Tag: PC gaming

  • Sony Removes Region Lock for Stellar Blade on Steam and Epic

    Sony Removes Region Lock for Stellar Blade on Steam and Epic

    Key Takeaways

    1. Stellar Blade’s PC demo lifted region locks, allowing more customers to pre-order the game on Steam and Epic Games Store.
    2. The demo, available in 250 regions, surprised gamers with its announcement after a year of PlayStation exclusivity.
    3. Sony faced backlash for requiring PSN accounts for previous PC titles but reversed the decision; however, region locks remain for some countries.
    4. The demo allows players to experience the game’s beginning and progress carries over to the full release on June 11th.
    5. Positive feedback on gameplay performance and manageable PC specifications is expected to boost sales and player engagement.

    PlayStation’s PC game ports frequently face issues with region restrictions and PSN account limitations, which can be very annoying for players. While titles like Ghost of Tsushima and Helldivers 2 are still inaccessible in certain countries, Stellar Blade is breaking this trend. With the arrival of the Stellar Blade PC demo on May 30th, the region lock was lifted. Now, a greater number of customers can pre-order the game on Valve’s marketplace as well as the Epic Games Store.

    A Surprising Announcement

    After one year of being exclusive to PlayStation, gamers were already aware that the Stellar Blade PC version would launch on June 11th. Yet, the announcement of a demo via the game’s official X account came as a surprise. In that same post, it was revealed that the demo would be available in 250 regions. However, when the pre-orders opened weeks prior, many players found it impossible to purchase the game from over 100 countries.

    Controversies and Solutions

    Sony stirred up some trouble when they required users to sign in with PSN accounts for earlier Steam and Epic Games Store titles. Although they later reversed this decision, the region locks remained in effect in many areas where PSN isn’t available. The developers of Stellar Blade have vowed to look into this matter, and it seems they have discovered a workaround. Nonetheless, players from countries like Russia and Syria are still left out.

    Exploring the Demo

    The Stellar Blade demo gives players a taste of the game’s beginning, including an intense boss battle. In roughly 40 minutes, players can traverse a post-apocalyptic setting and even challenge another boss. Any progress made during the demo will carry over to the full game when it releases on June 11th.

    Early feedback from desktop gamers about the title developed by Shift Up is quite encouraging. The PC specifications for Stellar Blade are quite manageable, and users are reporting smooth gameplay on a variety of systems. The absence of region locks and the need for PSN account logins is likely to enhance its sales and increase the player base on Steam.

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  • Stellar Blade PC Launch in June: New Boss, Outfits, and More!

    Stellar Blade PC Launch in June: New Boss, Outfits, and More!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Stellar Blade is set to launch on PC on June 11, 2025, alongside a Complete Edition for PC and PS5, according to a leaked trailer.
    2. The PC version will feature enhancements like unlocked framerates, higher-resolution textures, ultrawide display support, and native support for NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3.
    3. New content for the PC edition includes a new boss battle against Mann and 25 additional costumes for the main character, Eve.
    4. A mysterious cutscene in the trailer suggests possible alternative endings or future DLC, though it’s unclear if these will come to the PS5 version.
    5. The PS5 version sold over 1 million copies in two months, leading to speculation about a sequel due to its success.

    SHIFT UP’s popular action RPG, Stellar Blade, seems set to launch on PC on June 11, 2025, alongside a new Complete Edition for both PC and PlayStation 5. Although Sony and SHIFT UP haven’t officially confirmed this, the details surfaced from a leaked trailer that briefly appeared on the official PlayStation YouTube channel before it was taken down. Users on Reddit managed to capture and share the trailer, confirming essential release information ahead of time.

    Exciting Enhancements for PC

    Originally released on PS5 in April 2024, Stellar Blade quickly became known for its breathtaking combat and post-apocalyptic world. The upcoming PC version will improve the experience with features like unlocked framerates, higher-resolution textures for environments, and ultrawide display support ranging from 5:4 to 32:9. It will also have native support for NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3, along with Japanese and Chinese voiceover options. Furthermore, players can expect full DualSense controller support that includes haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

    New Features Unveiled

    The trailer that Sony deleted also hinted at some exciting new content. The PC edition will feature a completely new boss battle against Mann, the Leader of the Sentinels, plus 25 additional costumes for the main character, Eve. Fans have also spotted a mysterious cutscene at the end of the trailer, leading to theories about an alternative ending or potential DLC. SHIFT UP has not confirmed whether these new features will be available for the PS5 version, but a patch is anticipated in the future.

    What’s Included in the Complete Edition

    SHIFT UP has revealed that the PS5 version sold over 1 million copies in just two months, earning $43 million in royalties. The developer is optimistic that the PC version will exceed these figures and is reportedly contemplating a sequel due to the game’s impressive success.

