Forza Horizon 6's unencrypted game files were briefly available on Steam, leading to early downloads and cracked versions. Pirates, including a content creator who shared gameplay, face severe penalties, including a 69,895,509-hour ban until December 31, 9999. Microsoft's history of banning pirates, such as the 2009 console modification crackdown and permanent bans for Gears of War Remake leakers, suggests a zero-tolerance policy.
Forza Horizon 6, despite not being released, has topped Steam's revenue charts since early April with over 500,000 pre-orders as of April 15. This success highlights its position as potentially the only multi-platform racing series that garners widespread attention. Unlike other recent racing games, Forza Horizon 6's pre-order numbers surpass the launch week performances of titles like F1 25, Tokyo Xtreme Racer, and Assetto Corsa Evo.
Darkest Dungeon's studio, Red Hook, has decided against using AI to replicate the voice of late narrator Wayne June, despite his pre-passing permission. The decision highlights the importance of human performance in gaming. Red Hook's stance has been met with widespread community approval.
Gamble With Your Friends, a unique blend of friendslop and gambling roguelike, has surpassed 1 million copies sold in just one week. This indie title from newcomer Team Gwyf, published by Tenstack, has tapped into the market's hunger for innovative, small-scale co-op games. Its success signals a growing trend of indie studios carving out market share with fresh ideas.
Gamble With Your Friends, a quirky co-op casino game, has unexpectedly topped Steam charts, selling over 1 million copies in its first week. This $8 title offers a unique blend of virtual gambling and friendship, with up to 6-player co-op and a thrilling loan shark mechanic. Its success cements the "friendslop" genre's grip on the gaming community.
Get ready for a howling twist on the metroidvania genre with Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Rageborn, set to pounce onto Steam in 2027. This daring adaptation of the World of Darkness TTRPG promises dynamic shapeshifting, blending exploration and combat in a top-down adventure. Can Rageborn redeem the franchise after the lackluster Earthblood, or will it forge its own path?
Get ready to dive back into the depths with Subnautica 2 as a new teaser trailer and 2-hour Deep Dive video set the stage for its Early Access launch on May 14th. The game promises to retain its unsettling tension, with the development team confirming no use of generative AI in its creation. Early buyers are in for a treat with a unique, buildable in-game Reaper statue.
Helldivers 2, the cooperative live-service game by Arrowhead Studios, has seen its Steam reviews plummet to "Mostly Negative" amidst community dissatisfaction. Players cite concerns over hidden weapon changes, underwhelming warbonds, and imbalance between free and paid content. Arrowhead Studios has responded, promising clearer communication on upcoming updates.
Valve tackles the sold-out Steam Controller issue with a new reservation system, aiming to combat scalpers. The Steam Controller, priced at £85, launched on May 4th and is touted as "better in almost every way" than its 2015 predecessor. Reservations start May 8th at 10am Pacific Time (6pm UK time).
The Steam Controller sold out immediately after its May 4th launch, with resellers exploiting the demand on eBay. To manage future purchases and curb resale activities, Valve is introducing a reservation queue starting May 8th. Gamers can join the queue, with one controller per customer and a 72-hour purchase window after notification.
