gaming ecosystem Archives

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

I’m sick to death of PC gaming’s endless launchers

The proliferation of game launchers such as Epic Game Store, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, EA App, Rockstar Social Club, and Paradox Launcher has caused frustration among players, who experience issues like unresponsiveness and crashes. Gamers desire a streamlined experience with fewer intrusive launchers and prefer to share data without the presence of multiple platforms. They would appreciate options to bypass launchers entirely or simplify access to games, contrasting with the ease of console gaming, where games can be accessed with a single button press. The gaming community hopes developers will address these concerns for a more user-friendly experience.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Nvidia confirms end of Game Ready driver support for Maxwell and Pascal GPUs — affected products will get optimized drivers through October 2025

Nvidia will cease new Game Ready driver development for Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta-based GPUs after a final driver release in October 2025. These GPUs will receive quarterly security updates until October 2028. The GTX 10-series, particularly the GTX 1080 Ti, remains popular in the gaming market, while GTX 9-series cards are becoming rare. Ray-tracing technology is increasingly required in new games, but Pascal and earlier GPUs cannot utilize DLSS effectively. However, Pascal users can use Intel's XeSS DP4a model for AI-powered upscaling in compatible titles. Nvidia will provide Game Ready drivers for supported cards on Windows 10 until October 2026, despite Microsoft's end-of-support for the OS on October 14.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Xbox PC App Now Lets You Stream Your Own Games, Including Console Exclusives

Xbox has introduced the ability for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream games directly to PCs via the Xbox PC app, effective July 28. This enhancement expands access to Xbox's gaming ecosystem and integrates nearly all Xbox features within the app. The streaming capability allows players to access their Game Pass library away from their console or home PC and enables PC-only gamers to experience Xbox console exclusives. The Xbox PC app has also received upgrades, including cross-device play history, a cohesive game library, and a simplified system for tracking Microsoft Rewards. These enhancements are currently available to members of the Xbox Insider program.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Valve could revolutionize gaming with a Steam-powered console

The PC market share for game sales is expanding, prompting Microsoft to consider integrating PC storefronts into the next Xbox. Valve may enter the console market, leveraging its expertise in digital distribution. A potential Valve console could be inspired by the Steam Deck, offering standardized hardware and compatibility with various games. This console could consolidate PC, PlayStation, and Xbox games, providing access to indie titles and making PC gaming more accessible for casual gamers. While Valve's success with Steam raises questions about the necessity of a dedicated console, the company has shown interest in exploring new hardware opportunities, as evidenced by its successful VR headset and handheld gaming device.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Epic Games Store releases new PC free game of the week in latest limited time deal

The Epic Games Store offers a unique digital distribution platform that features regular free games to attract users and foster community. It has a favorable revenue-sharing model for developers, allowing them to retain more earnings, which appeals to both indie developers and major studios. The store has formed strategic partnerships with various developers and publishers, enhancing its library and providing exclusive content. Community engagement is emphasized, with user feedback actively sought to improve the gaming experience. The store's focus on innovation and support for developers positions it for future growth in the gaming industry.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

Xbox cloud games will soon follow you just about everywhere

Microsoft has introduced a new service for Xbox Insiders that integrates all cloud-playable games and their play histories into the Xbox PC app. This feature synchronizes recently-played games across Xbox consoles, PCs, and Windows handhelds, allowing seamless transitions between devices. A dedicated "play history" section in the PC app and Xbox console interface enables players to view their cloud games as part of their recently-played list, ensuring uninterrupted access to game saves. Users can start a game on one platform and continue on another, even if the game isn't natively supported. The Xbox app's library section has been revamped to include a search filter for cloud games and a "jump back in" list on the home screen, facilitating easy access to gaming sessions. This redesign allows gamers to launch titles purchased from various platforms from a single location.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

Linux is the best thing to happen to PC gaming in years

PC gaming has experienced a notable shift due to the rise of Linux, particularly with the introduction of Valve's Steam Deck in mid-2021. The Steam Deck, built on a Linux foundation and utilizing Valve's Proton compatibility layer, has broadened the compatibility of games on Linux, allowing users to enjoy titles without dual-booting systems. This device has popularized handheld PC gaming, prompting other manufacturers to create similar devices. The Steam Deck's modest hardware has led to a trend of optimization among developers, resulting in better performance on lower-end systems. Valve's SteamOS has improved the user interface for both Linux and Windows users, making PC gaming more accessible. However, a significant challenge remains with anti-cheat software, which is difficult to implement across various Linux distributions. Despite this, the state of Linux gaming is strong for single-player experiences, and Valve is exploring solutions to enhance competitive gaming on Linux.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

You can now stream Xbox-only games to your PC if you’re an Insider with Game Pass Ultimate

The Xbox app is shifting to a streaming-centric model, allowing Xbox Insiders who are Game Pass Ultimate members to stream select console games they own in 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) operates. This 'stream your own game' service enables gamers to play titles without owning an Xbox console by accessing their personal game library through the Cloud Gaming section of the Xbox PC app. This development reduces platform exclusivity in gaming and may lead to a more unified gaming ecosystem.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Xbox Game Pass now lets you stream your own games on PC

Xbox has introduced a new feature for its Game Pass service that allows PC subscribers to stream games they own, even if those titles are not part of the current catalogue. This enhancement improves user experience and addresses backwards compatibility concerns. Additionally, Xbox is collaborating with Asus to create a handheld device similar to the Steam Deck, further promoting versatile gaming across platforms.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Microsoft Tests Streaming Xbox Games on PC

Microsoft's Xbox division is testing a new feature that allows users to stream their personally owned games through the Xbox PC app, eliminating lengthy installations. This feature is currently available to Xbox Insiders with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and enables players to access their game libraries on Windows devices using cloud technology. The app manages processing on remote servers, conserving local storage and reducing download times. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to unify its gaming ecosystem and respond to competition from services like Nvidia's GeForce Now and Amazon's Luna. The feature aims to democratize access to games without requiring a subscription for owned titles. Challenges include reliance on internet connectivity and privacy concerns regarding cloud data management. If successful, this could lead to broader integration across Xbox platforms, including smart TVs. Feedback from Insiders will influence the rollout pace.