#Best free games on mac for steam

[moiraimyths]

The Good People (Na Daoine Maithe) | Official Trailer

The Good People (Na Daoine Maithe) is a lore-rich and choice-driven historical fantasy visual novel inspired by Irish mythology and Celtic folklore. Play as a tenant farmer from mid-19th century Ireland, whose path becomes inexplicably entwined in fairy affairs after getting robbed by the roadside and lured into the mythic and war-torn world of Tír na nÓg: A once unified land, now divided into the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. Will you escape and return home with your stolen belongings? Or does fate have something else in mind?

🍃 STEAM 🍂 ITCH.IO 🍃PATREON 🍂DISCORD 🍃

Eager to play? Certain route content is available NOW in early access on Steam and Itch.io! For more information, click below👇

Meet the Cast

Facts & Questions: The Game

🍃 The Good People (Na Daoine Maithe) is a Kickstarter-funded project currently in development. Due to the scope of the story, we will be releasing it serially over several years to Steam and Itch.io, and discounting it while in early access. The earlier it's bought, the cheaper it will be overall, and you'll only need to buy the game once!

🍂 Not all routes are currently available! As of Nov. 1, 2024, you can play half of Shae and Maeve's routes; both approximately 50k words. If you're not sure about paying for an unfinished game, feel free to check out our free demo first. It consists of Vol. 1, Book of the Traveller (the pre-route content). Differences between the demo's Vol. 1 and the paid game's Vol. 1 are marginal following our August 1, 2024 re-release of the demo.

🍃 The Good People (Na Daoine Maithe) has a recommended reading order (Vol. 1, then 2, then 3, etc.), which will correspond to the release order of the routes. For more information on our reasoning behind this, click here.

🍂 Due to its setting, The Good People (Na Daoine Maithe) will occasionally feature instances of characters speaking in Gaeilge, i.e. the Irish language. All instances of Gaeilge are linked to an internal translation tool, which is voiced by Nigel McKeon, a Gaeilgeoir.

🍃 The main character is yours to shape. At minimum, you must choose a nickname, pronouns, and one of four default appearances, the last of which can be your own artwork (instructions are included in the game's files). You may also choose to discard the True Name…

🍂 All routes, both current and upcoming, will have both romantic and platonic choice options. If you're uninterested in romance, feel free to make friends instead! No matter the nature of your relationship, you will still be able to reach the good end. Or the bad one.

🍃 Our cast consists of two men, two women, and two non-binary characters. All are romancable no matter the MC, but some characters are asexual or on the aromantic spectrum, which may impact aspects of their romances.

🍂 If you are a Mac user and are having issues launching the game via the Itch direct download, refer to this guide for troubleshooting before sending us an ask. We strongly recommend purchasing the game through Steam instead of Itch if you are a Mac user; it is the best way to avoid issues with launching the game.

🍃 NDM is very intentionally set just prior to the onset of the Great Famine, which is both thematically and textually relevant to the leftist, anti-imperialist story we're aiming to tell. If you would like more insight into this, refer to this post.

🐎 There are secrets to be found in this game, with more yet to come. Prepare yourself for a lot of horse related shenanigans. 🐎

Facts & Questions: The Company

🧵 Moirai Myths is a five-person company based out of Canada. The core devs/founders go by Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. All writing and programming are done by this collective, i.e. the Fates.

🪡 Moirai Myths has a two person in-house artist team consisting of Kazane, our Character/UI Designer, and Melinoe, our Environmental Designer. In addition to them, though, we have had a number of guest artists assist us with the creation of sprites, CGs, and an assortment of other materials. If you'd like to meet them, check out our about page on our website!

✂️ Moirai Myths stands with the people of Palestine 🇵🇸

Disclaimer: This description will be updated periodically. If you're reading this in a reblog, you may want to check our current pinned post for potential changes.

[k20spock]

Gecko’s list of free video games you should play right now

Hi I’m gecko I like video games and I like not paying 60 dollars for them so here’s a list of some free games I’ve unearthed and liked. Enjoy

(most of these are small, more obscure games made by a few people or even just one person, so support the creators if you can!! Some of these do have a pay what you want model)

Hikeback (Itch.io) 

You see a hitchhiker flagging you down during a long, lonely drive through the countryside. No matter how you choose to handle the situation, you end up back on that road. And then again. And again. And again, until you find a way to escape a loop of violence and self-sabotage. Hikeback is a visual novel inspired by the fable of the frog and the scorpion, and it takes about an hour to reach the ending. It’s available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and browser, and there’s a detailed list of content warnings on the game’s itch.io page. One of my strongest recommendations, Hikeback is an incredible experience, and it was made in only ten days!!

Purrgatory (Itch.io) (Steam)

Find ways to pass the time in an inexplicably cat-themed but otherwise pretty dull afterlife, and befriend its other inhabitants. Purrgatory can hit hard when it wants to, but it’s mostly a relaxed point and click game that takes about a few hours if you want the true ending (which you do). And also I really don’t like recommending things going “it’s rep!!” and not elaborating on what the thing is actually about, but Purrgatory does have a mostly explicitly LGBT+ cast and Korean characters by a Korean artist. It’s been a few years since I played Purrgatory, but I remember it was an incredible experience, and since then, even more people can play it because it’s been fully translated into Spanish and Simplified Chinese! It’s available on Windows and browser.

How Fish is Made (Itch.io) (Steam)

How Fish is Made includes incredible retro-style graphics, a sardine flopping around in a machine with a choice to make, a singing, cane-wielding, tophat-wearing, tongue-eating parasitic isopod, and a free expansion/trailer for the studio’s next game that’s like if Katamari Damacy was evil and also had fish in it. That’s the best I can do for a summary. How Fish is Made is available on Windows and takes about 30-45 minutes, but will itch your brain for much longer.

Stop Burying Me Alive, Beautiful (Itch.io)

A visual novel in which you are stuck between trying to convince your girlfriend you are not dead and she should stop burying you alive, and playing rat-themed card games with a woman you find living underground. The game doesn’t always do a great job walking the line between comedy and horror, but there’s some strong writing depicting a failing relationship and very strong artwork that makes this an easy recommendation. Stop Burying Me Alive, Beautiful is on Windows, Mac, Linux, and browser, and takes about half an hour. 

