PC Gaming
Ongoing coverage on PC Gaming.
Latest coverage
How To Use Discord On Your Steam Machine And Steam Deck
This guide explains how to install and configure Discord on Valve's Steam Deck and Steam Machine devices. The process involves switching to desktop mode, installing Discord via Discover, and adding it as a non-Steam game. It also provides instructions for adjusting controller settings for a better user experience.
Save Up To 95% Off Thousands Of Games In The GOG Summer Sale
GOG has launched its Summer Sale, featuring discounts of up to 95% on over 8,000 games until July 9. Notable deals include Fallout 4 Game of the Year Edition for $16, Control Ultimate Edition for $6, and the Yakuza Complete Collection for $44.79. The sale also offers significant price reductions on popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection, and various indie games.
Another self-own for Sony: Marvel Tōkon's PC version is unavailable in over 100 countries thanks to our old friend…
Sony's upcoming fighting game, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, has been region-restricted on Steam in 132 countries that lack PlayStation Network access. This follows similar controversial decisions with other PC ports like God of War Ragnarök and Ghost of Tsushima. The game is set to have an open beta on PC and PlayStation 5 from July 24 to July 26.
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.
Independence Weekend Tech Bits
The game Cinder City has reportedly lowered its RAM requirement to 64GB while increasing its GPU requirement, according to a report from Eurogamer.net. This change comes amidst ongoing hardware-related player complaints.
Valve's aim for a console-like experience with its Steam Machine lands a little too close for comfort as one of the first cases of 'Red Line of Death' comes to light
A user has reported the first instance of a 'Red Line of Death' hardware failure on Valve's Steam Machine, similar to the Xbox 360's issue. The failure, indicated by red LEDs, occurred after a software update while playing No Man's Sky. While the user has contacted Valve for support, the incident highlights potential hardware reliability concerns for the console-like PC.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced promises smooth handheld sailing with Steam Deck and Steam Machine verification
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has achieved Steam Deck Verified status, indicating full compatibility with Valve's handheld PC. This is an improvement over the original Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag's 'Playable' rating. The verification also implies compatibility with Steam Machines, making it the first major game since their launch to receive this dual certification.
Steam Machine Early Adopter Reports Hardware Failure With Blinking Red LED
Early adopters of Valve's Steam Machine are reporting hardware failures, indicated by a blinking red LED. The specific error code suggests a GPU failure, though the exact cause and prevalence are currently unknown. This issue has drawn comparisons to the 'red ring of death' experienced by early Xbox 360 consoles.
It’s Not Too Late To Shop Best Buy’s 4th Of July Sale
Best Buy is holding its annual Fourth of July sale, offering discounts on a wide range of products including video games, gaming PCs, and accessories. Notable deals include titles like Borderlands 4, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Resident Evil Requiem, as well as Alienware gaming desktops and various peripherals from brands like Razer and Asus. The sale provides an opportunity to purchase gaming gear at reduced prices before the holiday ends.
GTA 6 Would Probably Run on the Steam Machine
Grand Theft Auto 6 is not expected to launch on PC immediately, but it is anticipated that the game will eventually be playable on the Steam Machine. However, it will likely require lower graphical settings.
"Am I going back to PS4 days?" - Former PlayStation leader Shuhei Yoshida has tried the Steam Machine, and he doesn't sound very impressed
Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida shared his mixed impressions of the Steam Machine, comparing its performance unfavorably to the PlayStation 4 era. While he found the system UI and controller features like the changeable face plate and boot-up videos appealing, he criticized the 3D performance, long game boot times, and the controller's touchpad and stick looseness. Despite these drawbacks and a high price point, Yoshida indicated he would keep the device for research and to play PC games on his living room TV.
Joyride Through July With 12 Games Coming to GeForce NOW
NVIDIA's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service is adding 12 new games in July, including Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains and Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. The service also highlights ongoing summer savings on its Performance and Ultimate memberships, allowing users to stream games across various devices with RTX-powered performance.
"Am I going back to the PS4 days?" - Former PlayStation president Shuhei Yoshida shares a very mixed Steam…
Former PlayStation president Shuhei Yoshida shared his mixed thoughts on the Steam Deck after a few hours of use, noting that its 3D performance is 'meh' and that some games take a long time to boot. While he praised the system's UI and the ability to launch games with a controller, he questioned if it was a step back to PlayStation 4-era performance. Yoshida ultimately found the Steam Deck to be a viable alternative to consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X for playing Steam games on a TV, but the high $1,049 price tag makes it difficult to recommend.
Consoles continue their trend of just becoming worst PCs
The article argues that modern consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are becoming inferior versions of PCs, losing their unique advantages. Factors like the shift to digital-only, rising prices, and the diminishing value of exclusives are making PCs a more compelling and flexible gaming platform.
A new open-world game asks for 64GB recommended RAM in a time where a single kit costs $860
A new open-world game is reportedly recommending 64GB of RAM, highlighting the increasing system requirements for modern PC gaming. This demand for high-end hardware comes at a time when such memory kits are significantly expensive.
Ex-PlayStation boss explains why PC releases were a good thing, as reports claim Sony is ending blockbuster launches
Former PlayStation President Shawn Layden explained the strategic benefits of releasing games on PC, even if delayed, to increase intellectual property awareness across various media. Reports suggest Sony may be shifting away from this strategy, focusing PC releases on live-service titles rather than narrative blockbusters, a move Layden believes could hinder future projects.
Fresh off of dumping on Xbox's flailing, former Sony exec says PlayStation's pullback from PC releases…
Former Sony executive Shawn Layden criticized both Xbox's strategy and Sony's recent pullback from releasing games on PC. He argued that bringing PlayStation titles to PC was crucial for brand awareness across other media, even if it didn't directly lead to hardware sales. The discussion also touches on the current strength of the PC market and Microsoft's continued commitment to PC releases for its exclusives.
'99% of the work was already done in a sense': Valve says it has less to fix with the Steam Machine because…
Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais suggest that the development of the Steam Deck has significantly streamlined the process for future Steam Machine hardware. They explain that much of the foundational work, such as input handling and general PC gaming optimization, was already completed with the Steam Deck, reducing the need for extensive rework on the Steam Machine. Despite facing challenges like supply chain issues and the desire for lower costs, Valve views hardware development as an iterative process with new models dependent on market viability.
Is SteamOS ready to replace Windows? I installed it so you don’t have to
This article explores whether SteamOS is a viable replacement for Windows in PC gaming. Despite its potential for a console-like experience, the author found that SteamOS is still in beta for most systems and requires significant technical expertise to install and troubleshoot, particularly concerning driver support and networking issues. While it may appeal to DIY enthusiasts, it is not yet ready for the average gamer.
Dragon Age: Origins is 'Unsupported' on Steam Deck, but it runs incredibly and it's currently only $3
Despite being officially 'Unsupported' on the Steam Deck, Dragon Age: Origins runs exceptionally well on the handheld PC. The article details how to overcome initial launcher issues, adjust graphics settings for native resolution, and utilize community-created gamepad layouts to achieve a smooth 60 FPS experience. The author concludes that the game is perfectly playable and enjoyable on the Steam Deck, requiring less tinkering than some 'Playable' rated titles.
