mouse-and-keyboard Archives

AppWizard

March 17, 2025

2011 was an amazing comeback year for PC gaming

In the 1990s, personal computers became popular in homes, leading to a surge in gaming among children, particularly with the rise of CD-ROM technology. The 2000s saw a decline in PC gaming, attributed to piracy concerns, with notable figures expressing skepticism about the platform's future. However, in 2011, the PC Gaming Alliance reported a 15% profit increase in PC gaming, driven by a growing market in China. The open-world genre thrived on PC, with significant releases like Skyrim and Batman: Arkham City, which emphasized exploration and fluid gameplay. RPGs experienced a revival in 2011, highlighted by Skyrim, Fallout: New Vegas, and The Witcher 2, alongside BioWare's Dragon Age 2 and the immersive sim Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Indie games like Bastion and Limbo gained popularity, while strategy games such as Total War: Shogun 2 also performed well. The year 2011 is recognized as a landmark period for PC gaming, marking its resurgence.

AppWizard

December 16, 2024

The Best PC Game of 2024

The PC gaming landscape is thriving, offering a wide range of gaming experiences beyond traditional consoles. It serves as a versatile platform for multiplatform titles, first-party exclusives, and indie games, enhanced by mouse-and-keyboard controls. Portable devices like the Steam Deck have increased flexibility for gamers. The best PC games of 2024 include notable titles such as: - Honorable Mentions: - 1000xResist: A narrative-driven game exploring surreal concepts and emotional depth, reminiscent of Nier: Automata. - The Rise of the Golden Idol: A sequel to a detective game set in the 1970s, focusing on solving intricate crimes through observation and deduction. - Runner-Ups: - Animal Well: A 2D pixel art platformer that emphasizes creative problem-solving over violence, featuring whimsical tools for exploration. - Satisfactory: An automation game where players build factories and assembly lines in a vibrant open world, encouraging experimentation and collaboration. - UFO 50: A collection of 50 retro-inspired games that blend nostalgia with modern design, offering unique gameplay experiences. - Winner: - Balatro: The best PC game of 2024, combining roguelite deckbuilding and digital poker, known for its addictive gameplay and strategic depth.

BetaBeacon

September 21, 2024

Xbox Cloud Gaming: Everything you need to know about the service

Xbox Cloud Gaming is Microsoft's official cloud gaming service that allows players to connect their local device to a server in the cloud to stream native Xbox games. It was initially known as Project xCloud and has since expanded to include support for Android mobile devices, Windows PCs, Xbox consoles, and Apple devices via a web browser. The service is bundled with Game Pass Ultimate and does not have a standalone subscription.

AppWizard

August 23, 2024

Skull and Bones Coming to Steam August 22

On August 22, Skull and Bones will launch on Steam alongside Season 3, introducing new features such as an invading sea lord in the Indian Ocean, world events, and an updated Smuggler Pass. The development team has made significant improvements for mouse-and-keyboard users, including optimized controls, enhanced map navigation, and a revamped shortcut bar. Community feedback was integral in identifying key areas for improvement, such as inventory management and key binds. Notable updates include changes to item selection, interaction methods, and the action bar for mouse-and-keyboard controls. To celebrate the Steam launch, the game will be discounted by up to 60% from August 22 to September 4, and a free trial will be available for up to six hours starting August 22. The game is also available on multiple platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Ubisoft Connect and Epic Games Store.