Xbox Archives

Winsage

July 8, 2026

Valve releases drivers, notes to make Windows work on Steam hardware, but refuses to support it — tells users it doesn’t offer support for ‘Windows on Steam Hardware,’ gaming company provides resources ‘as is’

Valve has launched a resource page for Windows drivers compatible with its hardware, including the Steam Deck LCD, Steam Deck OLED, and Steam Machine, facilitating the installation of Windows 11 on these devices. The drivers cover essential components such as the APU, graphics, SD card reader, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and audio. Users can revert to SteamOS if needed, with recovery instructions provided. The Steam Machine is noted for its high price and lack of subsidies from Valve, which complicates the company's ability to offer discounts. While SteamOS offers a streamlined experience, Valve is working to enhance its compatibility with more hardware. The lack of dual-boot capabilities in SteamOS limits gamers who need specific anti-cheat software, though Valve is exploring this feature without a set release date.

BetaBeacon

July 8, 2026

Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse coming to Android

Pocketpair Publishing and Frontside 180 Studio are releasing an Android version of the 2D roguelike action game Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse. The game was initially launched for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam on March 5, 2026.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

New Minecraft Update Finally Allows Players to Sit Down

Minecraft's latest update introduces a long-awaited sitting feature, allowing players to use cushions to sit, enhancing gameplay beyond previous options limited to boats and mine carts. The update will be available to all players this fall, with preview builds accessible immediately. Additionally, the update includes new elements like straw beds and a new biome. Microsoft is restructuring Xbox, with Minecraft's leadership now reporting to Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who noted the franchise has been "massively underinvested."

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Minecraft adds new sitting feature after 17 years

Mojang has introduced a new feature in Minecraft allowing characters to sit on cushions, crafted from three wool slabs and available in 16 colors. This addition enables players to interact with cushions on flat surfaces. The update also includes straw beds made from three hay bales, which allow players to rest without changing their spawn points. A preview of a new biome and additional blocks and items is part of a broader seasonal update set to roll out in autumn. The introduction of cushions addresses a long-standing gap in the gameplay experience, as players have historically used various methods to sit down.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

5 Best Free-To-Play Games Of 2026 (So Far)

The gaming landscape of 2026 features a variety of free-to-play titles catering to diverse tastes. Notable games include: - Escape Up: A side-scrolling platformer where players eliminate enemies to ascend a tower, refining the platforming experience for modern audiences. - 2XKO: A 2v2 fighting game from the "League of Legends" universe, released in January 2026, featuring fast-paced brawls and a revenue model based on in-game cosmetics and battle passes. - Neverness to Everness: A third-person action RPG developed by Hotta Studio, available on mobile, PC, and PlayStation 5, allowing players to switch between heroes with unique abilities in a fantasy open world. - Skillwood: A lo-fi life simulator where players act as a lumberjack, chopping trees and mining resources, developed by sshulin and available on Steam and itch.io. - Forward Assault: An indie first-person shooter inspired by "Counter-Strike," featuring tactical gameplay and accessible mechanics for mobile and PC players.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Former Elder Scrolls Online designer laments the destruction of layoffs: ‘There’s really no one left and no changing it now’

Yesterday, layoffs at Xbox affected ZeniMax Online Studios, with reports indicating that half of its workforce was impacted. This has raised concerns about the studio's future and morale among remaining employees. Game director Matt Firor left the studio following the layoffs, which also resulted in the cancellation of a new MMO project called Project Blackbird. The situation has drawn comparisons to Amazon's New World, which was shelved due to a reassessment of its gaming strategy. A former developer expressed deep sadness over the loss of team camaraderie and creativity.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

GOG Makes 75%-Rated PC Game Free for the Next 3 Days

Sony has adopted a digital-only model, while Xbox has announced significant layoffs. PC gamers are benefiting from numerous discounts on platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. GOG is offering the adventure game Silence for free from July 7 to July 10, allowing players to permanently add it to their library. Silence, developed by Daedalic Entertainment, features a narrative focused on 16-year-old Noah and his sister Renie, who become trapped in the world of Silence during an air raid. The game includes puzzles, memorable characters, and approximately 12 hours of gameplay. It is known for its hand-painted environments and emotional storytelling. Silence has a user approval rating exceeding 75% on Metacritic and typically retails for around . If players miss the giveaway, the game will still be available for purchase at a discount.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Microsoft needs to “reset Xbox,” says Asha Sharma, as the company lays off 3,200 employees

Xbox plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 3,200 employees by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2027, with an initial layoff of around 1,600 positions. CEO Asha Sharma expressed concerns about the company's health and announced a transition of four studios to new management. Xbox is facing financial challenges, operating at margins significantly lower than comparable entities, and the expected growth of Game Pass has not occurred. Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions will return to independent status, retaining ownership of their intellectual properties. Ninja Theory and Undead Labs will also join new ownership structures. Bethesda is refocusing on its major franchises, and there are no cancellations of first-party games due to these reductions. Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions expressed gratitude for support during this transition.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Even Obsidian couldn’t escape the Xbox cuts, with losses ranging from a 21-year veteran artist to an engineer who’d only been there 2 months

On July 6, Kotaku reported that layoffs at Obsidian Entertainment affected between 60 to 70 employees, nearly a quarter of its workforce of 285. Current and former employees shared experiences on social media, indicating an indeterminate number of developers were let go, including long-time artist Daniel Alpert and recent hire Wenzheng Huang. Employee Kate Dollarhyde described the layoffs as significant, and while Obsidian is bound by the WARN Act to provide notice for layoffs exceeding 50 employees, the California WARN Act Tracker does not show that Obsidian reported these layoffs. Despite producing successful titles like Pentiment and The Outer Worlds 2, the studio's future is uncertain amid Xbox's anticipated layoffs and financial struggles.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Heaps of gamepads are discounted as part of Amazon Prime Day 2026, but there’s only one I’d unreservedly recommend

Amazon is becoming a competitive destination for affordable PC-compatible gamepads, influenced by reputable brands like Razer, 8BitDo, Turtle Beach, and GameSir. Today's third-party gamepads often outperform first-party console controllers, featuring advancements such as drift-free Hall effect analog sticks, rear paddle buttons, and customizable options. The GameSir G7 Pro, available for AU7 during Amazon's Prime Day, includes features like two rear paddle buttons, trigger stops, gyro support, and a 1000Hz polling rate. The TMR technology in the G7 Pro enhances precision and reduces power consumption. The GameSir Nova Lite Wireless controller is also available at a reduced price for budget-conscious gamers.