Category: Gaming

  • New Co-op Roguelike Game on Steam: 30% Intro Discount!

    New Co-op Roguelike Game on Steam: 30% Intro Discount!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Success: Vellum officially released on May 2 after nearly a year in early access, receiving a 90% “Very Positive” rating on Steam from over 400 reviews.
    2. Unique Gameplay: The game features a distinctive theme focused on magical tomes and spells, with procedurally generated “Tales” and six spell classes called Signature Inks.
    3. Co-op Play: Players can enjoy the game solo or with up to three friends, combining abilities for chaotic gameplay, while also customizing their own “Reading Nook.”
    4. Affordable Pricing: Vellum is available for $13.99 during a launch promotion, offering a 30% discount until May 16.
    5. Minimum System Requirements: The game is accessible for mid-range systems, requiring only a GTX 960 or R9 280 and 4GB of RAM.

    After being in early access for almost a year, the co-op roguelike game themed around literature, Vellum, has finally been released and it’s quickly gaining traction on Steam. Created and published by Alvios Games, the game officially launched on May 2 and boasts a 90% “Very Positive” rating from more than 400 reviews at the moment of this writing.

    Unique Gameplay Experience

    The concept of the game is pretty unique. Rather than the usual dark or fantastical environments, Vellum immerses players in a realm full of magical tomes, spells driven by ink, and a storyline that progresses with each play. Each session is called a “Tale,” featuring procedurally generated elements centered around six distinct spell classes known as Signature Inks. Players can summon attacks using various items like dice, anvils, or even sewing needles, and modify their spellbook during the game with over 300 unique powers and enhancements. There is indeed a prestige system, though it has drawn a mix of opinions from gamers.

    Co-op and Customization Features

    You can engage in the game alone or team up with up to three friends, merging abilities in ways that can become quite chaotic once the right combinations are found. The artistic style of the game has been well-received, with players appreciating its vibrant and thematic visuals. A notable aspect is the customizable “Reading Nook,” which serves as a hub for players to decorate and get ready between their adventures—because even scribes require a little downtime.

    Vellum is available for $13.99 during its launch promotion, which offers a 30% discount. This deal is valid until May 16. The minimum specifications are quite accommodating, needing just a GTX 960 or R9 280 along with 4GB of RAM, making it suitable for mid-range systems.

    Is It Worth It?

    If you enjoy action roguelikes and are open to some unconventional mechanics in your game collection, this could be a fun option—especially while the launch discount is still going on.

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  • Popular Co-op Game with 170K+ Positive Reviews Now on Sale

    Popular Co-op Game with 170K+ Positive Reviews Now on Sale

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Recognition: It Takes Two won the prestigious Game of the Year award in 2021, showcasing its impact in the gaming industry.

    2. Unique Storyline: The game follows Cody and May, a couple whose failing relationship affects their daughter, leading to their transformation into tiny characters in a dangerous world.

    3. Cooperative Gameplay: Teamwork and coordination between players are essential for progress, with specific roles for each character that influence gameplay.

    4. Friend Pass Feature: Players can purchase only one copy of the game and still play with a friend using the Friend Pass, enhancing accessibility.

    5. Current Discount: It Takes Two is available at a 65% discount on Steam, making it an attractive purchase, despite limited replayability options.

    Back in 2021, Hazelight Studios made waves with their game It Takes Two. At first, the idea of a split-screen co-op game seemed odd, especially with how less popular this genre had become and how the industry was shifting towards online multiplayer. However, It Takes Two surprised everyone by winning the prestigious Game of the Year award. This success led Hazelight to create a sequel named Split Fiction, which has also received positive feedback.

    A Unique Storyline

    In It Takes Two, players choose to play as Cody or May, a couple whose relationship is falling apart. Their daughter, Rose, is impacted by the tension between them, though they don’t realize it. The storyline takes an unexpected turn when Cody and May are shrunk down to a tiny size, forcing them to survive in a dangerous world where anything can harm them.

    Cooperative Gameplay

    Cody and May each have specific roles that are crucial for progress in the game. Teamwork is essential, and without perfect coordination, you might find yourself facing funny mishaps that could either create good memories or strain your friendship. The game can also get pretty tough, so it’s best to team up with someone who shares a similar skill level.

