budget gaming Archives

AppWizard

February 17, 2025

‘Not every story is told in that way’: Phil Spencer says that live service games aren’t the answer to every problem, and that smaller games play an important role

Live service games are seen as a way to maximize shareholder value in the gaming industry, with EA's CEO suggesting they could have improved Dragon Age: The Veilguard's performance. A GDC survey found that about one-third of triple-A developers are working on live service titles, though some industry leaders are concerned about their prevalence in high-budget gaming. Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, expressed reservations about all games becoming service-based, emphasizing the importance of narrative and creative integrity. Xbox has acquired Activision Blizzard, which includes franchises like Overwatch 2 and Call of Duty, but is also promoting single-player experiences. Spencer highlighted the need for diverse storytelling, recalling his appreciation for games like Limbo. Some developers, including former Dragon Age team members and Hazelight's Josef Fares, oppose the push for live service elements, advocating for complete narratives. Spencer noted Xbox's ability to invest in various gaming experiences, supporting both live service and traditional games with defined narratives.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

Rainmeter is an impressive Windows customization tool

Users are exploring alternatives to the default File Explorer in Windows 11, with OneCommander being a popular choice among enthusiasts. Various recommendations from the community include Total Commander and Directory Opus. A user experienced burn-in on their QD-OLED monitor after using a static image for a year but found relief by switching to dynamic wallpaper. They appreciate QD-OLED technology and plan to upgrade to a newer generation panel. The Linux ecosystem features numerous distributions, with the user rotating between NixOS, Pop_OS!, Debian, and Q4OS based on their needs. A user transformed an outdated dual-Xeon CPU and motherboard into a home lab and budget gaming system, highlighting its versatility. Despite being a professional writer, the user relies on four fingers for typing and feels retraining could hinder productivity. Their first laptop was a Dell Inspiron 8500, which sparked their interest in technology. Microsoft’s OneDrive integration in Windows 11 has mixed reviews, with some users disabling automatic backups for a cleaner workspace. The gradual rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 has not introduced significant changes, leading some users to wait for broader adoption. A Discord server dedicated to co-working has helped one user maintain productivity while working from home. The challenge of non-repairable tech is noted, with companies like Framework promoting sustainability through repairable products. Opinions on drive partitioning vary, with some advocating for multiple partitions while others prefer a single partition for simplicity. Casual gaming with Vampire Survivors has become a favorite for low-stress gameplay. The need for RAM in gaming PCs is increasing, with 16GB being standard and 32GB ideal for many users. The user was motivated to build their first PC for better gaming performance, inspired by the original Titanfall game. They transformed an old PC into a smart home hub using Home Assistant, enhancing device management. Obsidian is being explored for running tabletop RPGs, showcasing its versatility. The user transitioned from the unreliable Snipping Tool to Greenshot for capturing screenshots. Odd-length M.2 drives are noted as scarce in consumer markets despite the rise of smaller NVMe SSDs. The user is exploring alternative browsers like Floorp and Vivaldi after years of using Chrome.

AppWizard

November 28, 2024

The best deals in the 2024 Steam Autumn Sale

The 2024 Steam Autumn Sale has launched, offering significant discounts on a variety of games, including popular titles like Palworld and Helldivers 2. While Helldivers 2 is still at full price, other noteworthy releases are available at reduced prices. The sale features several Game of the Year winners from 2023, many of which are now cheaper than during the previous Steam Winter Sale. There are categories for games priced under various amounts, catering to different budgets, with hidden gems and classics included. Elden Ring remains at full price due to its upcoming DLC, but the other ten Game of the Year winners are discounted.