Caper in the Castro (Internet Archive)

Ok this one is pretty different, but fuck it, it was originally released for free in 1989 (with a recommendation to make a donation to charity instead) and is still free so I’m including it. Not enough people are aware that you can play the first known video game by and about gay people on your computer right now for free and it has that classic adventure game bullshit sometimes but it’s extremely playable and also funny as shit. Like it’s not just cool history it’s actually fun (sorry Gayblade). You play as a lesbian private detective named Tracker McDyke looking for your missing drag queen friend and you can get most of the doors in the game open by shooting them. People have made full walkthroughs for this game and how to get it working if you have trouble so there’s no excuse. Play Caper in the Castro.

Under a Star Called Sun (Itch.io) (Liminal Magazine)

A browser game made in Bitsy that’s extremely simple and only a few minutes long, but that’s all it needs to create a succinct, gut-wrenching depiction of grief. 

Hotel Infinity (Itch.io)

If you need more short Bitsy games you can play in your browser that are about death, you’re out of luck after this because I’ve only got the two. Hotel Infinity is more lighthearted, tasking you with checking in on your ghostly hotel guests, and helping one check out. It’s simple, but sweet and affecting. 

Water Womb World (Itch.io)

Back to marine life-themed horror. Water Womb World is about a man’s obsessive search for the Garden of Eden leading him to the bottom of the ocean. There’s a few brief moments of annoyance in the gameplay, but the atmosphere and visuals are fantastic. Fantastic enough I bought the shirt, because I like cool shirts. It's available for Mac and Windows, and takes about 15 minutes. 

Hyperhell (Itch.io) (Steam)

A rogue-like bullet hell with a hyperpop soundtrack. It’s a mess, but in a good way. A run can (allegedly, I am not very good at bullet hells and I wasn’t able to get all the way to the end) be under ten minutes, but the game is very replayable with its different characters, weapons, bosses, and DDR and fishing minigames. You might have heard of this one already because maia has a cameo in it, but it really is a fun, if slightly painful for your eyes, time. It’s available on Windows.

Magicafe HD (Itch.io)

Under a technicality, I haven’t played this one yet, but that’s because I played the original text-based version of this game and I didn’t know the dev had converted it to a full visual novel until right now when I went to recommend the original. I’m certain this version is even better! It’s a cute, simple visual novel about a girl trying to get to her job at a magical girl themed cafe, while dealing with the struggles of secretly also being an actual magical girl. Available on Windows, and lasts about half an hour. The original is available on browser here if you’re interested. 

Dedz0ne (Itch.io)

Ok, wrapping up on a weird one since this isn’t really a universal recommendation. Dedz0ne is a Yume Nikki/Splatoon fangame inspired by Dedf1sh’s backstory and the atmosphere of Octo Expansion in general. It came out before Side Order so it’s not accurate to it, but it’s a really neat game with great visuals and atmosphere. It’s available on Windows

And that’s it for now. There will probably be a sequel someday because I am unable to stop digging through free games. Or maybe a collection of not free but extremely cheap games (like under five bucks) I like. Who knows! I hope you found something that catches your eye here!

[gb-patch]

The Kickstarter for Our Life: Now & Forever will go live in fall of 2023!

Whether it'll end up being in September, October, or November I'm not entirely sure yet. But it could be happening in as little as three months, so I've gotta start promoting this already, haha.

Our Life: Now & Forever Pre-Launch Page Link

The campaign will have perks like keys for the DLCs, the soundtrack, and such. However, it'll also be the place where you can get yourself a voiced name and be listed in the credits!

When the crowdfunding begins an expanded demo is going to become available as well 💖. Things will be pretty exciting.

Game Story:

Begin your life anew in this second installment to the lovingly nostalgic Our Life series! Create an experience that’s all your own in this near-fully customizable, choice-heavy story.

Fall settles over the charming mountain town of Golden Grove as the story  begins. But it isn't only glittering leaves that are changing. You and your mom leave behind everything you knew before when you move to a new home nestled right in the middle of a tight knit cul-de-sac. It’s there where a paper airplane lands at your feet and brings you to  unanticipated crossroads.

Make your own path through life as you grow from childhood to adulthood with your two closest neighbors. Even in the chilly autumn weather, it’ll be a truly heartwarming time.

Developer: GB Patch Games

Price: Free-to-play base game with optional paid DLCs

Rating: Teen

Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac, Android

Steam Page

Itch.io Page

#########################################

Man, it's been years since we've had a crowdfunding campaign to advertise. Here's hoping it all goes well. We'll do our best ✨

[multidimensionalsock]

Games engines and their pricings for Indie Devs

Based on Unitys recent changes to their pricing model, I thought it would be useful to put together a list of different game making softwares and their pricing models to compare which would be best for you.

Unreal

Programming language: C++ and visual scripting.

Dimensions: 3D, VR and AR

Platforms: all platforms

Standard license: free to use, pay 5% of your revenue over $1 million over the lifetime of the game, due each quarter (as long as the game is still for sale or generates more them $10k per quarter)

Enterprise: $1.5k+ per seat per year, includes premium support and private training and/or custom licensing terms

Custom licenses: larger developers can renegotiate with epic for lower or waived royalty fees.

More about their licensing here

Gamemaker

Programming language: GML and visual scripting

Dimensions: 2D

Gamemaker doesn't require any royalties made off of your game no matter which license youre on.

Free: access to gamemaker and export that can only be used on their games website (GX.games)

Creator: access to game maker, GX export and desktop export $4.99 a month

Indie: access to the above with web and mobile exports, $9.99 a month.

Enterprise: all of the above but with console exports as well $79.99 a month.

Godot

Programming languages: GDScript, C# and C++

Dimensions: 2D, 3D, AR and VR

Platforms: Not able to port to console due to it being open source unless you develop it yourself or via a third party.

Royalty free and free at point of purchase.