    It Takes Two is currently available at a 65% discount on Steam. Although this isn’t the biggest price drop it has ever seen, it’s still a great deal. The game doesn’t offer much in terms of replayability, except for the chance to play as a character you might have missed. A fantastic feature is the Friend Pass, which allows you to only buy one copy of the game to play with a friend.

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  • Black Myth: Wukong’s Indian Adventure – First Gameplay Trailer Revealed

    Black Myth: Wukong’s Indian Adventure – First Gameplay Trailer Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tara Gaming Limited, founded in 2024, aims to establish India as a key player in top-tier game development with their debut title, The Age of Bhaarat.

    2. The Age of Bhaarat features an action-adventure gameplay where players protect their homeland from evil Rakshasas, utilizing traditional Indian weaponry and magical abilities.

    3. The game includes character customization, cooperative gameplay, and a vast world, enhanced by impressive graphics likely powered by Unreal Engine 5.

    4. The development team includes notable personalities like Amitabh Bachchan, Amish Tripathi, and ex-Ubisoft developer Nouredine Abboud, emphasizing a “Create in India” philosophy.

    5. Community reactions are mixed, with praise for visuals and ambition but criticism for combat mechanics and comparisons to Black Myth: Wukong, leading to concerns about originality. The game is expected to release in 2025 or 2026.

    Founded in 2024, Tara Gaming Limited is a fresh Indian AAA studio with big plans: to put India on the international stage of top-tier game development. Their first game, The Age of Bhaarat, is set to release soon, and an eye-catching announcement trailer has already been revealed. This action-adventure title features fierce battles, magical abilities, and a dark fantasy world, drawing immediate parallels to Black Myth: Wukong.

    The Gameplay Experience

    In The Age of Bhaarat, players will take on the role of a guardian of the forest from Anandpur, whose mission is to shield his homeland from the evil Rakshasas. The game uniquely combines traditional Indian weaponry, spiritual abilities, and a grappling hook mechanic to create a smooth and engaging combat system. The trailer highlights a polearm reminiscent of an Indian bhala, but detailed information regarding the full range of weapons is still under wraps. Additional features include character customization, cooperative gameplay, and an expansive world filled with ancient forests, treacherous mountains, and legendary locations – all brought to life with breathtaking graphics, likely powered by Unreal Engine 5.

    Talented Team Behind the Project

    The project boasts support from notable figures: Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan adds cultural weight, bestselling writer Amish Tripathi, famous for the Shiva Trilogy, provides the narrative backbone, and ex-Ubisoft developer Nouredine Abboud (known for works like Ghost Recon) oversees the technical aspects. Driven by a common vision, the team aims to make The Age of Bhaarat the first game from a studio built on the idea of “Create in India” – striving to deliver culturally embedded AAA games produced entirely in the country.

    Community Reactions

    The Age of Bhaarat has generated mixed opinions on Reddit, currently stirring up heated discussions. While some users commend the game’s visual design and ambitious nature, others express doubt. Detractors highlight “clunky” combat animations and a perceived lack of gameplay originality. The continuous stylistic comparisons to Black Myth: Wukong are often not very flattering, raising concerns that The Age of Bhaarat might end up being just a “reskin” instead of carving out its own unique identity.

    A specific release date for The Age of Bhaarat hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s anticipated to launch sometime in 2025 or 2026. In the meantime, players can already add the game to their wishlists on Steam, providing a way to track its progress and stay informed.

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  • Tactical Military Shooter on Sale for $3 – Grab It Now!

    Tactical Military Shooter on Sale for $3 – Grab It Now!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Structure: Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad with Rising Storm is a bundle that includes the main game and its expansion, with Rising Storm originally intended as DLC.

    2. Military Realism: The game prioritizes military authenticity and tactical gameplay, featuring realistic ballistics, no crosshairs, and a steep learning curve, emphasizing teamwork in multiplayer matches.

    3. Campaign and Setting: The campaign in Red Orchestra 2 offers a loose collection of bot battles with historical context but lacks a structured storyline. Rising Storm shifts focus to the Pacific Theater, showcasing iconic battles like Iwo Jima.

