#Steam Deck gaming experience

[once-in-a-half-life]

i got myself a steam deck >:3

and I bought Half-Life: Alyx while it was on sale... just gotta figure out how to install the no VR mod on the deck haha

[shiniestcrow]

All right, here are my current results of noting how long it takes for a game to take my Steam Deck from full to 10%

From best to worst:

1. Vampire Survivors: 188 minutes (3h 8min)

2. Spiritfall: 179 minutes (2h 59min)

3. Yakuza 0: ~160 minutes* (2h 40min)

4. Hades: 132 minutes (2h 12min)

5. (Modded) Skyrim SE: 100 minutes (1h 40min)

6. Wobbledogs: 84 minutes (1h 24min)

*estimated; Got it by doubling the 84 minutes it took to get down to 55% and rounding down (because I could not stand playing it any longer than that)

Most of these were not done in one go, so the numbers might be slightly off. I did make sure to always continue on the battery percentage I left off on

With the exception of Skyrim, I tested all of them only once because I am lazy. Skyrim I tried 3 times and did get exactly 100 minutes twice and 106 minutes once. Picked 100 instead of the average (102) because I liked it more tbh

I plan on updating this with more games but it takes a lot of time so it'll be slow going

@tundrakatiebean

[giphit]

I feel like everybody has a hobby they would get into if they could afford it but instead they live vicariously through YouTube videos on the hobby and mine is PC gaming handhelds.

I bought the steam deck cause it's the only affordable one (I guess the base ally is too now) but I want all of them. I want the gpd win 4/mini/max 2, the Lenovo legion go, the onexplayer stuff idk the names for and whatever the hell ayaneo is making.

and I just wanna show up to college with a different one every day to see how people would react

[binbogummy]

I finally picked up a Steam Deck this week and I would ~love~ any and all indie game recommendations.

I've put off exploring Steam fully because I've never been a fan of gaming off of PC, but the Steam Deck is super comfortable to use and I'm super excited for the world of possibilities this opens for me.

A few I have on my wishlist or are downloading right now are, Heartbound, Athenian Rhapsody, Stray, Heartbeat, Stories Untold, and The Spirit of the Samurai.

I've had my eye on Heartbound and Athenian Rhapsody for ages. They're unfortunately still only demos, but I'm still super excited to finally try them as they're right up my alley~

[presidentdragon]

started playing Baldur's Gate 3 over the weekend and y'all won't BELIEVE who I'm obsessed with,,,

[felassan]

[link] to a video interview with DA:TV Creative Director, John Epler.

Notes:

In-world it’s been 9 years since the events of DA:I

“At the end of Trespasser, Solas declared he was going to break the world to rebuild it”

The section of the game that we saw in the Gameplay Reveal takes place “after Varric and another handful of adventurers, the initial Veilguard, have been tracking him down throughout Thedas”

If you have played previous DA games, there’s a lot of lore and references in DA:TV that will add to the experience

No save transfer, but there are opportunities to reference what you did in previous games

Tevinter is the most impressive civilization in modern Thedas because it’s a nation that runs on magic

Lore/art direction: “Magic has started seeping into the world through Solas’ ritual”, “and so you’re seeing the effects of that on the space, and on the visuals as well”

The CC team and character art team spent a lot of time working on making sure that hairstyles behaved appropriately, in a realistic way, and on representing a lot of different hairstyles

They wanted to provide more opportunities to spend time with the characters in a way that previous games didn’t allow for as much

They “did start a first version of Dragon Age 4 after Trespasser. Anthem came out, we needed to ship development to that. And when we came back we really rebooted development, started fresh, but the story has remained the same throughout, the goals of that story have remained the same. We’ve always wanted to take Solas’ story and put a final conclusion on that” (Fel note: the previous project was code-named Joplin. It was since revised to such an extent that its code name changed to Morrison, per the Bio25 book. This sounds like lots of the story, beats, themes etc from Joplin have remained despite the project change :>)

“A lot of what we want to do in this game is show the story as much as tell through conversation, dialogue”. They want the spectacle to be part of the storytelling, they want the player to be able to feel the story happening around them as much as it being told to them

They aren’t getting more specific regarding the release date as yet beyond Fall 2024

Game is coming out on Xbox Series S and X, PS5, PC

Will it be playable on Steam Deck? They are “not going to get into that quite yet, so”

