Soft & games news and updates for Desktop Page 129

16 Aug 2024

Windows 11 Build 27686 Released for Insiders with Sandbox Enhancements

Windows 11 Build 27686 is now available for Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. This build introduces the Windows Sandbox Client with runtime clipboard detection, audio/video input control, and folder sharing. It also increases FAT32 formatting limits and includes a Registry Editor fix.

16 Aug 2024

Valve Enhances Steam Deck OLED with New Windows 11 Drivers

Valve released new Windows 11 drivers for the Steam Deck OLED on August 15, 2024, enhancing AMD processor performance, wireless connectivity, and audio playback. The Steam Deck, launched in February 2022, supports alternative OS installations, though dual-booting with SteamOS remains unsupported.

16 Aug 2024

Microsoft Lifts 32GB Limit on FAT32 Partitions in Windows 11 Update

Microsoft is lifting the 32GB limitation on FAT32 partitions in the Windows 11 24H2 update. Available via command-line tools, users can now create FAT32 partitions up to 2TB. This change, part of the Windows Insider program, addresses specific needs for legacy system disk formatting.

16 Aug 2024

Fanatical Offers Discount on Black Myth: Wukong Ahead of August Launch

Black Myth: Wukong, an action RPG inspired by Chinese mythology, launches on August 19. Fanatical offers a limited-time 10% discount on the PC standard edition, with the digital deluxe edition including extra content. Critics praise the boss battles but note some aimless quieter moments.

16 Aug 2024

Crytek Rebrands Hunt: Showdown 1896, Adds New Map and Features

Crytek rebrands Hunt: Showdown as Hunt: Showdown 1896, adding a new Colorado map and transitioning to CryEngine 5.11. Enhancements include DirectX 12, DLSS, and FSR. Despite new features, Steam reviews are "Mostly Negative" due to bugs and ads. Crytek plans community engagement and a potential single-player campaign.

16 Aug 2024

Payload Studios Reduces Workforce by 25% Amid Industry Challenges

Payload Studios has announced a 25 percent workforce reduction due to challenges in the gaming industry. CEO Russ Clarke remains optimistic, stating that development of TerraTech and TerraTech Worlds will continue without interruption, underscoring the resilience of small independent studios.

16 Aug 2024

Chinese Businesses Face Threat from ValleyRAT Malware, Experts Warn

Criminal enterprises are targeting Chinese businesses using a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) called ValleyRAT, which can take control of infected Windows endpoints. Researchers at FortiGuard identified this malware, which poses a threat to sectors like ecommerce, finance, sales, and management.

16 Aug 2024

Microsoft Unveils Windows 11 Build 27686 with Enhanced HDR Features

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 27686, featuring new HDR capabilities for video streaming, games, and apps. The update includes a visual refresh in Disks & Volumes settings and introduces support for ReFS version 3.15. A future update will increase FAT32 partition size limits to 2TB.

16 Aug 2024

Microsoft Expands FAT32 Partition Limit to 2TB in Windows 11 Update

Microsoft is lifting the 32GB size limit on FAT32 partitions in Windows 11, expanding it to 2TB. This change will first be available in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27686. The FAT32 format is favored for its compatibility with various operating systems and devices.

16 Aug 2024

Microsoft Releases August Update for Windows 11, Fixes BitLocker Issue

Microsoft has released the August cumulative update for Windows 11, KB5041585, addressing a significant BitLocker issue affecting business users. The update also includes interface enhancements and various security fixes, automatically delivered to Windows 11 PCs or available via manual check.

16 Aug 2024

Embracer Group Reports 34% Decline in PC and Console Division Sales

Embracer Group reported a 34% decline in net sales in its PC and console division for Q2, with revenues of SEK 2.7 billion. Overall net sales fell by 24% to SEK 7.9 billion. The entertainment and services sector contracted by 54%, and adjusted EBIT decreased from 16% to 10%.

16 Aug 2024

AMD Unveils New Zen 5 CPUs, Faces Mixed Reviews and Potential Windows Bug

AMD has launched new CPUs in its Zen 5 Ryzen 9000 series, including the Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 9700X. Initial reviews show mixed gaming performance, with potential Windows 11 bugs affecting the Ryzen 7 9700X. AMD may increase the TDP to 105W via a BIOS update. The Ryzen 9 9900X and 9950X are also now available.

