanced chips, and Windows licensing. The operating system has achieved high-level Chinese security certifications, making it suitable for sensitive government use. Huawei plans to build an interconnected ecosystem similar to Apple's, integrating HarmonyOS laptops with its other devices.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

What ‘long tail’ should you expect for your PC game in 2026?

GameDiscoverCo hosted the 'Scrappy Saves The Animals' game jam in collaboration with the Oakland Ballers on Itch.io, with the top game being Scrappy’s Rescue Run, which will be showcased at an upcoming event. GDCO Pro reported on trending unreleased Steam games, with Dear Passengers leading in wishlists, followed by Paper Shredder and Guildrun. An analysis revealed that AI-flagged games achieve around 3,000 sales, which is 55% of the rate of non-AI titles. The Binding Of Isaac Complete Bundle sold nearly 4 million additional units after a 90% off sale during the Steam Summer Sale. A developer was arrested for injecting malware into Steam games, affecting around 8,000 users and stealing approximately 0,000 in cryptocurrency. Roblox announced a UGC-centric Build feature, raising concerns about predatory offers to creators. Xbox Game Pass added titles like Halo: Campaign Evolved and Beast of Reincarnation. Valve updated SteamVR with a more VR-native interface. Epic Games and Google withdrew a lawsuit settlement attempt that could impact Android app stores. GameDiscoverCo Pro introduced automated graph annotations for Steam demo launches. An analysis of games released between July 2023 and July 2025 showed cumulative sales increases over time, with higher-priced titles having better long-term sales. Multiplayer and co-op games are experiencing promising sales trajectories. The GameDiscover Show has returned, discussing trends in game discovery and insights from GDCo’s AI survey.

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

FBI arrests 21-year-old who allegedly stole $200,000 with malware-infected Steam games and spent the money on traceable UberEats gift cards

Zyaire Dontaevious Zamarion Wilkins, a 21-year-old from Florida, was arrested for allegedly leading a cybercrime operation that targeted approximately 8,000 gamers by distributing malware disguised as popular Steam games. Wilkins and two accomplices used social media platforms like Discord, Telegram, X, and LinkedIn to promote their malware-infused games, focusing on individuals with significant cryptocurrency holdings. The compromised games include Dashverse (2024), Lunara (2024), PirateFi (2025), Blockblasters (2025), and Lampy (2026). The FBI's investigation revealed that Bitcoin payments were sent from one of Wilkins' co-conspirators to a user identified as "Sibel.eth," who had lost funds intended for medical treatments for stage 4 cancer.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Beat Workers, Tiny Terraces, Potion Permit, more

A selection of Android games is available at discounted prices, including Beat Workers, Tiny Terraces, Potion Permit, SENTINEL 519: SAGA – GENESIS, Frontline: Western Front, Burning Sky VIP, and Raiders of the North Sea. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 models are discounted by up to 0, the Pixel Watch 4 has a price cut of nearly 0, and the Sonos Ace ANC headphones are available for 9, reflecting a discount. Additional app price drops and exclusive offers are also available for Android users.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

The latest Chinese PC gaming hit is an indie game that spent the last 8 years growing into something you’ve never played before

The Scroll of Taiwu is a Chinese indie game that launched in early access on Steam in 2018 and has recently reached its full version 1.0 after eight years of development. The game focuses on a thoughtful journey through Chinese mythology rather than fast-paced combat, and it combines elements from games like Crusader Kings 2, Kenshi, and Baldur's Gate. It features an expansive open world where players can master martial arts, engage with diverse characters, manage towns, and resolve conflicts. The game has over 5 million words in its script, and while it initially lacked English localization, the recent full release has introduced it, though it is still a work in progress. The game has found a dedicated audience among Chinese players, and its release comes at a time of increasing interest in Chinese-developed games among Western gamers. The developers are working on bug fixes and improving localization post-launch.

AppWizard

July 3, 2026

The latest Chinese PC gaming hit is an indie game that spent the last 8 years growing into something you’ve never played before

The Scroll of Taiwu is a Chinese indie game that debuted in early access on Steam in 2018 and has recently reached its 1.0 release after eight years of development. It offers an immersive experience rooted in Chinese mythology, contrasting with the fast-paced action of many contemporary games. The game features an expansive open world where players can hone martial arts skills, manage towns, and navigate conflicts. Despite its popularity among Chinese gamers, the lack of English localization has limited its reach, but the recent full release includes ongoing English translation efforts. The game has over 5 million words in its script, making complete translation challenging. The game's publishing advisor, Leye "Yager" Yu, has invested over 1,200 hours into it and believes in its potential to attract a broader audience. The developers are focused on improving localization and addressing bugs post-launch, while Yager plans to promote the game through collaborations and word-of-mouth.