[source]

[linuxgamenews]

Experience the Magic of Caves of Qud Full Release

Caves of Qud 1.0 for the science fantasy roguelike game launches on Linux, Steam Deck, Mac, and Windows PC. Thanks to the brilliant minds at Freehold Games for making it happen. Which you can find in full on Steam, GOG, and itch with 96% Overwhelmingly Positive reviews. Big news, friends – Caves of Qud 1.0 has officially launched. After 15 years of development, Freehold and Kitfox have brought their masterpiece to the finish line, coinciding with the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted showcase. So, if you’ve been waiting for a reason to dive into this mind-bending science fantasy roguelike, it's out now on Steam Deck (verified) and Linux.

What’s New in Caves of Qud 1.0?

This isn’t just any update – it’s the ultimate update. So, here’s what’s packed into version 1.0:

A brand-new tutorial to help newcomers learn the ropes.

The final quest in the main story, completing the epic journey.

Fresh music tracks, immersive sound effects, and shiny new items.

A whopping 40 new achievements to conquer.

Tons of bug fixes and small improvements that make the gameplay smoother than ever.

Caves of Qud 1.0 - Official Trailer

Introducing the Dromad Deluxe Edition

The launch also brings the Dromad Deluxe Edition, a treat for true fans. It includes:

The full Caves of Qud experience.

A newly enhanced soundtrack to get lost in.

The Harvest Dawn DLC pack, featuring in-game companions to keep you company. This includes previously Patreon-exclusive pets and one adorable new addition that’s making its debut!

Why it's Worth Your Time

For those who don’t know, Caves of Qud 1.0 continues is a mix of science fiction, fantasy, and roguelike brilliance. Imagine a title where you can teleport, swap bodies with robots, hypnotize goats, while digging into 10,000 years of history. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or crafting your dream character with over 70 mutations and dozens of cybernetic implants, there’s always something to surprise you. Prefer a hardcore challenge? Dive into Classic mode with permadeath. Want to relax and soak in the story? Roleplay and Wander modes are also here for you. So it’s no wonder this title has been a staple on PC Gamer’s Top 100 list for years!

Get Ready to Explore

Caves of Qud 1.0 is out now for 25.49 USD / £21.24 / 24,64€ with te 15% launch discount on Steam, GOG, and itch. If you need one more reason to jump in, it’s the perfect time to jump into this world of endless possibilities. So, gear up, grab your companions, and prepare to lose yourself in the legendary Caves of Qud 1.0. The wait is over – so it’s time to carve your story into the bones of this extraordinary world on Linux, Steam Deck, Mac, and Windows PC.

[snapscube]

Hi Penny!! Knowing that you are both a fan of FFXIV and the Steam Deck, I thought I would ask you if the game is playable on the Steam Deck! I don't have a viable PC, but I'm interested in trying out the game and wasn't sure if that was an option. I'll probably also poke around online for answers, but I thought you'd be a good person to ask about it!

yes, it’s (currently*) VERY playable! you get solid battery life when locked to 30fps (which for an MMO is generally fine) but it can hit 60 in many cases if necessary as long as ur willing to take the battery hit. personally it’s not a form factor i would do any serious combat content on, as the screen real estate can at times feel cramped, but if you’re just starting the game then it’s absolutely viable for a long stretch of the games early levels. you could even hook it up to an external monitor with a keyboard and mouse and get the full PC experience anyway and just use the handheld mode for questing and more casual stuff!

* i don’t have direct experience with how it’s going to run AFTER dawntrail releases next week. i didn’t go through the trouble to set up the benchmark on my own device. but based on what i can tell, the graphics update coming with dawntrail isn’t going to out-spec the steam deck at all. you MAY have to lock to 30fps more often, but that’s a maybe and it’ll depend on play environment like always. should still be in a very playable state from what i can tell but again, don’t take my word on that completely until the update comes along and i’ve been able to test it myself.

[thatskynews]

We're bringing SkyFest 2024 to YOU, even if you can't make it to Tokyo! ✨️

Our team has been working very hard to bring as many players as possible in-game streaming, a new technology for Sky that we hope will bridge the real-world and in-game experiences. handshake This technology will be available to players on iOS, most Android devices, PlayStation, PC, and Steam Deck.

