Xbox Archives

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

The first physical PC game I remember playing shows what Sony is thoughtlessly destroying

Sony plans to phase out physical media for PlayStation consoles by 2028, leading to backlash from gamers concerned about the implications of a fully digital future. The transition raises questions about accessibility, ownership, and nostalgia for physical game collections.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

Compulsion Games’ buyout is complete, so now Microsoft won’t get a cut if you buy South of Midnight

Compulsion Games has regained its independence and the rights to its original intellectual properties after a management buyout, allowing the studio to explore new partnerships. Their latest release, South of Midnight, received an 83% review score. CEO Guillaume Provost confirmed that the management has acquired the studio and staff, enhancing the studio's financial prospects by allowing them to retain a larger share of revenue from purchases made outside the Xbox digital storefront. Compulsion Games is known for titles like We Happy Few and Contrast.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Windows 11 Tests Toggle to Force Apps to Open Maximized, Aiding Small Screens and Handhelds

Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that allows users to set applications to open maximized by default. This toggle, found in the accessibility section of Windows Settings, is labeled "Automatically open app windows maximized when they open." It ensures all applications open in a maximized state, enhancing user experience on smaller screens, particularly devices with screens under 13 inches. Previously, Windows 11 had a similar functionality that was removed. The feature is currently available only in Windows 11 preview builds and has not yet been released to the stable version.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

Hackers have issued an ultimatum to Rockstar Games and threatened to release GTA 6 on PC worldwide.

The anonymous group CYBERLEEK claims to possess a complete working build of Grand Theft Auto 6 and threatens to release it to millions of PC users unless legal actions against them are stopped. They have distributed backup copies of the game globally, beyond U.S. legal jurisdiction, and have an automated system that could release the game if their communication is disrupted. CYBERLEEK is soliciting cryptocurrency donations and positioning their actions as a protest against the digitalization of the gaming industry. The gaming community is divided on the authenticity of the threat, with some speculating it may be a marketing strategy. Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games have not commented and are preparing for the game's release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles.

TrendTechie

August 22, 2026

Игру Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy слили на торренты за неделю до выхода

A copy of Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy has leaked on torrent trackers one week before its official release on August 27 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series. The game lacks the anti-piracy protection Denuvo, which may have contributed to the leak. This installment focuses on Sophia, a ship captain, and takes place 15 years before the events of the previous game, Requiem.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 Drops New Trailer Showcasing The Sift And Its Dangers

Minecraft Dungeons 2 introduces a new feature called the Sift, which serves as a destination for rifts in the Overworld. The Sift offers new areas for exploration, engaging battles, and extensive customization options for players. It includes jump-attack mechanics to enhance combat dynamics. The game is set to release on September 29 and will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. Speculation exists about potential downloadable content (DLC) after launch.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

GTA 6 leaker may have access to a playable build as fake downloads spread malware

A leaker known as "CyberLeek" has released gameplay clips of Grand Theft Auto VI, suggesting access to a playable build of the game. The clips feature a character named Jason engaging in various activities, including combat and piloting a plane. The game will include a dialogue system similar to Red Dead Redemption 2 and a new fuel depletion mechanic for vehicles. Take-Two Interactive's stock briefly declined due to the leaks but later rebounded. Files claiming to be the playable build have appeared on torrent sites, likely malicious. Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, with an official gameplay preview set to debut on Netflix on August 27. A PC version is expected to be released at a later date.

BetaBeacon

August 22, 2026

The best PS3 emulator on Android just got online play

ARMSX3, the latest PS3 emulator on Android, has been receiving updates that bring major improvements. The latest update, ARMSX3 v0.9.3, now supports online play in PS3 games using the RPCN framework for matchmaking. Other recent updates include the ability to import save data, access PS3 console settings, and emulate a USB keyboard. Compatibility improvements have also been made, fixing bugs in games like Borderlands 2 and Bleach: Soul Resurrección.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

It’s Time. How to Get Early Access to the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta

Activision is set to launch Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on October 23, 2026. The Early Access Beta will run from August 21 at 2 p.m. ET to August 25 at 1 p.m. ET, available for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, requiring a preorder. Players can preload the beta starting August 20 at noon ET. The open beta will take place from August 28 at 1 p.m. ET to September 1 at 1 p.m. ET, accessible to all players on Xbox, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, with preload available from August 26 at noon ET. To access the Early Access Beta, players can either preorder the game or have an active Discord Nitro subscription. Minimum system requirements for the PC beta include Windows 10 64 Bit, AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or Intel Core i5-8400, 12GB RAM, and specific video card requirements. Recommended requirements include Windows 11 64 Bit, AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i7-8700, 16GB RAM, and higher-end video cards.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

The newly independent Psychonauts dev now earns all the revenue when you buy games it made under Xbox: ‘Buying any of our games helps support the studio’

Double Fine has regained full publishing rights to its titles developed under Microsoft after parting ways with Xbox earlier this year. CEO Tim Schafer confirmed that the studio has received back all intellectual property and publishing rights for their games. The studio has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its annual Amnesia Fortnight game jam, allowing backers to influence game development. Double Fine recently laid off 23 staff members to maintain a sustainable operational size. Schafer mentioned upcoming content for their multiplayer game, Kiln, which will include a major update and a price reduction, and recommended their adventure game, Keeper.