The Lenovo Legion Y9 (2025 model) combines high-end hardware, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 16GB of RAM, with the Lenovo G9 controller to deliver a versatile Android-based handheld gaming experience.
Indie developer Patattie Games, in collaboration with publisher Curve Games, will launch the game Wax Heads on May 5, 2026, available on Steam, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Players will take on the role of a team member at Repeater Records, a vinyl shop, engaging with customers and making choices that affect their experience. A playable demo will be available during Steam Next Fest from February 23 to March 3. The game features over 80 in-game records, more than 60 hand-drawn characters, and over 30 original songs. Key features include a handcrafted musical world, an emotional narrative, puzzle designs, and a comic book art style. Patattie Games is co-founded by Murray Somerwolff and Rothio Tome, while Curve Games is an award-winning publisher based in London.
The Epic Games Store has introduced updates to enhance its digital marketplace for both developers and gamers. Key changes include a revamped user interface for easier navigation, improved search functionality, and better tools for game publishing and analytics for developers. The store is expanding its library of exclusive titles through partnerships with game developers and is launching promotional events featuring discounts, free game giveaways, and exclusive content. Additionally, Epic Games is emphasizing community feedback to ensure the platform evolves according to user needs.
The Epic Games Store has introduced several new features aimed at enhancing user experience, including:
- A revamped user interface for easier navigation and game discovery.
- Enhanced social features allowing gamers to connect with friends, share achievements, and receive game recommendations.
- Developer support initiatives such as a more favorable revenue-sharing model, increased marketing assistance for indie developers, and access to resources for game development.
- Exclusive titles and promotions through partnerships with major developers and regular promotional events.
- Enhanced security measures to protect user data and ensure a safe gaming experience.
Humble has reinstated the game "Horses" on its platform after a temporary delisting for reevaluation. Developer Santa Ragione stated that the game's content, while heavy, did not warrant removal. However, Humble later decided to delist "Horses" again. The game was previously banned from Steam and Epic Games Store due to violations of content guidelines, with Epic citing "Inappropriate Content" and "Hateful or Abusive Content." Santa Ragione's appeal to Epic was denied without further explanation. The game has received attention for its unsettling premise, which critiques societal acceptance of morally horrifying actions. Despite facing bans, "Horses" is currently available on Humble, itch.io, and GOG.
The Epic Games Store has announced updates to enhance user experience and expand its offerings, including a revamped user interface, enhanced search functionality, and improved social features. Additionally, Epic is supporting developers through a competitive revenue sharing model, funding for indie developers via the Epic MegaGrants program, and access to Unreal Engine technology. These initiatives aim to create a user-friendly platform and nurture a thriving developer community.
A recent 50% price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has prompted Microsoft and Epic Games to integrate Fortnite Crew into the service, offering in-game benefits and monthly V-Bucks. Fortnite has also joined Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing access through the Xbox app on Windows 11, but some users are facing issues due to a delayed update causing a version mismatch. Sources indicate that the problem is with Epic Games, and a resolution is expected soon. Microsoft is working on improving the Microsoft Store's user interface and addressing ongoing technical challenges. The inclusion of popular titles like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite suggests a positive future for Microsoft's gaming platform, although there are still hurdles to overcome for new users.
The life cycle of video games can vary greatly, with some experiencing rapid success followed by decline, while others remain relevant for decades due to dedicated players and ongoing developer support. As of 2024, several enduring games continue to thrive, having received updates since 2018.
- Klondike: Developed on a Lisa computer, it has been maintained by Michael Casteel for 40 years, with updates including color in 1988, animations in 1989, and high-resolution cards in 2004.
- NetHack: Launched in 1987, it has received updates as recently as February 2023 and has an active community with leaderboards available on nethack.alt.org.
- Gemstone IV: Launched in 1988, it is one of the oldest MMORPGs, continuously updated by a dedicated team, and has a subscription model to maintain its player base.
- Kingdom of Drakkar: Since 1989, it has evolved from a text-based game to a graphical RPG, maintained by creator Brad Lineberger.
- Genesis: A MUD and fantasy RPG since 1989, it has expanded significantly and continues to receive updates.
- UnReal World: Released in 1992, it is a roguelike RPG inspired by Finland's late Iron Age, with continuous updates since 2018.
- Meridian 59: Released in 1996, it remains active with volunteer developers and annual updates, despite ownership changes.
- Furcadia: Launched in 1996, it emphasizes user-generated content and was revitalized in 2016 after a successful Kickstarter campaign.
- Ultima Online: Since 1997, it has maintained an active community and continues to receive updates and expansions.
- Utopia: A text-based fantasy strategy game launched in 1998, it has seen ongoing development and community engagement.
- Age of Empires 2: Released in 1999, it was revitalized by a Definitive Edition in 2019 and continues to receive expansions and updates.
The SteamVR Beta has introduced an automatic installation of the third-party 'Oasis' driver for Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) headsets, responding to Microsoft's discontinuation of support for these devices in Windows 11. This update allows WMR users to regain compatibility with SteamVR without the Mixed Reality Portal application, although the Oasis driver currently only supports NVIDIA GPUs. Valve has integrated this driver into SteamVR Beta (v2.13.1) to assist WMR users on unsupported Windows 11 versions. Additionally, Valve aims to enhance user experience by ensuring compatibility across various VR devices, including making Half-Life: Alyx compatible with all SteamVR-supported headsets.
Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that allows users to resume Android apps directly on their PC, currently limited to Spotify. When a user is listening to music on their Android phone and sits at their desk, a notification will prompt them to "Continue on this PC," opening Spotify on their computer at the same point. This feature aims to enhance device continuity, similar to Apple's Handoff, and could eventually extend to productivity apps, browsers, and messaging tools. Currently, it is available only to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels, and Microsoft has not specified which additional apps will be included in the future.