Vishal Kamal has been covering video games for 7 years, writing about everything from hardware deals and new releases to esports and the business
side of the industry. He runs TheBadGamer, focused on gaming news worth your time.
The Steam Machines' "Red Line of Death" is not as ominous as its name suggests. Instead, this feature serves as a helpful performance indicator for gamers, providing clear feedback on system limits. For Steam Machine users, this line is more about optimization insights than a cause for alarm.
Diablo 4's latest update has introduced significant changes to its Mythic Items, but the new system is facing heavy criticism from the game's community. Many fans express disappointment and frustration over the alterations, citing concerns over balance and gameplay impact. The backlash raises questions about Blizzard's design decisions for the Action RPG.
State of Decay 3, in development for seven years since its 2020 announcement, may not launch on Xbox Game Pass due to Undead Labs' impending transition to new ownership. This development follows Microsoft's layoffs affecting 3,200 staff and the studio's exit from Xbox's control. Fans awaiting the game since its announcement in August 2020 may need to consider alternative access methods.
In the wake of Microsoft's recent layoffs, the company has confirmed that several unannounced Xbox games are among the casualties. These undisclosed titles will not see the light of day as a result of the restructuring. The move underscores the broader impact of the layoffs on Xbox's future portfolio.
Xbox's new CEO has made a startling admission regarding the performance of Game Pass, acknowledging the subscription service's financial struggles. Despite its popularity, Game Pass has yet to yield the anticipated profits, prompting a reevaluation of Xbox's business strategy. This development may impact future game releases and the service's overall direction.
Microsoft's latest round of layoffs includes spinning off Double Fine Productions, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs from Xbox, with Arkane Lyon exploring strategic options. The affected studios will retain or receive support for their IP and in-development games. This move is part of Xbox's "most significant restructure" in its history, impacting approximately 3,200 employees.
The developers behind State of Decay and Hellblade, Sucker Punch Productions and Ninja Theory, are being sold by their parent company, Sony, amidst a broader restructuring effort. The sale, announced unexpectedly, has left the gaming community speculating about the future of these beloved franchises. Despite the uncertainty, fans can take solace in the fact that both studios will continue working on their respective projects uninterrupted.
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring, including layoffs and studio closures, impacting several of its development teams. The move affects upcoming titles and signals a shift in the company's gaming strategy. Details on affected studios and projects have been disclosed.
Paddle Paddle Paddle, a praised Steam game, faces a 21% refund rate despite its 90% Very Positive reviews, prompting developer Zoroarts to urge a change in Steam's refund policy. The game's short playtime of ~4 hours is cited as the primary reason for refunds, sparking debate on the policy's impact on smaller experiences. Zoroarts argues the policy punishes developers of shorter games.
Valve's latest SteamOS update, version 3.8.14, significantly improves WiFi download speeds by fixing an issue with routers advertising incorrect MCS requirements. Available now for non-Valve machines and in beta for Steam Deck owners, this update promises smoother downloads. The public Steam Deck release is expected within days.