RPG maker

Programming language: Java and visual scripting

Dimensions: 3D (in some), 2D

Platforms: windows, mac, web

Doesn't ask for royalties from games, has a 20 day free trial. RPG maker MZ costs £66.99 initial purchase, costs may vary by which engine you buy.

CryEngine

Programming language: C++

Dimensions: 2D, 3D, VR and AR.

Platforms: Windows, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Oculus Rift, OSVR, PSVR, and HTC Vive. Mobile support is in development.

5% royalty fee over $5k a year, free to download and use.

Cocos2D

Programming languages: C++, C#, Lua and javascript

Dimensions: 2D

Platforms: android, mac, linux, and win32.

Free to use, no royalties

Cocos creator

Programming languages: TypeScript and JavaScript

Dimensions: 2D and 3D

Platforms: IOS, android, windows, mac, HTML5

Free to use, no royalties

Defold

Programming languages: Lua 5.1 and LuaJIT

Dimensions: 2D and 3D

Platforms: PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, Steam, HTML5, Facebook, Q3 2023 PlayStation®5, Q2 2024 XBox

Free to use, no royalties

Phaser

Dimensions: 2D

Programming languages: JavaScript or TypeScript

Platforms: Web (HTML5)

Free to use, no royalties

Unity

Programming language: C#

Platforms: all platforms

Dimensions: 2D, 3D, VR and AR

Edit: unity has changed their policy you can see the new one here

[rui-drawsbox]

hmm im curious. whats olba about :0?

Oh anon you have no idea of what you just asked-- let me get my teacher costume

AHEM

OLBA or Our Life: Beginnings & Always it's a visual novel where you can play the perfect life you never got and cry about how much you wanted it after you finish it :DD (available on Steam for pc and Itch.io for both pc/mac and android!)

You play as-- well, you (or not, you choose)! You can choose your name, last name, pronouns, appearance, personality, hobbies, everything except your family, but you wouldn't like to change them for anything after you meet them.

You start the game as an innocent 8 years old kid that meets a random guy that tells you that he just moved across the street, he also tells you about his son: Cove! who has the same age as you. This guy tries to bribe you with 20 dollars, you can accept or refuse (or run! i like that option), either way you end up in a poppy hill behind your house and find the so famous Cove! He tells (cry) you that his parents just divorced and that he miss his mom ( :c ), you can comfort him or not, but you two still will be found by both of your families and have to go home.

That's the prologue! Gameplay aspect: it consists in 3 Steps of your life: 8, 13 and 18 years old! Each Step comes with 5 Moments, where you can spend time with (mainly) cove, if you're playing the base game. Talking about base game! You can complete it in around 5 hours (that's what took me the first time i think), and it comes with a 4th Step that work as an epilogue!

There are 6 paid DLC's (and a free one that is a name pack), 3 are other 15 moments for the first 3 Steps, 1 is a wedding dlc for our lovely Cove <3 (we'll get to him in no time), and the last 2 are extra content for two characters you'll meet in your very first playthough: Derek in Step 2 and Baxter in Step 3 (you should know this one very well if you follow me lmao), each with 5 moments extra for their assigned Step and their own Step 4 where you can follow and give proper closure to their stories!

I'll try to not ramble a lot because it's something you just need to experience yourself to get it but-- i will introduce you to the love interests! (or friendship interests, you don't need to crush on anyone to have a great time)

Cove Holden! Our lovely neighbor that we see almost everyday for like 10 years! You could also call him the second main character after you, since you learn more about him and his family during all the game. He's an introvert and ocean nerd (in the cutest way possible), depending on your choices you can shape his personality/style and become best buddies, the sweetest couple or just remain neighbours that never really got along. (you'll learn to love him, platonic or not, trust me)

Another perk of the game is that no matter what you do there's not "wrong or right" (unless you feel bad for the characters, like me), your actions does have consequences but there's nothing like a "bad ending/good ending", after all it's just your life, it goes on no matter what! Unless you want to reach a specific scene you found online you'll never have to use a guide for anything.

Derek Suarez! A caring guy! mabye a little too much, he's the oldest brother of 3 and that shaped him in a way that he always feels responsible of everything😔. During his storyline you'll help him to learn how to relax and lean on other people :D!

Baxter Ward! A monochromatic gentleman, mischievous as a cat and emotionally repressed like a pressure cooker <3. Struggles a lot with making deep conections and being emotionally vulnerable, you can imagine about what goes his storyline lol.

He's my favorite, if you haven't noticed. He has that infuriating charm that only someone that unironically says "Hallelujah" has. A very dramatic route, he's a very dramatic guy, you should see how he texts in step 3 aghsdas.

Also! all the side characters are super likeable, from your family to the baker of that bakery that is metioned a few times!

ANYWAYS, in conclusion: this is a very relaxing game! If you like visual novels you should definitely give it a try, the amount of replayability this game has is insane. My recommendations for when you play are:

Try the base game first! If you like it you can buy the moments dlcs (theyre only 3$ each!), mabye the wedding dlc after that (if you want to marry cove that is, this one is 2$ btw), Derek's dlc and Baxter's dlc (5$ each) for last. Those are pretty much the release order but i that's also the order i enjoy the most!

(play this game at least 2 times trying different choices/personality, the differences are ughhhh/pos)

When you're playing for the first time you should play the moments left to right. On later playthroughs you should change the order to find new dialogues! theyre small things but omg theyre so fun

Have fun! do whatever you want, i literally said there's no bad or good ending, take advantage of it and be as foward or shy as you want, be a little shit or a literal angel! That is your life we're talking about.

[thesims4blogger]

“Urban Homage” and “Party Essentials” Kits Announced

After a small leak yesterday, The Sims 4 officially announced its next two kits: Urban Homage and Party Essentials.

The first one comes in collaboration with @Ebonix, and is said to bring inspiration on 90s and 2000s fashion from London, UK. The other one, as its name suggests, focuses on party decoration, including a disco ball and a fog machine.

Both kits are coming out next Thursday, April 18th, so we can expect a patch on the 16th. Read the full blog announcement below.

