PC Gaming
Ongoing coverage on PC Gaming.
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Bluepoint tech boss suggests Sony's scared of Valve, not Microsoft, and that's why it's pulling back from PC: 'It would be quite ironic if Valve ultimately ended up winning the console war'
A tech boss from Bluepoint Games suggests Sony's pullback from PC releases is a response to Valve's growing influence in the console space, rather than Microsoft. The analysis posits that a Steam-based ecosystem could offer the best of both console simplicity and PC gaming breadth, potentially leading Valve to win the 'console war'.
Microsoft confirms 'Xbox Mode' rollout for Windows 11 and reveals more plans for PC-console hybrid Project Helix
Microsoft is set to release its 'Xbox Mode' gaming layer for Windows 11 next month. The company also confirmed that developers will begin testing Project Helix, a PC-console hybrid initiative, in 2027.
Microsoft sets up Project Helix Xbox for Christmas 2027 battle against PS6
Microsoft has revealed details about its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, which is expected to launch around Christmas 2027. The device is described as more of a gaming PC and will feature AMD's new FSR Diamond technology. Dev kits are slated to ship in 2027, with potential competition from Sony's PlayStation 6 and Valve's Steam Machine.
Google Play adds free game trials and a dedicated PC hub for gamers
Google Play is introducing several new features aimed at gamers, including free game trials and a "buy once, play anywhere" model for select titles, allowing a single purchase to grant access on both mobile and PC. The platform is also launching a dedicated PC section to improve game discoverability and expanding its Play Games Sidekick with AI-generated tips and community posts for real-time assistance.
From GDC: Building the Next Generation of Xbox
The author expresses optimism for the future of Xbox under new leadership, particularly regarding Project Helix, and compares its exclusive release cadence to PlayStation 5. The piece also touches on perceived media hypocrisy regarding console versus PC gaming and the historical lack of support from previous Xbox leadership.
I guess this wasn't an Xbox after all
Microsoft has removed the original Xbox Wire blog post that launched its "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign, signaling a potential shift in future promotions. The company may be moving away from the campaign due to confusion, especially with the development of Project Helix hardware that blurs the lines between console and PC gaming.
Valve's Steam Machine launches in 2026: Everything we know so far
Valve has announced a new home console, the Steam Machine, set to launch in 2026 as a successor to the Steam Deck. The device will feature semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPUs and RDNA3 GPUs, 16GB of RAM, and options for 512GB or 2TB of storage, aiming for 4K 60FPS gameplay with FSR technology. While pricing is not yet confirmed, it is expected to be competitive with self-built PCs and potentially higher than current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X due to component costs.
Xbox mode is coming to Windows 11, and PC gaming will never be the same
Microsoft is rolling out an "Xbox mode" to Windows 11 starting in April, transforming PCs into a controller-optimized gaming interface. This feature, inspired by the Xbox gaming OS and tested on the ASUS ROG Ally, aims to provide a seamless transition between productivity and play. The update will be available on all Windows 11 form factors, including laptops, desktops, and tablets.
Sony is more worried about Steam Machine than Xbox's Project Helix says dev
A former Bluepoint Games developer suggests Sony's reduced focus on PC ports is a strategic response to Valve's potential Steam Machine ecosystem, rather than competition from Microsoft's Project Helix. The argument posits that a successful Steam console offering PC library access with console simplicity could undermine traditional console market dominance.
'We can’t wait for players to experience this level of detail in The Witcher 4' — how CD Projekt Red and Nvidia are teaming up to transform the future of PC gaming
Nvidia and CD Projekt Red are collaborating to integrate Nvidia's RTX Mega Geometry foliage technology into The Witcher 4, aiming to create more realistic and detailed forest environments. This partnership will leverage advanced path-tracing lighting effects and a new level-of-detail system to reduce memory usage and improve performance, with the technology also being made open-source.
Valve clarifies what's required for a game to be Steam Machine and Steam Frame verified, but it just makes me worry…
Valve has clarified the verification requirements for games on its upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset. While Steam Deck verified games will automatically be compatible with Steam Machine, the latter has a performance target of 30 fps at 1080p. The Steam Frame has stricter requirements for stand-alone play, demanding 90 fps for VR titles and 30 fps at 720p for 2D games.
Steam Machine could be partly to blame for PlayStation's reported plans to step back from PC, Bluepoint dev suggests, and it'd be ironic if "Valve ultimately ended up winning the console war"
A Bluepoint Games developer suggests that the rise of the Steam Machine might be influencing Sony's reported decision to reduce PC ports of its single-player titles. This move is seen as ironic, as Valve's Steam Machine could potentially offer a superior experience by combining console simplicity with the breadth of PC gaming, leading to Valve potentially winning the console war.
Does Crimson Desert run on Steam Deck or ROG Ally?
Crimson Desert's performance on handheld devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally is a mixed bag. Pearl Abyss has provided specific performance targets for the ROG Ally, including 720p at 40 FPS with FSR 3 Frame Generation, and 1080p at 60 FPS. While Crimson Desert is not yet Steam Deck Verified, it is expected to run on the device, likely with similar settings to the base ROG Ally.
Does Crimson Desert run on Steam Deck or ROG Ally?
Crimson Desert's performance on handheld devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally is a mixed bag. Pearl Abyss has provided specific performance targets for the ROG Ally, including 720p at 40 FPS with FSR 3 Frame Generation, and 1080p at 60 FPS. While Crimson Desert is not yet Steam Deck Verified, it is expected to run on the device, likely with similar settings to the base ROG Ally.
Valve says 5,863 titles earned over $100,000 on Steam in 2025
Valve reported that 5,863 games on Steam earned over $100,000 in 2025, a significant increase from approximately 3,000 in 2020. The company also highlighted record-breaking concurrent user numbers, with over 42 million peak concurrent users and 13.9 million in-game concurrent users. Valve emphasized its commitment to growing the opportunity for developers on Steam, citing improvements to Daily Deals that led to a 274 percent year-over-year increase in developer revenue from those promotions.
Valve claims over 5,000 Steam games earned more than $100,000 last year. Oh, and it'd really love some RAM
Valve employees shared statistics at GDC revealing that over 5,000 games on Steam generated more than $100,000 in revenue last year. The presentation also touched upon Steam Daily Deal engagement and other platform metrics.
Snabbkollen – Är Xbox Helix intressant?
Microsoft has revealed details about its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, which is expected to offer class-leading performance. A key feature is its support for both Xbox and PC games, aiming to bridge the gap between the two platforms. Further information regarding price, release date, and specific performance metrics remains undisclosed.
Steam Machine Pricing Psychology: Console Players Weigh Their PC Gaming Jump
Console players are evaluating the potential pricing of the upcoming Steam Machine, with many considering a jump to PC gaming due to perceived disadvantages in the current console market. The Steam Deck's success has highlighted Valve's ecosystem, but the Steam Machine's value proposition hinges on competitive pricing that balances convenience with component costs.
Modder Ports Linux To The PS5, Turning The Console Into An Unofficial Steam Machine
A modder has successfully ported the Linux operating system to the PlayStation 5. This unofficial modification effectively transforms the console into a PC, allowing it to function as an unofficial Steam Machine.
Xbox Project Helix price could be up to £1,100 claims insider
An insider suggests Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, could cost between $900 and $1,500 (£700-£1,100) due to its high-end components and current RAM shortages. This potential price point aims to surpass Sony's PlayStation 6 in power, though it raises concerns about market competitiveness compared to existing consoles and upcoming PC gaming hardware like the Steam Machine.