Unfortunately, over the course of development, we ran into numerous technical challenges, and some could not be solved in time for SkyFest despite a lot of time and effort on the part of our engineering team. Players on Nintendo Switch devices, as well as a small percentage of Android devices, will not be able to experience SkyFest Cinema tech for this reason.

Learn more about what this means for Sky Kids far and wide in our latest blog!

[inaconstantstateofchange]

BG3 Companion Headcanons: Wicked Grace (Or, Well, Talis¹)

I got to thinking about what it would look like if we had a similar scene with the BG3 companions as the infamous Wicked Grace scene from Dragon Age: Inquisition. Enjoy:

Lae'zel: She doesn't really see the point of a game seemingly so dependent on chance rather than true strategy – she and Gale share a bonding moment over this – and refuses to participate after losing by an embarrassing margin in the first game. However, she does take a "strategic vantage point" from which to keenly observe the proceedings, and makes a private vow to win back her honor in future, after the sting of defeat has eased.

Astarion: He's the one who suggested the whole affair in the first place, but he quickly finds himself with cause to regret it. On the one hand, he ends up... enjoying himself to a certain degree, but on the other, he does not come out of it with anything near the unquestioned victory he expected. He's not used to playing against opponents with a comparable skill level, so his attempts to cheat his way to victory only succeed a fraction of the time. His stress levels increase after Lae'zel taps out and takes up haunting the table, and the inconsistency with which she calls out his cheating is worse for his nerves than if she did it every time.

Shadowheart: Astarion may have suggested the affair in the first place, but she's the one who manipulated him into it, by "casually" noting on a mission one day that it was a shame none of them had a deck to play with, as she was a great enjoyer of the game even though she had never had any great skill with it. In fact, such games were highly emphasized among Sharrans for their unparalleled utility in information gathering, manipulation, and subterfuge.

Gale: He starts out very certain of his skill and assured victory, then begins making several pointed comments about how it would be a different story if they were to bring out the lanceboard when he begins losing ground — and articles of clothing. He makes a decent showing for himself, but folds out just after the midpoint of the evening to join Lae'zel in treating the remaining players as the prime entertainment they are.

Wyll: He played with some of the Fist recruits as a teenager, but he's a little out of practice. He gets fleeced for the first few rounds, but settles into it, keeps his wits about him, and quietly gets his own back by the later rounds. He regularly catches his opponents off-guard with an unexpected quip, and Karlach has to excuse herself for an entire round after snorting ale out of her nose in a horrid mix of foul steam and boiling liquid. He apologizes vigorously, but can't stop laughing along with the rest of them, and it certainly doesn't make him stop.

Karlach: She's actually a brutal opponent, but unfortunately stymied by her recent experience being with the rulesets used by those devils willing to play in Avernus, and, prior to that, the heavily amended rules favored by the seedier neighborhoods of Baldur's Gate. No one – particularly not those currently winning – is willing to switch to a different set of rules in the middle of the evening, but Karlach makes them promise that next time, she gets to pick the ruleset. She calls it a night after the Ale Incident, clapping Wyll on the back before flopping down next to Gale and Lae'zel, and picking a new target to cheer on each round. (Her cheering is distracting enough that said targets are typically grateful when her attention lands on anyone else. This is on purpose. She is having a grand time.)

Minthara: She treats the initial invite with icy disdain, noting that she has far more productive things to do than to engage in such puerile pursuits. The camp is small enough that she can't entirely avoid the bright cluster of gathered individuals raucously ribbing at and laughing with each other. She ends up drifting nearer, noting that in Menzoberranzan they played for much more meaningful stakes than mere coin. Everyone's in a good enough mood to leave that one alone, and so she somehow ends up standing just behind Halsin's shoulder. She offers blunt and often biting commentary berating his strategy for being too hands-off, falling silent only when he wins that round — albeit with a gambit that would have lost him some fingers in Menzoberranzan. He looks at her with a gleam in his eye, but doesn't press his point, merely tilting his hand to allow her a better view, and they proceed to form a fairly successful team.

Halsin: He plays up his ignorance at first, claiming cards to be "an invention of civilization", but acquits himself with the skill of a reasonably accomplished dabbler. As the night wears on, he admits in a quiet, humor-laced aside that his master, the previous First Druid, was an inveterate card sharp, and Halsin's own skill was merely what he acquired in self-defense. When Minthara joins him, he ignores her more bloodthirsty suggestions, but incorporate those that suit his own strategy, culminating in an unpredictable, yet startlingly effective strategy.

