game files Archives

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

I just spent $6 on this Steam app that compresses PC games — and it’s already saved me 100GB

The acquisition of the Steam application CompressorX allows gamers to compress game files, maximizing existing storage without needing hardware upgrades. Modern games like The Last of Us Part II Remastered (150GB), Monster Hunter Wilds (75GB), and Cyberpunk 2077 with its Phantom Liberty expansion (100GB) contribute to high storage demands. External SSDs and hard drives provide additional space, but CompressorX offers a quick solution for optimizing current storage. While it has some quirks, such as a confusing automation feature and variable compression times, it helps gamers maintain their game libraries without deleting titles.

TrendTechie

April 5, 2025

Ремастер культовой The Last of Us Part II только вышел на ПК, а его сразу же взломали и слили на торренты

The remastered version of The Last of Us Part II has been released on PC, available on Steam and Epic Games, but is not accessible in the CIS regions. It includes a Russian voiceover. The game does not feature Denuvo protection, which may have led to a quick breach and online dissemination of game files. Originally released on PlayStation 4 in 2020, it continues the story of Ellie and Joel set five years after a pandemic in America. The game has received over 300 awards, including "Game of the Year."

Tech Optimizer

April 4, 2025

My takeaway when it comes to antivirus software and gaming

Antivirus software can slow down a PC during gaming, with performance dips ranging from negligible to about 20 percent during routine monitoring, and up to 57 percent during full or partial scans. Despite the potential for improved performance by disabling antivirus software, security experts advise against it due to ongoing threats like viruses and malware. Instances of malware in downloadable game files and phishing scams targeting gaming communities highlight the importance of maintaining antivirus protection. Gamers can consider antivirus solutions designed for gaming that minimize system impact, schedule scans for non-gaming times, and create exclusion lists for game files to enhance performance while ensuring security.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Asus’ latest video teases a possible Xbox gaming handheld

Microsoft has not confirmed plans for an Xbox-branded handheld gaming device, but unverified leaks suggest an announcement could occur this year. Asus is positioning itself as a potential partner, having launched devices like the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. A recent promotional video from Asus hints at a new handheld device that may incorporate Xbox elements, featuring a silhouette resembling an Xbox configuration. Speculation exists that this device could be a modified version of the ROG Ally X, potentially running Windows 11 and supporting Game Pass streaming. The promotional video included phrases suggesting hardware enhancements, but the reality of the project remains uncertain. There is skepticism about the feasibility of a dedicated handheld Xbox, given that many Xbox titles are already available on PC. The video was shared on March 31st, adding to the speculation surrounding its authenticity.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

3 times Microsoft has tried (and failed) to reinvent PC gaming

Microsoft has faced criticism from the PC gaming community due to frequent Windows updates causing crashes and altering features. The Universal Windows Platform (UWP), introduced in the mid-2010s to unify operating systems, faced backlash from gamers for restricting access to game files and complicating third-party software use. Many developers bypassed UWP, leading Microsoft to reintroduce Win32 games by 2019. DirectX 10 was exclusive to Windows Vista, resulting in only 87 games being developed for it due to the unpopularity of Vista and lack of backward compatibility. Games for Windows Live (GFWL) aimed to bring Xbox Live to PC but became frustrating due to its closed ecosystem, leading to accessibility issues and unplayable titles after server shutdowns. Microsoft has since improved the gaming experience on Windows, focusing on user choice and compatibility, with features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage integrated into Windows 11.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

How to Improve Game Data Loading Times in Windows

Most modern games rely on real-time asset loading, making storage choice crucial for optimal gaming. A slow SSD or HDD can lead to long loading times and performance issues. 1. Disabling NTFS Last Access Time can improve loading speeds by reducing disk overhead. This can be done via Command Prompt with the command: fsutil behavior set disablelastaccess 1. 2. Enabling Large System Cache can enhance performance for games with substantial assets, requiring at least 16 GB of RAM and editing the Windows Registry. 3. Disabling antivirus scanning for the game folder can reduce loading times by preventing real-time scans. This can be done through Windows Security settings. 4. Using an exFAT drive can efficiently process large files, which may benefit games with sizable assets. This involves creating a new volume in Disk Management. 5. Disabling Full-Screen Optimizations can reduce input lag and improve performance by changing settings in the game's executable properties. 6. Increasing Shader Cache Size can improve loading times, with Nvidia users advised to set it to 10 GB or Unlimited in the Nvidia Control Panel. 7. Using a third-party cache management program like PrimoCache can enhance loading times by reserving RAM for caching frequently used programs.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

This New Unofficial PC Port Of Sonic Unleashed Could Be The Best Version Of The Game Yet

Fans have created an unofficial PC port of Sonic Unleashed called Unleashed Recompiled, enhancing the original game and adding features for modding and performance. The project was developed by a team led by Skyth and Sajid, utilizing tools named XenonRecomp and XenosRecomp to convert Xbox 360 executables into a PC-compatible format. The port includes support for ultrawide monitors, high-resolution graphics, increased framerates, and expanded modding opportunities. To avoid legal issues with Sega, the developers did not include original game assets, advising users to source them from their legally acquired copies. Sonic Unleashed originally released in 2008 on Xbox 360, Wii, and PS3, featuring both high-speed daytime levels and combat-focused nighttime segments. The PC port is available for download on the project's GitHub page, which also offers instructions for extracting game files from the Xbox 360 version.

BetaBeacon

March 3, 2025

Forget emulators, native ports of Xbox 360 games are closer than ever

Emulation has advanced with the development of new static recompilation tools, allowing for native PC ports of Xbox 360 games. The first fan port showcasing this technology is Sonic Unleashed, offering various enhancements. The project requires original game files, an Xbox 360, and an Xbox 360 hard drive for operation. The tool is currently limited to x86 devices, but there is potential for native Android ports in the future. This development marks a significant milestone in retro game preservation and could change the landscape of Xbox and Xbox 360 emulation on PC and Android platforms.

BetaBeacon

February 19, 2025

aPS3e: Best Android PS3 Emulator – Play PS3 Games on Your Phone Now!

aPS3e is an Android PS3 emulator designed to bring PlayStation 3 gaming to mobile devices.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Sony Finally Gets Rid of Pesky PlayStation Network Login Requirement for Its Biggest PC Games

Sony has announced that linking a PlayStation Network (PSN) account will now be optional for select single-player titles on PC, effective immediately before the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. This decision has been positively received by the PC gaming community, especially in regions without PSN access, such as the Dominican Republic. Previously, players used mods to bypass the PSN login requirement, which posed risks. The issue gained attention during the release of Helldivers 2 in 2024, leading to a backlash that prompted Sony to change its policy. Players can now enjoy titles like God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Last of Us Part II Remastered without needing a PSN account, although some games, like Ghost of Tsushima, still require it for online multiplayer. Linking accounts offers exclusive content, including cosmetics and in-game currency.