On Point Looks and New Party Vibes

The Sims 4 Urban Homage and Party Essentials Kits Are Coming to The Sims 4

The party is just getting started! Step onto the scene in the trendiest threads and set the stage for unforgettable celebrations this season in The Sims 4.

With The Sims 4 Urban Homage and Party Essentials Kits, players can style their Sims in Simmer and gaming content creator, Ebonix’s favorite London city-inspired fashion and deck out party venues with festive decor for electrifying celebrations that will get Sims buzzing.

90s Vibes and Vibrant Motifs

Dress to impress with The Sims 4 Urban Homage Kit, created in collaboration with multi-award-winning gaming content creator and DE&I advocate, Danielle “Ebonix” Udogaranya.

Turn heads and make your Sim stand out as the ultimate virtual style icon with looks that offer a fresh take on nostalgic London city-inspired 90s and Noughties (a UK expression for the years between 2000 to 2009) fashion trends, with lively patterns, vibrant graffiti motifs and eye-catching accessories. These modern looks are bold and unapologetic, inspired by a time and place near and dear to Ebonix.

With striking ensembles and statement pieces such as iconic overalls, butterfly tops, eye-catching layered jewelry and glamorous new nails, Sims can confidently strut in style and express their individuality in more ways than ever before. Advertisement

“When I came up with Urban Homage, the pitch [to Maxis] was paying homage to the 80s, 90s, and 00s,” says Ebonix. “[The Kit] is inspired by the urban chic culture which highlights the innovation, diversity and vibrancy that city life fosters which I very much embrace as part of my day to day wears. So with that said, I wanted to bring to life some timeless pieces that tap into eras that we draw inspiration from and are still the blueprint of fashion innovation to this day, with a variety of outfits that are dynamic and vibrant, traditional and contemporary, and rich with cultural trends!

Fun fact: The numbers on the basketball shorts are actually the birthdays of Ebonix’s mom (24), dad (18), best friend (16), goddaughter (14) and her own (10)! She felt this would be such a beautiful, personal touch to commemorate and pay homage to the people who mean the absolute world to me.”

Celebrate with Flair

Amp up your festivities and make your epic parties unforgettable with The Sims 4 Party Essentials Kit!

Whether your Sim is hosting a lavish Landgraab luncheon or a raving rager for the Roomies, The Sims 4 Party Essentials Kit has everything you need to make your next celebration the talk of the town. Advertisement

Dazzle and delight with playful party props, including eye-catching streamers, an entrancing fog machine and a versatile bar that can stick around after the party. Add some drama to everyday decor with lively and unique new items like a mesmerizing disco ball. Set the perfect vibe with coordinated party decorations or mix and match to set the mood and make memorable Simstagram posts pop.

Form your group and let the good times roll in style. Shpansa!

The Sims 4 Urban Homage and Party Essentials Kits will be available on April 18, 2024 on PC via EA app™, Mac® via Origin, Epic Games Store and Steam®, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One systems.

The Sims 4 Urban Homage and Party Essentials Kits require The Sims 4 base game, available free to download with all game updates. See minimum system requirements for the pack.

[midautumngame]

Midautumn is a narrative roguelite dungeon crawler available now in Early Access on PC, Mac and Linux! Crashing at Grandma's was meant to be a break from your responsibilities. But relaxing might prove hard when the Spirit World is real, its entrance is in your basement, and you're its newest guardian. Blast evil spirits, experience Asian diaspora culture and save your hometown from gentrification!

✧ BUY ON STEAM EARLY ACCESS!

✧ BUY ON ITCH.IO

✧ VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

Be apart of Midautumn's development journey! Buy the game or play the free demo and help us through Early Access with feedback, bug reporting and more to help guide us. Experience new content as its added and grow along with us. With your help, we'll have the best chance at setting correct priorities, making necessary adjustments & tweaks, and most importantly making the game as impactful as we know it can be.

✧ PLAY OUR FREE DEMO!

✧ SEE OUR FUNDED KICKSTARTER!

✧ GIVE US FEEDBACK!

Thank you so much for all the support! We are a small indie team of all Asian diaspora folks trying to create a fun game that resonates with folks! This includes plenty of accessibility options to play how you'd like, so please check it out and let us know what you think!

[beekeeperspicnic]

Hello, I have two — possibly stupid — questions that you may have answered already so feel free to ignore that message.

The first one is: do you plan on releasing an ‘about the dev’ doc summarising how you started and your journey making that game? I’ve been following you for a while, but I missed some posts and tumblr being tumblr, finding them is quite the adventure. I would really love to read such a story, but I understand that it is extra work.

The second one is: is there any way to support your endeavour, be it financially or otherwise (apart from wishlisting the game on steam and following your progress)?

Sorry if you already answered all of it in the past, and thank you for your wonderful work.

Eee thank you so much! I know tumblr isn't always the best for reading old content, and it probably doesn't help that my use of tags is a bit chaotic.

I'm hoping to do a crowdfunding campaign later this year (which... makes me slightly terrified that it's June already, wow) to cover some of the expenses for things like music, and getting the equipment I need to create a Mac version of the game.

As part of that I'm putting together an art book as a digital reward, which features a lot of the content from this blog.

Here's a preview of the page all about designing Holmes' kitchen!

[linuxgamenews]

Barony Update: Keep Your Secrets Expansion Now Available

Barony update Keep Your Secrets releases for the first-person co-op roguelike game for Linux, Steam Deck, Mac, and Windows PC. Thanks to the creative team at Turning Wheel for making this happen. Available now for all players on Steam and Humble Store. Turning Wheel just released a fantastic free expansion update for Barony, and it's live right now. The Keep Your Secrets update brings a whole new level of fun to the game on Linux and Steam Deck. While offering new features, more enemies, and a bunch of great surprises to make dungeon crawling even better. Plus, it's another one of their promised Kickstarter goals.

So, what’s new?

