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Gaming Has Never Been Better. So Why Does It Feel Like the Worst Time to Be a Gamer?
AppWizard
August 28, 2026

Gaming Has Never Been Better. So Why Does It Feel Like the Worst Time to Be a Gamer?

The gaming industry is experiencing a surge in high-profile releases, including Grand Theft Auto 6, Control Resonant, Ace Combat 8, and Modern Warfare 4. However, the cost of entry has increased significantly, with flagship consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X now priced at least 0 above their launch prices. Microsoft is reportedly losing 0 per console sold, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to see a price increase. A shortage of memory and storage, driven by AI demands, has made essential gaming hardware more expensive. Mobile gaming and PC gaming are also affected, with graphics card prices projected to rise by 20% to 30%. The term “RAMageddon” has emerged to describe the doubling of memory prices since late 2025. Major companies like Microsoft and Sony are facing disappointing hardware sales, with projections of an 11% decline in PC shipments by 2026. The traditional model of game ownership is shifting towards a rental-like system, with digital sales tying ownership to accounts and licenses. Concerns about game accessibility have grown, leading to the Stop Killing Games movement. Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for resale has raised questions about long-term access, while Sony plans to end production of physical game discs by 2028. The average cost of AAA games has risen, with new titles like Mario Kart World for the Switch 2 priced at . Cloud gaming and subscription services further complicate ownership, as game availability is contingent on licensing agreements.
Minecraft Dungeons II gets a brand new gameplay trailer
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons II gets a brand new gameplay trailer

Minecraft Dungeons II is set to be released on September 29, 2026, featuring new gameplay elements, weapons, and enemies. It introduces a new dimension called the Sift, where players can customize their loadout and face unique challenges. Pre-ordering the game offers exclusive rewards such as the Twisted cape, a Twisted Chicken pet, and two unique hero skins. The original game has an "Unsupported" rating from Valve for the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, despite reports of compatibility, and there are hopes for a re-evaluation of these ratings for both the original and the upcoming game.
Game Pass needs to nail three things to stay alive
AppWizard
August 18, 2026

Game Pass needs to nail three things to stay alive

Microsoft raised the price of Game Pass Ultimate to .99 per month during the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, but later reduced it to .99 per month after layoffs and leadership changes. New Call of Duty titles will now be available on the service a year after their initial release. Microsoft has invested nearly a decade and approximately 0 billion into Game Pass, which is central to its gaming strategy. An Xbox console ranges from 9 to 9, and many gamers already own devices like smartphones or laptops. Game Pass allows access to a vast library of games on various devices, including tablets and unconventional devices, as long as there is a stable internet connection.
The Best Places to Buy and Rent PC Games Online in 2026
AppWizard
August 13, 2026

The Best Places to Buy and Rent PC Games Online in 2026

The digital landscape for purchasing PC games has evolved, offering various online stores for Linux, macOS, and Windows games, with some also featuring e-books, movies, and software. Notable platforms include Steam, Epic Games Store, Humble Bundle, and Xbox, each with diverse game libraries. Some publishers, like Blizzard and EA, initially required exclusive downloads but are now allowing games across multiple storefronts. Steam offers extensive titles and a Verified program for Steam Deck users, while GOG.com focuses on classic games and itch.io on indie titles. Consumers can purchase games from different platforms and use tools like CheapShark to compare prices and find deals.
New PC app lets you play your PS5 games without the need for a console
AppWizard
August 11, 2026

New PC app lets you play your PS5 games without the need for a console

Asobi: Remote Play is an upcoming app currently in beta testing that allows PC gamers to stream PS5 games directly on Steam devices like the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, making console ownership optional. The app supports streaming from PS4 or PS5 consoles with quality options up to 1080p at 60fps, depending on whether users choose a free or paid version. It enables remote streaming of select games, allowing access to titles like Demon’s Souls, Astro Bot, and Saros, but requires an active PlayStation Plus Premium membership for streaming. The free version streams at 1080p and 30fps, while the paid version offers HDR video at 1080p and 60fps, potential 4K upscaling, and additional features like manual bitrate control and low-latency modes. Users can sign up for beta testing on Steam, but the full release date is not yet announced.
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls suffers from widespread PC issues at launch
AppWizard
August 7, 2026

