AAA games Archives

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Helldivers 2 devs slash install size from 154GB to 23GB, thanks to the help of PC port veterans — ditching HDD optimization, 85% size reduction accomplished by de-duplicating game data

Arrowhead Game Studios has reduced the size of their game Helldivers 2 by 85%, from approximately 154GB to 23GB, through collaboration with Nixxes Software and the use of data de-duplication techniques. This results in a storage saving of around 131GB.

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

Game Review: Slots and Daggers (PC)

Slots and Daggers is a PC/Steam game developed by Friedemann and published by Future Friends Games, set to release on October 24, 2025, priced at .99. The game combines roguelite RPG mechanics with slot machine elements, focusing on in-game currency for character enhancement rather than monetary gain. Players navigate through ten dungeons, facing various enemies and earning coins to upgrade their characters. The game features a progression system that allows players to unlock permanent upgrades and experiment with different builds. After completing the dungeons, players can access Arena Mode for additional challenges. The visuals are retro-inspired with modern touches, and the game includes a catchy soundtrack. It is noted for its simple gameplay, addictive nature, and replayability, although it may be considered short in length.

BetaBeacon

November 7, 2025

Android gaming handhelds are having their ‘Steam Deck moment’ as new devices like the AYN Odin 3 and KONKR Pocket FIT deliver Snapdragon 8 Elite power and full PC game emulation at unprecedented budget prices, ushering in a golden age for portable gaming

The Steam Deck originally launched with a price tag of 9, cheaper than other x86 handhelds. AYANEO and AYN have now released Android gaming handhelds powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, offering top spec models for 9 and 9 respectively. These handhelds can run Windows emulation and offer a user-friendly experience for gaming. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is capable of emulating other consoles, including Switch games. AYANEO, AYN, and Retroid are releasing handhelds with a similar price-to-performance ratio as the Steam Deck.

AppWizard

October 25, 2025

Tech investor declares ‘AI games are going to be amazing,’ posts an AI-generated ‘demo’ of a god-awful shooter as proof

Matt Shumer, CEO of HyperWrite, demonstrated AI's potential in video game development, claiming "AI games are going to be amazing." However, the reception was negative, with critics expressing disdain for the demonstration. Shumer clarified that such demonstrations are not finished products but glimpses into the future of AI technology, asserting that while they are not AAA games today, AI-powered games will be incredible in five years. The response highlighted a divide between optimism and skepticism regarding AI's role in gaming.

AppWizard

September 23, 2025

Can You Play Games on a 300$ PC in 2025?

In 2025, a budget-friendly gaming PC can be assembled using second-hand components for approximately 0, featuring an Intel i7-7700k or 8700k, 32GB RAM, a GTX 1080 Ti, and a 2TB HDD. This configuration can deliver impressive performance, achieving around 147 FPS in Far Cry 5 at 1080p, 127 FPS in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1080p, and over 50 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p. In Apex Legends, framerates range from 115 FPS to 144 FPS depending on the map location. While performance can be improved with an NVMe SSD, the setup is suitable for casual gamers focused on single-player or older titles. However, it may not meet the demands of modern AAA games.

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Specs Don’t Matter Anymore, Play AAA Games on Cheap Hardware

Microsoft has expanded Xbox Cloud Gaming access to subscribers of the Standard and Core plans, allowing them to stream games included in their subscription and access titles in their personal library that support cloud play. This change aims to reduce barriers for gamers without high-end setups. Select PC titles will also be available for play on desktops and handheld devices for Xbox Insiders subscribed to Game Pass Core or Standard. Premium features remain exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, and Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently available only in select regions. Microsoft continues to offer PC Game Pass, which does not include cloud gaming or console games, and may introduce a free, ad-supported version of Game Pass in the future. The company is also committed to producing Xbox hardware and hints at a hybrid console launch next year, with a successor to the Xbox Series S/X expected by 2027.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Humble Choice Explained: How The Xbox Game Pass PC Alternative Works

Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass offers subscribers access to a wide array of games for a monthly fee, but access is revoked if the subscription lapses. In contrast, Humble Choice allows subscribers to keep the games they acquire, regardless of subscription status, and supports charitable causes. Humble Choice charges a monthly fee or an annual subscription fee and provides a selection of games each month, which are owned indefinitely by the subscriber. The service is more focused on indie titles and offers discounts on games in the Humble Store. It is particularly suited for gamers who enjoy indie games and those with older gaming PCs.

BetaBeacon

May 28, 2025

RedMagic 10S Pro joins growing Android trend of PC game emulation

Chinese manufacturers are developing Windows emulators for Android gaming, with RedMagic set to launch a gaming-focused Android smartphone with a pre-installed Windows emulator for playing PC games. Xiaomi is also developing a Windows-to-Android emulator called WinPlay Engine, which supports Steam and minimizes GPU performance loss. These emulators could potentially compete with WinLator and support controllers, mice, and keyboards for gameplay.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows on Arm vs Intel: Which laptop platform is right for you?

The Windows laptop market has shifted towards devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, moving away from traditional Intel and AMD architectures. This initiative, known as Windows on Arm, has produced notable products like the Asus ZenBook A14 and Dell XPS 13, which are praised for their performance in AI applications and impressive battery life. These devices can run Intel-based applications through an emulation layer called Prism, which translates x86-64 code into ARM64 instructions, allowing compatibility with non-native software. While they perform well for office tasks and some creative applications, limitations exist in gaming and high-demand software due to the need for specific drivers and graphics performance. Currently, the market features three Windows on Arm processors: Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and X. Pricing for these laptops often exceeds ,000, making Intel and AMD options more appealing for budget-conscious consumers.

TrendTechie

May 17, 2025

Сроки взлома DOOM: The Dark Ages — когда игра появится на торрентах

DOOM: The Dark Ages, a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, is set to release on May 15. In Russia, the game will not be available for official purchase, with prices ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 rubles, leading some to consider waiting for pirated versions. The game uses Denuvo DRM, complicating hacking efforts. Historical data shows that hacking timelines for Denuvo-protected games vary, making it difficult to predict when DOOM: The Dark Ages will appear on torrent sites. Factors influencing hacking speed include the game's popularity, the complexity of Denuvo, technical features of the game, hacker activity, and potential updates. Three scenarios for when the game might be hacked are: optimistic (7–14 days post-release), realistic (1-3 months), and pessimistic (6–12 months). The realistic scenario is deemed most likely due to the game's popularity.