The Compendium

Let’s start with the big one — the Compendium. This is basically a magical encyclopedia filled with all the juicy secrets of Baron Herx's dungeon. It tracks everything, from items and enemies to game lore about different realms. And get this — it also keeps a record of your Barony in-game deeds, thanks to this update. Every time you encounter something new, more pages unlock in the Compendium. While giving you all the info you need to take down enemies, uncover traps, and master all those hidden treasures. To dive deeper into the dungeon’s secrets, you'll need Lore Points. These are earned by completing Achievements, which you can then use to research different entries in the Compendium. Already unlocked a bunch of Achievements? No worries—you’ll get credit for them too. Pretty slick, right? If you’re tired of getting wrecked by the same monsters over and over, this new feature is your best friend. Learn their weaknesses and how to counter them!

Keep Your Secrets Update for Barony

New Breakables and Enemies

Who doesn’t love smashing things? With this new content, you’ll find new breakable objects scattered throughout the dungeon. Break them open for items, gold, or—surprise! — even enemies. You never know what you’ll get, so smash away on Steam Deck and Linux. On the enemy front, the Barony dungeon just got even more intense in this update. Slimes are now more dangerous, with elemental types and spray attacks. Plus, you’ll also have to deal with Bats, Bugbears, and Gnomish Thieves lurking in the shadows. Each ready to make your life harder.

The Ruins Overhaul

Baron Herx’s Ruins have gotten a major makeover too. Around 170 new rooms have been added to this realm, with everything from ancient statues to arcane traps waiting for brave adventurers. You’ll need to tread carefully, as some rooms are downright deadly. Keep your eyes peeled for new Mechanist security systems and other surprises.

Gnomish Thieves

Speaking of enemies, let’s talk about the Gnome Thieves. These guys have abandoned their mining days and now roam the Ruins looking to rob anyone who crosses their path. They attack in groups, using both ranged and melee weapons, and they’ll even drop traps when they die in Barony in the update. Oh, and don’t get too bold — these gnomes are smarter than your average goblin. Watch out for their leader, too; take him down, and the rest will lose their nerve.

Bugbears

Last but definitely not least, meet the Bugbears. These bruisers are tough and carry serious weapons like battle axes and crossbows. They like to get up close and personal, using shields to bash you if you’re not careful. If you try to snipe them from a distance, they’ll just raise their shields to block your shots. They’re not just muscleheads, though—they’ll strafe around you and divide your attention, so you’ve got to stay on your toes.

Ready to jump in?

All this goodness is available now on Linux, Steam Deck (verified), Mac, and Windows PC. Whether you’re a veteran or just diving into Barony for the first time, the Keep Your Secrets expansion update adds tons of new challenges and content to keep things fresh. Available now for all players on Steam and Humble Store. Priced at $19.99 USD / £16.75 / 19,50€.

[amadeusgame]

Witches are tricky... but they have magic that can do the unfathomable, and as the moon Aska draws full, you have no choice but to strike a deal with one...

What is Amadeus / Where can I play it?

Amadeus is a visual novel/puzzle game to be released episodically on Steam. It is a melancholy, hand-drawn point-and-click where you play as the titular Amadeus as he endeavors to uncover the hidden truth about werewolves. The primary inspirations for this game are Umineko When They Cry, Final Fantasy VIII, and the Professor Layton series.

A proof-of-concept demo introducing the titular character, basic mechanics, and lots of original audio & art assets is now ready to share! The demo is NOW LIVE on itch.io. While the complete game will be developed for Mac/PC and released on Steam, this demo is made to be fully playable in-browser.

So it's just a demo? That's cool, but what's next?

It doesn't stop at the demo, of course! This tumblr, as well as a Linktree, have been created to host regular updates about the ongoing development of the complete game. If the demo intrigues you, and you'd be interested in playing the episodes of the full game when they are ready, the best ways to keep up with development are:

Follow this blog

Bookmark the Linktree (linktr.ee/amadeusgame) and check back for new links & resources

Can I ask questions/give feedback about the demo?

This blog's ask box is currently open to questions about the game/development process, as well as feedback from the demo to be considered for the full game.

When will the full game be out?

The current plan is for Episode 1 of Amadeus to officially release in Summer 2024, and subsequent episodes annually after that - but it's a long journey to get there, so stay tuned for updates!

(Please also feel free to tag any posts about the game #Amadeus Game on Tumblr or #AmadeusGame on other social media with one-word tags - I would love to see them!)

[paleopinesofficial]

PALEO PINES FAQs

What consoles are you on

We are available on Steam, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.

How can I support the development of Paleo Pines?

We are so excited you want to get more involved! The best way you can support us is to follow us on social media @PaleoPines or grab the game on any of the platforms available!

Will the game have co-op/multiplayer?

Paleo Pines is a single-player experience! We’re definitely keeping them in the back of our minds, but it won’t be part of this release.

Will the game be in real-time? Will I lose my dinosaurs if I don’t play for a while?

In Paleo Pines, dinos will only run away if you neglect them during active gameplay, so please be nice to your dino friends!

Is there any promotional content?

Not yet, but we hope there will be!

Will the game have mod support?

Currently it is not in our plans to include mod support for the game.

Will Paleo Pines be available in other languages?

Paleo Pines will be available in English, German, French, Italian, Korean, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Russian, Japanese, and Brazilian Portuguese.

Is this game identical on all platforms, including the Switch version having an in-game achievement system?

Currently platform-specific features/meta features are only supported on a per-platform basis. Specifically, there is* not* an in-game achievement system for Switch.

Are there any bonuses for having save data from a different video game?

There are no bonuses for other game saves at present.

How will taming work?

A collection of cheeky dinosaurs roam the wild areas waiting to become your friends, as well as ranch helpers. Get their attention by mimicking their calls with your flute, then seal the deal with a tasty treat and trustworthy nose boop! Then gain their trust by creating cozy pens and learning what keeps them happy. Dinos might leave your island if they’re not happy - don’t worry though, you can always find them again and regain their trust!

Will Paleo Pines be free?

Paleo Pines is a premium game experience. We haven’t announced a price yet but will as soon as we can!

Will Paleo Pines have dating elements or relationships with the NPCs?

We are not currently planning on adding dating elements to the game. However, you can complete questlines for the NPCs and affect a positive change in their lives!

Will Paleo Pines also be available on Mac?

In the current plans, Paleo Pines will not be available on Mac.