    4. Reception and Criticism: The game received praise for its realism and strategic gameplay, but criticism for its steep learning curve and lackluster single-player AI. Visuals are dated, and player counts can be low.

    5. Overall Reception and Pricing: Red Orchestra 2 has generally positive reviews, with varying scores across platforms. It is currently available at a significant discount on Steam, making it an attractive option for new players.

    Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad with Rising Storm is a package that consists of both the main title and its independent expansion. What started as downloadable content (DLC) for the game, Rising Storm, transformed into a complete expansion during its development process. If players buy Rising Storm by itself, they can access the multiplayer features of Red Orchestra 2, but with certain restrictions unless they unlock the full base game. While Red Orchestra 2 emphasizes intense, close-range combat on the Eastern Front, Rising Storm takes players to the jungles and beaches of the Pacific Theater.

    Military Realism and Tactical Gameplay

    RO 2 appeals to gamers who prioritize military authenticity and team strategy over arcade-style gameplay. It breaks away from standard shooter norms and focuses on real ballistics along with a steep learning curve. Elements like hit zones, blood loss effects, no crosshairs, no automatic healing, and a limited HUD create a rough and challenging war environment. The game is designed primarily for multiplayer experiences, featuring roles such as infantry, tank crews, and battlefield leaders engaged in 64-player matches where teamwork is vital. The standalone expansion, Rising Storm, adds an element of asymmetrical warfare. U.S. Marines possess greater firepower, while Japanese troops utilize guerrilla tactics, banzai charges, and concealed traps, adding a distinct and thrilling twist to each battle.

    Campaign and Setting

    The campaign in Red Orchestra 2 is more of an additional feature rather than a central focus. It doesn’t provide a structured storyline but instead offers a collection of loosely connected bot battles paired with short historical texts, which lack deep dramatic impact. Nevertheless, the game offers a detailed and realistic representation of the Battle of Stalingrad, one of WWII’s most fierce confrontations. This campaign content is only available in the complete version of RO 2. With Rising Storm, the attention turns to the Pacific Theater, allowing players to engage in key conflicts like the battles for Iwo Jima, Saipan, and Guadalcanal, vividly recreating the intense rivalry between the United States and the Empire of Japan during some of the war’s most iconic and fiercely contested battles.

    Reception and Criticism

    In its review, the German gaming magazine GameStar lauded Red Orchestra 2 for its exceptional realism. The reviewers emphasized the authentic weapon mechanics, realistic hit effects, and gameplay that heavily stresses strategic cooperation. They also praised the skillful map design and immersive audio, which collectively foster a gripping and intense wartime atmosphere.

    Nonetheless, RO 2 has its flaws. The challenging learning curve can be intimidating, particularly for new players, with harsh hit feedback and limited in-game help often causing early frustration. GameStar also pointed out the single-player mode’s lackluster AI. From a visual perspective, the game shows its age, and matchmaking can be slow depending on the time of day and player count. According to SteamDB, the shooter had a peak of only 333 concurrent players within a 24-hour period when researched, indicating a decline in its active player community.

    Overall Reception and Pricing

    Red Orchestra 2 garnered positive reviews from critics and gamers alike, though opinions slightly differ by platform. GameStar rated the game a robust 85 out of 100, highlighting its realism and tactical complexity. On Metacritic, critics assigned it a decent Metascore of 76, while users rated it slightly lower at 7.3. On Steam, the feedback is notably more favorable, with nearly 25,000 user reviews, and 93% recommending the title.

    Developed by Tripwire Interactive, Red Orchestra 2 was first launched in 2011, with the independent expansion Rising Storm released in 2013. The bundle Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad with Rising Storm usually retails for $30 on Steam. Currently, as part of the Steam Wargames Fest, the tactical shooter is available at a massive 90% discount – only $3 until May 5. According to SteamDB, this price was last recorded in early March, suggesting that such extensive discounts, while noteworthy, are not uncommon.

