Gaming Giant Archives

BetaBeacon

December 2, 2025

Valve is working on a “Lepton” Android compatibility layer for Linux and VR — Could we ever see Android games running on the Steam Deck and its Steam Machine PC?

Valve is developing an Android compatibility layer called Lepton, potentially allowing users to run Android apps on devices like the upcoming Steam Machine desktop PC. The integration of Lepton with the upcoming Steam Frame VR headset could enable users to run Android apps in virtual reality. The expansion towards Android compatibility is supported by recent additions of 'androidarm64' references in Valve's Steamworks SDK.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Spencer insists that Xbox isn’t mandating AI in game dev

Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, clarified that Microsoft is not mandating the use of artificial intelligence in game development. During a panel discussion, he stated that AI is primarily used for operational functions, particularly in security and network protection, rather than in creative processes. He noted that AI helps moderate interactions to ensure user safety, especially for child accounts. Spencer emphasized that the application of AI varies by team and that he prefers to allow creative teams to choose tools that enhance their workflow without imposing a top-down mandate.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

DayZ creator says Valve deserves more criticism for over monetisation methods

Dean Hall has criticized Valve's monetization strategies, particularly regarding the in-game economy of titles like Counter-Strike and its weapon and armor skin marketplace. Recently, this marketplace lost about half of its billion-dollar value due to Valve's changes to item rarity, leading to uncertainty among players. Hall also expressed his strong disapproval of gambling mechanics in video games and urged developers to address these issues and provide data for academic research on the implications of such practices.

AppWizard

October 10, 2025

NetEase divests Fantastic Pixel Castle

Chinese gaming company NetEase has withdrawn support from the foreign game studio Fantastic Pixel, potentially leading to its closure. Greg Street, the head of Fantastic Pixel, announced this on LinkedIn, expressing concerns about the studio's future if it cannot secure a new publisher or investor. He emphasized the importance of supporting his team during this uncertain time and acknowledged that without a publisher soon, the studio would likely close, affecting the entire team. Fantastic Pixel Castle was announced in November 2023, and the studio is currently seeking alternative backing while navigating financial challenges.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Capcom will not “guarantee” Monster Hunter games can run on Windows 10 after October 14

Capcom has warned that it cannot guarantee compatibility for its Monster Hunter games with Windows 10 after Microsoft ends support on October 14, 2025. While the games will remain playable post-date, future updates may cause incompatibility. Support for troubleshooting issues on Windows 10 will also be limited after this date. Additionally, Valve will stop supporting 32-bit versions of Windows 10 on Steam starting January 1, 2026. Capcom's president noted that the high price of the PlayStation 5 has impacted sales of Monster Hunter Wilds, which sold eight million copies in three days, making it Capcom's fastest-selling game.

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

Nintendo reportedly gets even more obnoxious about patent law by taking a ‘mods aren’t real games’ stance against a Dark Souls 3 mod that could invalidate its Palworld lawsuit

Nintendo initiated a patent lawsuit against Pocketpair, the developer of Palworld, and has intensified its focus on intellectual property enforcement. Pocketpair's defense strategy involves challenging Nintendo's patent claims by referencing prior art found in mods, which could potentially invalidate Nintendo's patent. However, Nintendo argues that mods do not qualify as prior art because they are not considered "real games." Under Japanese patent law, prior art includes inventions that are publicly known or worked prior to the patent application. Nintendo has a history of legal actions against modders, including issuing DMCA notices that resulted in the removal of content and the shutdown of multiplayer modding projects.

AppWizard

September 14, 2025

Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly, which is apparently the good one, is getting remade and coming to PC

Nintendo announced a remake of Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly, set to launch on PC in early 2026. The remake will feature enhanced visuals, audio, and gameplay systems, while retaining the Camera Obscura mechanic. A new feature, 'Holding Hands with Mayu,' will deepen the emotional connection between the main characters. This remake is the first original trilogy title to be released on PC, and Fatal Frame II is considered the scariest installment in the franchise. The series involves confronting ghosts through photography, adding suspense to the gameplay.

BetaBeacon

August 1, 2025

Epic Games Store for Android will be coming to Google Play Store: CEO Tim Sweeney

Epic Games Store will soon be available on Android via the Google Play Store, aiming to provide users with an alternative to Google's ecosystem and support more open app marketplaces on mobile platforms.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Xbox bet that Game Pass would be the future of gaming, and we’re all paying for it

Microsoft announced a reduction of 9,100 employees, significantly affecting the Xbox division, following a previous round of 6,000 layoffs, totaling 27,600 positions eliminated since the beginning of 2023. Promising titles have been canceled, raising concerns about the future of gaming projects and workforce stability. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's compensation increased by 63% to million in 2024 amid these layoffs. Game Pass currently has around 35 million subscribers, falling short of the goal of over 100 million by 2030. The focus has shifted from hardware to services, with concerns about the sustainability of the Game Pass model and its impact on the gaming ecosystem. Rumors suggest the next generation of consoles may resemble PCs more than traditional gaming hardware.

AppWizard

July 2, 2025

Xbox hit in yet another wave of Microsoft layoffs

Microsoft is implementing further layoffs, particularly in its Xbox division, affecting employees at King and ZeniMax, with a total reduction of over 9,000 positions, representing a four percent cut in its workforce. This is the fourth round of layoffs in Microsoft's gaming sector in 18 months. Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, stated that these cuts are necessary to position gaming for future success and emphasized the importance of prioritizing strong opportunities while acknowledging the impact on affected employees.