Are there plans for early access?

There will not be early access, but we have a free demo on Steam!

Will there be seasonal changes in the game?

There are three seasons in the game which can affect the weather, available crops, and dino migration patterns. Triassea is a time of new crops and new life, where pleasantly cloudy days are broken up by occasional light and pleasant rainfall. Jurrasos is a hotter, more tropical time of year. It is rarely cloudy, and never stormy, perfect for beach picnics! Cretumnus is the blustery time of year, normally cloudy with rain showing up a bit more frequently.

What do you think the appropriate age to be able to play Paleo Pines will be?

We want to have the game accessible to as many people who want to play it as possible. We will try to keep the controls simple and intuitive to make sure everyone has a playing experience that is fun whilst still giving you lots of options and things to do in the game.

Will we have to build up the ranch from scratch?

You start with a simple ranch and a little bit of land, and as the game progresses you can turn the neglected land into a beautiful and friendly home.

What will be customizable in game?

Paleo Pines is a place where you can express your individuality and creativity; no two ranches are the same! You can use decor to build a romantic garden, give your ranch a cozy woodland vibe, or go full-on-farmer with rows and rows of tilled soil. You can decide where to grow produce, or which spaces to dedicate to your dinos, including how big and what shape you want their pens to be. Your dinos can move around freely, so feel free to make communal areas too! Furthermore, you can customize your character as you like with a variety of features, curate a colorful collection of clothing and change your style using the wardrobe!

Will dinosaurs be adjusted if their depictions are drastically updated?

We love the latest science as it unfolds. Natalia, our paleontology adviser, is a key part in keeping us in the loop. If something exciting is revealed, we'll try to incorporate it if possible!

Can dinos at the ranch get sick?

The dinos cannot get sick, but if you forget to feed and take care of them, they might decide to leave your ranch.

Are dino genders fixed or randomised?

Most dinos do not have genders, except what you choose to imagine. However, some of the NPCs have their own trusty steeds who at times are referred to by their gendered pronouns.

Will the dinos come in different colors/patterns?

Yes! Each dino will have a pool of colours, and some dinos will have multiple patterns. These different colors/patterns will be spawned procedurally or under certain conditions!

Can my dinosaurs die? What happens if I forget to feed them?

Dinos will never die or kill each other. If you do neglect your dino, it will simply leave your ranch.

Why was Lucky chosen as the main dino?

We wish we had a better answer other than it's always been Lucky and we've never for a second considered another dino as she has always just felt perfectly right. She is an embodiment of what Paleo Pines is all about - friendship and exploration. Even after years of developing the game, we still feel happy when we look at her and that's the emotion that we hope is shared by others when they play!

Do the dinosaurs have varying personalities or all pretty much the same depending on their species?

There are a few different personality types, and any species can have them. But the species themselves have got bags of personality in their animations!

Is there a limit to how many dinos the player can have on their ranch?

You can have as many dinos on your ranch that you are able to keep happy! But keeping a dino happy in the long term requires a dreamstone, and there are a finite number of dreamstones in the game.

Will there be a chance of random mutation?

Since there is no breeding in the game, dinos will not mutate. However, there are various combinations of dino patterns and colors, some that are more rare than others.

Can we name our dinos?

Yes! All dinos can be named and renamed, except Lucky.

How will the dinos sound? Realistic or more cute?

It’s going to be more cute than realistic or terrifying. For example, large dinos have big low honks and small dinos might have chirps or trills. We’re also designing for melody to be important in the game, which will tie in to the sound design of the dinos.

What is Pippin’s Gender?

Pippin is a non-binary character who uses they/them pronouns. It has always been our vision for Paleo Pines to have a diverse, inclusive community with characters that may reflect any player’s identity or orientation.

Which game engine is the team using?

We are developing in the Unity game engine.

Will there be controller support?

Absolutely! Actually, this is how a lot of us are testing the game already.

What program do you use for 3D modelling?

We use Blender for our 3D work.

Is there anything permanently missable, even rewards for fulfilling specific conditions?

Nothing aside from cases where this is desirable. For example: Granny comes to your ranch the day after you receive your farming tools.If you haven't used the tools yet, she will give you a farming tutorial, and give you seeds. If you have already used them, she comments on how you seem to know what you're doing, and gives you seeds. Either way you get seeds. But you can only see one of the two possible dialogues - the other is missable.

[dotslashchloe]

I remember running a terrible Zoostorm laptop when I was 12 and It had 1GB of RAM in a time when machines came with at least 2 as a standard option, and some people believed that you'd never need more than 4GB for anything.

Image source

My parents bought me this thing because I had caused a little bit of an issue in our house, and that was my constant need for floppy disks post year 2000. We ran an Amiga 1200 in the dining room of our home as it was what my parents both used to code on in the mid 90's. We had tons of software for that thing but the coolest by far was a programming environment called AMOS. It used a proprietary (read: now unsupported) programming language called AMOS BASIC and the only resources we had for the language was whatever my dad remembered and the official language guide which, if i remember correctly, was thick enough to beat a goat to death with.

Image credit

The guide was sometimes really good at explaining language features and best use cases for mid 90's game development methodologies.

You can actually still download AMOS and run it on a Windows machine, or OSX and GNU/Linux if you have the tools to run applications meant for windows.

I moved from an Amiga sporting 2MB of chip RAM and 8MB of fast RAM to a Windows 7 laptop with a whopping, for the time, Gigabyte of Random Access Memory.

I couldn't wait to see the types of software that I could make with 32 bit technology and how I could use new... Oh, it crashed.

Image credit

Windows 7, at least on my machine, was a garbage fire. Somewhere along the way when we transitioned from floppy disks to hard drives and hard drives to solid state, programmers suddenly forgot how to make good decisions. The amount of driver errors, lag spikes, and crashes I experienced on that platform made me hate Windows, and even to this day, I really don't trust it.

I once turned my laptop on to find Windows using 90% of my available RAM, and it wasn't even running anything.

This frustration led me to look further afield. I knew that I liked the UNIX like systems from helping my dad run a FreeBSD server, and because of that, I very nearly bought a mac. Nearly. I still like to have a usable computer and do things that Apple don't want me to do, like change my settings in a way that matters.

