At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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Baldur’s Gate 3 dev believes Steam Machine has the potential to be revolutionary.
If it takes off, it could lead to a whole new generation of Linux-based pre-built PCs.
Valve didn’t make it ultra-high-spec because it knew its audience.
Valve recently introduced its Steam Machine, which received an excellent response from the audience. While we don’t really know its price yet, it’s a revolution in the hybrid console space, and other industry figures acknowledge that, too.
Baldur’s Gate 3’s publishing lead has stated that the Steam Machine will usher in a whole new generation of Linux-based PCs. He says Valve has kept it mid-spec because there was no point in making it ultra-high-spec.
Why it matters: Linux-based PCs have some standout advantages over Windows-based PCs because of their lighter, more efficient OS, and more companies will now follow what Valve has started.
Baldur’s Gate 3 publishing lead says Steam Machine can lead to a new generation of Linux PCs.
Taking to X, Michael Douse stated that the Steam Machine will spark new, similar PCs, just as the Steam Deck inspired a whole generation of future handhelds like the ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion GO, and more.
Douse says this will be a new evolution in the PC space, as the Machine has provided them with an entry point into living room gaming. And if Valve’s console takes off, the market could shake up.
Valve’s Steam Machine could be a console killer if priced well
Valve deliberately didn’t make a super high-end device because they know the audience. Those who want something similar for their TVs probably know how to build a PC like this, so there’s no point in going ultra-high-end.
All in all, Steam Machine is gearing up to be something huge for the gaming industry. If priced close to or below $500, it could break the market for traditional consoles like the PS5 and Series X.
What are your thoughts on the Steam Machine leading to a new generation of Linux-based PCs? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
At Tech4Gamers.com, I cover the latest news and rumours in the gaming industry, from new game releases to hidden gems and video game leaks. Furthermore, I occasionally write tech articles about video game consoles, providing insights into the hardware and software that powers our gaming experiences.
[Press Release] Team Group has received five awards at the 2026 Taiwan Excellence Awards, highlighting its continued focus on innovation, sustainability, and professional-grade storage solutions.
Products from the T-FORCE, T-CREATE, and TEAMGROUP INDUSTRIAL lines were recognized, marking a strong milestone for the company’s expanding ecosystem.
The Taiwan Excellence Awards, founded in 1993 by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, honor products that excel in innovation, design, quality, and global competitiveness. This year’s results show how well TEAMGROUP’s R&D strategy aligns with these standards.
TEAMGROUP-INDUSTRIAL-P250Q-M.2-SSD.
The T-FORCE DELTA RGB ECO DDR5 Desktop Memory earned recognition for combining high-end performance with eco-friendly materials. Built with 100% recycled plastic and 80% recycled aluminum, it reduces carbon emissions by 73% while maintaining the speed and stability gamers expect.
The creator-focused T-CREATE brand won three awards. The EXPERT P34F Find My External SSD is the first storage device with Apple’s Find My tracking system, a built-in speaker, and patented location technology, helping reduce the risk of loss.
The EXPERT P35S Destroyed External SSD offers hardware-based data destruction through a dual-mode design and patented chip-destruction mechanism, giving professionals stronger security than conventional encrypted drives.
T-FORCE-DELTA-RGB-ECO-DDR5-Desktop-Memory.
The CinemaPr P36D Docking External SSD supports video creators with a high-capacity storage dock that powers microphones, phones, and fill lights through USB-C. Features such as cable management and a cold-shoe mount make it practical for mobile production.
The TEAMGROUP INDUSTRIAL P250Q M.2 SSD was honored for meeting strict industrial and defense demands. It includes a dual-mode destruction design, a power-off continuation mechanism, and modular integration options, setting a strong benchmark for secure industrial storage.
At Tech4Gamers.com, I cover the latest news and rumours in the gaming industry, from new game releases to hidden gems and video game leaks. Furthermore, I occasionally write tech articles about video game consoles, providing insights into the hardware and software that powers our gaming experiences.
[Press Release] The Lian Li SX Series enters the market with 850W, 1000W, and 1200W models built for modern high-performance systems. Each unit carries 80 PLUS Platinum certification, offering up to 92% efficiency while meeting Intel’s ATX 3.1 standards.
