future of gaming Archives

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Helldivers 2 devs slash install size from 154GB to 23GB, thanks to the help of PC port veterans — ditching HDD optimization, 85% size reduction accomplished by de-duplicating game data

Arrowhead Game Studios has reduced the size of their game Helldivers 2 by 85%, from approximately 154GB to 23GB, through collaboration with Nixxes Software and the use of data de-duplication techniques. This results in a storage saving of around 131GB.

BetaBeacon

November 29, 2025

Playing Steam games natively on Android with GameHub: A hands-on…well…painful report.

GameHub is a platform that promises native playability of Steam games on Android devices, but the process of getting a game to run smoothly is riddled with frustrations and challenges.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

The Steam Machine may have a higher price than consoles, but PC games are getting cheaper

The GameDiscoverCo newsletter discusses the evolving gaming industry, highlighting key themes such as emerging platforms for indie developers, strategies for enhancing user engagement, and innovative monetization trends like subscription services and in-game purchases. It includes interviews with industry leaders expressing optimism about future creativity and innovation. Additionally, it features grassroots initiatives that promote collaboration and creativity among aspiring developers.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Watch: Activision Blizzard nearly bought Minecraft before Microsoft

Developers are unveiling upcoming gaming titles, showcasing innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning graphics, and engaging narratives. Reviews provide expert critiques on gameplay, storytelling, and overall enjoyment, influencing player perceptions and purchasing decisions. The Nintendo Switch 2 is anticipated to enhance portable gaming with improved graphics, battery life, and a broader library of titles. The news section updates on industry developments, highlighting major acquisitions and technological advancements. Trailers serve as marketing tools, offering cinematic glimpses into upcoming titles and fostering community discussions among gamers.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

The Steam Machine feels like the TV gaming PC I’ve always wanted

A conversation at The Verge focused on finding a compact, portable gaming PC that could transition between the living room and home office, similar to the Steam Deck. Two days later, they discovered the Steam Machine, a 6-inch cube hybrid gaming PC and console with an AMD GPU six times more powerful than the Steam Deck. It operates on SteamOS, features a customizable LED bar for monitoring downloads, supports Valve's Steam Controller, and accommodates up to four controllers. As a Linux-based PC, it allows for dual-booting with Windows to access games not available on Linux. The Steam Machine integrates with an existing library of Steam games and includes a microSD card slot for easy game transfers. Valve plans to launch the Steam Machine next year, with pricing details yet to be announced.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Valve just quietly redefined what PC gaming can be all while an increasingly delusional Microsoft desperately tries to tell everyone their PC is an Xbox now

Valve has announced a new ecosystem that aims to reduce Microsoft's influence in the PC gaming market, introducing SteamOS on Arm architecture, which may eliminate the need for x86 CPUs. The new Steam Controller improves upon its predecessor and is designed for use with the Steam Deck. The Steam Frame is a high-speed streaming device that allows wireless access to gaming content, functioning as a versatile headset for both VR and traditional games. It operates on an Arm-based architecture with a version of SteamOS and includes the FEX translation layer for compatibility with Windows games. Valve is collaborating with companies like Lenovo for hardware compatibility and is focusing on supporting AMD graphics in the new Steam Machine, while also working on enhancing gaming experiences across various Linux distributions. Despite challenges like Windows' dominance in multiplayer gaming, Valve's initiatives indicate a shift towards a more open gaming ecosystem.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

‘He was scared s***less’: Baldur’s Gate director was so panicked after playing Final Fantasy 7 that it changed the entire shape of Baldur’s Gate 2 (and nearly every RPG since)

Final Fantasy 7 significantly influenced the development of Baldur's Gate 2, as revealed by Trent Oster, CEO of Beamdog. The success of Final Fantasy 7 inspired BG2's director, James Ohlen, leading to a more intricate game structure and deeper character development. In contrast to the original Baldur's Gate, where characters felt replaceable, BG2 introduced complex plotlines for companions, fostering emotional connections similar to those in Final Fantasy 7. This evolution laid the groundwork for loyalty missions in future RPGs like Mass Effect 2. Additionally, BG2 featured a dynamic experience with diverse environments, moving away from the monotonous landscapes of its predecessor. Oster emphasized the lasting impact of Square's innovations on BioWare's design philosophy.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

GTA 6 couldn’t have been made by AI because it lacks Rockstar’s “extraordinary” creativity, Take-Two boss says

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, expressed skepticism about artificial intelligence's ability to replicate the creative essence of Rockstar Games in game development, particularly regarding Grand Theft Auto 6. He emphasized that human creativity is irreplaceable and that generative AI, while efficient, cannot produce an equivalent to the Grand Theft Auto marketing plan. Zelnick highlighted challenges posed by copyright laws concerning AI-generated content, stating that such creations are not protectable. He believes reliance on AI could lead to derivative outcomes rather than innovation. While acknowledging AI's predictive modeling capabilities, he cautioned against its use in creative fields, asserting that it would be ineffective in those areas. The release date for GTA 6 is uncertain, but more information about the game is expected soon.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

As the Steam Next Fest wraps up, Valve shares some of the seasonal event’s most-played demos – and they range from chaotically comedic co-op games to brutal Braveheart-inspired roguelikes

Valve has compiled a list of the 50 most-played demos from Steam Next Fest 2025, featuring a mix of anticipated releases and indie games. Notable titles include: - Half Sword: A medieval combat simulator praised as a "massive early breakout." - Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era: A turn-based strategy game with over a million wishlists. - YAPYAP: A co-op horror game that combines magic and comedy, utilizing players' voices for protection. - Tears of Metal: Earned an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating for its engaging narrative and gameplay. - Quarantine Zone: The Last Check: A zombie apocalypse game where players act as a doctor to prevent infected individuals from breaching a military stronghold. - Cairn: A zen rock-climbing experience that has become popular for its tranquil yet challenging gameplay. - Skate Story: A skateboarding adventure game. - Desktop Defender: A casual idle game offering a laid-back gaming experience. The event showcased a diverse range of titles appealing to various gaming preferences.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

My Xbox Ally X testing shows why gaming laptops suck, and why Intel x Nvidia CPUs are such a big deal

Gaming laptops struggle to balance portability, power, and battery life, while the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld demonstrates superior battery performance. The Xbox Ally X provides just under three hours of gaming time, surpassing the battery life of tested gaming laptops by over an hour, and lasts 17 hours and nine minutes in general desktop tasks compared to the Razer Blade 16's eight hours and 28 minutes and the Razer Blade 14's four hours and 24 minutes. The Razer Blade 14 offers higher graphical performance with an average of 97fps at 1080p in Cyberpunk 2077, while the Xbox Ally X achieves only 49fps. The design of gaming laptops, such as the Razer Blade 14, limits battery capacity, and the use of dual GPUs complicates usability. Future developments from Intel and Nvidia may improve integrated GPU performance and streamline the user experience.