Image credits

I finally found out enough to flash Arch to my USB drive and install it using a guide i found on a reddit thread. after editing all of my settings, i pressed enter, sat back... And bricked the fucking thing. Archinstall was a blessing from the gods, but we didn't have that yet.

2nd choice was Debian. Not only was it pre-configured out of the box, it had a package manager that made sense and came with development tools already built in. I played around with a few other distributions over the years until i discovered that they're all either Debian or Arch with a different package manager and desktop environment.

GNU/Linux blew my mind. The fact that all of this software was just out there for free fort anybody to use and change astounded me, and it still does to this day. You need to run a piece of hardware that nobody has made a driver for in about 20 years? Debian probably has it built in. You want to make video games? Debian can do that flawlessly. You want to play video games? Steam installs natively and comes with Proton!

By the time I was ready to go to College at 16, I was using Linux full time, and Archinstall had been added to the installation ISO (thank god). I used arch for all of my studies there, and all of my studies at University. I passed my degree because my software was free. I even had a C# compiling and running for my Programming 101 classes.

I do occasionally run Windows at some point from time to time, but i always make sure that WSL is installed. I do not see the need to download a piece of software to do something when Debian has the command built-in.

If it were not for the FOSS community, and GNU/Linux as a whole, I probably would not be the programmer that I am today, and I wouldn't have been able to learn many of the complex topics I needed for the field I have worked in due to the closed, corporate nature of the vast majority of software out there.

Sorry for yapping.

[doamarierose-honoka]

Image: Ubisoft

Update [Wed 23rd Oct, 2024 13:00 BST]:

Ubisoft has confirmed that most of the team that worked on Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown have indeed been moved onto other projects internally, and that the game is at the end of its post-launch roadmap.

In a statement provided to our sister site Push Square, Abdelhak Elguess — who was senior producer of the game — confirmed that work has ended on the game, but that the team that is remaining will be "focusing on making the game available to more players". A Mac release is due this winter.

A separate Ubisoft representative, who was not named, also confirmed that there have been "no layoffs" regarding this news.

Here is Elguess' statement in full:

"I'm extremely proud of our team's work and passion at Ubisoft Montpellier to create a game that resonated with players and critics alike, and I am confident in its long-term success. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is now at the end of its Post-Launch roadmap with three free content updates and one DLC that released in September. We are now focusing on making the game available to more players: it was recently launched on Steam, and will be available on Mac by this winter. Most of the team members who worked on Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown have shifted to other projects that will benefit from their expertise.

"We know players have a love for this brand and Ubisoft is excited to bring more Prince of Persia experiences in the future."

Original article [Tue 22nd Oct, 2024 18:30 BST]:

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is one of the best games of 2024, and with the recently released DLC, we thought it would just keep getting even better. Sadly, a new report suggests that the team behind the excellent Metroidvania has been disbanded by Ubisoft, and a sequel was refused.

According to French gaming journalist Gautoz on the Origami YouTube channel (and summarised by ResetEra User Arubedo), Ubisoft had determined the game's future a few weeks after the game's January 2024 launch. The company made it clear to the team at Ubisoft Montpellier that after all the cosmetics and DLC were out, "it would be the end."

Not only that, but Gautoz also claims that members of the development team pitched a sequel, but Ubisoft didn't greenlight it. Then, the team tried to get two expansions, but that was also refused on the basis that "Ubisoft needed more hands to help on other projects that had a better sales potential" and that a sequel would actually harm long-term sales for The Lost Crown.

While this is currently just a rumour, Ubisoft hasn't exactly been out of the news in terms of disappointing results. Two weeks ago, Bloomberg reported that the company may be looking to go private as the brand has lost over half of its market value in 2024. Games such as Star Wars Outlaws have underperformed, and Assassin's Creed Shadows was recently delayed, with its Early Access also cancelled.

However, we're still upset to hear that the team — who also worked on Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends — has potentially been disbanded. We would've loved to have seen a sequel to the game, but hopes of that, and maybe even a new Rayman game, feel like a pipe dream...

We'll update you if we hear anything official on this story.

[source youtu.be, via x.com, resetera.com, x.com]

[govindhtech]

ADATA SC750 External SSD: Your High-Speed Data Companion

Advance SC750

Compact and lightweight, this mobile phone storage accessory is perfect

ADATA Technology  has released its newest external solid-state drive (SSD), the SC750, with read/write rates of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s and support for the USB 3.2 Gen2 transmission interface. It plugs into smartphones and tablets via Type-C. It works with Android Type-C smartphones as well as the most recent iPhone 15 series.

The SC750 is a useful tool for video artists who frequently go outside to gather materials since it blends performance and portable design to satisfy the ever-increasing demand for transfer speed and storage created by today’s hectic lifestyles. When transferring large files, the SC750 reduces wait times and boosts productivity when working on many project files at once.

Type C Connector

Designed with mobile devices in mind, instantly record and publish high-definition movies

The popular SE880, which has a significantly smaller form factor and does away with the need for an additional data cable, is the model that the SC750 external SSD is based on externally. When working on a project, users no longer have to worry about searching for a compatible data cable. The SC750 is compact, light, and about the size of a flash drive.

It also takes up little room. It is ideal for travel or business. To transfer large files quickly, simply slide out the Type-C connector. Alternatively, edit and view these files immediately on the SC750 to maximize productivity.

Apple ProRes

Record Apple Pores files straight to the drive with support for the iPhone 15 series

The SC750 external SSD uses the widely used Type-C connector, which works with a variety of computer platforms and operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, and Android. With the top-tier iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, record Apple ProRes films straight to an external SSD to avoid using up phone storage. Using your smartphone in this intuitive way reduces the time it takes to transfer and edit large videos or documents, and consumers can forgo the high-capacity iPhone 15 Pro in favour of saving money for a rainy day.