Jaheira: She's brutal. A terror. They overlook her the first round – innocent, unknowing fools that they are – more focused on their own petty squabbles with one another. She smiles calmly, refuses to rise to any of the general ribbing, then sweeps the entire pot at the last minute with a play that leaves them all gaping at her. From that point, they are gunning for her in particular — and she makes them fight for every single copper they regain.

Minsc: No one is certain whether he knows what game they're playing. He will make absolutely absurd plays, then come in at the last with a card laid out on Boo's direction that somehow turns it around. His chaotic playstyle means he's never first — but he's also, inexplicably, never last.

¹ "Some games of skill are detailed below, but games of chance are also popular. Wagering on any sort of game is also a favorite pastime.... Talis Deck: A deck of seventy-eight cards, typically made of lacquered paper or parchment, in a wooden case. The deck is similar to a tarot deck." Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3E. 2001. p. 96.

[galaxysupreme17]

Family Game Night

Y/n = Your Name

AgathaRio x daughter!Reader

The night was quiet and warm, stars twinkling outside as the Harkness-Vidal household bustled with a rare excitement. In a decision that surprised even herself tonight, Rio convinced her family to participate in a family game night. Y/n sat cross-legged on the living room floor, surrounded by a chaotic assortment of board games that she'd dug up from the hall closet.

Looking both amused and slightly skeptical, Agatha watched from the couch, a steaming cup of tea in hand. "Are we really doing this?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at Rio, who was crouched over the boxes, eyes gleaming.

"Oh, we're definitely doing this," Rio replied with a grin that promised equal parts fun and mischief. "It's about time we did something as a family that's not life-threatening."

Y/n laughed, leaning over to pick up a box. "So, what's the game plan? Monopoly? Sorry?" She waggled her eyebrows. "Maybe a little Scrabble?"

Rio snorted, glancing at Agatha. "How about something with a little more... competition? It's not a real game night unless it gets intense."

Agatha's lips curled into a small smile as she sipped her tea. "Just remember, love, it's family game night. We don't need a rematch of the Monopoly disaster of '22." She shot Rio a knowing look, making Y/n laugh.

"Oh, I promise to behave," Rio said with a glint in her eye. "Mostly."

Y/n rolled her eyes but was already setting up Uno. "Let's start with something simple. And no wild strategies," she added, giving her mom a warning look.

Rio chuckled, settling down beside Agatha on the floor, pulling the pillows around them to make things cozy. "As if I'd need strategies to win."

Agatha simply shook her head, sitting across from Y/n and Rio. She was already amused by the energy crackling around them; she knew from experience that this game night would get competitive fast. And that was even before she noticed the slight gleam in Y/n's eyes—the one that said she had a few magical tricks up her sleeve. Agatha didn't plan to call her out on it. Not just yet, anyway.

"Alright, family, deal 'em out!" Y/n declared, shuffling the deck with a flair that was absolutely not necessary for a simple card game. The room seemed to fill with anticipation, each of them sizing each other up like they were about to enter an arena.

The first few rounds went smoothly enough. Y/n pulled a couple of skips on her mom's, making them groan, and Rio retaliated with a few wild cards that sent Y/n's hand spiraling back up in numbers. Agatha played her hand quietly, though she didn't miss an opportunity to gently sabotage whoever seemed to be getting too close to victory. The friendly banter grew with each hand, along with some suspiciously precise plays from Y/n, who seemed just a bit too good at drawing the perfect card when she needed it.

Rio shot her daughter a knowing look. "Y/n, are you sure you aren't? I don't know... cheating?" Her tone was light, but her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"Cheating?" Y/n replied, feigning an innocent look. "I wouldn't dream of it." And she looked away with just the faintest smirk as she drew a +4 and tossed it down, pointing it squarely at her mother.

Rio laughed, holding her hands in defeat, but not without a glint of competitiveness sparking in her eyes. "Fine, fine, you got me. But next game, it's on."

They continued through rounds of Uno, laughs and playful jabs filling the room as Y/n kept pulling the perfect cards, much to Rio's suspicion. Agatha just smiled to herself, watching her family's antics unfold, her heart swelling as she listened to the sounds of their laughter mixing together.

