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"Just too gay" - Robert Yang is battling censorship to launch a collection of his award-winning games on Steam and Itch, and it's completely free
Developer Robert Yang is facing censorship issues with his collection of experimental games, Radiator Forever, which is available for free on Steam and Itch.io. Yang criticizes platforms like Steam for stricter content rules, particularly regarding adult and LGBTQ+ themes, which he argues are unfairly applied compared to mainstream titles. The collection, initially featuring four remastered games, will be expanded over time with more of Yang's acclaimed and politically charged works.
"Compliance-in-advance is never enough to appease a zealous censor": Robert Yang on the current challenge of bringing experimental gay games to Steam
Developer Robert Yang discusses the difficulties of releasing experimental gay games like his collection Radiator Forever on platforms like Steam. He highlights issues with content moderation, age verification, and censorship campaigns that lead to games being hidden or geoblocked, even when developers attempt to comply with platform guidelines.
Steam Rules Must Change, Developer Says, After Players Praise Bitesize Game But Are Allowed to Refund It Anyway
A Steam game developer is advocating for changes to the platform's refund policy. This comes after players who enjoyed a small game were still able to receive refunds, prompting the developer to question the current system's effectiveness.
What on earth is happening to the video games industry? - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses frustration with the current state of the video game industry, citing issues like mass layoffs, Sony's focus on live service games, and Microsoft's acquisition strategy. Concerns are raised about the move towards digital-only sales and the potential high cost of future consoles like the PlayStation 6. Despite these criticisms, the reader acknowledges the strength of the indie scene and the resurgence of companies like Capcom.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continues
The Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
After Almost Two Years in Development, Settler’s Domain Has a Release Date!
The strategy and settlement-building game Settler's Domain will be released on August 25, 2026, for PC via Steam. Developed solo by rick, the game features pixel graphics and strategic gameplay where players manage resources, explore, and contend with other settlements.
Massively Overthinking: Under what conditions, if any, would you accept AI use in an MMORPG?
Industry figures discuss the conditions under which they would accept the use of generative AI in MMORPGs. While some see potential for AI in specific tasks like coding or placeholder assets, many express concerns about job displacement, reduced game quality, and a general loss of trust in studios that utilize the technology. The consensus leans towards AI being a net negative if it compromises human work or game integrity.
Few things get me excited like these big GTA 6 moments, but we need to talk about digital game ownership - and fast
The author expresses excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6's upcoming release, particularly its promotional screenshots, but pivots to discuss concerns about digital game ownership and pricing. The article critiques the move away from physical discs, the potential for revoked licenses, and the increasing cost of games, arguing for a consumer right to true ownership rather than just a license.
"We have to have free human expression in some capacity": Patreon CEO shares frustrations about getting adult content past payment processors
Patreon CEO Jack Conte expressed frustration with payment processors like Stripe and Mastercard, who dictate policies on 'adult content' and threaten to withhold services. This pressure has led platforms like Steam and Itch.io to change their policies, impacting creators. Conte highlighted Patreon's efforts to build leverage through a 'hot-swappable payments architecture' to better support artists on the platform, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges in navigating these complex financial and content regulations.
Cozy colony-building sandbox for PC on Steam, planned for Early Access in February 2027.
Luminids, a cozy colony-building sandbox game, is planned for Early Access on PC via Steam in February 2027. Players guide tiny beings called Luminids to gather, build, and grow, with the ability to switch between an overhead planning view and a first-person perspective within the settlement. The game emphasizes a calm, no-combat experience focused on wellness and stillness.
Space Grunts: Chrono Shard Released
Space Grunts: Chrono Shard, a roguelike turn-based RPG, has been released for Windows PC. It is available on the Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Steam, with Steam also supporting macOS and Linux versions.
Tears of Metal launches in Early Access for PC on July 22
The medieval hack-and-slash cooperative roguelike game Tears of Metal will launch in Early Access for PC on July 22 via Steam and Microsoft Store. Developer Paper Cult Games announced that the Early Access version will include the complete core experience with three acts, three playable heroes, and full progression. The demo will be removed on July 6.
Midnight Manhunt | Cyberpunk Tactics Game
Midnight Manhunt is a new cyberpunk turn-based tactics game featuring hidden movement and deduction, developed by a two-person indie studio. Players can either hunt unseen Ghosts as part of a squad or become the Ghost themselves to evade pursuers. The game includes two single-player campaigns and a sandbox mode, and is planned for release on Steam.
Weekend PC Download Deals for June 19: GOG.com Summer Sale
This weekend's PC gaming deals include GOG.com's Summer Sale featuring discounts on titles like Hollow Knight Silksong and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition. Steam and Epic Games Store also have various sales, with free games available on Epic Games Store and Amazon Luna. Humble Bundle offers several game bundles for different price tiers.
Dead Space and Mass Effect trilogy are less than £5 right now in huge sale
Several Electronic Arts titles are heavily discounted on Steam, with the Dead Space remake available for £4.99 and Mass Effect Legendary Edition for £3.99. Other notable deals include Star Wars: Squadrons, Titanfall 2, Battlefield 1, and Sonic Mania, all priced under £5.
Gabe Newell buys $70.8 million mansion in Florida, and naturally it has a dock for his superyachts and a personal tunnel…
Gabe Newell, founder of Valve and Steam, has purchased a $70.8 million mansion in Manalapan, Florida. The estate features extensive grounds, a private tunnel to the ocean, and a dock suitable for superyachts, reflecting his known interest in yachting.
1666: Amsterdam unveils the first episode of its new Developer Diary series, Behind the Shadows
Panache Digital Games and Patrice Désilets have released the first episode of their "Behind the Shadows" developer diary series for "1666: Amsterdam." This inaugural episode, "The Vision: The Real City That Became a Myth," explores the creative vision and the team's research trip to Amsterdam. The game is set to launch in Early Access on PC in 2026, with console versions planned for later.
Saturday Legal Briefs
Microsoft is facing an antitrust class action lawsuit regarding alleged price-fixing with Steam. Separately, a lawsuit involving Palworld is reportedly nearing its end, with Nintendo expected to gain little from the proceedings.
Steam announces its discontinuing gift cards
Steam, operated by Valve, has announced the discontinuation of its physical Steam Gift Cards, which were introduced in 2012. Retailers will stop stocking them by the end of the year due to an increase in scams that exploit gift card users. While physical cards are being phased out, digital gift cards will remain available.
Can’t have anything in 2026—Steam is killing physical gift cards because, you’ve guessed it, scammers
Steam is discontinuing physical gift cards in 2026 due to ongoing issues with scammers. The company is advising customers not to redeem any physical gift cards they may possess.