arena Archives

Winsage

April 12, 2026

“What else were Steam Deck users to do but create their own solutions?”: I watched Valve’s Linux-first handheld turn into a Windows 11 experiment in its community

Valve's Steam Deck was released on February 25, 2022, and received positive reviews for its custom Linux operating system, SteamOS. Initially competing with the Nintendo Switch, it now faces competition from new handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, which run Windows 11. Although not originally designed for Windows 11, users found ways to install it, leading Valve to release official drivers for easier installation. Running Windows 11 on the Steam Deck allows access to Xbox Game Pass and other game launchers, but it introduces challenges like performance issues due to additional telemetry and bloat. A community on Reddit, r/WindowsOnDeck, has formed to support users dual-booting Windows and SteamOS, providing resources and guides. Despite the challenges, the Steam Deck has become an unexpected Windows gaming handheld, sustained by community enthusiasm.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

PC Limited Time Freebie Is A Day One Party Game To Enjoy With Friends

Prop Sumo is a party game launched on April 9, 2026, available for free until April 16, 2026, on the Epic Games Store. Developed by Barrel Roll Games, it features nine dynamic and destructible maps where players use props and items to be the last 'prop' standing. The game supports 2 to 6 players in lobbies and offers public servers for global competition. After the free access period, there will be a 25% discount on Steam for purchasing the game.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

This ‘highly realistic’ city-builder could be the first real competition Cities: Skylines has seen in over a decade

City Masterplan is a newly unveiled metropolis simulator that offers expansive environmental canvases measuring 24x24 km, allowing players to design urban landscapes in various architectural styles. The game features a visual aesthetic similar to Cities: Skylines 2, with realistic skies, dynamic lighting, and immersive weather conditions. It is built on the Unreal Engine, which may present performance challenges. As Cities: Skylines approaches its twelfth anniversary, there is a demand for a fresh city-building experience, with City Masterplan potentially revitalizing the genre. There is no official release date, but speculation suggests a launch not before 2027.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

Former Escape From Tarkov dev says “no amount of millions of dollars can save a weak product”

The shooter game market is currently saturated with both successful and unsuccessful multiplayer titles, making it challenging for developers to stand out. Dmitri Ogorodnikov, co-head of Nomion Games, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the complexities of creating a successful shooter. He points to the failures of games like Concord and Highguard, which struggled due to lackluster character design and muddled identities. Ogorodnikov believes that many big studios lose the essence of their games by relying too heavily on marketing and formulas. In contrast, Nomion aims to focus on quality gameplay and a clear vision for their upcoming title, Rush is Real, which is still in the prototyping phase. He asserts that the game will not be just another generic shooter and will prioritize unique ideas and quality over following market trends.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Epic Games’ weekly freebie is a brand new game, and it’ll have you clobbering your pals in style

Prop Sumo is a new party game released on April 9, available for free on the Epic Games Store until April 16. Players can embody various inanimate objects, such as a grandfather clock or a punching bag, and engage in cooperative gameplay against over 40 other props. The game features nine vibrant maps and includes 22 unique items to enhance gameplay.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

‘Everybody should play every fighting game’ says Invincible VS director: ‘They’re just fun’

The recent launch of the fighting game 2XKO resulted in the layoff of 80 developers shortly after its debut. This year has seen several new fighting game titles, including Marvel Tōkon and licensed games Avatar Legends and Invincible VS. Invincible VS, developed by a team with experience from Killer Instinct, features a dynamic tag team experience and aims to capture the essence of multi-character battles from its animated source material. The game is part of a series of releases scheduled over ten months, with a focus on community feedback and ongoing playtesting. Developers are also hinting at a single-player mode involving contributions from the show's writers.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Another obscure Final Fantasy game could come to PC with Square Enix “exploring the possibility” of porting Dissidia Duellum

Square Enix is considering a PC release for Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy after its mobile launch. Producer Naoya Matsumoto explained that the game's vertical screen orientation and portrait mode were designed for casual competitive play and one-handed gameplay on smartphones. The mobile gaming sector has faced challenges, with several Final Fantasy mobile games, including World of Final Fantasy: Meli-Melo, Final Fantasy Explorers Force, and Final Fantasy 7 The First Soldier, being discontinued after about a year. Dissidia is currently receiving criticism from fans, raising concerns about its longevity. In a positive update, Final Fantasy 14 has lifted gifting restrictions, allowing players to share items with others.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

CachyOS is dethroning Windows at the one thing it owned for decades

Windows has historically been the dominant operating system for PC gaming, with Linux being less appealing due to a lack of developer support and compatibility issues. The introduction of Valve's Proton in 2018 transformed the Linux gaming experience by allowing Windows games to run on Linux without requiring developers to create separate versions. CachyOS, a Linux distribution, has emerged as a strong competitor to Windows 11, often outperforming it in gaming performance due to its specialized schedulers. However, certain games with specific anti-cheat mechanisms remain inaccessible on Linux, keeping Windows as the preferred choice for many popular titles. Despite this, the growing popularity of Linux distributions like CachyOS may lead to increased demand for Linux-compatible games and potential solutions for anti-cheat issues in the future.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Apple’s chips are the core of a new landscape, but its biggest win is Windows

Apple introduced its M1 Apple Silicon systems in late 2020, which received admiration but raised concerns due to a restrictive ecosystem. Over five years, Apple’s architecture has evolved, addressing challenges like gigabit Wi-Fi and high-speed expansion, yet it remains focused on desktops and laptops. The anticipated MacBook Neo, lacking an M-type System on Chip, has created apprehension within the Windows ecosystem. Currently, no Windows laptop can match the MacBook Neo in hardware quality and startup experience, while macOS offers a more tranquil workspace compared to the distractions of Windows 11. Apple has effectively utilized advancements in processor technology and manufacturing control to produce efficient chips and maintain a coherent ecosystem, making its products increasingly accessible. In contrast, Windows OEMs face challenges with component sourcing, build quality, and reliance on bloatware. There is potential for Microsoft to create a Windows Neo variant that meets user needs, while the sustainability of current business models for Windows OEMs is uncertain.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

LG’s new OLED monitor is gaming’s most-wanted panel right now, and it finally has a price

The LG Ultragear 39GX950B-B is a 39-inch ultrawide gaming monitor with a resolution of 5,120 x 2,160 (4K) and a refresh rate that can switch between 165Hz and 330Hz. It is priced at 9.99 for pre-order. The monitor features a 21:9 aspect ratio and offers exceptional contrast with true black levels, a peak brightness of 500 nits, and vibrant HDR content. The larger 45-inch 45GX950A-B OLED monitor from LG is priced just shy of ,000 and is considered less newsworthy due to its availability and size, which may not fit all gaming setups. For a more budget-friendly option, LG offers the 32GX850A-B, a 32-inch OLED monitor with a 4K resolution and similar refresh rates, priced at 9.99.