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Gamescom 2024 Steam Deck News, Reviews Including Bakeru and SCHiM, New Verified Games, Discounts, and More – TouchArcade
This week's Steam Deck Weekly covers Gamescom 2024 news, including impressions and reviews of Bakeru, Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse, SCHiM, Gestalt: Steam and Cinder, and the Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun expansion. It also highlights new Steam Deck Verified and Playable games, along with ongoing sales and discounts.
Have Gamers Become Too Comfortable With Sequels and Remakes?
The article discusses the increasing prevalence of sequels and remakes in the gaming industry, questioning if gamers have become too comfortable with familiar titles. While acknowledging that some sequels and remakes push innovation, the author notes a decline in the number of new intellectual properties being developed and risks taken by major publishers due to rising development costs and the desire for guaranteed audiences.
Something for the Weekend – 14/03/26
This week's gaming news includes updates on Resident Evil Requiem DLC, Fortnite Save the World going free-to-play, Epic Games increasing V-Bucks prices, and layoffs at EA's Battlefield Studios. New releases and DLCs like Dave the Diver: In the Jungle, Adorable Adventures, and Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core are also highlighted, alongside a closed beta for Tropico 7. Reviews were published for Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, Laysara: Summit Kingdom, and Fatal Frame II: The Crimson Butterfly Remake, among others. Early impressions of Bungie's Marathon and Ready or Not's Boiling Point DLC were shared, along with an interview about Rainbow Six Mobile.
inZOI’s March Update Tells a Story of Ambition vs. Reality
The ambitious life simulation game inZOI has delayed its March update, splitting content into later releases due to development challenges. Key features like an engine upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.6 and UI improvements have been pushed to April and May respectively. Despite these setbacks, the developer is maintaining transparency with players, emphasizing the importance of storytelling elements and long-term quality over rushed releases.
The first thing Arc Raiders' devs did during its extraction pivot was to reduce the speed of everything by 60%: 'All the craft that was in the game was kind of background noise'
Embark Studios significantly altered the core gameplay of Arc Raiders by reducing player movement speed by 60%, shifting from a fast-paced boss-killing focus to a more deliberate experience. This change, inspired by their work on The Finals and previous PvP titles, aimed to make player actions more impactful and less like background noise.
Games Inbox: Who will win out of PS6 vs. Project Helix?
Readers discuss the potential competition between the upcoming PlayStation 6 and Microsoft's Project Helix (likely the next Xbox console), with concerns raised about pricing, naming conventions, and the potential impact of simultaneous releases. Other topics include the effectiveness of game age ratings, the future of the Battlefield franchise, and the perceived arrogance of Microsoft's console strategy.
EA Sports FC risks losing PEGI 3 age rating due to new loot box rules
PEGI is implementing stricter rules for video game age ratings, with the presence of loot boxes now automatically resulting in a PEGI 16 rating. This change, effective from June, could impact the all-ages appeal of titles like EA Sports FC and NBA 2K, potentially affecting sales. Other factors like battle passes, NFTs, and online communication will also influence ratings.
Battlefield 6 is getting another free trial, set your reminders for March 17-24
Battlefield 6 is offering a free trial from March 17 to March 24, allowing players to experience the second wave of Season 2 content, including the Hagental Base map and Contaminated content. Players can access the free trial by downloading the Battlefield REDSEC client, which is the free-to-play Battle Royale mode. This trial comes amidst recent layoffs at EA and DICE, with ongoing efforts to improve player engagement and game stability.
Battlefield 6 Free Trial Gives Players a Taste of Season 2 Maps and Modes Starting Next Week - IGN
EA is launching a free trial for Battlefield 6 starting March 17, offering access to the Hagental Base map and Nightfall mode from the upcoming Season 2 update. The trial will run for one week and also includes previously released content across various playlists. This initiative comes as the game attempts to regain player numbers following a delayed season and studio layoffs.
PEGI Targets Loot Boxes With Its New Overhauled Ratings System
The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) ratings system is undergoing a significant overhaul, introducing new classifications for loot boxes, microtransactions, and daily login rewards. Games featuring paid random items will default to a PEGI 16 rating, while those with NFTs will be rated PEGI 18. These changes, set to be enforced from June 2026, aim to better inform consumers about potentially predatory in-game mechanics.
