A little over a decade ago, a passion for PC gaming ignited within me. While the specifics of my first build—a second-hand desktop from a local computer store—have faded from memory, the vivid experience of exploring the world of Skyrim remains etched in my mind. The transformation came when I upgraded to a 1060 GPU, which elevated my gaming experience to new heights. I still recall the stunning turquoise waves in Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, a visual feast that left an indelible mark on my gaming journey.
Beauty in gaming is subjective and often fleeting. Yet, when I reflect on my time spent gaming, those wintry evenings sailing the Caribbean in Black Flag stand out as cherished memories, forever preserved in amber.
In recent years, the landscape of PC gaming has evolved dramatically. Major players like Sony and Xbox have embraced Steam, bringing their first-party titles to a global audience. The advent of handheld devices, particularly Valve’s Steam Deck, has further transformed the medium, making gaming more accessible than ever. The year 2025 has been particularly noteworthy, marked by the unveiling of the Steam Machine, Xbox’s foray into the handheld market with the ROG Xbox Ally X, and concerning trends in payment processor censorship that have affected the purchasing landscape for Steam Deck users.
New build, old build
As I reflect on the past year, I find myself revisiting the games that have shaped my love for PC gaming. The Steam Deck has become a constant companion, allowing me to indulge in brief gaming sessions throughout my day. The novelty of portable gaming has breathed new life into titles I thought I knew by heart. A nostalgic replay of Fallout: New Vegas? Yes, please. Final Fantasy 12? Absolutely. Persona 4? Mwah. My affinity for comfort games has only deepened, revealing the layers of this medium like a delicious lasagna—each year adding new flavors while the classics remain timeless.
However, my journey hasn’t been without its challenges. During the Black Friday sales, I succumbed to the temptation of upgrading my aging GPU, a decision that my bank account lamented. The upgrade process was a necessary step, and within days, I was joyfully exploring Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 with all settings maxed out. Yet, the full upgrade remains incomplete, as the soaring prices of DDR5 RAM have forced me to postpone my plans for a memory boost.
As we approach 2026, I find myself contemplating the financial implications of PC gaming. My own upgrades are only halfway realized; a new CPU and motherboard are still on my wishlist. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to recommend a hobby that many find financially daunting. Yet, amidst these concerns, I hold a glimmer of optimism regarding the unconfirmed pricing of Valve’s Steam Machine. This device has the potential to revolutionize casual PC gaming, but its success hinges on Valve’s willingness to make it accessible to a broader audience—an ambitious challenge, yet one they have successfully navigated before with the original Steam Deck.
While my excitement for the Steam Machine is palpable, I cannot overlook the troubling issue of censorship in gaming. This year, payment providers like Visa have imposed restrictions on “adult” games across platforms such as Steam and itch.io. The rationale behind these actions often falls short, as the definition of what constitutes an adult game remains vague. The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has rightly pointed out that games featuring consensual adult content are frequently targeted, forcing developers into silence or self-censorship due to fears of backlash.
As I navigate through the vibrant worlds of games like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered and continue my love affair with Total War, I find myself reflecting on the state of PC gaming in 2025. My experiences, both new and old, remind me of the depth and richness of this medium that has captivated so many of us. As the year draws to a close, I encourage fellow gamers to take a moment to revisit a beloved title, whether it’s a classic or a recent release, and reconnect with the passion that first drew them into this expansive world.