This combination reduces energy waste, improves thermal behavior, and ensures full support for current and upcoming hardware.
A native PCIe Gen 5.1 12V-2×6 connector provides up to 600W directly to next-generation GPUs without adapters. The higher-watt models include an extra 12V-2×6 to dual 6+2 PCIe cable for broader device support.
Cooling is handled by a quiet 120mm fluid dynamic bearing fan with an optional Zero RPM mode for silent operation during low loads. Inside, 100% Japanese 105°C capacitors and a high-amperage single +12V rail deliver stable, clean power under stress.
Lian Li SX1200P power supply.
The series uses flexible braided-texture modular cables for cleaner routing, paired with an embossed mesh housing that improves airflow and appearance. Safety is supported by a complete set of protections, including OPP, OVP, SCP, OCP, OTP, UVP, SIP, and NLP. All models include a 10-year warranty, reinforcing long-term reliability.
Available in black starting November 13th, 2025, pricing is set at:
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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Pragmata has been rated by a Korean board, suggesting an announcement soon.
The Game Awards are just a month away, so we could find out a release date then.
Pragmata was originally announced in 2020, so it’s been 5 years since the reveal.
Pragmata is among the biggest Capcom titles releasing next year. The game was first announced alongside Resident Evil 8 almost 5 years ago and is yet to come out, but a recent update hints that there isn’t much left to wait for.
The South Korean rating board recently rated Pragmata for ages ’12 and above’, hinting at a probable announcement coming at The Game Awards in December. It could finally be getting a solid release date.
Why it matters: It’s been so many years since the game was announced that it’s lost some of its hype, but the imminent announcement could put it back on players’ wishlists.
Pragmata has been officially rated, suggesting a release date announcement soon.
Pragmata has been rated in Korea at GRAC for mild violence, as it has hostile robot battles and the use of weapons. It hasn’t received a mature rating, meaning it won’t contain anything unsuitable for children.
However, the more important point is that, when a game is rated, a major announcement usually follows. With The Game Awards closer than ever, Pragmata’s firm release date is expected to be announced soon.
The title was first announced back in 2020.
It will probably not launch in Q1 2026, as Capcom already has Resident Evil 9 planned for that window, but the release is likely to fall somewhere next year, marking a huge year for Capcom.
With Pragmata, Resident Evil 9, Monster Hunter Stories 3, and Onimusha planned for next year, Capcom is going to be a very busy and potentially another record-breaking year. The company is expected to continue its profitable streak in 2026 as well.
What are your thoughts on Pragmata’s release date being revealed at the Game Awards? Are you interested in it? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
At Tech4Gamers.com, I cover the latest news and rumours in the gaming industry, from new game releases to hidden gems and video game leaks. Furthermore, I occasionally write tech articles about video game consoles, providing insights into the hardware and software that powers our gaming experiences.
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Manual game testing by humans is too slow, inconsistent, and subjective for modern games.
Automation is used because it provides consistent, fast, and objective data (like FPS, CPU, and memory stats).
It is often built into the development process to catch performance dips in new builds immediately.
As someone who has spent way too many late nights tweaking settings, testing builds, and replaying the same scene just to figure out why a game suddenly tanks from 120 FPS to slideshow mode, I’ve learned one thing: smooth performance matters more than almost anything else.
Graphics can be gorgeous, sound design can be incredible, but if the frame rate dips at the wrong time, especially in competitive shooters or fast-action games, the whole experience falls apart.
And with how big games are getting now, keeping performance stable across multiple devices feels like its own boss fight. That’s exactly why automation has become such a huge part of modern game testing, especially when it comes to frame-rate optimization.
Why Performance Testing Matters More Than Ever
Testing the performance of God of War at 1080P for the RTX 3050 vs. the RTX 2060 graphics cards. Source: YT/Testing Games
At its core, performance testing checks whether a game can run smoothly under real gameplay conditions. It focuses on factors such as frame rate stability, frame time consistency, CPU and GPU usage, memory consumption, load times, and even thermal impact on mobile devices.