Finally, as Y/n won yet another game, Rio threw her hands up in the air. "Alright, kid. No more Uno. I demand a game that takes real skill."

"Really?" Y/n teased, tapping her chin. "What do you have in mind?"

Rio's eyes gleamed with a look that was almost dangerous. "Scrabble."

Y/n gulped but grinned. "Challenge accepted."

They set up the game quickly, arranging the letters and the board, each drawing their starting tiles. Rio took an immediate lead as they started to play, scoring high with some suspiciously well-thought-out words, like "quixotic" and "zephyr," earning eye rolls from both Y/n and Agatha.

"Show-off," Y/n muttered, glancing at her measly collection of letters and trying to think of something more impressive than "cat."

Agatha chuckled, adding a respectable score with her own words but staying far enough back to let Rio and Y/n battle it out. She glanced at Y/n's tiles and raised an eyebrow as she noticed that one of them seemed to shift slightly, rearranging itself without Y/n even touching it.

The word "witch" appeared on the board in her daughter's handwriting, complete with double points. Agatha shook her head, hiding her amusement. Subtle, darling, she thought, watching Y/n try to keep a straight face.

But Rio didn't notice. Her eyes focused on her own tiles. She laid down "hexagon" and smirked. "What can I say? I'm just talented."

Y/n groaned, clutching her chest dramatically. "Mom, are you trying to ruin my pride?"

"Just teaching you the value of hard-earned victories," Rio replied with a grin, completely oblivious to her daughter's not-so-hard-earned tactics.

They continued to play, with Rio dominating most of the board and Y/n slipping in magic-influenced plays when she could. Agatha watched, both entertained and touched. It wasn't often that they got to be together like this, away from the rest of the world, their biggest problem being which word would earn them a triple score.

After a few more rounds, with Rio winning by a narrow margin, they decided to take a snack break. Agatha fetched a tray of cookies and drinks from the kitchen, bringing them back with a warm smile as she handed each of them a mug of hot cocoa.

"So," Agatha said, sitting back down and pulling Monopoly out of the stack. "Who's ready to face the true test of family bonds?"

Y/n and Rio exchanged wary glances.

"You know this game can end in disaster, right?" Y/n asked.

Agatha only shrugged, smiling. "Yes, but it's tradition."

They settled into the game, and from the start, it was clear that Monopoly would take their competitive spirit to a whole new level. Rio was ruthless, buying properties the moment she landed on them and securing an early monopoly on the orange section. Y/n tried her best to keep up, using her magic sparingly this time, careful not to overdo it in a game requiring more luck.

But as the game progressed, things became tense. Rio's gaze was intense. Her entire focus was on building houses and hotels, forcing Y/n and Agatha to pay exorbitant rent every time they landed on her properties.

"Are you sure you're not cheating this time, Y/n?" Agatha teased, nudging her daughter with a playful grin.

"Me? Cheat?" Y/n replied, feigning offense as she handed over her last few dollars to her mother.

Agatha chuckled, rolling the dice and landing on one of Rio's hotel-laden properties. She looked at the amount Rio demanded, sighed dramatically, and pushed her money across the board. "I see I'm destined for bankruptcy tonight."

Rio grinned, her eyes sparkling with victory. "It's all part of the game, mi amor."

By the time they'd played through nearly half of the Monopoly board, Y/n was out of cash, Agatha was barely hanging on, and Rio was firmly in the lead, her properties multiplying with each round.

"You know," Y/n said, feigning exhaustion as she leaned back on the couch, "if I didn't know any better, I'd say you rigged this game, Mom."

Rio simply smirked. "I don't need magic to win, darling. Just skill."

Y/n and Agatha exchanged a look, then burst into laughter, the sound filling the room with warmth. They knew it was all in good fun, and despite the losses, they were grateful for the moments spent together like this—moments where they could simply be a family, with all the love, laughter, and playfulness that came with it.

As the game finally ended with Rio's victory, Y/n stretched, yawning. "Alright, you win. I'm officially conceding defeat."

Rio leaned back, crossing her arms with a triumphant grin. "I knew you would eventually."

Agatha gave Y/n a fond look, reaching over to brush a stray hair from her daughter's face. "You put up a good fight. And maybe next time... a little less magic?"

Y/n blushed, caught off guard, and then laughed, nodding sheepishly. "Noted, Mama."

