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PS5 and Switch 2 prices set to rise again as memory chip costs more than double
Rising memory chip costs, driven by high demand from AI data centers, are projected to increase hardware component prices by up to 75%. This trend is expected to lead to price hikes for current and future consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, and potentially delay next-generation hardware releases. Valve has also acknowledged that these shortages have altered its launch plans for its Steam Machine.
Proton 11 Beta arrives to bring enhanced gaming compatibility to Linux / SteamOS
Valve has released Proton 11 Beta, an update to their compatibility layer for running Windows games on Linux and SteamOS. This version is based on Wine 11 and includes enhancements like NTSync for potential performance improvements, alongside an ARM64 build. The update brings numerous game-specific fixes and improvements, including better video playback, text-to-speech accessibility, and controller support for many titles.
MMO Business Roundup: Steam price tracking, copycat games, and Krafton’s Subnautica 2 role
This MMO business roundup covers several industry developments, including Valve's potential Steam price tracking feature and accusations of copycat game design against Hoyoverse's Genshin Impact and a Nintendo Switch title related to Hytale. Krafton also clarified its role in supporting the early access launch of Subnautica 2.
Valve look like they might be rolling out 30-day Steam price tracking for everyone, making it easier to spot when game discounts are at their discountiest
Valve appears to be planning to roll out a 30-day price tracking feature for games on Steam to all users, not just those in European countries. This feature, already present in the EU to comply with consumer protection laws, will allow users to see a game's normal price, current price, and its lowest price within the last 30 days, making it easier to identify genuine discounts.
Steam’s AI Ouroboros: Bots Now Review AI-Generated Games
The Steam platform is facing a growing issue where AI-generated games are being reviewed by AI bots, creating a meta-feedback loop that undermines the authenticity of user reviews. This trend raises concerns about the erosion of human voices and community connection within gaming culture. Valve may need to implement new tools and policies to detect and combat AI-generated content to maintain user trust in its review system.
Gaming on Linux with an older GPU levels up with DXVK-Sarek v1.12 bringing major new features
DXVK-Sarek v1.12.0 has been released, offering significant updates for Linux gamers with older GPUs that do not meet Vulkan 1.3 requirements. This fork of DXVK introduces dyasync for improved asynchronous pipeline compilation and the port of D7VK, adding support for older Direct3D versions. The update also includes numerous fixes from upstream DXVK, enhancing compatibility for a wider range of games and ensuring older hardware remains viable for modern gaming.
Steam’s 2005 Website Sparks Gaming Nostalgia Wave on Social Media
A Reddit post featuring Steam's 2005 website has sparked widespread nostalgia and discussion about the evolution of digital distribution and the gaming industry. The article contrasts the simple, functional design of early Steam with its current complex, engagement-driven interface, reflecting on how the industry has shifted from serving players to maximizing value extraction. While acknowledging modern Steam's improvements, it laments the loss of a perceived simpler era in gaming.
Control Issues
Valve has a surplus of Steam Controllers and is considering releasing them before the Steam Machine. This move is seen as a logical step to clear inventory and potentially build momentum for the hardware ecosystem.
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Valve is reportedly testing a 30-day price tracking feature for Steam, which is already live in some EU countries. This feature aims to combat fake discounts by providing users with a history of a game's price changes.
Imagine that, players who went to the Epic Game Store just for free games didn’t stick around
Former Epic Games employees revealed that while free game promotions on the Epic Games Store attracted new users, these players did not remain active on the platform long-term. This strategy has not helped Epic Games compete with Steam, which continues to see record user numbers and profitability.
Rumored PS6 pricing could mean we've got the entire generation backwards, AI will run Sony's next show not…
Rumors suggest the PlayStation 6 could launch with a 'Lite' model priced between $349-$549 and a standard model at $999, potentially shifting the flagship console to a more premium 'Pro' tier. Sony is reportedly refining its PSSR upscaling technology, leveraging AI for improved visuals ahead of the next-generation launch.
Valve's Steam price history feature could be extended to all regions — but it needs one big change before the…
Valve is reportedly planning to extend its price history feature to all Steam users globally, a feature currently limited to certain EU regions. While this would bring Steam closer to third-party tools like SteamDB, the current plan suggests a 30-day low price history, which may be insufficient for users seeking comprehensive price tracking.
Infinity Nikki and Love and Deepspace dev: "AI lacks the soul to replace human creators"
Infold Games CTO Ji Zhang stated that AI cannot replace human creators in game development due to its lack of 'soul'. He also addressed concerns about rising RAM prices, believing the cost increase to be temporary. Zhang detailed the different technologies used for their games, Infinity Nikki and Love and Deepspace, noting their use of Unity and Unreal Engine respectively, with in-house tools for optimization.
SteamOS 3.7.21 released to stable with security and stability updates
Valve has released SteamOS 3.7.21 to the stable channel, providing essential security and stability updates. While the changelog is brief, users on the stable version are advised to install the update to ensure they have the latest fixes.
Steam Users Rally to Help Identify Mystery Profile Frame
A Steam user's request on Reddit to identify a mystery profile frame sparked a community effort to help locate it. This incident highlights the helpfulness within the PC gaming community and the complexities of Steam's profile customization system, which could benefit from improved search and categorization.
25 Best Puzzle Games To Solve In 2026
This guide highlights 25 of the best puzzle games available, ranging from recent indie hits like Animal Well to enduring classics such as Portal 2. The list features a variety of brain-teasing experiences across multiple platforms, emphasizing critical thinking and engaging gameplay.
Epic Games Store Users Only Grab Free Games Then Return to Steam
Former Epic Games employees have revealed that many users primarily engage with the Epic Games Store to claim free titles before returning to Steam for regular gaming. Despite Epic's large monthly active user base, Steam maintains significantly higher concurrent player numbers, indicating a stronger user habit and community integration. This pattern suggests that while free games attract users, they do not foster the same level of sustained engagement or loyalty as established platforms like Steam, which has become deeply integrated into PC gaming culture.
'AI experts' disagree with the public about whether it's a good thing
A report from Stanford University's Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence group indicates a significant gap in optimism between AI experts and the general public regarding AI's impact on jobs. While 73% of experts believe AI will be beneficial, only 23% of US adults agree. Public trust in AI regulation and companies is low in the US, with higher optimism observed in Southeast Asia. The article also touches on AI disclosure policies and investment trends.
One YouTuber has built their own $950 Steam Machine, with a custom wood panel, because 'Valve was taking too…
A YouTuber named Zac Builds has constructed a custom wooden-paneled Steam Machine for approximately $950 USD, aiming to create a more affordable and potentially superior alternative to Valve's own offering. The build features a Ryzen 5 5600X, Radeon RX 6900 XT, and a custom case, achieving up to 60 fps at 4K in demanding games with upscaling.
Xbox co-creator is more interested in Switch 3 than Project Helix because Nintendo hardware is "at least really interesting and cool, even when it fails"
Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley expresses more excitement for Nintendo's and Valve's future hardware, like the potential Switch 3, than for Microsoft's rumored 'Project Helix' hybrid console. He finds the concept of a combined console-PC device uninspired and prefers the clear content identity of Nintendo's platforms, citing the appeal of exclusive titles like The Legend of Zelda. Blackley suggests that a lack of understanding of gaming's hit-driven nature and executive insecurity are leading Xbox away from compelling exclusive games.