The real questions players care about are simple. Does the game stutter in heavy scenes? Will it run on a mid-range phone or an older GPU? Does it lag when the map gets busy?
Years ago, QA testers manually checked performance by playing through levels and watching FPS counters. It worked, but it took a huge amount of time and was easy to get wrong. Today, most studios rely on automation because it delivers faster, more accurate results.
How Automation Makes Performance Testing Better
Automation is a tool for finding problems; human insight is still required to understand why they are happening and how to fix them.
Automation keeps the testing process consistent. Human testers naturally play levels differently every time. Automated scripts repeat actions in the same order every run, on multiple devices, without missing steps.
You can set up a script that loads a heavy boss fight, triggers lots of effects, stresses the GPU, records the frame rate, and repeats after every new build. If a build has a performance dip, the system catches it immediately.
Automation also replaces subjective comments with real data. Instead of someone saying the game feels laggy, you get clear numbers like average FPS, frame time charts, memory spikes, CPU usage, and GPU load. It becomes much easier to compare builds and spot any regression.
One of the biggest advantages is the ability to test on a huge variety of devices. Games now run on everything from low-end phones to high-end gaming hardware. Automated tests can run across device farms or cloud systems, which gives a much more complete performance picture.
Automation can also detect tiny frame drops that human eyes often miss. Some dips are so quick that you only notice them because gameplay feels off. Automated tools track frame time to the millisecond, making it much easier to spot stutters.
Modern studios also integrate automated performance tests into their development pipelines. Every new build gets tested automatically, and the system flags issues if performance falls below the required limits. No last-minute surprises.
AI adds another level by simulating a more realistic gameplay experience. Instead of following prewritten paths, AI-driven systems can behave unpredictably, just as real players move their cameras, react to enemies, or explore maps.
Testing with AI can also help analyze large performance logs and predict potential frame rate issues before they affect gameplay. This is especially helpful for multiplayer or open-world games where every session is different.
How Studios Usually Run Automated Performance Tests
From what I have seen, most studios follow a simple loop. They start by setting performance targets such as maintaining a certain average FPS or limiting CPU spikes. The game is then instrumented using tools built into engines like Unity or Unreal, which track frame time, resource usage, and other metrics.
Automated scenarios are created to simulate demanding gameplay moments such as entering crowded areas or loading large maps.
After this, the game is tested across different hardware tiers. All collected data is turned into reports or dashboards that make it easy to see performance dips. Developers then optimize things like physics, shaders, or assets before running the same automated tests again to confirm the improvements. This cycle continues from early prototypes through launch updates.
Automated performance testing benefits everyone involved in game development. Designers can try new ideas without constantly worrying about breaking performance. Developers catch problems early instead of dealing with them near launch.
Publishers save time and money by avoiding post-launch fixes. Players get smoother and more stable gameplay.
In a competitive gaming world, consistent performance is part of a game’s identity. A game that runs at a stable 60 or 144 FPS immediately feels more polished.
Automation is extremely useful but not flawless. Different hardware behaves differently, and thermal throttling or background apps can affect readings. AI simulations require time and data to behave like real players.
Most importantly, human insight is still required to understand why performance drops happen. Automation is there to support testers, not replace them.
In my experience, smooth performance can make or break the feel of a game. As games grow bigger and more visually intense, manual testing alone cannot keep up. Automation and AI-supported testing help studios stay ahead of performance issues instead of reacting to them after players start complaining.
Stable frame rates lead to happier players, and that is the heart of any good gaming experience.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Horizon: Steel Frontiers relies heavily on AI, with aspects like coding and art heavily influenced by it.
NCSoft says Guerrilla Games was big on using AI for the MMORPG.
The developer also thinks more games will use AI over time.
The reception to Horizon: Steel Frontiers has been rather mixed so far, with fans loving the idea of an MMORPGset in the game’s universe, but disliking the title’s mobile exclusivity.
Players are unable to understand why a MMORPG with such enticing gameplay is not heading to the PS5. But, after hearing what NCSoft has to say about the game’s development, it is probably for the best.
