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Proton is getting some "horrible" workarounds for Forza Horizon 6 on Linux
Forza Horizon 6 is experiencing significant compatibility issues on Linux, with developer Hans-Kristian Arntzen describing the situation as "extremely broken" and requiring "horrible" workarounds. Reports on ProtonDB and GitHub indicate widespread problems for Linux and Steam Deck users, suggesting a potential Proton Experimental update or hotfix from Valve may be necessary.
Proton-CachyOS 11 adds initial OptiScaler integration and lots of other fixes
The latest update for the Linux distribution CachyOS, Proton-CachyOS 11, introduces initial integration for OptiScaler, a tool that allows users to swap or upgrade upscaling and frame generation technologies like DLSS, FSR, and XeSS within games. This update also includes numerous other fixes and pulls in new code from Valve's upstream Proton.
Wine 11.9 released with ARM64 improvements, initial support for system threads
The latest development release of the Windows compatibility layer, Wine 11.9, has been released with improvements including bundled SQLite, initial support for system threads, and thread suspension in emulated code on ARM64. This version also includes bug fixes for various applications and games, and support for Wayland's Pointer warp. Valve's Proton 11 Beta is also based on Wine 11.
Former Half-Life 2 Writer Doesn’t Want to Pen Half-Life 3: “I Don’t Want to Touch Anything Old”
Former Half-Life 2 writer Chet Faliszek stated he has no desire to work on Half-Life 3, preferring to avoid established lore and the pressure of adhering to existing narratives. He expressed similar sentiments about other franchises with extensive backstories, including Left 4 Dead and Destiny 2, highlighting his preference for creating new intellectual property.
How to Sell CS2 Skins for Real Money
This guide explains how to sell Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) skins for real money, distinguishing it from the Steam Market which only provides Steam Wallet balance. It advises comparing third-party marketplaces based on fees, liquidity, and payout methods, and highlights the importance of understanding item value influenced by float, stickers, and patterns. The article also covers common selling models, risks of scams, and strategies for maximizing value versus speed.
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek has no interest in writing Half-Life 3: 'I don't want to touch that with a…
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek stated he has no interest in working on Half-Life 3 or any other sequels due to the pressure of existing lore and fan expectations. He prefers creating new characters and stories rather than revisiting established universes, finding the prospect of writing for them a "disaster nightmare."
Check your inbox: Steam Controller reservations are coming through
Valve has begun sending out reservation emails for the Steam Controller, indicating that more units are becoming available after the initial sell-out. Recipients have a deadline to purchase their reserved controller before it is forfeited. Players are sharing their experiences on social media regarding the order of email distribution.
10 Co-Op Games Couples Actually Finish Together (2026) | TAG
This article highlights ten co-op games suitable for couples, focusing on titles that can be completed within a reasonable timeframe, typically 10 to 25 hours. It categorizes games based on player skill levels and preferences, offering options for mixed-skill pairs, experienced gamers, and those new to the medium. The list includes titles like It Takes Two, Split Fiction, Unravel Two, and Portal 2, emphasizing games that promote shared experiences and achievable endings.
Quoteworthy
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek stated that developing a story for Half-Life 3 would be an extremely difficult task. He described any potential sequel as a 'disaster nightmare' that he would not want to undertake.
Evening Postmortems/Retrospectives
This article touches on two distinct topics: the animation work done by a Jim Henson Company puppeteer for Valve games, and a historical overview of James Bond video games. It highlights contributions to game development and the legacy of a specific franchise.
CS2 Safety Score: Toxicity, the Overwatch System, and Whether It Actually Works (2026) | TAG
Counter-Strike 2 receives a low safety score due to significant toxicity and a lack of transparency in its moderation systems, including the Overwatch system. Despite its technical brilliance and competitive depth, issues like identity-based harassment and community complaints about inadequate moderation persist. Valve's opaque approach to Trust Factor, VACnet, and the restricted Overwatch system contributes to player concerns, leading many to opt for third-party platforms like FACEIT for a better competitive experience.
We can thank a Jim Henson Company puppeteer for some of Valve's best animation work
The distinctive character animation found in Valve games, such as Portal 2 and Team Fortress 2, owes a debt to puppeteer Karen Prell, who previously worked for The Jim Henson Company. Prell, known for her role as Red Fraggle and puppeteering the worm in Labyrinth, brought her expertise in bringing characters to life to Valve, significantly influencing the animation of characters like Wheatley.
Valve's massive update to the Steam marketplace must be working, because a gun I had listed on there for years just…
Valve has released a significant update to the Steam Community Market, overhauling its appearance and functionality. The changes include larger item listings with more detailed information and automatically generated images for Counter-Strike 2 items, aiming to improve the browsing and purchasing experience for virtual goods.
Half-Life 3's story wouldn't be 'easy,' ex Valve Writer Chet Faliszek says: "Any sequel is a disaster nightmare that I never want to do"
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek believes that creating a story for Half-Life 3 would be an extremely difficult and daunting task due to the existing lore and unresolved plot points from previous games. He expressed a personal aversion to working on sequels with established lore, citing the potential for fan backlash and the complexity of maintaining narrative consistency.
Valve reportedly giving away free Steam games to Steam Controller buyers who had delivery botched: "Average Valve…
Valve reportedly offered a customer a free standard-edition game of their choice after a Steam Controller they ordered was misdelivered. The user shared a screenshot of the interaction with Steam Support, stating they received the new Forza Horizon 6 as compensation. While unconfirmed by Valve, the incident highlights positive customer service from the company.
The Steam Controller doesn't just scream for its life, it will also sing its little haptic heart out
A new application called SteamHapticsSinger allows users to make the Steam Controller produce MIDI music through its haptic feedback system. This builds upon the controller's existing haptic capabilities, which were previously known for an easter egg that made it 'scream'. The software is available on GitHub and is compatible with both the Steam Controller and the Steam Deck.
Not only will the new Steam Controller scream at you but it can play tunes as well
A new update for Steam Haptics Singer, a project that allows the Steam Controller to play music through its haptic feedback, has been released. Version 1.11 adds support for the original Steam Controller and allows MIDI files to control the gain directly. The tool, which also works with the Steam Deck, can be used on Linux by running an executable with a MIDI file.
We're inching closer to the Steam Frame release with a SteamOS Manager update
Valve is continuing development for the Steam Frame, with recent updates to SteamOS Manager indicating progress towards its release. Code commits suggest initial support for the device, including GPU clock management, and a recent Proton Beta update also appears to be for the Steam Frame.
'Average Valve W': After some Steam Controller packages were sent to the wrong country, Valve is reportedly giving 'any standard-edition title' to affected shoppers
Valve is reportedly compensating customers whose Steam Controller packages were mistakenly sent to the wrong country, such as the UK. Affected shoppers are being offered a free standard-edition game of their choice as a gesture of goodwill. This customer service approach has been met with positive reactions from the gaming community.
The finest Gabe Newell merch from his most devoted of fans
This article explores merchandise dedicated to Gabe Newell, the co-founder of Valve and creator of Steam. It highlights various fan-made items and discusses Newell's prominent online persona and his role in the gaming industry, particularly concerning Steam's Summer Sale.
