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Dutch non-profit set to take Valve to court for keeping game prices high
AppWizard
June 12, 2026

Dutch non-profit set to take Valve to court for keeping game prices high

The Netherlands' Consumer Competition Claims Foundation (CCCF) has launched a campaign against Valve, the parent company of Steam, alleging unfair commercial practices related to Valve's 30% commission on game sales, which they claim inflates prices across all PC storefronts. The CCCF argues that this commission structure pressures publishers and developers to raise prices, affecting competitive pricing on other platforms like the Epic Games Store and Microsoft Store. They also allege that Valve prohibits publishers from offering lower prices on competing platforms and has engaged in "geo-blocking" to restrict the activation of Steam keys purchased in Eastern Europe for use in Western Europe. Valve president Gabe Newell denies these allegations, asserting that there is no policy preventing lower pricing on other platforms. The CCCF claims that Dutch gamers may have overpaid by more than 220 million euros due to these practices. Legal challenges against Valve are mounting, including a class-action lawsuit concerning loot boxes and an antitrust suit from Wolfire Games.
Running your own store is just the tip of the iceberg in Saleblazers
AppWizard
June 12, 2026

Running your own store is just the tip of the iceberg in Saleblazers

Saleblazers is a multiplayer open-world game where players can choose from three distinct classes and interact with dynamic, voiced NPCs while customizing their storefronts. The game recently launched the Immersive Update, which enhances NPC behaviors, introduces a random daily event system, and improves visuals and audio. The update includes vigilant border police in Kazai Village, revamped combat mechanics, and a character development system that allows players to invest in stats and craft items. The game blends elements of survival, simulation, and adventure, offering a rich experience for exploration and interaction.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
June 8, 2026

After seeing Thief Remastered, I’m calling it: That doomed Deux Ex remaster should get rebooted with Nightdive in charge

Nightdive Studios is remastering Thief: The Dark Project, showcasing it at the PC Gaming Show with a nostalgic trailer and modern enhancements. The remaster will preserve the game's medieval settings and improve low-poly NPC designs, along with including a DVD extras menu featuring art, prototypes, and behind-the-scenes footage. In contrast, Aspyr's remaster of Neverwinter Nights 2 added essential features like Steam Deck support and resolved bugs, while their upcoming Deus Ex remaster lacks significant upgrades and has received negative feedback from fans. Both Thief and Deus Ex are part of The Embracer Group, which is observing the reception of these remasters. Aspyr has faced challenges, including losing the Knights of the Old Republic remake and legal issues with Disney. The Deus Ex remaster has been indefinitely delayed, raising concerns among fans about its management and future.
Gabe Newell on Steam monopoly accusations: Gamers have 'enormous choice' about where to buy games
AppWizard
June 2, 2026

Gabe Newell on Steam monopoly accusations: Gamers have ‘enormous choice’ about where to buy games

Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, testified in an antitrust lawsuit by Wolfire Games, asserting that Steam does not operate as a monopoly in the PC gaming market and highlighting the variety of purchasing options available to consumers. He stated that he would remove Overgrowth from Steam if it were sold at a lower price elsewhere, indicating Valve's commitment to its pricing structure. Despite rising video game prices, Steam remains popular for discounted titles and has reduced the retail dominance of major publishers, benefiting indie developers. Newell's testimony comes amid ongoing legal challenges, including a million lawsuit in the UK accusing Valve of inflating game prices and suppressing competition.
PlayStation Will No Longer Bring Narrative Single-Player Games To PC
AppWizard
May 20, 2026

PlayStation Will No Longer Bring Narrative Single-Player Games To PC

PlayStation is shifting its strategy regarding PC releases, with CEO Hermen Hulst announcing that single-player narrative experiences will now be exclusive to PlayStation consoles. This means titles like Ghost of Yotei, Saros, and Marvel’s Wolverine are unlikely to be available on PC. The decision appears to be driven by underwhelming sales figures for PlayStation games on PC and a desire to boost console purchases ahead of the potential PS6 launch. However, multiplayer games, such as MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, will still be released on PC. The gaming community is hopeful that PlayStation may reconsider its approach in the future, potentially releasing titles through its own launcher or storefront.
Lords Of The Fallen II No Longer Epic Games Store Exclusive On PC
AppWizard
May 20, 2026

Lords Of The Fallen II No Longer Epic Games Store Exclusive On PC

CI Games has entered into a separation agreement with Epic Games Publishing, allowing Lords of the Fallen II to be distributed across various PC storefronts instead of being exclusive to the Epic Games Store. CI Games will self-publish the game while PLAION will handle global physical distribution. The game will utilize Unreal Engine 5 and Epic Online Services for features like cross-platform multiplayer and co-op functionalities. Lords of the Fallen II is scheduled to launch later this year for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Lego racing game 2K Drive will be delisted next week, but online multiplayer won't shut down until next year
AppWizard
May 17, 2026

Lego racing game 2K Drive will be delisted next week, but online multiplayer won’t shut down until next year

Forza Horizon 6 has been released, while Lego 2K Drive will be removed from the digital marketplace on May 19, three years after its launch. Players who own or purchase the game before this date will retain access to its multiplayer features until May 31 of the following year, after which online functions will cease. Lego 2K Drive has received mixed reviews, with a critic rating it at 59%, citing "greedy microtransactions" as a downside. The game features a kart creator based on real-life Lego specifications but has faced scrutiny for its digital currency bundle aimed at children. Other games, including Disney titles and Star Trek: Resurgence, have also been removed from digital storefronts, with potential licensing issues suggested as a reason for Lego 2K Drive's withdrawal.
Console-like Xbox Mode boosts game performance on Windows 11 PCs
AppWizard
May 10, 2026

Console-like Xbox Mode boosts game performance on Windows 11 PCs

Microsoft has rolled out a new Xbox Mode for Windows 11 PCs, designed to provide a console-like gaming interface that enhances the gaming experience across various devices. This mode, initially introduced on the ROG Xbox Ally X and later expanded to Windows Insider users, allows for controller navigation and minimizes background processes for improved performance. Xbox Mode aggregates game libraries from multiple storefronts, enabling seamless switching between it and the standard Windows 11 desktop. Preliminary tests indicate that Xbox Mode offers performance improvements over standard Windows 11, particularly for Nvidia graphics cards. A YouTuber's analysis showed over 15 percent better performance in 1% low framerates and a 4.3 percent increase in average framerates at 1080p using an Nvidia card. At 1440p, improvements were 25 percent higher 1% lows and a 6.7 percent increase in average framerates. For AMD cards, the gains were less significant, with only a 2.5 percent increase in 1% lows at 1080p and a 1.4 percent improvement at 1440p. However, Xbox Mode has limitations, including issues with multi-monitor setups where secondary displays are blanked out, preventing access to other applications while gaming.
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