Why it matters: A developer being so open about AI use while developing for one of the most popular AAA IPs tells you a lot about the industry’s current state.
Horizon: Steel Frontiers will use AI “a lot”.
NCSoft producers revealed during a session at G-Star 2025 that Horizon: Steel Frontiers is using AI heavily in development. The MMORPG utilizes the tech in every aspect, from coding to art, according to the game’s developers.
Internally, we also rely on AI for production, from coding to art.
Horizon: Steel Frontiers executive producer Lee Seong-Gu expanded on this further, saying that the Horizon development team from Guerrilla Games was the most eager to employ AI in production.
Hence, NCSoft has Sony’s blessing to accelerate the MMORPG’s development through AI. The producer also discussed the advent of the technology, saying it is being widely adopted across gaming and that, gradually, more titles will start using AI.
Moreover, Seong-Gu affirmed that Horizon: Steel Frontiers is using AI “a lot,” and for almost everything in development, not just coding. Whatever you may think about the technology, it’s for sure becoming the new norm in the industry.
Sony is collaborating with NCSoft for Horizon: Steel Frontiers
It was already rumored that Sony was exploring the use of AI to accelerate game development, and now we have solid evidence. With 1 in 5 gameson platforms like Steam already using Generative AI, NCSoft may have a point about AI becoming the norm in gaming.
Do you think Horizon: Steel Frontiers using AI will impact your decision to buy it? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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Valve’s recently announced Steam Machine seems to be exactly what Microsoft was planning for the next generation.
The upcoming Xbox will likely be a lot more expensive, making the Steam Machine a better option for a console-PC hybrid.
In addition to Valve, competition from PlayStation and Nintendo will put further pressure on the gaming giant in the coming years.
Valve’s latest announcement has revealed three new devices for the gaming industry, the most interesting of which is the Steam Machine.
This console-like PC effectively combines the best of the PC and console worlds, offering an accessible entry point into the world of PC gaming. In many ways, Valve has done exactly what Microsoft set out to achieve with its next-generation hardware.
Following this announcement, the elephant in the room needs to be addressed. Has the Steam Machine completely stolen the next-generation Xbox’s thunder even before the latter’s official reveal? I certainly think so.
Why it matters: Xbox’s hardware division has already suffered losses over the last few years, so Valve’s announcement could prove to be a major hurdle for the gaming giant moving forward.
Beaten To The Punch
The Steam Machine Sounds Incredible In Every Way
When Phil Spencer and Satya Nadella outlined their goals to produce in-house hardware with access to Steam and other PC storefronts, the idea certainly sounded compelling.
In many ways, Microsoft’s concept sounded revolutionary for the world of console gaming. By offering a semi-open ecosystem and retaining the benefits of fixed hardware found in consoles, Microsoft could open up new opportunities for gamers and developers alike.
However, the Steam Machine does everything Microsoft promised, and then some. Thanks to SteamOS and Valve’s enormous library of games, it essentially combines the benefits of both PCs and consoles.
The specifications are no slouch either, and the Steam Machine should be able to rival the PS5 when it comes to current-generation gaming. In my opinion, this announcement has left Xbox between a rock and a hard place.
On one hand, the gaming giant can no longer go back to the traditional console approach after making such drastic changes to its business model. However, on the other hand, there is little reason to buy an Xbox if Valve’s hardware offers similar value and also represents the face of PC gaming.
Even with the promise of a more open ecosystem, Valve’s proposition just sounds a lot more interesting. If the Steam Deck is anything to go by, the Steam Machine will be quite a bit more customizable than Valve is letting on.
Be it playing games from other console generations, Windows installations, and third-party software, the Steam Machine should be able to do it all. I would even go as far as to say that Valve’s software experience will be better than the upcoming Xbox’s since the company is known for its software expertise.
On the other hand, Microsoft’s platforms, such as Windows, are still prone to various bugs and errors. There’s no telling, therefore, how well a new type of software experience will work on the upcoming Xbox hardware.
The Price Argument
Xbox chief called the next Xbox a more premium experience
Pricing usually makes or breaks consoles, but Microsoft has made it clear that it will no longer compromise on pricing. Following back-to-back price hikes for the Xbox Series S|X, Microsoft’s next-generation console is expected to be positioned as a premium offering.
