future of gaming Archives

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

PC gamer made “physical copies” of Steam games – they launch from SSD cartridges

Sony has decided not to release PlayStation games on discs, reigniting discussions about the value of physical game copies. A tech enthusiast named Jibril-sama has created "Steam Game Cartridges," which use affordable 2.5-inch SSD drives to store game distributions. Each mini-SSD has a capacity of 128 GB and can be programmed to open and launch games on Steam automatically. Jibril-sama repurposed used cartridges, transforming them into stylish storage solutions that resemble physical game copies for the Nintendo Switch. This approach addresses limited SSD space while appealing to gamers' nostalgia for physical media.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

As Sony prepares to end game disc production, GOG jumps up to remind PC gamers that you can just make your own

GOG specializes in reviving classic games for modern PCs and promoting DRM-free gaming. The company recently commented on Sony's plan to stop producing game discs by 2028, highlighting that users can download offline installers of their games from GOG, save them to a disc, and own them permanently without needing permission from a storefront. Although many modern PCs lack optical drives, GOG's installers provide a solution for users. The process of creating personal game discs involves downloading backup installers from GOG's game pages and burning them onto a disc. Users can also combine multiple games onto a single disc. YouTuber Archades Games offers a guide on advanced techniques for this DIY approach.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

GOG is now my go-to storefront for buying PC games since Sony and Microsoft are seemingly against it

Major players in the gaming industry, such as Sony and Microsoft, have recently made controversial decisions, including Sony discontinuing physical game discs and removing 500 movies without refunds, and Microsoft laying off around 3,200 Xbox game developers while suspending user accounts without justification. In contrast, GOG.com has emerged as a proponent of digital preservation, offering DRM-free games that come with standalone offline installers, allowing users to own their games permanently and play them without an online store's permissions. GOG encourages users to save their games to discs for sharing and backup purposes.

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

PlayStation wants to win back PC users with PS6 handheld and exclusive games

SIE held a recent investor Q&A session, addressing various inquiries from stakeholders about its strategic vision and operational updates. Key points included: - Commitment to innovation in gaming technology, focusing on immersive experiences and user engagement. - Exploration of new markets and partnerships to enhance global presence. - Discussion on upcoming game releases and expansion of exclusive titles to maintain competitive advantage. - Dedication to fostering a vibrant gaming community and improving communication channels and support for developers. - Initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting diversity within the gaming industry.

AppWizard

June 26, 2026

Video Games Are Changing, And Meccha Chameleon’s Absurd Popularity Is Proof

Meccha Chameleon, a multiplayer hide-and-seek game launched on Steam, has sold seven million copies shortly after its release, achieving this milestone just two days after announcing five million sales. In comparison, Resident Evil Requiem took two months to reach the same figure. The game allows players to disguise themselves as objects in their environment, fostering quick thinking and creativity. It is priced at .99 and does not include microtransactions, offering a full experience reminiscent of earlier gaming eras. The success of Meccha Chameleon highlights a trend towards smaller, accessible games in a market increasingly dominated by larger titles.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Building a better PC than the Steam Machine for cheaper: is it possible?

The Steam Machine, Valve's gaming console, has received criticism for its high price and poor performance, largely due to rising component costs influenced by investments in artificial intelligence. In response, Linus Tech Tips, led by Linus Sebastian, is working on creating a more affordable and better-performing gaming PC. They are focusing on functionality and value while exploring various components and configurations for an exceptional gaming experience. Alternative builds may not fit as well under televisions as the Steam Machine but offer better performance and cost-effectiveness for dedicated gamers.

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

The Steam Machine is the start of an even more expensive future for game consoles

Valve's Steam Machine is priced at ,049 for the 512GB model and ,128 with a Steam Controller. The 2TB version costs ,349 or ,428 with the controller. In comparison, the 2TB Xbox Series X retails for 9.99, the PS5 Pro for 9.99, and the upcoming Switch 2 is expected to launch at 9.99. The Steam Machine offers access to Steam's extensive library of games and is positioned as a premium option in a market with rising hardware prices. Recent data shows a 46% decline in PS5 sales year-over-year, coinciding with a price increase to 9.99. Xbox is developing "Project Helix," a device between a console and a PC, but pricing concerns have led to a reevaluation of its vision.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

“Subscription-based gaming is the final boss of piracy”: Why I think we’re on track to own nothing and be happy we get to play at all

A study published in the Entertainment Computing journal analyzed 86 games released on Steam from 2014 to 2022, finding that games with cracked versions available within the first week of launch experienced a 20% drop in revenue. If DRM delayed cracks by at least six weeks, the revenue decline was only 5%, and if DRM withstood cracks for three months, there was no significant loss in revenue. Denuvo's defenses have been breached within hours of game releases, and the future of DRM may rely more on contractual agreements than technology. Subscription-based gaming models, like Xbox's PC Game Pass, are emerging, allowing players to access games without owning them, which raises concerns about game ownership and the potential for titles to be removed from libraries. The rise of cloud gaming is seen as a solution to affordability issues for gamers, but it also leads to questions about the future of game ownership and piracy.

Winsage

June 16, 2026

The RTX 20 series has officially become Nvidia’s Windows 7

Windows 7 now has a user base of only 0.07%, while 8.54% of Nvidia RTX owners still use the RTX 20 series graphics cards. The RTX 20 series, launched in 2018, introduced technologies like ray tracing and DLSS, which have since evolved and become standard in modern gaming. Despite their decline, both Windows 7 and the RTX 20 series are still utilized by loyal users, with the RTX 20 series being the oldest generation still in use. The RTX 20 series is recognized for laying the groundwork for advancements in PC gaming, and its long-term impact is expected to be significant.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Xbox’s new chief strategy officer is still a big believer in in-game ads

Matthew Ball, a videogame analyst and chief strategy officer for Xbox, predicts a significant rise in in-game advertising within PC and console games, viewing it as an untapped revenue stream essential for the industry's growth. He highlights challenges such as escalating game development costs and rising hardware expenses, which may lead consumers to reduce their gaming spending, threatening the industry's economic framework. A Comscore report supports this trend, noting that Netflix's ad-supported subscription tiers accounted for 45% of viewing hours in 2025, with free ad-supported services seeing a 43% year-over-year increase in hours watched. Ball emphasizes the need for accessibility, sustainability, and adequate funding for development teams while acknowledging the potential benefits of in-game advertising for the gaming community.