GeForce NOW Raises the Game at the Game Developers Conference
NVIDIA's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service is introducing several updates at the Game Developers Conference, including smoother virtual reality streaming at 90 fps and improved game discovery with labels for Xbox Game Pass and Ubisoft+ subscriptions. New titles like Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection and CONTROL Resonant are being added to the library, with Fortnite's "Save the World" mode becoming free-to-play. Account linking with GOG is also planned.
Video Games With Loot Boxes Will Now Have a 16 Age Rating Across Europe as Part of Huge PEGI Shakeup - IGN
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age-rating body is introducing new categories starting July 2026 to classify games with in-app purchases, paid random items (loot boxes), and other interactive features. Games containing paid random items will default to a PEGI 16 rating, impacting titles like EA's FC series. These changes aim to provide clearer warnings to parents about potential risks within games.
Changes to Euro game ratings mean you will need to be nearly an adult to buy EAFC in future – here’s why that really matters
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) rating system is set to change its criteria starting June 2026, which will significantly impact games like EAFC. Previously rated PEGI 3, EAFC is expected to be reclassified as PEGI 16 or 18 due to its in-game paid random items, such as Ultimate Team card packs. This change aims to better inform parents about games with microtransactions and other monetization mechanics.
New Star Wars: First Assault gameplay footage surfaces as fan team tries to finish LucasArts' cancelled online shooter
Fan developers are working to complete Star Wars: First Assault, a cancelled online shooter from the former LucasArts. New gameplay footage has surfaced, showcasing the game's mechanics and Tatooine map. This fan project joins other community efforts, such as the rebuild of the cancelled Star Wars Battlefront 3.
Pokémon GO Fest Sweepstakes Revealed
Niantic is running a #GOMemories contest for Pokémon GO, allowing players to share their favorite in-game moments on social media for a chance to win a trip for two to Pokémon GO Fest 2026 in Tokyo, Chicago, or Copenhagen. The article also briefly mentions ongoing collaborations and updates for other games like Apex Legends, Invincible VS, Rush Royale, Hoa 2, and Football Manager 26, as well as the opening of the GDC Festival of Gaming.
Battlefield 6 Studio Design Director Talks Night Maps and the Need to Work With Fans as Season 2: Nightfall Looms - IGN
Ripple Effect studio design director Justin Wiebe discusses Battlefield 6's upcoming Season 2: Nightfall update, focusing on the new Hagental Base map designed for close-quarters combat in a nighttime environment. The update introduces new gameplay mechanics like night vision goggles and tactical flashlight usage, and Wiebe emphasizes the studio's commitment to incorporating player feedback through initiatives like Battlefield Labs to shape future content.
Games Inbox: When will the next big Super Mario game be announced?
Readers express anticipation for a new Super Mario game announcement, speculating it might coincide with or follow the Super Mario Galaxy movie. Other topics include concerns about the rising cost of consoles and amiibo, the precarious nature of game development jobs, and the potential impact of dynamic pricing and AI on the industry.
Battlefield developers laid off by EA months after Battlefield 6 'shatters records'
Electronic Arts has conducted layoffs within its Battlefield division, impacting studios like Criterion, DICE, Ripple Effect, and Motive. This occurs months after Battlefield 6 achieved record-breaking launch sales. The company stated these changes are to better align teams with community priorities and continue investment in the franchise.
Shock layoffs hit Battlefield Studios despite recent success, incoming acquitision
Electronic Arts has conducted layoffs across its Battlefield studios, citing a "realignment" as the reason, despite the recent success of Battlefield 6 which has sold 20 million copies. The company stated that Battlefield remains a priority and they will continue to invest in the franchise, with no confirmed link between the layoffs and the upcoming acquisition of EA.
SHIHORI Fire & Ice RGX 2026 Guest of Honor
International J-pop singer-songwriter SHIHORI has been announced as a Guest of Honor for Fire & Ice RGX 2026, a gaming convention taking place June 20-21. SHIHORI, known for her work on "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run" and various anime soundtracks, will perform at the event's Saturday concert. The article also briefly mentions upcoming releases and updates for games like Monster Hunter Now, MotoGP 26, GTA Online, NAKWON: LAST PARADISE, The Coin Game, and skate.