Although official pricing is anybody’s guess for now, many have estimated pricing as high as $1000. Elsewhere, the Steam Machine should be priced relatively competitively since Valve is in a position to sell its hardware at a loss.
This exact strategy did wonders for the Steam Deck, and Valve was then able to make up for losses on the hardware through software sales. With the current growth of PC gaming and Steam, this strategy should work well for the Steam Machine, too.
Xbox, on the other hand, no longer has the luxury of falling back on software sales to make up for hardware sold at a loss. Between Game Pass and the dwindling interest in the Xbox brand, the gaming giant no longer has a large enough user base buying games to justify selling hardware at a loss.
An Interesting Future
The Competition Between Valve And Microsoft Will Be Quite Interesting
Perhaps Xbox’s saving grace will be the fact that it will reap the benefits of selling games on both its own hardware and Valve’s upcoming machine.
Still, it’s hard to ignore the obvious fact that the Steam Machine seems to have stolen the spotlight. Even with promising new features like potentially free multiplayer gameplay, the next-generation Xbox hardware faces a behemoth in the form of Valve.
There’s also the unrelenting competition from PlayStation and Nintendo, both of which are doing a great deal better than Microsoft in the console market. As such, Microsoft might just need to come up with another unique selling point for its upcoming console.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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Valve’s Steam Machine is a hybrid console running SteamOS set to launch in 2026.
It has the potential to topple the traditional consoles if priced below $500.
While it is a bit less powerful than the Xbox Series X and PS5, it has a lot of other advantages.
Valve is perhaps the biggest name in the gaming industry, primarily known for Steam. While its software has remained the highlight over the years, the company has regularly been testing hardware as well.
The most recent example is the Steam Deck, which, at the time of its release, was revolutionary for gaming handhelds. Now, Valve just announced its latest gaming hardware, the Steam Machine, and it’s fantastic.
Valve has gone ahead of the curve and done what Xbox is rumored to be doing with its next-gen hardware: created a hybrid console. It runs SteamOS and is said to be 6x more powerful than the Steam Deck.
However, the biggest question related to the Steam Machine is its price. Valve hasn’t commented on it yet, but if it is priced anything close to or less than $500, it has the potential to topple the PS5 and Series X.
Why it matters: While Valve’s hardware is slightly less powerful than the PS5 and Series X, if it’s priced below $500, it could be a great deal considering you’d be getting the best of all worlds in one even smaller than console-sized package.
Valve just released a bunch of new hardware, including the Steam Machine
Forcing a Pivot: How a $500 Steam Machine Could Depress PS5/Series X
Based on the reports we’ve had so far, the Steam Machine isn’t as powerful as the PS5 or Series X, but it does have an advantage as it has far more modern hardware that can help with efficiency and maybe even better performance in certain scenarios.
The $500 price is kind of a psychological thing that gamers have in their head, that this is what a console should cost at most. Both the PS5 disc edition and the Series X cost about the same, so this will put the Steam Machine in the same territory.
However, where the Steam Machine will excel is in its new hardware and software, SteamOS. Both the Xbox and PS5 are based on older Zen 2 CPUs, whereas the Steam Machine gets a more efficient Zen 4 CPU, albeit with 6 cores instead of 8.
If priced below $500, the Steam Machine can topple both the PS5 and Series X
The GPU, based on the RDNA 3 architecture, is said to be equivalent to an RX 7600, which again, is slightly slower than PS5 but much faster than the Series S. But the bigger advantage will undoubtedly be SteamOS.
Valve’s specially designed OS has a lot of features. It has quick suspend/resume seen with Steam Deck, a controller-first UI directly competing with the consoles. Not to mention the fact that the OS is light and easy to use, unlike Windows-based devices.
Nonetheless, the biggest advantage the console will have is that if it’s priced below $500, it will have full access to the Steam library. Most modern games prefer Steam releases, so you likely won’t be missing out on much at all.
