multiplayer gaming Archives

Winsage

April 16, 2026

Windows 11 vs CachyOS in gaming: Has Linux finally caught up to Windows?

Serious gaming on Linux has become a reality, with modern games showing impressive performance. A performance comparison was conducted between Windows 11 (25H2 build) and CachyOS (March 2026 build), a Linux distribution optimized for gaming. The test system specifications included a Cooler Master GA27127-inch monitor, Intel Core i5 12400F CPU, 24GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, 1TB HDD, AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT GPU, and the respective operating systems with their drivers. In gaming performance benchmarks, CachyOS outperformed Windows 11 by an average of 8.6% across five tested games. Specific game performances included: - Dead Space Remake: 70 FPS (Windows 11) vs 76 FPS (CachyOS) - Resident Evil 4 Remake: 84 FPS (Windows 11) vs 95 FPS (CachyOS) - Scorn: 118 FPS (Windows 11) vs 120 FPS (CachyOS) - Silent Hill 2 Remake: 53 FPS (Windows 11) vs 54 FPS (CachyOS) - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Next-Gen: 95 FPS (Windows 11) vs 111 FPS (CachyOS) In ray tracing (RT) enabled games, performance varied: - Resident Evil 4 Remake: 77 FPS (Windows 11) vs 83 FPS (CachyOS) - Silent Hill 2 Remake: 30 FPS (Windows 11) vs 24 FPS (CachyOS) - The Witcher 3: 51 FPS (both systems) Most PC games are designed for Windows, while Linux games require the Proton compatibility layer, which can complicate performance. Multiplayer titles often face compatibility issues on Linux, particularly due to anti-cheat systems. Linux has matched or surpassed Windows 11 in single-player scenarios for users with AMD GPUs, while NVIDIA users face challenges due to proprietary drivers.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Arc Raiders Steam player count for March down over 50% since launch

Arc Raiders emerged as a surprise hit in 2025, successfully elevating the extraction shooter genre to mainstream popularity with a vibrant community known as the Care Bears. The game peaked at nearly 500,000 concurrent players, driven by streamer coverage and word of mouth. However, the player base has gradually declined as many have explored the game's content. The Shrouded Sky update in February did not significantly boost player numbers, indicating a need for more substantial content. The upcoming Flashpoint update is anticipated to determine if it can draw players back and sustain interest in the game.

BetaBeacon

March 27, 2026

Netflix Games Could Soon Get Voice Chat Integration

Code found in the Netflix Android app suggests that voice chat functionality tied to games may soon be introduced, with references to active voice chat status and prompts to return to gameplay. The feature could potentially compete with traditional gaming platforms and improve user engagement. The code also hints at a possible integration with Agora's cross-platform voice API for scalable and reliable voice chat. The implementation of voice chat raises questions about how it will be incorporated into Netflix's current catalog of casual and single-player titles, potentially signaling a shift towards more social or multiplayer experiences in the future. It is important to note that Netflix has not officially confirmed the development of this feature.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

One unfortunate Fortnite developer was laid off twice by Epic Games

Epic Games has announced the layoff of over 1,000 employees, despite projecting revenue of approximately billion for 2025. This follows a previous layoff of 830 employees in 2023, which represented 16% of its workforce. The company is facing challenges due to a perceived downturn in revenue from Fortnite and financial strain from a legal battle with Apple. CEO Tim Sweeney stated that the layoffs are not related to AI. The layoffs have impacted a diverse group of employees, including Melissa Wafful, who was laid off twice within three years.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

The best FPS games of all time, from a PC gaming veteran

First-person shooters (FPS) have captivated gamers since the early 1990s, with influential titles shaping the genre. - Wolfenstein 3D: Developed by id Software, released on May 5, 1992, for PC (MS-DOS). It established core gameplay with real-time movement and first-person perspectives. - Quake: Developed by id Software, released on June 22, 1996, for PC (MS-DOS, Windows). It transitioned FPS from 2.5D to true 3D rendering, enhancing gameplay speed and introducing vertical aiming. - Half-Life: Developed by Valve, released on November 19, 1998, for PC (Windows, Linux, Mac). It integrated storytelling with gameplay, featuring a silent protagonist and advanced AI. - Counter-Strike 1.6: Developed by Valve, released in September 2003 for PC (Windows, Mac, Linux). Originally a mod for Half-Life, it emphasized teamwork and strategy in competitive gameplay. - Halo 2: Developed by Bungie, released on November 9, 2004, for Xbox and PC. It introduced new perspectives and moral complexities, with a strong online multiplayer experience. - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare: Developed by Infinity Ward, released on November 5, 2007, for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It transformed military FPS with a cinematic approach and persistent progression in multiplayer. - Left 4 Dead: Developed by Valve, released on November 17, 2008, for PC and Xbox 360. It focused on cooperative gameplay against zombies, featuring a dynamic AI Director. - Battlefield: Bad Company 2: Developed by EA DICE, released on March 2, 2010, for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It featured large-scale combat and destructible environments, emphasizing squad cooperation. Other notable FPS games include GoldenEye 007, Titanfall, and Bioshock, contributing to the genre's diversity and appeal.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Best 2-4 Player Mini-Games For PC: Download & Play!

