single-player titles Archives

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

I wouldn’t be able to use my gaming PC without this one mod

Special K is a versatile utility for PC gaming that enhances gameplay across various titles. It features a frame rate limiter that improves consistency, surpassing Nvidia's built-in limiter in minimum frame rates during tests. Special K allows users to force games into borderless or exclusive fullscreen modes, enable Nvidia Reflex, adjust DLSS settings, and link input devices to specific applications. It also addresses HDR support issues by enabling HDR injection in games that lack native support, with extensive customization options for HDR settings. Originally developed to fix problems in PC ports like Fallout 4 and Batman: Arkham Knight, it has evolved to optimize a wide range of games, including Elden Ring, Monster Hunter: World, and Final Fantasy VII Remake. Special K has limitations with online games due to anti-cheat concerns but is highly applicable for single-player titles. The introduction of the SKIF GUI has made it more accessible for users.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

‘Stellar Blade’ Rockets To A Million PC Sales In Three Days

Stellar Blade achieved sales of one million copies within three days of its PC launch, contributing to total sales of 3 million since its release in April 2024, a 50% increase. Approximately 58% of sales occurred in China, where the game is priced lower than in the U.S. The game reached a peak concurrent player count of over 190,000 and received a 92% rating on Steam and an 86 score on Metacritic. SHIFTUP plans further updates and is considering a sequel for 2027, with no current plans to bring the game to Xbox. Sony is focusing on releasing major AAA titles on PC, while multiplayer games are launched simultaneously on PC.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Sony removes regional restrictions on four of its biggest games on Steam

Sony has lifted regional restrictions on four major games on Steam, allowing players in various countries to access them freely. The games affected are God of War Ragnarok, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, Spider-Man 2, and Helldivers 2. Initially, Helldivers 2 required a PlayStation Network (PSN) sign-in, leading to its removal from sale in 177 countries without PSN access. In contrast, the upcoming Spider-Man 2 and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, along with God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, will not require a PSN account, although regional restrictions still apply in countries without PSN services. PlayStation Studios head Hermen Hulst emphasized the importance of a careful approach to releasing PlayStation games on other platforms and the significance of single-player titles for showcasing console performance.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Ubisoft investigating data privacy complaint

Ubisoft is investigating claims from the data privacy group NOYB regarding its handling of user data, particularly in relation to the 2016 game Far Cry Primal, which allegedly transmitted significant amounts of player data to external servers, potentially violating GDPR legislation. A spokesperson stated that an internet connection is required for single-player titles to verify game legitimacy and that for offline modes, it is only needed during the initial launch to link the game to the player's account. Ubisoft emphasizes its commitment to protecting player data and providing transparency through its Privacy Center.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

I played 5 games on an RTX 5070 vs RTX 5070 Ti gaming PC — is it worth paying extra

Both the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti GPUs are being tested across five demanding PC games to evaluate their performance. The RTX 5070 is priced at £529, while the RTX 5070 Ti is priced at £729. In Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 5070 achieved 17 FPS and the RTX 5070 Ti achieved 25 FPS at 4K Ultra settings without DLSS. With DLSS 4 enabled, both GPUs exceeded 100 FPS. In Forza Horizon 5, both GPUs showed similar 1% low performance. In Call of Duty Black Ops 6, the RTX 5070 showed limitations compared to the RTX 5070 Ti. Black Myth: Wukong revealed a noticeable performance gap between the two GPUs, while both performed well in Alan Wake II. The RTX 5070 Ti is recommended for multiplayer gaming, while the RTX 5070 may suffice for single-player experiences. Both GPUs offer enhanced performance for users with older hardware.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

There’s a new way to play PlayStation and PC games early

Sony has launched the PlayStation Beta Program, allowing PlayStation and PC gamers to express interest in participating in beta tests for new or unreleased titles and features. Registration is open and free for users with a valid PlayStation Network Account in the 73 countries where the network operates. Participation is by invitation only, and participants must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to maintain confidentiality. Earlier this year, there was high demand for access codes to the Elden Ring: Nightreign network test, with some codes selling for hundreds of pounds. Additionally, Sony offered five extra days of PSN membership to users affected by a 24-hour outage of the PlayStation Network.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

5 reasons I can’t go back to Windows after trying Linux

Linux distributions are popular in the server realm but remain a niche in the broader computing landscape dominated by Windows. The command-line interface (CLI) in Linux aids troubleshooting with detailed logs and accessible commands, unlike Windows, which often requires extensive navigation. Linux package managers, such as Yum and Nix, offer a more secure and straightforward application installation process compared to Windows tools like WinGet and Chocolatey. Linux distributions have lower performance overhead, making them suitable for older devices, while Windows 11 has high system requirements. Linux is viewed as better for privacy, avoiding intrusive advertisements and telemetry services present in Windows. The versatility of Linux allows it to cater to various computing needs, enabling users to transform installations into servers, media hubs, or NAS. Despite its advantages, Windows still excels in certain areas, such as game compatibility and access to Adobe products, which may require a Windows virtual machine for Linux users.

AppWizard

February 10, 2025

The PlayStation Network outage proves PC gamers were right to resist its mandatory sign-in requirement

Review-bombing campaigns have arisen from cultural debates about trans characters, queer developers, and liberal writing consultants. A recent incident with Helldivers 2 has shown that these campaigns can also highlight legitimate consumer concerns, specifically regarding the PlayStation Network's (PSN) sign-in requirement. Sony and Arrowhead initially stated that a PSN sign-in would be implemented, which seemed minimal at first. However, players expressed frustration over the exclusion of gamers in regions with Steam access but not PSN. Sony has since abandoned its PSN ambitions on PC while continuing to exclude certain countries from Helldivers 2. The justification for "player protection" appeared disingenuous, as it seemed aimed at funneling users into the PSN ecosystem, which requires sharing personal information. Recently, the PSN experienced a 24-hour outage, raising concerns about the implications of a mandatory sign-in for games like Helldivers 2 and single-player titles. Sony seems to struggle with understanding the PC gaming audience, entering the PC market reluctantly due to its growth and console stagnation. The company must earn the loyalty of PC gamers, who may resist being tied to a service that charges for online access to games they already own. The PSN has a history of significant cybersecurity breaches, and the details surrounding the recent outage remain unclear, with Sony not providing clarity on any potential compromise. Mandatory sign-ins to services like PSN represent a significant imposition that consumers should avoid due to genuine risks.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Sony Finally Gets Rid of Pesky PlayStation Network Login Requirement for Its Biggest PC Games

Sony has announced that linking a PlayStation Network (PSN) account will now be optional for select single-player titles on PC, effective immediately before the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. This decision has been positively received by the PC gaming community, especially in regions without PSN access, such as the Dominican Republic. Previously, players used mods to bypass the PSN login requirement, which posed risks. The issue gained attention during the release of Helldivers 2 in 2024, leading to a backlash that prompted Sony to change its policy. Players can now enjoy titles like God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Last of Us Part II Remastered without needing a PSN account, although some games, like Ghost of Tsushima, still require it for online multiplayer. Linking accounts offers exclusive content, including cosmetics and in-game currency.