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  • GTA 6 Delayed to 2026: What This Means for Fans

    GTA 6 Delayed to 2026: What This Means for Fans

    Key Takeaways

    1. Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to launch on May 26, 2026.
    2. Rockstar Games acknowledged the disappointment of fans regarding the delay.
    3. The delay is intended to ensure the game meets high-quality standards.
    4. The company expressed gratitude for the community’s support and interest.
    5. The new release date eliminates uncertainty about when the game will be available.

    After much waiting and guessing, Rockstar Games has at last unveiled a trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI. Though no specific release date was given, many were hopeful that more information would come out this month. Unfortunately, fans were let down when Rockstar revealed that the launch of GTA 6 has been delayed. But there is a positive aspect to this news.

    GTA 6 Release Date Set for 2026

    The company announced on X (previously Twitter) that Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to launch on 26th May 2026. While lots of fans wished they could play the game sooner, this is the first time a definite release date has been shared. In their official message, Rockstar acknowledged the disappointment among fans, saying, “We are very sorry that this is later than you expected.”

    Acknowledging Fan Support

    The developers also thanked the community for their incredible interest and backing, describing it as “truly humbling.” They added, “With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations.” Staying true to Rockstar’s reputation, the team is focusing on delivering quality rather than rushing the game, ensuring it meets the high standards fans anticipate.

    Rockstar pointed out that the delay is essential to make sure that GTA 6 fulfills the immense expectations that have been set. While the postponement may be disappointing, the bright side is clear: we now have a confirmed release date, eliminating any uncertainty. The game is set to arrive in about a year, marking a six-month delay from earlier reports that suggested a November 2025 launch.

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  • CheckMag: Up to 85% Off EA Steam Sale on Top Games & Indies

    CheckMag: Up to 85% Off EA Steam Sale on Top Games & Indies

    Key Takeaways

    1. The EA publisher sale on Steam runs from May 1 to May 15, offering significant discounts on popular games.
    2. Star Wars Battlefront II is available for $7.99, reduced from $39.99, featuring ground and space battles in the Star Wars universe.
    3. Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is priced at $7.99 after a 60% discount, offering a unique narrative inspired by African Bantu traditions.
    4. Unravel and Unravel Two are both 75% off, with Unravel Two available for $4.99, focusing on cooperative puzzle-solving gameplay.
    5. Mass Effect Legendary Edition is on sale for $5.99, a 90% discount, remastering the beloved sci-fi RPG series.

    The EA publisher sale on Steam has begun, bringing significant discounts on numerous popular titles from the gaming powerhouse. While some EA games may not be immediate favorites, there are still impressive price reductions available. The sale runs from May 1 to May 15.

    Star Wars Battlefront II

    Star Wars Battlefront II, released in 2017, is a reboot of a legendary Star Wars shooter. It allows players to experience both ground and space battles across three different eras in the beloved universe. You can engage in solo play or dive into multiplayer with online PvP action. The game primarily follows Eden Versio, but players can also play as iconic characters like Luke Skywalker, Boba Fett, and Darth Vader, as well as newcomers like Kylo Ren, Rey, and Finn. Normally, the game is priced at $39.99, but during the Steam sale, you can snag it for just $7.99.

    Tales of Kenzera: ZAU

    Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is an indie title from EA, developed by Surgent Studios. The narrative centers around a young shaman mourning his father, who sets out to retrieve him from the afterlife. Inspired by African Bantu traditions, the game has even won a BAFTA for its storytelling.

    As for gameplay, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU combines action-adventure with metroidvania elements and hack-n-slash mechanics. Players explore a mythical world, honing their cosmic abilities to stop time, glide, and become a powerful shaman warrior. During the EA Steam sale, it is offered at a 60% discount, bringing the price down from $19.99 to $7.99—a great chance to dive into this unique tale.

    Unravel and Unravel Two

    Both Unravel and Unravel Two are currently available for a massive 75% off during the EA publisher sale on Steam. These games share a physics-based puzzle-platformer style. However, Unravel Two is made for cooperative play, whether online or local, making it an ideal choice for family gaming. In Unravel Two, you control two Yarnies, yarn-based characters, who get lost in a dark forest and must work together using their yarn to solve puzzles and navigate the environment. The game also reveals other characters and stories intertwined with your journey. Until May 15, Unravel Two can be purchased for $4.99.