To download a game, click the download button, which will show progress in your library. After the download, the game usually installs automatically. Once installed, find the game in your library and click its icon to launch it. Some games may need additional setup, like creating an account or adjusting settings. Gather friends to play locally or online, ensuring everyone has the necessary setup.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Out of all the new games I’ve played in 2025, Grounded 2 deserves a special nod simply because it makes me like a genre that I really don’t like: multiplayer survival

Over the past year, 32 new gaming titles were released, with Grounded 2 emerging as a favorite. The game builds on its predecessor, which was played for over 110 hours, and emphasizes adventure and teamwork without competitive pressure. Players can engage in cooperative resource gathering or solo missions, fostering enjoyable experiences. Grounded 2 features awe-inspiring moments and rewards fun over competition, making it popular among families. It is currently in early access, with a full version expected by the end of 2026, allowing for ongoing content updates. The game has reshaped the author's perspective on multiplayer gaming, highlighting its non-competitive appeal.

AppWizard

December 13, 2025

The Best Games of 2025 — The Windows Central team ranks our favorite titles across Xbox and Windows PC

2025 has seen a diverse range of high-quality gaming titles across multiple platforms, including Xbox, Windows PC, Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation. Notable releases include: - Silent Hill F: A return of the franchise set in 1960s Japan, featuring intense combat and an immersive atmosphere. - Elden Ring: Nightreign: Introduces a co-op roguelike format with fast-paced gameplay and randomized upgrades. - Hollow Knight: Silksong: A highly acclaimed metroidvania known for its difficulty, visuals, and tight combat mechanics. - Arc Raiders: Emphasizes player choice and community-driven gameplay, reminiscent of early multiplayer games. - Battlefield 6: A grounded approach to warfare, positively received after previous setbacks in the franchise. - Ball x Pit: Blends classic gameplay with modern auto-battler mechanics, becoming a standout title. - Hades 2: A sequel that expands on the original's success with stunning artwork and engaging gameplay. - Blue Prince: Features intricate puzzles and co-op gameplay that encourages collaboration. - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: An open-world RPG praised for its dynamic systems and immersive storytelling. - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Combines homage to classic JRPGs with modern storytelling in a unique French setting. Honorable mentions include Atomfall, Dying Light: The Beast, DUSK, The Alters, Keeper, Silent Hill 2 (remake), Dispatch, Cronos: The New Dawn, WH40K: Rogue Trader — Lex Imperialis DLC, and remastered versions of Monster Hunter Stories 1 and 2.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Arc Raiders players have been trading guns for binoculars, and it’s making for some incredibly cinematic on-field reporting that’s hauntingly good

Arc Raiders is a multiplayer game that features thrilling encounters with terrifying robots, fostering both camaraderie and betrayal among players. The game creates a cinematic atmosphere, with players documenting their experiences using binoculars and framing their recordings as in-world reports. These recordings mimic war correspondents' styles, utilizing claustrophobic angles, shaky camera work, VHS noise, and retro color correction to enhance the 70s sci-fi aesthetic. Players capture intense battles against robotic foes and other players, with notable moments including a massive Matriarch and a stealthy Leaper. The trend of cinematic storytelling is also seen in other games like Helldivers 2. There is excitement for future Arc Raiders documentaries, with suggestions for unique press costumes and 35mm film cameras to enhance player storytelling.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

Qualcomm Overhauls Windows on Arm Gaming with Downloadable GPU Drivers and AVX2 Support

Qualcomm has decoupled GPU updates from Microsoft's OS release cycle, allowing Snapdragon X Elite owners to download graphics drivers directly, which aligns the company with industry standards set by Nvidia and AMD. The company has transitioned to a direct "Upgradable Graphics Drivers" (UGD) model, enabling immediate access to driver updates through Qualcomm’s portal. The beta "Adreno Control Panel" has been rebranded to the "Snapdragon Control Panel," which now includes game-specific profiling and optimization features. Qualcomm has also integrated support for AVX and AVX2 instruction sets, addressing compatibility issues with games like God of War and Control. Kernel-level anti-cheat support has been introduced, making multiplayer gaming more accessible on Arm-based systems. The Snapdragon X2 Elite is set to launch in the first half of 2026, promising "Day 0" driver support and the ability to run 90% of top games, with performance expectations to outperform Intel’s Lunar Lake architecture.