PC Gaming
Ongoing coverage on PC Gaming.
Latest coverage
Valve aren't putting any exclusives on the Steam Machine because they see "the whole PC catalog as our 'launch exclusive'"
Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat stated that the Steam Machine will not feature any exclusive games, as the company views the entire PC catalog as its 'launch exclusive.' This approach aims to keep the platform open and encourage innovation from hardware manufacturers. Valve also noted that PC hardware supply chain issues are causing delays, with retail availability lagging behind bulk supply by three to six months.
Game History and Preservation
This article discusses the challenges of game preservation, highlighting five classic PC games that have become unplayable due to outdated technology or lack of support. It touches upon the broader issue of ensuring historical games remain accessible for future generations.
The Steam Machine's $1,000+ price tag is unlikely to come down anytime soon as Valve says the memory crisis is…
Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat stated that the memory chip crisis is worsening, impacting the production and pricing of the Steam Machine. He noted a significant lag between bulk supply observations and retail availability, with prices expected to remain high. The shortage is also limiting Valve's production capacity for the device.
Evening Tech Bits
This article rounds up various technology news items, including an update to the NVIDIA App and a list of 10 gadgets to enhance a gaming PC. It also briefly mentions a brain implant allowing a paralyzed man to feed himself.
After 15 years, I've got Microsoft's shunned Fable 3 port to work on PC – and it feels like a new RPG
Despite being 16 years old, the PC version of Fable 3 offers a surprisingly fresh RPG experience, especially when run at 4K resolution. The author argues that this version surpasses the current Xbox Game Pass streaming option and advocates for its preservation, suggesting it could serve as a suitable replacement for fans awaiting Fable 4.
Former Rockstar Dev Explains GTA 6’s Console-First Approach
A former Rockstar Games producer explained that the studio's console-first approach to game development, including for Grand Theft Auto 6, is a deliberate business decision to optimize performance and manage resources. This strategy prioritizes console versions before PC ports, aiming for a better final product by working within constraints. Despite the delayed PC release, Grand Theft Auto 6 is projected to achieve significant sales and revenue upon its November 19 launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Evening Tech Bits
Microsoft has announced new builds for the Windows Insider Program scheduled for June 26, 2026, featuring WIP improvements. The article also discusses the advantages of DisplayPort over HDMI for gaming PCs.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Was Unplayable on PC Last Weekend Due to Ubisoft Connect Outage
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag's PC version experienced an outage due to Ubisoft Connect, locking players out for nearly an hour. This issue occurred despite the game's recent remake and its reliance on a one-time DRM check for offline play. Ubisoft has not yet commented on the incident or potential long-term solutions.
Budget OLED versus budget mini-LED: The best real-world PC gaming display technologies tested
This article compares budget OLED and mini-LED PC gaming monitors, specifically the Alienware AW2726DM and KTC M27T6S, both priced under $350. While OLED offers superior contrast, black levels, and response times, mini-LED excels in brightness and avoids burn-in concerns. The choice depends on user preference for HDR visuals versus peak brightness and daily computing needs.
GTA 6 isn't coming to PC at launch, but not because Rockstar doesn't "care about PC," says GTA 5 producer: "If you're working on that, you're not working on something else"
Former Rockstar Games producer John Ricchio explained that Grand Theft Auto 6's delayed PC launch is not due to a lack of care for PC players, but rather a strategic decision to prioritize development resources. He stated that developing for PC alongside consoles presents challenges, and the studio focuses on platforms where it's most efficient to do so, often leading to PC versions releasing later.
Steam Machine compatibility checks are here, though not every game on the store enjoys a rating
Valve has introduced Steam Machine compatibility checks to game store pages, allowing users to see how titles perform on the SteamOS platform. While many games are rated, some, like Black Myth: Wukong, are still listed as unknown due to ongoing evaluation or performance concerns. Users can also run SteamOS on alternative hardware like the Lenovo Legion Go S.
Despite having an offline mode, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced was unplayable when Ubisoft Connect went down
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced experienced significant issues when Ubisoft Connect, its DRM and social layer, went offline for about an hour. Despite having an offline mode, the game became unplayable on PC during the outage, a problem that has affected other Ubisoft titles. The game also faced criticism at launch for its cosmetic microtransactions.
Steam Is Breaking Revenue Records, But New Games Account For Just 21% Of Sales
Steam reportedly generated $11.6 billion in revenue in 2026, breaking previous records. This surge is attributed to a significant increase in players from Asia and the sustained popularity of older, classic games, which account for the majority of sales.
Steam has raked in an estimated $11.1 billion gross revenue so far this year, says market analyst—its…
A report from Alinea Analytics indicates that Steam generated an estimated $11.1 billion in gross revenue in the first half of 2026, marking its highest-ever six-month period. This growth is attributed to factors like increased game prices, successful new releases, and the return of third-party publishers like Ubisoft to the platform.
Engagement Ring
Steam is reportedly experiencing another record year, with user engagement and concurrent player counts continuing to rise. This surge in popularity comes as competitors like Xbox and PlayStation face challenges in the market.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 10: Palworld exits Steam Early Access
Palworld has officially launched version 1.0 out of Early Access on Steam, accompanied by a launch discount. This article highlights various PC game deals available this weekend across multiple digital storefronts, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Amazon Luna, Fanatical, Gamebillet, GamesPlanet, GOG.com, Green Man Gaming, Humble Bundle, and 2K Publisher Sale.
NVIDIA decided now is the time to announce 'GeForce Trading Cards'
NVIDIA has announced the launch of 'GeForce Trading Cards,' a new product that features 'great moments' from PC gaming history. The company is entering the trading card market with this initiative.
‘Lies about driver support’: Valve now lets you install Windows 11 on a Steam Machine, but many people…
Valve has released official Windows 11 drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing users to install Microsoft's operating system on the console-like PC. However, the article argues against this, citing potential performance degradation due to Windows 11's heavier nature compared to SteamOS, and Valve's historically poor track record with Windows driver updates for its devices.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced can run smoothly aboard both Steam Deck and Steam Machine - with the right settings
This article analyzes the performance of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced on the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, detailing optimal settings for smooth gameplay. While the Steam Deck requires careful adjustment of graphics options and upscaling for playable framerates, the Steam Machine demonstrates surprisingly strong performance at 1080p, even rivaling higher-end desktop GPUs in some scenarios.
Steam Machine review - it's all about the games you play
The Steam Machine offers a premium hardware design with a slick SteamOS interface ideal for living room gaming, but its high price and performance limitations hinder its appeal. While capable of 1080p gaming and some 4K upscaling, it struggles with demanding titles and ray tracing, making it a niche product for specific game types and users.
