future of gaming Archives

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Steam beta gets native Apple Silicon support — the only public Arm version of Steam

Valve has released an update to its Steam Client Beta, optimized for Apple Silicon, eliminating the need for Rosetta 2. This update enhances performance for both the Steam Client and Steam Helper on Apple computers. The transition to a native version is timely as Apple is ending support for Rosetta 2 with the upcoming macOS 27. Valve confirmed that macOS Tahoe will be the last update for Intel Macs. Users can upgrade to the new Steam version (1749753892 or higher) by navigating to Steam > Preferences and selecting the Steam Beta Update option. The update can be verified in the Activity Monitor, where it should indicate Apple in the Kind column.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Great moments in PC gaming: Getting so badly stuck on an adventure game puzzle I called the developer for a hint

PC gaming has evolved significantly, with advancements in technology leading to improved graphics and processing power, enabling developers to create stunning visuals and complex worlds. Modern games often feature intricate narratives that engage players emotionally, and online platforms have fostered vibrant communities for gamers to connect and share experiences. Despite nostalgia for the past, the current gaming landscape offers richness and depth that were often lacking in earlier generations.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Games Inbox: Are video games too expensive on console and PC?

Bethesda's latest game, Doom: The Dark Ages, is priced at £70 for both PC and console and can be completed in about 13 hours. This pricing strategy has raised concerns among gamers, especially since PC games typically have lower price points. Some gamers believe this may be an attempt by Microsoft to promote its subscription service, Game Pass, while others plan to wait for sales. Additionally, there are concerns about Bungie's management following its acquisition by Sony, with critics questioning the effectiveness of such corporate acquisitions in revitalizing franchises. In contrast, Nintendo is innovating with its upcoming Mario Kart World for the Switch 2, moving the series to an open-world format, which has generated excitement among fans. The gaming community remains engaged in discussions about pricing, management, and innovation as the industry evolves.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Games Inbox: Would you buy a PlayStation that was a PC?

The next-generation Xbox may resemble a standard PC, leading to speculation that Sony's PlayStation 6 or 7 could also adopt a 'PC in a box' design due to rising hardware development costs. This shift towards a PC-like architecture could allow Sony to focus more on game development rather than hardware. Players have expressed mixed feelings about recent titles, with some prioritizing gameplay over storytelling. The launch of the Sea Of Stars DLC has been positively received for its free availability, and there is interest in purchasing Hogwarts Legacy on the Switch 2 at a discount for existing owners. Anticipation is building for the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, with fans hoping for new cities to explore. The pre-order situation for the Switch 2 appears more favorable compared to previous console launches, indicating better management of supply and demand by Nintendo.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Weirdly, one of our favorite board games works even better in Minecraft

The British YouTube group, The Yogscast, has adapted the social deduction game Blood on the Clocktower within Minecraft, introducing unique characters such as the Wizard, who can transform players into sheep, and the Amnesiac, who must discover their power by finding hidden items in the game world. This adaptation features a collaborative map developed with the Lonely Yogs Discord, including detailed town buildings and houses for players. The community continues to innovate and preserve the essence of the original game through creative adaptations and shared experiences.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

The Story Of Ecstatica, The Groundbreaking Survival Horror With Plenty Of Balls

In the early 1990s, the video game industry was transitioning from 2D to 3D gaming, with titles like Star Fox and Doom emerging. The small UK studio, founded by Andrew Spencer and Alain Maindron, released the groundbreaking game Ecstatica in 1994 after five years of development. Spencer created a unique game engine using ellipsoid graphics, which provided a lifelike quality to characters, inspired by traditional animation techniques. The game received an 8/10 rating from EDGE magazine for its emotional engagement. Spencer expressed ambitions for sequels using his innovative engine to explore new gaming landscapes, but challenges, including the departure of key personnel, led to the shelving of the sequel. Spencer later shifted his career towards academia and research, hinting at ongoing ideas for new projects that have not materialized.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Media consultancy Infinitize launches Vendetta to support indies

Digital media agency Infinitize has launched an initiative called Vendetta, described as "publishing-as-a-service," to support independent developers by providing marketing expertise. Infinitize has partnered with The Lippin Group to enhance its outreach strategies. CEO Jenny Zha emphasized that Vendetta aims to empower innovative indie developers rather than focusing solely on large studios. Specific indie studios benefiting from this initiative have not yet been disclosed.

BetaBeacon

April 5, 2025

Android 16’s Game Changer: Host Image Copy Boosts Mobile Gaming

Host Image Copy is a revolutionary feature that improves how Android handles game visuals by utilizing the phone's processor in addition to the graphics chip, resulting in less lag, smoother performance, and better battery life.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Xbox: New UI To Integrate Steam Games For PC Players

Microsoft hinted at a new Xbox user interface that may integrate Steam games, which could impact both PC and console gaming. An image showcasing this UI was leaked, featuring the Steam label and displaying the interface on various devices, including tablets. Microsoft removed the image, indicating it was not meant for public viewing. Sources confirmed that Microsoft is working on an update for the Xbox app to include all games installed on a PC, including those from Steam and Epic Games. There is currently no timeline for the release of this integration, but Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, mentioned the potential for Epic Games and Itch.io to join the Xbox ecosystem in the future.

AppWizard

February 24, 2025

Microsoft’s Nadella reckons Xbox will have “catalog” of gen AI games

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella discussed the transformative potential of generative AI for gaming on the Dwarkesh Podcast, highlighting the company's Muse generative AI model. This model is designed to create intricate game visuals and facilitate controller actions. Nadella emphasized its ability to use gameplay data to produce games that are consistent yet diverse, allowing for user modifications to enhance player engagement. He anticipates the upcoming release of a catalog of games utilizing this technology. Nadella described a demonstration where the Muse model generated outputs based on controller inputs, marking a significant moment in gaming similar to the introduction of ChatGPT and DALL-E.