    Mass Effect Legendary Edition

    Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a recent remaster of the entire Mass Effect series, which includes Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3, along with over 40 DLCs, all upgraded for 4K UHD. If you haven’t yet experienced Commander Shepard’s thrilling adventures, this sale offers a perfect chance.

    Renowned for shaping single-player RPG mechanics, Mass Effect features an intricate social system where your choices and dialogues genuinely impact the game. During the EA Steam publisher sale, you can experience this sci-fi epic for only $5.99, a whopping 90% off its standard price.

    Fe

    Fe is yet another hidden indie gem. This single-player action-adventure platformer immerses players in a mysterious Nordic forest, where you explore, solve puzzles, and discover the secrets of the enchanting landscape. The story follows Fe, a fox-like creature seeking to uncover the truth behind The Silent Ones, who pose a threat to their home.

    Fe can interact with other animals in the forest, guiding them through their challenges while acquiring new abilities from them. Its art style, vibrant colors, and distinctive character design are reminiscent of games like Limbo. Steam reviews highlight its unique visuals, tricky puzzles, and a captivating soundtrack that enhances both gameplay and narrative. During the EA Steam sale, Fe is available for $3.99, down from the regular price of $19.99.

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  • Square Enix Chrono Trigger Remake Leak at Naples Comicon

    Square Enix Chrono Trigger Remake Leak at Naples Comicon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Remakes and remasters are consuming significant time and resources for game developers, as seen with the Oblivion Remastered project.
    2. Yuji Horii, the original creator of Chrono Trigger, accidentally mentioned a potential remake during an interview, sparking excitement among fans.
    3. The original Chrono Trigger has had a lasting impact on gaming due to its unique art style and time-traveling gameplay.
    4. Square Enix is exploring various projects related to Chrono Trigger, hinting at a potential remake after celebrating its 30th Anniversary.
    5. The challenge lies in modernizing Chrono Trigger’s 2D art while preserving its original charm, with HD-2D style being a likely option.

    Remakes or remasters of classic games are taking up a lot of time and resources for game developers. For example, the Oblivion Remastered project has shown how tough it can be to keep information from leaking before an official release. Fans of the 1995 RPG, Chrono Trigger, have been eagerly asking for a remake. Recently, at the Naples Comicon, Yuji Horii, who wrote the original game, accidentally talked about a remake.

    A Slip of the Tongue

    In a translated interview, Horii mentioned a Chrono Trigger remake as if it was real. According to a Reddit user named df_tarocco_1, he quickly put his hand over his mouth as if to say he shouldn’t have revealed that. When the translator asked him to say it again, the creator of Dragon Quest said, “You have heard nothing.” Even though he tried to cover it up, many people in the audience saw what happened. At first, some doubted the story, but several attendees shared the same version of events on social media and Reddit. Additionally, IGN Italy has released a new article discussing the ongoing development of a Chrono Trigger remake.

    The Impact of the Original

    The original game for Super Nintendo left a huge mark on the gaming world with its distinct art style and time-traveling gameplay. The team behind its creation was incredibly talented. Yuji Horii worked alongside Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the Final Fantasy series, and the renowned designer Akira Toriyama.

    Recently, Square Enix celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Chrono Trigger. The company promised to work on several projects related to what many gamers see as an RPG classic. After the successful launch of Dragon Quest III HD-2D, it appears that Square Enix might have planned to do the same with another title. However, whispers of a Chrono Trigger remake started circulating in February 2024, when Game Director Yoshinori Kitase hinted at a new version during a podcast.

    Modernizing a Classic

    The difficulty for Square Enix is how to update the 2D art of Chrono Trigger while keeping its original charm intact. Kitase asked fans whether they would prefer a remake, remaster, or a simple port. The HD-2D style seems to be the most probable route, where the 2D pixel art is combined with 3D backgrounds.

    In the Chrono Trigger Fanclub subreddit, My Nintendo News, and IGN Italy, discussions are buzzing about the potential for this remake.