As they began putting away the game, Rio reached over, pulling Agatha and Y/n into a hug. "Thanks for indulging me tonight, you two. This was... perfect."

Y/n smiled, resting her head on Rio's shoulder. "We should do this more often."

Agatha gently kissed Rio's cheek, her eyes soft with love. "Agreed, my love. Though maybe with fewer chances for our competitive sides to come out."

Rio chuckled, holding them both close. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

And as they sat together, cuddled up and content, they knew these moments mattered most. No magic, no battles, just family—together, in the warmth of their home, wrapped in each other's love.

[gravitycircuit]

Gravity Circuit has recently hit 60K total units sold!

Never in our wildest dreams did we expect the game to sell as much as it has done in just a few short months. As such, we thought this was a moment to celebrate, with new art provided by @jmanvelez!

Now, you might be asking: why are we taking a moment to celebrate such a specific number? Well, in truth, we were planning on doing a celebratory announcement earlier, at 50K. We were on track to hit that in December, but then the holiday sales happened. Thanks to the holiday sales on various storefronts, we essentially skyrocketed past 50K, climbing all the way up to 60K before the sales were over, so didn't have the time to prepare for it! Goodness, the sales performance just continues to surprise us. All in all, the reception and feedback we have received over these past months have been overwhelming, and we can't thank you, the players, enough. You are the best. Now, you might be curious about the sales distribution among the platforms? Fret not, we have prepared a pie chart for you (based on sales as of January 18th, 2024):

Note: PS4 and PS5 are coupled together due to crossbuy. This means that if you purchased the game on one, you can download it on the same account for the other at no extra cost.

On PC, the game is available on Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, as well as Stove (Korea). Out of these, Steam is the most popular storefront.

On consoles, the game is available on Nintendo Switch and Sony's PlayStation 4 and 5. The game is also physically available on afore-mentioned consoles, by Pix'n'Love (PEGI), Red Art Games (ESRB) and Oizumi Amuzio (Japan).

Given the amount of wishlists on Steam before the game's release, as well as us getting Steam Deck verified by Valve, PC outselling the other platforms is not a wholly unexpected outcome. Steam is a huge storefront, after all.

But after all the sales across these platforms, what about the reception? Well, even on that front, Gravity Circuit has performed better than even our wildest expectations, as shown by the collage below:

Truthfully, before the game's release some six months ago, we weren't sure about what the reception ultimately would be. As a developer, it can be difficult to distance yourself from whatever project you have been working on for so long, to see the game for what it is. So, ultimately, it was up to you, the players, to determine the game's overall quality. Needless to say, we didn't expect the majority opinion to be this good, both from critics and players alike!

To provide some background: throughout the development, there were a plentiful of sleepless nights, fueled by stress, energy drinks, boatloads of work, and constant lingering doubts about the game's potential success. Creative endeavors while on a deadline are never easy, but we soldiered on, so to try and complete the game to the best of our abilities. Now, months after release, it has been a truly humbling experience that players have enjoyed Gravity Circuit as much as they have. Such a warm reception has made all that effort behind the game worth it. Again, we can't thank you all enough.

Of course, it might go without saying that even with all this positive feedback, the game hasn't been without its own sets of issues. Especially around the game's launch we had to do multiple quick rounds of bug fixes, so to address various situations and oversights that had slipped past us during development and Q&A. While doing all this was taxing, it's perhaps thanks to these rapid, quick responses that have helped minimize any lasting impact that the various game crashes and bugs could have otherwise had.

Essentially, on that point, our policy has been to accept any and all feedback from players with open arms. Whether positive or negative, we have read all points of feedback, and even responded to them wherever we have been able. Ultimately, this back-and-forth discussion with players has then resulted in us implementing various additions and changes post-launch (Speedrun Mode, Armor Paints, Boss Rush, small quality of life additions, etc), completely free of charge. And while we do try, it's not exactly realistic to act or respond to every bit of feedback without fundamentally changing some of the game's DNA. Nevertheless, we do try our best -- and perhaps hold onto the lessons learned for any future endeavors.

In the meanwhile, we at Domesticated Ant Games want to thank you all for all the support so far from the bottom of our hearts -- and we wish you all a good start to 2024!