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls suffers from widespread PC issues at launch

Marvel Tokonn: Fighting Souls has launched, with console players enjoying the game while PC gamers face technical challenges, including stuttering and netcode issues, resulting in a mixed user score on Steam. Players have reported problems such as an anti-cheat system causing black screens and high CPU usage, and the absence of Linux support has frustrated users. The game struggles to maintain a steady 60fps, affecting online gameplay. Developers are investigating these issues, and some console users have disabled crossplay with PC players to improve their experience.
Steam Week in Review: Once positioned as mainstream-friendly PC gaming solutions, can Valve's hardware survive the memory crisis?
AppWizard
August 3, 2026

Steam Week in Review: Once positioned as mainstream-friendly PC gaming solutions, can Valve’s hardware survive the memory crisis?

Last week, a discussion arose regarding the decline in Steam Deck sales, as noted by PC Gamer's Andy Edser. An analysis by Boiling Steam questioned the mathematical accuracy of the sales figures, leading to concerns about Valve's hardware future. Gabe Newell's million donation to OpenAI in 2018 has been suggested to negatively impact Valve's hardware ambitions. The price of the anticipated Steam Deck OLED increased significantly in May, with the 1TB model rising from 9 to 9 and the 512GB version from 9 to 9, causing potential buyers to reconsider. The Steam Machine's projected retail price has also surged from around 0 to ,049. In gaming, Mistfall Hunter has quickly reached the third spot on the live concurrent players list. The latest Steam deep cuts ranked Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Palworld as the top three games. Despite new releases, Counter-Strike 2 remains at the top of the rankings. DragonSword: Awakening and Shift at Midnight have gained attention for their unique gameplay. A notable Steam review of Alien Kink VR expressed a darkly humorous sentiment.
I Spent a Month With the Steam Machine and it Perfectly Fills the One Gap in My Gaming Habits
AppWizard
July 30, 2026

I Spent a Month With the Steam Machine and it Perfectly Fills the One Gap in My Gaming Habits

The Steam Machine has been on the market for just over a month and has integrated into the user's gaming routine, particularly during a recent illness. The user connected it to their TV, disabled metrics, and explored their Steam library, finding the experience enjoyable. Despite skepticism about its high price for average consumers, the Steam Machine offers a solution for transitioning gaming from a desk to a living room without monopolizing the network. The user has historically preferred PC gaming over consoles, appreciating the flexibility of switching between devices. Previous attempts to set up living room PCs were inconvenient, but the Steam Machine simplifies this with SteamOS and the Steam Controller's trackpads. The user adjusted the output resolution to 1440p and enjoyed games like Resident Evil 4 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, valuing the ability to continue saves from their PC. The Steam Machine is priced at ,049, which may deter some, but it appeals to users with extensive Steam libraries.
Xbox Project Helix could be dead on arrival thanks to PlayStation PC cull
AppWizard
July 30, 2026

Xbox Project Helix could be dead on arrival thanks to PlayStation PC cull

Xbox's upcoming console, Project Helix, has undergone significant modifications due to changes in the gaming industry influenced by PlayStation's strategic decisions. PlayStation plans to phase out physical disc production by 2028 and is reportedly stepping back from PC ports due to disappointing sales figures. This shift affects Xbox's strategy, as PlayStation is reluctant to share its gaming library with Xbox users, disrupting Project Helix's original model. The anticipated cost of Project Helix is expected to exceed that of Valve's Steam Machine, raising concerns about its pricing amid a market where fewer gamers are willing to invest heavily in consoles. Exclusive titles have historically been a major draw for consoles, but Xbox is still recovering from past strategic missteps. The gaming community is awaiting further details on Project Helix's PC capabilities and an official unveiling.
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