Computer HardwareGaming Hardware

Microsoft Charts Ambitious Software Roadmap for New Xbox Ally Handheld Gaming PC

Microsoft has detailed an extensive software roadmap for its newly launched Xbox Ally handheld gaming PC. The company aims to address early criticism of the user experience through upcoming updates including automatic game optimization and AI-enhanced visuals.

Global Launch and Initial Reception

Microsoft’s highly anticipated entry into the handheld gaming console market has officially begun with the worldwide release of the Xbox Ally, according to reports from industry analysts. Developed in partnership with ASUS and featuring AMD’s Z2 series processors, the device marks Microsoft’s first serious attempt to compete in the portable gaming space alongside established players.

Business SoftwareGaming Hardware

Wine-Staging Update Resolves Decade-Old Gaming Bug, Boosting Linux Compatibility

The latest Wine-Staging release has reportedly addressed a persistent gaming bug that has affected Linux users for over a decade. Sources indicate this fix resolves compatibility issues across multiple popular game titles. The development marks significant progress in the ongoing effort to improve Linux gaming experiences through enhanced software compatibility.

Major Breakthrough for Linux Gaming Compatibility

The Wine-Staging project has reportedly achieved a significant milestone with its latest release, according to reports from the Linux community. Wine-Staging 10.17 is said to contain a fix for a bug that has persisted for approximately 11 years, affecting numerous games running on Linux systems through the compatibility layer. This development represents substantial progress in the ongoing effort to improve gaming experiences on alternative operating systems.

Gaming HardwareStartups

Seattle Game Studio Pivots From Canceled Fantasy Title to Alien Co-op Shooter After $22M Funding

Seattle-based One More Game has completely rebooted its development direction, shelving a fantasy strategy game after three years of work. The studio’s new title SWAPMEAT represents a dramatic shift to cooperative gameplay with innovative body-part swapping mechanics.

Major Pivot After Significant Funding

Seattle game development studio One More Game has made the dramatic decision to scrap its initial project and completely reboot its development direction, according to recent reports. The studio, which secured $22 million in funding during 2022 from prominent investors including Lightspeed and Andreessen Horowitz, reportedly shelved its fantasy real-time strategy game Spellcraft after more than three years of development.

Assistive TechnologyGaming Hardware

Xbox App Adds Handheld Compatibility Indicators as ASUS Updates Armoury Crate for ROG Ally

Microsoft’s Xbox app has been updated with handheld compatibility indicators for select titles, working on both original ROG Ally and new Xbox Ally devices. Meanwhile, ASUS is rolling out a significant Armoury Crate SE update that brings refined Command Center and Xbox Game Bar integration to existing ROG Ally owners.

Xbox App Update Brings Handheld Compatibility Indicators

Microsoft has updated its Xbox PC application to include handheld compatibility indicators for select games, according to reports from Windows Central. The new feature appears when users open a game’s page within the Xbox app and currently shows compatibility tags primarily on first-party titles like Minecraft and Call of Duty.

BusinessGaming Hardware

MGM Withdraws New York Casino Bid Amid Shifting Economic Landscape

MGM Resorts has unexpectedly withdrawn its commercial casino license application for Yonkers, New York. The company cited shifting economic assumptions and a reduced license term expectation as key factors. This development significantly alters the competitive landscape for New York’s coveted casino licenses.

MGM Abandons $2.3 Billion Yonkers Casino Project

MGM Resorts International has made the surprising decision to withdraw its commercial casino license application for Yonkers, New York, according to company statements released this week. The withdrawal marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape for New York’s coveted casino licenses.

Energy PolicyGaming Hardware

SGLA Condemns California’s Sweepstakes Ban as Flawed Legislation Threatening Tribal Economies

The Social Gaming Leadership Association (SGLA) has strongly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for signing AB 831, a sweepstakes ban they call poorly designed and economically damaging. Tribal nations and industry experts warn this legislation will eliminate $1 billion from California’s economy while limiting opportunities for smaller tribes.

The Social Gaming Leadership Association (SGLA) has launched sharp criticism against California Governor Gavin Newsom following his decision to sign Assembly Bill 831 into law, effectively banning online social games featuring sweepstakes promotions throughout California. The controversial legislation places the state alongside others like Montana in implementing sweeping prohibitions, despite significant opposition from tribal nations and economic research suggesting severe financial consequences.

Economic Impact and Tribal Opposition

Business SoftwareGaming Hardware

Microsoft Edge Game Assist Expands Game Support, Adds Features, and Fixes Bugs in Latest Update

Microsoft’s Edge Game Assist, part of Windows Game Bar, has received a significant update with expanded game compatibility, new functionality, and critical bug fixes. This tool helps gamers access guides and resources without leaving their game, improving the overall experience.

Microsoft continues to enhance its gaming ecosystem with regular updates to Edge Game Assist, a built-in web browser feature within Windows Game Bar that allows players to search the internet and access game-related content seamlessly. Launched publicly in May 2025, this tool is designed to minimize disruptions during gameplay by providing quick access to guides, walkthroughs, and other resources. The latest release, available first to Insiders, introduces support for numerous new games, a user-requested feature for closing the assist, and fixes for persistent issues, reflecting Microsoft‘s commitment to refining user experience. This update not only broadens compatibility but also addresses feedback from the gaming community, ensuring smoother integration across various titles and system configurations.

Expanded Game Support in Edge Game Assist