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    Square Enix Chrono Trigger Remake Leak at Naples Comicon

     

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  • Yotei PS5 Price Hike in Brazil May Raise First-Party Game Costs

    Yotei PS5 Price Hike in Brazil May Raise First-Party Game Costs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Price Increase in Brazil: The pre-order price for the Ghost of Yotei Standard Edition in Brazil has risen from R$349,90 to R$399,90, causing concern among gamers.

    2. Concerns Over Uniform Pricing: Sony appears to be moving towards uniform pricing across regions, which could lead to higher prices for PS5 games globally.

    3. Impact on Brazilian Gamers: The rising costs make gaming less accessible in Brazil, where the average salary is lower compared to the US and Europe.

    4. Shift Towards Digital Gaming: As physical game discs become less common, Brazilian gamers may need to seek deals or rely on second-hand copies.

    5. Global Trend of Higher Game Prices: The trend of $80 games is growing, with other companies like Nintendo and Microsoft also increasing their prices for first-party titles.

    Gamers have just found out the pre-order prices for the Ghost of Yotei Standard, Digital Deluxe, and Collector’s Edition. Most fans around the world weren’t caught off guard by these figures, except for those in Brazil. The PlayStation Blog had earlier stated that the Standard Edition would be priced at R$349,90, but it’s now R$399,90. When converted from Brazilian real, this new price is about 70 US dollars. This has raised worries that the cost of PS5 games might rise in other areas too.

    Rising Prices for Upcoming Titles

    Another upcoming first-party PS5 game, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is also seeing a price hike. It seems like Sony could be moving away from regional pricing, aiming for uniform costs across different nations. However, this change doesn’t offer much reassurance to gamers in Brazil. The average salary in the country is significantly lower compared to the US or many European nations. With the increasing prices of PS5 games, gaming is becoming less accessible to Brazil’s large population of over 211 million.

    Brazil’s Unique Position

    Up until now, Brazil has managed to avoid the recent price hikes on PS5 consoles that have hit Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. However, PlayStation Plus subscriptions are pricier throughout Latin America. Following Xbox’s decision to raise the MSRP for its consoles and first-party titles, Sony might take similar actions in more regions.

    Some retailers in Brazil are providing coupons for the physical version of Ghost of Yotei. Nevertheless, as digital gaming becomes more prevalent, physical discs are becoming less common. For the time being, Brazilian gamers might need to search for deals or wait for second-hand copies of the Ghost of Tsushima sequel to pop up.

    The Global Shift Towards Higher Prices

    The reality of $80 games is becoming a global trend. Nintendo has already established this with its $80 Mario Kart World title. Microsoft has also recently announced that its first-party games will be priced higher. It’s likely that PS5 games and consoles won’t stay free from tariffs and shifting economic circumstances for much longer.

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    Yotei PS5 Price Hike in Brazil May Raise First-Party Game CostsYotei PS5 Price Hike in Brazil May Raise First-Party Game Costs
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  • Intel Launches Free Game with Spring Bundle: Dying Light Deal

    Intel Launches Free Game with Spring Bundle: Dying Light Deal

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel is partnering with Techland to offer a new game bundle, excluding Civilization 7, which adds value for gamers and content creators.
    2. The bundle is valued at $160, but the price for Dying Light: The Beast is not yet set and is not available on major PC platforms.
    3. Collaboration with Techland includes optimizing the game for Intel’s x86 platform and supporting GPU-specific features like XeSS 2 technologies.
    4. Intel aims to attract gamers by providing better value, including performance-boosting chipset driver updates and price cuts on its 14th generation Intel Core CPUs.
    5. The bundle is available at selected retailers until July 31, 2025, covering a range of Intel’s 14th generation CPU options.

    Intel is teaming up with the developer Techland, known for Dying Light, to provide a new game bundle that keeps Civilization 7 from its earlier package. This collaboration also brings great value for streamers and content creators, featuring extended trials for software like Canvid, VEGAS Pro 365, and XSplit Premium Suite.

    Bundle Pricing and Value

    Intel lists the bundle’s value at $160 but hasn’t set a price for Dying Light: The Beast, which is still not available on major PC gaming platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. This suggests that Intel might be offering even more value to gamers and users than before.

