Steam launch Archives

AppWizard

December 9, 2024

Dauntless’s launch on Steam has gone horribly, horribly wrong with overwhelmingly negative reviews: ‘This update is easily, out of every game I’ve ever played, the worst one I’ve seen’

Dauntless has debuted on Steam with an "Overwhelmingly negative" rating, accumulating nearly 1,000 negative reviews since its transition. The criticism primarily focuses on a player progress reset and a new monetization model perceived as excessive. Players are frustrated by weapons being locked behind a paywall and the removal of previously accessible weapons. The game's developer, Phoenix Labs, was recently acquired by Forte, a blockchain company, raising concerns about the influence of blockchain and NFTs on the game. In response to community backlash, Phoenix Labs issued a letter explaining the reset was necessary for players to adapt to new systems, but many players found the response inadequate. Dauntless is scheduled for a significant update on December 19, amid ongoing dissatisfaction with its monetization strategies and a decline in active players, now just over 400.

AppWizard

November 26, 2024

2K Removes Its launcher From All PC Games

2K has announced the removal of its launcher from all PC games on Steam and the Epic Games Store, effective November 18, 2024. This includes the discontinuation of the 2K Launcher Beta for Sid Meier’s Civilization V. A follow-up update was released on November 25 to ensure complete removal of the launcher. Players may notice a text file named 2kLauncherRemoved.txt in place of the 2KLauncher folder. Some titles, such as Bioshock Remastered and Marvel’s Midnight Suns, will now launch directly into gameplay. Players are advised to restart Steam or reboot their PCs to ensure changes take effect. The 2K Launcher files may still be present on users' computers, but saved games will not be impacted, and access to purchased games will remain unchanged.

AppWizard

November 26, 2024

The 2K Launcher Is No More — You Can Now Launch 2K’s PC Games Directly in Steam

2K Games has retired its launcher, allowing players to access games directly through Steam. This affects titles such as Civilization 5, the Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition, and XCOM 2, which previously relied on the launcher. The 2K Launcher has been removed from games like Bioshock Remastered and Marvel’s Midnight Suns, enabling easier access. Civilization 5 now uses Steam Launch options, while XCOM 2 will use the Original XCOM 2 Mod Launcher for mod support. Players have been provided instructions for the removal process, and saved games remain intact. There are no plans to reinstate the 2K Launcher. This transition precedes the release of Civilization 7 in February 2025.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Sony isn’t giving up on PSN account requirement for PC games: Company president says it’s necessary so people can ‘safely’ play its games

Hiroki Totoki, Sony's president and COO, discussed the necessity of requiring PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts for PC versions of its games during an investors call. He acknowledged the backlash from gamers but emphasized that the integration of PSN accounts is crucial for maintaining a secure gaming environment. Despite significant pushback, including controversy over Helldivers 2 and the delisting of Ghost of Tsushima's PC port in several countries, Sony confirmed that games like God of War Ragnarok will also require PSN logins. While setting up a PSN account is easy, many gamers express frustration over these additional requirements. Some publishers, like BioWare, are offering offline play options, contrasting Sony's approach. Historically, gamers have adapted to similar account requirements, and despite initial negative reviews, games like God of War: Ragnarok have improved ratings over time. The overall trend suggests a potential acceptance of account requirements as consumer fatigue with the debate may lead to a quieter acceptance of the status quo.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Ubisoft net bookings dip 22% for H1 24/25

Ubisoft reported a 21.9 percent decline in net bookings for the first half of the financial year, generating €642.3 million, with €352 million accrued in the second quarter. Monthly active users increased to 37 million, a three percent rise, and three million new users registered for Ubisoft accounts each month. The Assassin's Creed franchise has generated €4 billion since its inception, while Rainbow Six Siege has brought in €3.5 billion since 2015. The latest title, Star Wars Outlaws, has not met expectations, but Ubisoft is optimistic about improving it. CEO Yves Guillemot emphasized a commitment to revitalizing creativity and operational execution, focusing on a player-centric approach. Ubisoft is also taking time to ensure the next Assassin’s Creed installment, Shadows, is polished for players.

AppWizard

September 29, 2024

‘RPG shooter’ Witchfire comes to Steam, and after a year of early access on Epic it’s finally turning into the game I always wanted it to be

Witchfire has been released on Steam after a year of exclusive availability on the Epic Games Store. The game has undergone significant enhancements, including the introduction of the Gnosis mechanic, which allows players to progress at their own pace. The Wailing Tower update added the Island of the Damned, designed to be welcoming for newcomers. The High Stakes update reworked calamities to be more deterministic, giving players a sense of control. The game's description has been changed to "a singleplayer RPG shooter" to better reflect its evolving nature. Players can seamlessly transfer their saved progress from Epic Games Store to Steam. Since its Steam launch, Witchfire has been a top seller, and the development team plans two major updates through 2025, with a full 1.0 release anticipated at the end of that year.

AppWizard

September 23, 2024

Five new Steam games you probably missed (September 23, 2024)

Steam releases an average of a dozen new titles daily. Notable recent releases include: - Copycat: Released on September 20 by Spoonful of Wonder, this retro-style racing game features precision challenges in repurposed parking garages. - Toy Tactics: Released on September 20 by Kraken Empire, this real-time strategy game allows players to spray paint army formations on the battlefield, featuring simulated physics and various campaigns. - Slackers - Carts of Glory: Released on September 19 by Falling Saints, this lighthearted racing game involves navigating shopping trolleys down 16 chaotic tracks without brakes or steering. - Voids Vigil: Released on September 17 by caiys, this autobattler game offers a unique art style and engaging gameplay, appealing to players seeking something different in the genre.

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.