The Epic Games Store offers exclusive titles and frequent promotions, including free games and discounts, to attract and retain users. It provides developers with an 88% revenue share, which is higher than the industry standard, and actively supports indie developers by promoting their titles. The store engages with the gaming community through forums and social media to gather feedback and improve the platform. Epic Games Store aims for future growth by investing in technology and user experience.
The Meta Quest 3 is highlighted for its affordability, solid hardware, and a rich library of exclusive games. The Meta Quest 3S, a budget-friendly alternative, is currently available at a discount as part of early Black Friday promotions. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, 8GB of RAM, and improved weight distribution. The Meta Quest 3S is rated 7/10 and is recommended for first-time buyers or those upgrading from the Quest 2. It supports standalone and PCVR gaming, allowing access to titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow and Deadpool VR, as well as streaming PCVR games. The 128GB model is priced at 9.99 on Amazon, bundled with a Gorilla Tag skin and a three-month trial of the Horizon+ service, while the 256GB version is available for 9.99, including the same trial and a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow. The discount is part of an early Black Friday sale, suggesting availability until December 1, 2025.
Linux has reached 3.05% of all Steam users, up from approximately 2% last year. Windows' share has declined from around 95% to 94.84%, while macOS holds 2.11%. SteamOS accounts for about 27% of all Linux installations on Steam, aided by the popularity of the Steam Deck. Although SteamOS faces limitations with competitive multiplayer games due to a lack of support for kernel-level anti-cheat systems, nearly 90% of Steam's game library is accessible on Linux through Proton. Despite Linux's gains, Windows remains the dominant platform with nearly 95% market share.
Xbox president Sarah Bond described the era of platform-exclusive games as "antiquated," indicating a change in Microsoft's gaming strategy. The PS5 logo was featured in the trailer for Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of a title that defined the Xbox brand. Master Chief, originally a symbol of Xbox, is now recognized as a character on multiple platforms, marking a departure from his legacy as a platform mascot. Master Chief's journey began over two decades ago with Bungie and later Microsoft, and he became synonymous with the Xbox brand. His identity is shifting from being a mascot to simply being recognized as "the guy from Halo." The character's transition may diminish his significance but could also allow Halo to reach new audiences. Halo's impact on gaming includes setting standards for multiplayer experiences and introducing innovative features in its sequels.
Xbox is redefining its approach to gaming by expanding titles beyond its platform, with president Sarah Bond stating that the concept of exclusives is becoming "antiquated." Popular games like Call of Duty, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Roblox are available on multiple platforms, driving community engagement. Bond emphasizes the importance of playing with friends regardless of the device. Xbox is focusing on cloud gaming and innovative devices like the ROG Xbox Ally X to enhance the gaming experience. Microsoft has indicated that the next Xbox console will offer a "very premium and high-end curated experience," prioritizing accessibility and community over exclusivity.
VirtualBox is a free virtual machine manager that allows users to run Windows as a guest OS on MacOS. Kegworks is a free implementation of Wine for MacOS, optimized for versions 10.15.4 and later, supporting Windows applications and games. CrossOver is a paid solution that simplifies running Windows applications on MacOS, offering a free trial and user-friendly documentation. Parallels is a hypervisor that enables seamless virtualization of Windows and Linux on MacOS, available for a subscription with a free trial. Windows 365 Cloud PC is a cloud-based service that provides virtual Windows PCs, requiring a stable internet connection, with plans starting at a monthly fee.
Epic Games Store offers a curated selection of PC and Mac games, with a revenue sharing model that only takes a 12% cut of sales compared to the industry standard of 30%. The store has attracted indie developers and smaller studios, leading to a diverse library of games. Epic Games Store also releases exclusive games for a limited time, attracting players and generating both praise and criticism. Despite controversy, the store continues to grow in popularity with a user-friendly interface, regular sales, and a commitment to supporting developers.
The July Xbox update introduces enhancements for PC gamers, including the ability to stream over 250 compatible games directly through the Xbox app on Windows without additional downloads. It also features cross-device history, allowing players to continue gaming sessions seamlessly across devices, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access all cloud-playable titles, including console-exclusive games. Additionally, gamers can track their Xbox rewards through the app on Windows.
Microsoft's Xbox division has launched the "Stream your own game" feature for PC users, allowing access to a library of over 250 games without extensive downloads or installations. This feature is available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers who are part of the Xbox Insiders Program in 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta) is supported. The program includes popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy and enables users to play console-exclusive games on PCs.
