physical games Archives

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Gamers, let’s not pretend PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass multiplayer subscriptions are okay – they’re exactly why PC gaming is arguably cheaper in the long term

Transitioning from console gaming to PC gaming involves challenges such as file management and technical adjustments, but it offers benefits like no multiplayer subscription fees. Console gamers often need to subscribe to services like Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus for online play, with exceptions for free-to-play games. While gaming PC hardware is more expensive initially, the long-term costs of playing games are lower due to access to affordable titles and frequent discounts on platforms like the Epic Games Store and Steam. In contrast, PlayStation games often retain their retail prices longer, limiting discount availability. The basic PS Plus plan costs .99 annually, similar to the price of a new game, while the 'Premium' plan costs 9.99 and lacks day-one title access. Xbox Game Pass offers better value with new games available on release day. Overall, while the initial investment in a gaming PC is high, the savings on games and lack of subscription fees make it a worthwhile choice.

BetaBeacon

April 13, 2025

A chance conversation with a retro game store owner forever changed my views on emulation

The owner of a retro game store is not opposed to emulation and believes it has had a positive impact on retro gaming by helping people discover games they otherwise would not have played. Many customers of the store also emulate games, even those they purchase from the store, as it offers benefits like save states and improved framerates. Emulation has actually grown the owner's market as it creates a steady pipeline of people interested in retro games, leading them to collect physical games and memorabilia from the store. The owner emphasizes that the most important thing is to enjoy games, whether through original systems or emulation.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Fury over rape and incest game that tells players to be ‘women’s worst nightmare’, as Tech Secretary slams PC giant

The computer game "No Mercy" features a male protagonist who is encouraged to adopt a predatory mindset, promoting themes of violence and non-consensual acts. The game has received criticism from various figures, including Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, who described it as "deeply worrying" and called for its removal from the gaming platform Steam. Despite its disturbing content, "No Mercy" has received 'very positive' user reviews on Steam. The game includes elements of violence, incest, and blackmail, and features "unavoidable non-consensual sex." Concerns have been raised about the lax age verification process on Steam, which allows children to easily access the game. Child mental health expert Nova Eden noted that many parents mistakenly view Steam as a safe environment. Although LBC reported the game's inappropriate content to Steam, it remains available for purchase. The situation raises questions about Ofcom's ability to moderate online content, as it cannot investigate individual complaints. The Games Rating Authority clarified that while physical games must carry a PEGI age rating, digital games are not subject to the same requirement, leaving gaps in consumer protection.

BetaBeacon

February 4, 2025

Nintendo Switch 2 game cases might take up more space

The rumor about the Nintendo Switch 2 suggests that the game cases may be larger than those of the original Switch, potentially requiring more shelf space. The rumored dimensions for the Switch 2 game cases are 13cm wide and 19.5cm tall, making them almost the same size as PS5 game cases. It is unclear if the physical cartridge sizes for the Switch 2 will also be larger than the original model.