Valve Archives

Winsage

December 27, 2024

How to create your own bootable Windows 11 SSD for the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck operates on Linux, which limits access to certain games and services that require Windows, such as PC Game Pass titles and multiplayer games with anti-cheat software. Users can integrate Windows 11 into their Steam Deck by creating a portable version on a USB-C SSD. Recommended SSD options include the Crucial X6 2 TB SSD or a Genki SavePoint SSD enclosure for M.2 2230-size SSDs. To download Windows 11, users should visit Microsoft's website and select the appropriate ISO file. Creating a bootable drive involves using Rufus to set up the SSD with Windows 11. After downloading Valve's official drivers for the Steam Deck, users can boot into Windows by connecting the SSD and selecting it from the drive selector screen. Adjustments may be needed for display settings, and installing the Steam Deck drivers is recommended for optimal functionality. Once set up, users can access a wider range of PC gaming experiences, including the Xbox app for PC Game Pass titles.

AppWizard

December 25, 2024

If 2024 proves anything, it’s that mainstream success hasn’t made PC gaming any less weird—and thank God for that

PC gaming has transitioned from a niche hobby to a significant competitor against consoles, highlighted by the success of titles like Baldur's Gate 3. The Steam wishlist charts showcase a diverse range of games, including janky survival games, indie debuts, and obscure titles that gain unexpected popularity. Notable games this year include a survival game with 25 million players, a poker roguelike, and Stalker 2. Discussions around Game of the Year awards featured unconventional games, reflecting the eclectic nature of PC gaming. Despite the rise of console-first releases on PC, the platform continues to embrace a variety of genres and interests, maintaining its unique identity and charm.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Review: The Steam Deck OLED changed how i play PC games

The Steam Deck OLED is an upgraded version of the original Steam Deck, featuring a superior OLED screen with enhanced brightness and quality, despite a resolution of 720p. It supports a wide range of Steam Deck Verified games, providing a seamless gaming experience with minimal restrictions, although some modern titles may experience slight performance issues. The device allows for gaming in various settings, making it convenient for users to access a vast library of PC games. The hardware includes robust analog sticks and an improved cooling system that operates quietly during intense gaming sessions. However, battery life can be limited, especially with demanding games, offering only a couple of hours of playtime, which is less than competitors like the Nintendo Switch OLED. Recharging is facilitated by a USB-C port, allowing for the use of portable power banks.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Steam’s Best of the Year highlights the top-selling and most-played games of 2024

Steam's annual Best of The Year feature for 2024 showcases top-selling games organized into categories: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The Platinum category includes standout releases such as Space Marine 2, Helldivers 2, Black Myth: Wukong, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Elden Ring, and Baldur's Gate 3. Free-to-play titles like Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, and Destiny 2 also contribute to this group. Cyberpunk 2077 has made a comeback in the Gold category with a Very Positive rating. The Silver group features Dragon's Dogma 2, Diablo IV, and Stalker 2, which sold a million units within two days of its launch. The Bronze category includes budget-friendly titles like Balatro, Silent Hill 2, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and No Man's Sky. Every game from last year's Platinum category is present in 2024, except for Starfield. Steam tracks peak concurrent players, with titles like Black Myth, Elden Ring, and Path of Exile 2 reaching 450,000 or more players. Popular Steam Deck games include Balatro, Dave the Diver, and Hades, while new releases like Manor Lords and Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero are in the Platinum section.

