gaming service Archives

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Report: Microsoft Gives Windows-Based Gaming Handhelds the Priority Over its Own Xbox Model

Microsoft has decided to prioritize enhancing Windows 11's performance for third-party gaming handhelds over its own Xbox handheld project, which may delay its launch originally planned for 2027. The company remains committed to developing its Xbox handheld in the long term but is currently focusing on optimizing Windows 11 for devices like ASUS's upcoming “Project Kennan.” This shift may be influenced by the competitive landscape, particularly the rise of Valve’s SteamOS, which offers advantages such as being free for hardware manufacturers and providing a user-friendly experience. SteamOS is currently supported on devices like the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S, and Valve is working to expand its compatibility. Jason Ronald, Microsoft's VP of Next Generation, indicated the company's goal to create a seamless Xbox-like experience on PCs, but the competitiveness of Windows 11 against SteamOS for gaming handhelds remains uncertain.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Crytek lays off around 15% of staff

Crytek has announced a workforce reduction of approximately 15 percent, affecting around 60 employees in development and shared services, due to "complex, unfavourable market dynamics." The development of the next Crysis installment is on hold, and the company is shifting focus to enhance the ongoing project, Hunt: Showdown 1896. Crytek will provide severance packages and career assistance to those laid off. The company remains committed to the development of Hunt: Showdown 1896 and advancing its CryEngine technology.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

Valve changed gaming forever with a single app

Valve's Steam was launched on September 12, 2003, as a digital game distribution platform, initially intended to distribute updates for games like Half-Life 2. It evolved from a patching service to a comprehensive storefront, allowing players to buy, download, install, and launch PC games quickly. Steam's requirement for internet access and authentication for Half-Life 2 marked a significant shift in the gaming landscape. The platform faced challenges, including the problematic Steam Greenlight program, which was replaced due to an overwhelming number of submissions. Despite competition from other platforms, Steam has maintained its market dominance, raising questions about digital ownership. Users appreciate Steam for its sales, functionality, and user-friendly interface, making it a preferred choice for many gamers.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Casual and cute exploration in Revenge of the Savage Planet

Revenge of the Savage Planet, developed by Raccoon Logic, is set to launch in May 2025 for PC and consoles. It is a sequel to Journey to the Savage Planet, originally released in 2020. The game features Martin Tweed, CEO of Kindred Aerospace, and introduces a new antagonist, Gunther Harrison, CEO of Alta Interglobal. Players will explore and colonize multiple planets, facing challenges and engaging in resource gathering and crafting. The game is designed for approximately 15 to 20 hours of gameplay, with solo and co-op options. It will feature three distinct endings and has been developed by a team of around 30 with a budget of under a million.

AppWizard

November 28, 2024

Microsoft can’t launch Xbox store on Android, even though it’s ready to go

Microsoft's plans to launch an enhanced Xbox app on Android have been delayed due to a "temporary administrative stay" granted by the courts. Xbox president Sarah Bond stated that the app, which would allow users to purchase and remotely play Xbox games on mobile devices, is ready to go live once the court makes a final decision. A recent US court approved a request from Google for such a stay, following a ruling that mandates changes to the Play Store, including the introduction of alternative app stores and different billing systems. Unlike the PlayStation and Steam applications, which allow game purchases without using Google’s billing framework, the existing Xbox app does not offer similar capabilities. Microsoft does provide a subscription-based Xbox Cloud Gaming service, but it is currently available only through the Galaxy Store, as Google requires apps with subscription services to use Play Store billing.

BetaBeacon

November 11, 2024

Apple Arcade November 11th Update: Four new games quietly go live, bringing space action and more

Apple Arcade has added four new games in their latest update: Arkanoid vs Space Invaders, Drive Ahead! Carcade, Texas Hold 'em Poker: Pokerist, and Wheel of Fortune Daily.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Prime members can score free PC games — here’s November’s lineup and how to get in on the action

Amazon's Prime membership now offers 24 free PC games for November, including titles like Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Members can claim these games by visiting gaming.amazon.com/home and selecting the "Free Games" section. Once claimed, the games remain in the member's library permanently, even if the membership is canceled. Additionally, Prime members have access to free games on Amazon's cloud gaming service, Luna, which includes titles such as Jackbox Party Pack 7 and Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition. Non-members can sign up for a 30-day trial to access these benefits.