The Library Advantage Is Unbeatable
To get access to all releases, you’ll likely need a PS5 and a good enough PC. Let’s say the PS5 is $450, and a decent PC can cost $1000, you’ll be sitting around $1500 to access almost every game available.
Because the Steam Machine runs on SteamOS, you have access to almost everything except a few which we’ll discuss later. But if priced, well, we could see a device that can play all your favorite games well for a mere $500, which would be a steal.
SteamOS allows a variety of features, making it a better choice than Windows
Getting back to the previous point, you will miss out on certain things because of a lack of Windows support. SteamOS doesn’t support games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, or Battlefield, which could be a dealbreaker for many.
However, because it is powered by PC-like components, if you want to get your hands on those games, you will likely be able to mod the Steam Machine to run Windows. The Steam Deck allows the same as well, so you are covered.
The Pricing Is The Key
All of this again leads to the price; if the Steam Machine is something over $650 or $750, people will still be interested, but it’s not going to take the center frame from the traditional PS5 and Series X consoles.
In a world full of very expensive handhelds, the Steam Deck, although a bit outdated at this point, still provides excellent value for money. And if Valve takes the same direction, we can expect aggressive pricing for the Steam Machine as well.
So, when the Steam Machine comes out in 2026, and is priced under $500, it’ll be a new revolution and the beginning of a new era of hybrid consoles that will be later picked up by Microsoft with their upcoming Xbox Magnus.
What are your expectations for the Steam Machine? What are you willing to pay for it? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Insomniac Games’ director of gameplay programming, Jess Scott, has joined CD Projekt Red to develop Cyberpunk 2.
Jess’s new role will see the veteran lead a team of engineers to develop the sequel’s gameplay and open world.
CDPR also hired a veteran Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 designer and a Warhorse veteran for The Witcher 4.
A veteran Insomniac Games developer, Jess Scott, has now joined CD Projekt Red to develop Cyberpunk 2. The former Director of Gameplay Programming will work on the Cyberpunk sequel as an Engineering Director to develop gameplay and other open-world elements.
Why it matters: Jess’s experience with iconic Insomniac franchises will help Cyberpunk 2 have an easier time hitting all its technical milestones to keep up with CDPR’s ambitions.
Insomniac Games’ lead developer Jess Scott has joined CDPR.
As per LinkedIn, the role will see Jess lead a team of engineers to work on Cyberpunk 2 at CD Projekt Red’s Boston branch. The director previously worked at Insomniac Games for nearly 7 years and developed a variety of iconic games under various franchises.
Growing a team of awesome engineers and engineering leaders in the realms of gameplay and open/living world tech.
-Jess Scott’s role as engineering director.
Jess has worked on franchises like Marvel Spider-Man and Ratchet & Clank, with the former franchise being one of the best recent technical marvels in the industry. The lead developer also worked at Harmonix Games as a lead programmer for 8 years.
All that experience gained over the years will coalesce into developing Cyberpunk 2’s evolved open world.
Jess has previously worked on iconic Insomniac projects.
Do you think CD Projekt Red’s hiring spree of talented developers in the gaming scene will pay off for Cyberpunk 2 and other projects in development? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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Steam Machine is Valve’s latest hardware offering, a PC in a console casing.
The hardware runs SteamOS, so it cannot run games that require anti-cheat software.
Same as the Deck, the Steam Machine won’t be able to play Fortnite, Call of Duty, Battlefield 6, or other games.
Following Steam Deck’s success, Valve is doubling down on the hardware market and announced Steam Machine yesterday, a console-like PC designed for AAA gaming.
While the small-factor hardware looks great and is capable of running big titles, unfortunately, it won’t be able to play them all. Because it runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system, the PC will be unable to run games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Battlefield 6.
Why it matters: Everything about the Steam Machine looks perfect, from its appearance and specs to its console-like ecosystem. However, this one flaw or incapability could shape the success of this hardware.
All New Hardware From Valve
With modern-day publishers pushing hard against cheaters in multiplayer games, most of these titles require running a kernel-level anti-cheat. Such programs can only be run on Windows and not Linux.