BetaBeacon

December 23, 2024

Here’s how much Switch and Steam Deck you played this year

Handheld gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck allow users to easily lose track of time while playing. Steam Replay and Nintendo Switch Year in Review are features that track game time, most played games, and other statistics for handheld gamers. Some users are unable to access the Nintendo Switch Year in Review, and Xbox and PlayStation also have similar year-end features.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

The year’s Steam Replay reveals 85% of Steam users in 2024 spent time playing games released in 2023 or earlier

Only 15 percent of Steam users dedicated time to new releases in 2024, according to Steam Replay 2024. On average, players achieved around 13 accomplishments and engaged with four games throughout the year, with a median longest play streak of six days. A class action lawsuit has been filed against Steam, initially by Wolfire Studios and Dark Catt Studios, now including any developers or individuals who accepted Steam's 30 percent cut on purchases since January 28, 2017, with a motion for class certification recently approved.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

Valve changed gaming forever with a single app

Valve's Steam was launched on September 12, 2003, as a digital game distribution platform, initially intended to distribute updates for games like Half-Life 2. It evolved from a patching service to a comprehensive storefront, allowing players to buy, download, install, and launch PC games quickly. Steam's requirement for internet access and authentication for Half-Life 2 marked a significant shift in the gaming landscape. The platform faced challenges, including the problematic Steam Greenlight program, which was replaced due to an overwhelming number of submissions. Despite competition from other platforms, Steam has maintained its market dominance, raising questions about digital ownership. Users appreciate Steam for its sales, functionality, and user-friendly interface, making it a preferred choice for many gamers.

AppWizard

December 22, 2024

6 reasons I’m excited for the future of PC gaming

PC gaming has experienced a surge in popularity, with both established studios and indie developers producing exceptional titles. Linux gaming has improved significantly, particularly with Valve's Proton compatibility layer allowing Windows games to run on Linux without requiring ports. Handheld devices like the Steam Deck have transformed gaming by enabling play on the go. The distinction between PC and console gaming is diminishing, with more console titles being ported to PC and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass providing access to console games on PCs. Display technology has evolved, offering monitors with vibrant colors and high refresh rates, enhancing the gaming experience. Apple Silicon has made Macs more viable for gaming, allowing demanding games to run smoothly, although more game ports are needed. There is a growing focus on accessibility in gaming, with studios prioritizing features for inclusivity. Despite concerns about rising graphics card prices, the PC gaming platform remains strong, supported by millions of users on platforms like Steam and Epic Games.

AppWizard

December 22, 2024

Will ‘Civ 7’ Run On Steam Deck And Linux?

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII will have a native Linux version with the following minimum PC requirements for 1080p at 30 frames per second on low graphics settings: - OS: Ubuntu 22.04 - Processor: Intel i5-4690 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200 - Memory: 8 GB RAM - Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580 - Storage: 25 GB available space The Windows version has a minimum requirement of an Nvidia GTX 1050, while the Linux version requires a GTX 1060. The Steam Deck's GPUs (GTX 1050Ti or AMD Radeon RX 570) are slightly below the Linux minimum requirements, but the lower resolution of 1280x800 suggests Civ 7 may run well on the device. Users should run Ubuntu 22.04 or higher, but other modern Linux distributions with a contemporary kernel may also suffice. Civilization VII is scheduled for release on February 11, 2025.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Predicting the (actually very exciting) future of Xbox hardware

A game analyst predicts that the high-end console market may not support both PlayStation and Xbox, suggesting a possible exit for Xbox. However, the relevance of console exclusives is diminishing as PlayStation expands to platforms like Steam, and Valve allows manufacturers to create consoles based on its operating system. Xbox is likely to increase its device variety, with Microsoft appointing Roanne Sones to lead its hardware ecosystem. Under her leadership, Xbox is expanding beyond traditional consoles, showcasing devices like the ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming PC and mobile controllers. The upcoming CES 2025 will feature discussions on enhancing Windows for gaming handhelds. Both Xbox and PlayStation rely on x86 AMD architecture, and the industry is exploring monetization strategies amid rising costs and stagnant user growth. Microsoft aims to align Xbox more closely with Windows for easier game deployment and potential integration of third-party stores. There is speculation about eliminating the paywall for premium multiplayer gaming in the next generation. Successful execution of this vision is uncertain, as Microsoft must navigate regional marketing and distribution complexities while ensuring a smooth gaming experience and backward compatibility.