As of October 1, Valve has introduced a feature that allows developers to access frame rate data from Steam Deck users, showing the percentage of sessions at which their games are played. This data helps developers assess game performance and identify areas for improvement. The system is limited to verified games and does not affect the verification process itself. Developers can use this information to analyze player experiences and the impact of updates on performance.
Developer Pugstorm is offering a free play weekend for its open-world survival game, Core Keeper, on Steam. The game, launched two years ago, allows solo or cooperative play with up to seven friends and features survival tasks like resource harvesting, crafting, and base building. Players can explore diverse biomes, level up skills, and engage in life simulation activities while combating legendary titans. The free play weekend ends at 6 PM BST on October 12, and players' progress will be saved if they decide to purchase the game afterward. Core Keeper is currently available at a 40% discount, priced at £9.59/$.99, down from £15.99/$.99, until October 22. The game has a 'Very Positive' review score of 94% on Steam.
Players can experience the demo of Bad Magpie, a game by Milktooth, on Steam and Xbox PC. The demo features a school biome where players control a one-winged magpie on a quest involving shiny meteorites, a fallen star, and a missing flock. The gameplay is open-world and non-linear, allowing for creative exploration and mischief. The full game is set to be released in 2027.
Valve's SteamOS is now accessible on Android handhelds through an app called DroidDeck, which allows users to engage with games in a familiar interface. The installation process involves disabling the “Child-process limit” in Developer Options and using Wireless ADB Debugging if necessary. Users can then access the Steam section of the app to download essential components like the FEX and Proton drivers. DroidDeck also features a “Desktop” tab for a Linux desktop environment and enables the installation of emulators within the SteamOS. The app is currently available for download on GitHub, and developers are actively working on enhancements and bug fixes.
Owlcat Games has delayed the release of its CRPG, Shadow of the Road, from November 12, 2026, to March 10, 2027, across PC platforms including Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG. This delay allows the development team to refine the combat system and enhance character progression. The decision also positions the game to avoid competition with major titles like World of Warcraft: Forever and Grand Theft Auto 6. There is potential for the game to be released on Xbox platforms in the future.
Leisure Suit Larry: Wet Dreams Don't Dry and its sequel, Wet Dreams Dry Twice, are set to be removed from digital storefronts, specifically Steam, on October 23. In anticipation of this delisting, both games are currently being offered at a 95% discount. The reason for the removal is unclear, but speculation suggests it may be due to expiring licensing rights.
Classic Nintendo game The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD has been unofficially ported to Android smartphones, allowing players to extract files from their own game image and compile the code directly on their device. The mobile version features support for Vulkan, on-screen buttons, external controllers, gyroscope-assisted aiming, resolution settings, save state slots, and alternative graphics drivers for devices with Adreno. Users need Android 11 or newer, an ARM64 processor, Vulkan 1.1 support, and 2 GB of free space to run the game, along with an image and keys for the American or European version of the game.
Among Us Story: On Guard is a new standalone adventure game set in the Among Us universe that will be launched on February 17, 2027 for Switch 2, PC via Steam, iOS, and Android. The game allows players to become Guards responsible for shipwide security and preventing Impostors from murdering Crewmates.
GOG is offering two free games: Conarium and WarBreeds, but players must have a GOG account and an Amazon Prime account to access them. Conarium, a 2017 Lovecraftian horror game, has a Metacritic score of 71 and a Steam approval rating of 76%. WarBreeds, a 1998 strategy game, has a GameRankings score of 62% and an 84% approval rating on Steam after its 2023 re-release. The free downloads will be available through Prime Gaming, but the specific launch time and duration for the offers are not disclosed.