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  • Nvidia Boosts RTX 50 Supply: Great News for Gamers

    Nvidia Boosts RTX 50 Supply: Great News for Gamers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Current challenges for PC gamers include tariffs, overheating power cables, and stock shortages.
    2. Nvidia is facing criticism for promoting the 8 GB VRAM RTX 5060 Ti, which has not been well received.
    3. Nvidia has reportedly increased the supply of RTX 50 GPUs significantly, with retailers receiving much larger shipments.
    4. The RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB model was not included in the latest supply, possibly due to its poor reception.
    5. There is hope for improved availability and potentially lower prices of GPUs if the restocks continue in the future.

    It’s not an ideal moment to be a PC gaming enthusiast. With tariffs, overheating power cables, and serious stock shortages, fans have been struggling to stay optimistic this year. To make matters worse, Nvidia is trying to push an 8 GB VRAM RTX 5060 Ti 2025 on gamers, adding to the frustration.

    Is There Hope for PC Gaming?

    So, could PC gaming regain its former excitement like it had before 2020? While we can’t definitively answer that, we do have some news that might provide a glimmer of hope for gamers feeling down.

    The news comes from a source known as Moore’s Law Is Dead. According to this leaker, who claims to have information from “Major Online Retailer” sources, Nvidia has dramatically upped the supply of RTX 50 GPUs. Allegedly, on April 18, 2025, the retailer received “about 10x as many Blackwell cards as usual.” The restocked GPUs included the RTX 5070, RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB, and some RTX 5080 models. However, no RTX 5090s were delivered, leaving those GPUs still quite rare.

    Nvidia’s Supply Strategy

    Curiously, it seems that Nvidia didn’t send any RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB GPUs to this retailer. Given the poor reception of this particular GPU, it makes sense for Nvidia to hold back on its supply. It’s possible that they might have redirected the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB stock to system integrators who can sell it more easily as part of pre-built systems, although that’s just a guess.

    Moving along, MLID indicates that this RTX 50 restock isn’t just a one-off for a single retailer. Another source from a different retailer mentioned receiving a “couple hundred” RTX 50 GPUs, while they typically only get around 10-30 at a time. Furthermore, a separate branch of the retailer is said to have received over a hundred cards.

    Future Prospects for Gamers

    In simpler terms, Nvidia appears to have significantly boosted the supply of the RTX 50 Blackwell cards to various retailers. It’s uncertain whether this is a one-time event or if retailers will keep getting substantial restocks in the future. We’re hopeful for the latter, as it could help meet demand and potentially reduce the overall prices of current-generation GPUs.

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    Nvidia Boosts RTX 50 Supply: Great News for GamersNvidia Boosts RTX 50 Supply: Great News for Gamers
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  • Denuvo’s Impact: How DRM Boosts Early Game Revenue by 20%

    Denuvo’s Impact: How DRM Boosts Early Game Revenue by 20%

    A recent research done by William M. Volckmann II at the University of North Carolina shows the financial impact that Denuvo DRM cracks can have on revenue from PC games. The study, named "The Revenue Effects of Denuvo Digital Rights Management on PC Video Games," discovered that piracy can lead to an average total revenue drop of 20 percent when Denuvo gets cracked shortly after a game’s launch.

    Importance of Protecting Game Releases

    This highlights how crucial it is for game publishers to safeguard their titles during those vital first weeks following release. To counteract possible revenue losses, companies might enhance their protections by combining Denuvo with other DRM technologies. However, gamers frequently express concerns regarding the potential performance problems and lack of optimization that can arise.

    Long-Term Use of Denuvo

    Interestingly, the study indicates that there isn’t much benefit in utilizing Denuvo for a long time, particularly past three months. Volckmann discovered that when a game was cracked after week 12 or when publishers removed Denuvo after this initial stage, there was virtually no total revenue loss on average. He advises publishers to abandon DRM after this period, recognizing that gamers are sensitive to the "negative technical side effects" associated with Denuvo.

    Short-Term Strategy for Game Publishers

    While publishers may be lured by Denuvo’s capacity to preserve up to 20 percent of revenue in the first 12 weeks—minus the costs of the DRM service—the study did not reveal any dependable way to forecast how long the protection will actually last. Volckmann pointed out that the features of a game don’t effectively predict its likelihood of being cracked, as long as cracking groups show interest.

    The results imply that publishers might gain from short-term Denuvo contracts, cutting costs by removing the DRM after those initial 12 weeks. In contrast, longer DRM agreements appear to be a less efficient investment.

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  • Sony’s God of War Ragnarök Criticized for PSN Account Reset

    Sony’s God of War Ragnarök Criticized for PSN Account Reset

    After the God of War series was rebooted, it made its debut on PC in 2022, which raised excitement among fans for the PC version of God of War Ragnarök. Since September 19, PC players have been able to dive into the ongoing adventures of Kratos and Atreus as they face gods and monsters to avert the coming Ragnarök. This action RPG features a tactical combat system, intricate puzzles, and a rich narrative. However, the initial excitement has quickly turned sour.