Hence, the Steam Deck has been unable to play games that require anti-cheat software from the beginning. Valve’s dedicated anti-hacker software isn’t any good either, so VAC isn’t a viable replacement, if the publishers even agree on it in the first place.
The Next-Gen Xbox Is About To Face Tough Competition
However, there is a workaround to run these games. Since the Steam Machine and Deck are essentially PCs at their core, users can install Windows on them, too. However, switching OS will cause performance loss, since SteamOS is much better for gaming.
Furthermore, you will also be deprived of the console-like environment. For a seamless experience, Valve really needs to create a fix for this solution since the Steam Machine will be used for a wide variety of purposes, including competitive gaming.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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NCSoft has revealed Horizon: Steel Frontiers, an MMORPG set in the Horizon universe in partnership with Sony.
The game is designed for mobile but is playable on PC via Purple, NCSoft’s proprietary game platform.
It features thousands of players taking on large-scale raids and the series’ iconic mechanical dinosaurs.
Now, NCSoft has announced a new MMO set in the Horizon universe, Horizon: Steel Frontiers, in a new collaboration with Sony. The Guild Wars developer has launched a trailer and a 10-minute development diary that deeply dives into the ambitious project.
Why it matters: The new Sony Horizon MMO could capitalize on the Horizon identity effectively if the developers execute it well. The game’s ambitious elements have already attracted gamers looking to invest time in the next big MMO.
The nearly 3-minute trailer reveals the breathtaking Deathlands region, inspired by Arizona and New Mexico. The footage shows the player fighting against mechanical dinosaurs alongside others in Monster Hunter-inspired gameplay.
The player is described as a machine hunter who will chase opportunities. There’s also an advanced combat system that will let players pick up dropped weapons from enemies and carry them on mounts to use in later fights.
Additionally, the large raid-style battles will see thousands of players battle against the series’ iconic mechanical beasts or compete with ‘rival tribes’ for resources.
The massively multiplayer will also feature a custom character creator that lets you design unique looks without restrictions.
Horizon: Steel Frontiers is the rumored Sony MMO that is set in the Horizon universe.
However, it’s unclear where exactly the game takes place in the series’ overarching timeline. It’s also unknown whether characters like Aloy will make an appearance in the MMO experience.
Horizon: Steel Frontiers is only available on Android and iOS mobile devices, but is playable on PC via Purple, an NCSoft-owned game platform. A release date has not been announced yet, but we may hear more about it in the coming months.
Do you think Horizon: Steel Frontiers will also eventually land on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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As PS5 celebrates its 5th anniversary, Sony has released some detailed statistics.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the most-played single-player game of all time on the PS5.
Fortnite and GTA 5 hold the top spots in multiplayer games, and Modern Warfare 2.
The PlayStation 5 is celebrating its fifth anniversary and has undoubtedly been the most successful current-generation console. It has sold over 84 million units so far and needs just 2 million more sales to overtake PS4 sales.
To celebrate the 5 years, PlayStation has revealed detailed stats about the console and the games released so far. Surprisingly, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the most-played single-player PS5 game of all time.
Why it matters: While not the best-reviewed Assassin’s Creed game, Valhalla surely has its strong points, and the fans seem to have been hooked on the title in recent years, and its release time also helped the cause.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the most-played single-player title on PS5
According to PlayStation Blog, Valhalla is the most-played single-player game, followed by God of War: Ragnarok and Hogwarts Legacy. While Fortnite topped the multiplayer list, along with GTA 5 and Modern Warfare 2.
This makes sense considering Valhalla has a lot of content and was also released during the pandemic in 2020. Because of the lockdown, people had a lot of time on their hands, so the numbers aren’t surprising.
Fortnite takes the highest rank in the most-played multiplayer games.
Ragnarok is also among the best PS5 exclusives ever released. However, there aren’t any more exclusives, mainly because they don’t offer much playtime. Just like the best-selling list, Call of Duty once again makes the list.
In its lifespan so far, PS5 has received a total of 7,500 games from over 4000 creators, while the players have logged a whopping 100 billion hours of gameplay. And this isn’t the end, as PS5 is reportedly still halfway through its lifecycle.
What are your thoughts on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla being the most-played PS5 game? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