    Collaboration with Techland

    Part of Intel’s partnership involves close work with the developers to make sure the game is optimized for its x86 platform. They are also supporting their GPU-specific XeSS 2 features, which include XeSS Super Resolution (XeSS-SR), XeSS Frame Generation (XeSS-FG), and Xe Low Latency (XeLL). These technologies compete with Nvidia’s DLSS, Frame Generation, and Reflex, along with AMD’s Radeon anti-lag and FSR alternatives. However, adoption rates by developers remain lower, even with Intel’s Battlemage CPU series making a mark in the growing mid-range and entry-level GPU market by 2025.

    Intel’s Strategy for Gamers

    It’s no secret that Intel faces challenges in attracting gamers with its current and past generation Intel Core Series CPUs, especially compared to AMD’s specialized X3D CPUs. Nonetheless, Intel is making strides in a different area: providing better value for its users. This includes updates to its chipset drivers that can reportedly boost performance by up to 10%, along with significant price cuts on its 14th generation Intel Core series CPUs aimed at gamers and productivity users.

    Availability of the Bundle

    The bundle is currently available at select retailers, such as Newegg and Best Buy in the US, and it spans a wide range of CPU options. This includes Intel’s entry-level 14th generation Core i5 CPUs up to its high-end Core Ultra 9 Series 2 offerings, as well as laptop chips from the same generation.

    Note: This offer is live now and will continue until July 31, 2025, giving users about three months to take advantage of one of Intel’s more aggressive CPU bundles recently.

    What’s Coming Next

    Intel and Techland are collaborating on Dying Light: The Beast, which is the latest in the Dying Light series. As the exclusive CPU partner, Intel has been working closely with Techland to enhance the Dying Light: The Beast experience for PC gamers in anticipation of the game’s release this summer.

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  • Valve Adds Experimental Arm Support to SteamOS in Runtime Update

    Valve Adds Experimental Arm Support to SteamOS in Runtime Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve is actively working on adding Arm support to SteamOS, confirmed by recent code in the SteamOS GitLab repository.
    2. An experimental version of the Steam Runtime for the 64-bit arm64 architecture is being developed, but it does not support 32-bit ARM binaries.
    3. Arm support in SteamOS may be aimed at the upcoming Valve Deckard VR headset and could also benefit devices like Snapdragon-based Windows on Arm gadgets.
    4. Valve is testing arm64 compatibility with various games, indicating a push to expand SteamOS compatibility beyond x86 devices.
    5. Valve may adopt strategies similar to Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit to enhance compatibility for Arm hardware.

    We have shared multiple times that Valve appears to be working on adding Arm support to its SteamOS, which is based on Linux. Recently, actual code has been discovered in the SteamOS GitLab repository that confirms this development.

    Latest Discoveries

    According to a post by SadleyItsBradley on X, the newest code commit for Steam Runtime discusses an experimental version designed for the 64-bit arm64 architecture. This shows that Valve is gradually allocating developer resources to enhance SteamOS with Arm support, even though the project is still in its early stages.

    Specifications and Limitations

    There is an experimental version of the runtime specifically for `arm64` (64-bit ARM, or `aarch64`). However, it’s important to note that this does not include support for a secondary architecture, meaning that 32-bit ARM binaries won’t be compatible.

    Future Possibilities

    Earlier predictions suggested that the introduction of Arm support in SteamOS was aimed at the upcoming Valve Deckard standalone VR headset. However, supporting Arm would also open the door for devices like the Snapdragon-based Windows on Arm gadgets, such as the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, which is currently priced at $799.99 at Best Buy. Another theory in circulation is that Valve may be exploring Arm support for a future Nvidia-based Steam Deck 2.

    It’s well-known that Apple leveraged Wine, the open-source foundation for Steam’s Proton compatibility layer for Linux, to create its Game Porting Toolkit. This toolkit allows Windows games to run on macOS devices powered by Apple silicon. Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising if Valve pursued a similar approach for Arm hardware as they continue to develop their experimental Arm64 support.

    Expanding Compatibility

    Valve has also been observed testing arm64 compatibility with various games, including several non-VR titles. When you combine all the evidence, it seems clear that Valve’s goal is to broaden the range of hardware that can run SteamOS, incorporating Arm devices along with the existing x86 options.

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