16 Aug 2024

Tiny Glade Climbs to 19th on Steam Wishlist Ahead of September 23 Launch

Tiny Glade, a cozy building game, has climbed to the 19th spot on Steam's most wishlisted games list. Launching on September 23, it offers intricate customization tools inspired by Townscaper and The Sims. A demo is available on Steam for players to explore before the full release.

16 Aug 2024

EA and BioWare Announce PC Specs for Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Electronic Arts and BioWare have revealed the PC system requirements for Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The game, set to release on October 31st, will be available on Steam without the EA App. Both minimum and recommended specs require a 64-bit processor and OS, with 16 GB RAM and 100 GB storage.

15 Aug 2024

Microsoft Disables Fix for BitLocker Vulnerability Due to Firmware Issues

Microsoft has acknowledged a critical security vulnerability, CVE-2024-38058, allowing attackers to bypass BitLocker Device Encryption. Due to firmware issues, the fix will be disabled in August 2024 updates. Users should follow mitigation measures in KB5025885, which involve a complex procedure.

15 Aug 2024

Cyber Campaign Targets Chinese Sectors with ValleyRAT Malware

A cyber campaign targeting Chinese Windows users has been identified, utilizing the ValleyRAT malware. The attack focuses on sectors such as e-commerce, finance, sales, and management. It begins with a lure that appears as a legitimate document, triggering Microsoft Office applications.

15 Aug 2024

Demanding Games Continue to Challenge Modern GPUs and High-End Hardware

Star Citizen remains a demanding title, challenging even modern GPUs like the RTX 3070. Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Assassin's Creed Odyssey still require powerful hardware six years after their release. Control and Red Dead Redemption 2 continue to push PCs to their limits five years post-launch.

15 Aug 2024

Valve Introduces New Regulations for Steam Store Pages Starting September

Valve will implement new regulations for Steam store pages starting early September, banning developers and publishers from including external links in their descriptions. This change affects sections like "About the game" and "Awards," aiming to improve user experience by limiting promotional content.

15 Aug 2024

PC Gamer Celebrates 400th Issue with Exclusive Content and Top 100 Games

PC Gamer magazine celebrates its 400th issue with a gold-foil wallet and a mini-mag on the Top 100 PC games. Highlights include an exclusive Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 preview, indie game features, and reviews of new titles. Available in print and digitally.

15 Aug 2024

Surfshark Earns Top Product Title from AV-Test for VPN and Antivirus

Surfshark has been recognized by AV-Test as a leading player in cybersecurity, earning the 'TOP PRODUCT' title for its VPN and antivirus solutions. Surfshark Antivirus scored 5.5 out of 6 in performance and achieved a 100% detection rate against 0-day malware. The antivirus is part of the Surfshark One package.

15 Aug 2024

Minecraft Java and Bedrock Editions Now Available for .99

The digital download for Minecraft: Java and Bedrock Editions is now available for $19.99, down from the regular price. The Java Edition supports Windows, macOS, and Linux with extensive customization, while the Bedrock Edition offers cross-platform play and access to the Minecraft Marketplace.

15 Aug 2024

Microsoft Expands BitLocker in Windows 11 Update, Impact on SSD Performance

Microsoft's upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update will enable BitLocker device encryption by default on a broader range of devices. Tests show it may reduce SSD performance, with sequential read speeds dropping up to 45% and write speeds by around 40%. BitLocker will activate automatically on new PCs or clean installs.

14 Aug 2024

Microsoft Considers Default Encryption for Windows 11 Home PCs

In May, Microsoft considered default encryption for Windows 11 24H2 Home PCs, potentially impacting performance. AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series may enhance encryption with AES-XTS. Users need a BitLocker recovery key, more accessible via a Microsoft Account. Microsoft is investigating recent BitLocker issues.

14 Aug 2024

Springloaded Announces New Management Simulation Game Let's Build a Dungeon

Springloaded, the studio behind Let's Build a Zoo, has announced a new management simulation game called Let's Build a Dungeon. Players will design and manage their own MMORPG, facing real-world dilemmas. A release date is pending, but a beta version is available for registration on the official website.

14 Aug 2024

Sega and Two Point Studios Announce New Game Two Point Museum

Sega and Two Point Studios announce Two Point Museum, a game where players act as curators managing exhibits and expeditions. Key elements include guided tours, gift shops, and restrooms. The game involves strategy and addresses real-world museum issues. Now available for wishlisting on Steam.