    Mixed Reviews and Criticism

    Despite the well-received story and engaging gameplay, Ragnarök is facing significant backlash. Out of approximately 2,600 reviews on Steam, only 67 percent are positive. In contrast, the previous game (God of War 2018) boasts an "extremely positive" rating with 96 percent positive feedback from over 90,000 reviews. The primary criticism from players revolves around the need to create a PlayStation Network account for what is essentially a single-player experience. Many users on Reddit express their frustration, questioning the necessity of an online account for a game that lacks any online features. Additionally, there are concerns regarding security.

    Previous Trends and Future Prospects

    This requirement is not new for PlayStation. Games like Ghost of Tsushima and Helldivers 2 also forced PC players to create a PSN account. However, Sony recently reversed this policy with Helldivers 2, eliminating the account requirement. It remains uncertain whether a similar change will be made for God of War Ragnarök in light of the negative feedback. For now, Sony appears to be sticking with its current policy. However, with player numbers possibly falling short of expectations, there may be pressure on Sony to reconsider. According to Steam DB, Ragnarök has peaked at around 25,000 players, while its predecessor had peaks reaching 73,000 players.

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  • Epic Games Spring Sale Dates Revealed: March 14th!

    Epic Games Spring Sale Dates Revealed: March 14th!

    Epic Games Store is preparing for its upcoming spring sale, promising enticing discounts and free game offerings. The leaked information suggests that the sale will commence on March 14th and extend for a fortnight, showcasing price cuts across a diverse range of games.

    Exciting Deals Await

    Speculations hint at substantial markdowns, with some major titles anticipated to be discounted by up to 80%. For instance, EA Sports FC 24 is rumored to be available at a remarkable 80% off, priced at $13.99. Other noteworthy deals include Skull and Bones at $44.99 (25% discount) and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown at $29.99 (40% off). Further details on discounted games are expected to be disclosed closer to the official announcement of the sale.

    Free Games Galore

    In the interim, Epic Games Store is engaging players with its ongoing weekly free game giveaways. From March 14th to 21st, players can secure the action-adventure Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and the logic puzzle game The Bridge at no cost. These offerings will replace Astro Duel 2, which is currently available for claiming until March 14th.

    The Epic Games Store, a dominant player in the PC gaming realm, boasts a substantial user base, with over 270 million customers and 75 million monthly active users by December 2023. The platform's strategy of providing free games has been successful, with users claiming nearly 586 million complimentary titles in 2023 (slightly lower than the 700 million in 2022).

    Continuing Attraction

    With the forthcoming spring sale and its ongoing free game initiatives, Epic Games Store is poised to retain its appeal among PC gamers seeking exceptional deals and thrilling new gaming experiences to delve into.

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  • Latest Steam Update Allows PC Gamers to Discover Supported Titles with PlayStation Controllers

    Latest Steam Update Allows PC Gamers to Discover Supported Titles with PlayStation Controllers

    Steam update brings good news for PlayStation controllers

    In a recent update, Valve Corporation’s video game digital distribution platform, Steam, has made a significant change that will please PlayStation owners. The update allows gamers with PlayStation’s DualSense and DualShock controllers to easily find and play games that fully support these controllers on their PC. This update not only improves accessibility but also introduces changes in navigating the platform.

    Improved Controller Support and Navigation

    With this update, Steam has introduced a dedicated Controller-Hub page that enables users to search for games based on the type of controller they have, including Xbox, DualSense, DualShock, or all of them. This feature makes it easier for gamers to discover titles that are compatible with their preferred controller. Additionally, the search function has also been updated to include these controller filters, making it more convenient to find games.

    Furthermore, the library page now allows users to filter their own game collection based on the controllers they support. This makes it effortless for gamers to organize and access their games according to their controller preferences. Valve has also made changes to the store pages for each title, providing information about which controllers are compatible with the game. It also indicates whether the game has full or partial controller support.

    Understanding Controller Support

    Steam also clarifies the concept of full and partial controller support. Full controller support means that the game allows players to perform all common actions and interactions that are typically expected from a controller. On the other hand, partial controller support may display incorrect button icons, but it still allows players to use the controller for gameplay.

    Enhancing the Gaming Experience

    This latest update from Steam is a welcome change for PC gamers who prefer using PlayStation controllers. It not only makes it easier to find games that are compatible with these controllers but also provides a more seamless and enjoyable gaming experience. By expanding controller support, Steam aims to help gamers discover and enjoy a wider range of titles that support PlayStation’s controllers.

    With the growing popularity of gaming on PC with a controller, this update comes at the right time, catering to the increasing number of players who prefer PlayStation controllers. Whether it’s exploring vast open worlds, engaging in intense multiplayer battles, or immersing oneself in captivating story-driven experiences, Steam’s updated controller support ensures that PC gamers can now fully utilize their PlayStation controllers for an enhanced gaming experience.

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