Advance SC750 Parts Manual

Furthermore, the Steam Deck portable gaming PC can be used with the SC750 external SSD. Reluctant gamers can have their games backed up, saving them time and preventing the need to redownload. With the external SSD SC750, you may work, play, and travel about. The 500GB, 1,000GB, and 2,000GB versions of the SC750 external SSD are now available for purchase through international outlets. The 2,000GB version will be released in Q3. A worldwide, three-year limited warranty is included with all.

USA-made SC750 External SSD

Including Mobile Storage is Simple

High-speed read/write of 1,050/1,000 MB/s

Designed to be lightweight, compatible with mobile phones, and data cable-free

Take straight notes on Apple ProRes picture files on SSD.

Compatible with gaming handhelds, the ideal option for saving and transferring games

Compatible with the newest game consoles

Accommodates a variety of operating systems

High-speed read/write at 1050/1000 MB/s

With read/write rates of up to 1050/1000MB and transmission bandwidth of up to 10Gb per second, the SC750 satisfies USB 3.2 Gen2 high-speed transmission criteria, satisfying the demands of professional photographers and video creators for high-speed access while they’re on the go. Large files can be edited and accessed directly on the SC750, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted working.

Devices need to support UASP drivers and USB 3.2 Gen 2 for best performance. Depending on the hardware and software specifications of the system, actual speeds may differ.

Small Form Factor, Cordless Transmission

Because the SC750 is small and doesn’t require any extra data cords, you won’t have to worry about cables getting lost ever again. The SC750 is compact, light, and about the size of a flash drive. It also takes up little room. It is ideal for travel or business. Its Type-C connector can be removed to begin transferring big data right away.

The iPhone 15 Pro has direct recording support

With the newest iPhone 15 series handsets, the SC750 external SSD allows file transfers and has a Type-C connection. Eliminate the need to buy a high-capacity iPhone 15 Pro by using the top-tier iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models to record Apple ProRes videos. The SC750 is an easy financial upgrade!

A Virtual Safe for Your Mobile Game Device

Do you want to download a lot of games but your gaming device is getting too small for storage? Reduce the length of time spent waiting to redownload by using the SC750 to backup your collection. To rapidly satisfy your craving for gaming, just plug and play!

External Gaming SSD

Your Collection of Games

The newest console generation of games can be linked to the SC750. The SC750 allows you to save games that don’t fit on the internal storage of the consoles, which makes it simple to grow your game collection and enhance your leisure activities.

Depending on the game, the actual loading time may differ, and changing the disc format before connecting to the console may be necessary. You might need to format your game console before you can connect to it.

Uncomplicated Compatibility

You won’t have to be concerned about compatibility whether using Windows, macOS, Android, or another operating system. To begin, simply plug in using the Type-C connector.

External SSDs must be supported and compatible with mobile device hardware and software in order to use OTG data backup and transfer features.

Make sure the mobile device has enough power when connecting it to prevent data loss or transfer failure from power problems.

Read more on govindhtech.com

[thesims4blogger]

The Sims 4 Announces Two New Kits: “Storybook Nursery” and “Artist Studio”

Following a leak earlier this week, EA has just officially announced two new kits for The Sims 4. Both had already been confirmed on the latest roadmap.

The Storybook Nursery Kit was developed in collaboration with CC creator @SixamCC. As its name suggests, it brings a whole new look to infants and toddlers bedrooms, including a changing table and a playmat (both had previously only been available on the Growing Together expansion pack).

And as for the Artist Studio Kit, there are several different options for you to build a creative space. And, for the first time in ten years, we finally get another woodworking table.

Both kits are coming out in a week (September 19th). Read the full announcement blogpost below.

Continue Adding to Your Sims Story with Artistic Spaces and Lavish Nurseries

The Sims 4 Storybook Nursery Kit created in collaboration with SixamCC and The Artist Studio Kit

Whether you are continuing stories with your creative Sims and re-exploring their artistic side or ushering in your Sim’s newest bundle of joy to a beautiful nursery, answer the question of “What’s Next?” with these kits this season in The Sims 4.

Design Colorful Retreats

Let your artistry flourish with The Sims 4 Artist Studio Kit.

Every design choice is yours to make as you embark on a journey of creativity. Set up your new easel in the center of your studio, surrounded by tools of the trade–a variety of brushes, colorful paint cans and new inspiring still-life objects that Sims can paint from reference or draw creativity from.

There is no limit to what your Sim can imagine, especially in a studio full of shelves stockpiled with supplies to fulfill their every artistic whim. Continue to make your mark on your studio and let creativity flow by setting up drawers and shelves that are overflowing with tubes of paint, sketchbooks and palettes. Sims will also be able to dive into other artistic endeavors through the new tablet and woodworking table, truly immersing themselves in all avenues of art.

Surround Little Ones in Lavish Elegance

Welcome the newest addition to the family in a nursery. Made in collaboration with creator SixamCC, this collection of items in The Sims 4 Storybook Nursery balances the joy of a new arrival with elevated charm.Advertisement

Bring your newborns, infants and toddlers into a space that balances sophistication and whimsy with delicately crafted toys, appealing wallpaper, a dreamy mobile and more–available in colors that range from rich and moody darks to delicate pastels of a bygone era. These little ones will sleep soundly as they are surrounded by the refined elegance of ornate cribs, bassinets and beds, a sweeping canopy and a tasteful chandelier. Only the best for our little nooboos and the most pleasant dreams!

These objects were passed down through generations and will be passed down to future generations, ensuring a legacy of elegance within each family. With hints of The Sims legacy and lore, your new addition will have plenty to discover in these storybook-inspired rooms.

The Sims 4 Artist Studio and Storybook Nursery Kits will be available on September 19, 2024 on PC via EA app™, Mac® via Origin, Epic Games Store and Steam®, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One systems.Advertisement

The Sims 4 Artist Studio and Storybook Nursery Kits require The Sims 4 base game, available free to download with all game updates. See minimum system requirements for the pack.

[sephirajo]

A reminder to friends that not only do I have my Ko-fi for donating for food, bills, pills and sundries but if you want to donate to the 'jo's sanity fund' in a way, I have a steam (and gog) wishlist.

The steam one might have to be refreshed a few times to come up. Other than the number one spot on steam, the order means nothing.