14 Aug 2024

Fallout: London Mod Sets Record with 500,000 Redemptions on GOG in 24 Hours

Fallout: London, a full conversion mod for Fallout 4, was released on July 24 and achieved over 500,000 redemptions within 24 hours on GOG, setting a platform record. The mod is installable on a Steam copy of Fallout 4 but not available on Steam Workshop or Nexus Mods. Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition is now GOG's best-seller, boosted by a 60% discount.

14 Aug 2024

Minecraft Java and Bedrock Editions Discounted to .99 for Limited Time

Minecraft Java and Bedrock Editions are now available for a limited-time price of $19.99, down from the regular price. This digital download combines both editions into a single launcher, enabling easy switching. The Java Edition supports mods, while the Bedrock Edition allows cross-platform play.

14 Aug 2024

Microsoft Releases Critical Security Update for Windows Vulnerability

Microsoft has released a critical security update for a remote code execution vulnerability in the Windows TCP/IP stack, CVE-2024-38063. Affecting all supported Windows versions, this "0-click" flaw can be exploited via IPv6 packets. Organizations are urged to apply updates and monitor IPv6 traffic.

14 Aug 2024

Microsoft Issues Patch Tuesday Updates for 90 Windows Vulnerabilities

Microsoft's latest Patch Tuesday addresses 90 vulnerabilities, including five critical zero-day threats under active attack. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) mandates compliance by September 3. Key issues include remote code execution and elevation of privilege flaws.

14 Aug 2024

XCOM 2 Sees Significant Discount on Steam, Now Available for £1.74

XCOM 2, boasting a 94% rating, is now available on Steam for £1.74. With an average playtime of 28 hours and 28 minutes, the game has seen similar discounts over the past year. The DLC, War of the Chosen, remains at its previous price of around £2.40 and is not currently discounted.

Ninja Gaiden 4 Launches on Game Pass and PC

Apps & Games news for Desktop Page 129

Windows 11 Build 27686 Released for Insiders with Sandbox Enhancements

Valve Enhances Steam Deck OLED with New Windows 11 Drivers

Microsoft Lifts 32GB Limit on FAT32 Partitions in Windows 11 Update

Fanatical Offers Discount on Black Myth: Wukong Ahead of August Launch

Crytek Rebrands Hunt: Showdown 1896, Adds New Map and Features

Payload Studios Reduces Workforce by 25% Amid Industry Challenges

Chinese Businesses Face Threat from ValleyRAT Malware, Experts Warn

Microsoft Unveils Windows 11 Build 27686 with Enhanced HDR Features

Microsoft Expands FAT32 Partition Limit to 2TB in Windows 11 Update

Microsoft Releases August Update for Windows 11, Fixes BitLocker Issue

Embracer Group Reports 34% Decline in PC and Console Division Sales

AMD Unveils New Zen 5 CPUs, Faces Mixed Reviews and Potential Windows Bug

Tiny Glade Climbs to 19th on Steam Wishlist Ahead of September 23 Launch

EA and BioWare Announce PC Specs for Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Microsoft Disables Fix for BitLocker Vulnerability Due to Firmware Issues

Cyber Campaign Targets Chinese Sectors with ValleyRAT Malware

Demanding Games Continue to Challenge Modern GPUs and High-End Hardware

Valve Introduces New Regulations for Steam Store Pages Starting September

PC Gamer Celebrates 400th Issue with Exclusive Content and Top 100 Games

Surfshark Earns Top Product Title from AV-Test for VPN and Antivirus

Minecraft Java and Bedrock Editions Now Available for .99

Microsoft Expands BitLocker in Windows 11 Update, Impact on SSD Performance

Microsoft Considers Default Encryption for Windows 11 Home PCs

Springloaded Announces New Management Simulation Game Let's Build a Dungeon

Sega and Two Point Studios Announce New Game Two Point Museum

Fallout: London Mod Sets Record with 500,000 Redemptions on GOG in 24 Hours

Minecraft Java and Bedrock Editions Discounted to .99 for Limited Time

Microsoft Releases Critical Security Update for Windows Vulnerability

Microsoft Issues Patch Tuesday Updates for 90 Windows Vulnerabilities

XCOM 2 Sees Significant Discount on Steam, Now Available for £1.74

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