[bitchfitch]

Hello, did you think Disco Elysium was too cheerful and easy to play? To aesthetically appealing and enjoyable as a game play experience? Do you want to play a game that that guy who did the james somerton plagiarism video once described as "a pain simulator" and "translated into English by a mystical Russian rat who only speaks in riddles?" do you have a dollar thirty(1.30Usd) that you hate and want to get rid of?

May I offer for your consideration, Pathologic. The best game for sad weirdos to make the corner stone of their personalities for years to come. Also Pathologic 2. It's better and doesn't require you to have played 1 because the devs know what they did. but its not 1.30 rn.

It is on steam deck. The perfect game to curl up with and enjoy alongside some sort of intoxicant. I am very excited about this bc I never got to finish it and need to drag as many people into this hole with me as possible.

come to Pathologic. We have bulls. little girl with blood magic and an evil version of herself. A furry who wants to kill you. Danny dankovsky :)

[chase-omega]

Here are 3 important tips to know to keep your Steam Deck experience from being absolutely ruined. Follow these 3 tips and the Steam Deck will be the best gaming device this generation. But if you don't then you'll feel like you wasted over 400 bucks.

1. Do not touch the volume settings in Desktop Mode. Linux is broken and it will destroy your resolution and audio. You will be forced to factory reset.

2. When playing in docked mode, do not plug your dock into one of those HDMI adapter things that let you plug multiple devices into one HDMI port on the TV. Give the Steam Deck it's own HDMI port directly on the TV. I was playing the Wii U earlier and then played my Steam Deck and the resolution settings were permanently ruined and unfixable even after a factory reset. Giving the dock it's own HDMI port fixed the issue. But it's funny to think that the Wii U broke my Steam Deck for a bit.

3. If a game in your Steam Library says it isn't supported by the Steam Deck, just give it a try anyway. For example, Sonic Adventure is displayed as "unsupported" but I managed to finish the game's entire Story Mode without any problems. Valve has yet to completely update the info on what is and isn't compatible. So far in my experience the only games the Steam Deck struggles with out of the box are ones that are in Early Access or ones that use Easy Anticheat (except for Halo for some reason, I can play the campaigns in Master Chief collection just fine).

I am speaking entirely from experience.

I do recommend getting this device but please be very careful with it.

[demifiendrsa]

FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH - PC ANNOUNCE TRAILER

Japanese version

The PC version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will launch for Steam and Epic Games Store on January 23, 2025.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth first launched for PlayStation 5 on February 29, 2024.

Screenshots

PC Features

The PC version introduces new features and customizations to take full advantage of the platform:

Lighting – Lighting has been adjusted, and the game’s overall rendering of light is significantly improved. The updated areas and cutscenes present with even greater beauty and clarity than before.

Frame Rate and Resolution – NVIDIA DLSS support means that frame rates can be enhanced and image quality upscaled. There is now also support for variable refresh rate (VRR).

Textures – The Level of Detail (LoD) for background models and MIP maps for background textures can both be freely configured in the options settings. With this background polygon density and texture density can be set higher than was previously possible, allowing for gameplay with higher-quality graphics.

Controller Input Support

Connecting a DualSense® controller with a PC allows players to use the same controls as the PS5 version. Keyboard and mouse support has also been added, alongside the option to freely customize the controls between world exploration and combat or mini-games.

Steam Deck

The Steam version is planned to be playable on Steam Deck as well.

Pre-Orders

Players can pre-order Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on PC via Steam or the Epic Games Store and take advantage of an Early Bird discount of up to 30 percent off across all editions for a limited time. Additionally, those who pre-order will receive the Moogle Trio Summoning Materia, giving access to a powerful summon for their first steps into the unknown journey. The preorder bonus also includes a Shinra Bangle Mk: II and a Midgar Bangle Mk: II. The Posh Chocobo Summoning Materia will also be offered to all players who purchase the PC version of the game regardless of their purchase timing.

A full list of digital editions available for pre-order is as follows:

Standard Edition (limited time price: $48.99)

Digital Deluxe Edition (limited time price: $62.99) – Includes digital Mini-soundtrack, digital artbook, and digital DLC items including the Magic Pot Summoning Materia, Reclaimant Choker accessory and the Orchid Bracelet armor.

Final Fantasy VII Remake & Rebirth Twin Pack (limited time price: $69.99) – Offering great value during the pre-order phase, the Twin Pack includes FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, available at launch, and the full game download of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade which will be available to play as soon as the Twin Pack is pre-ordered.

Final Fantasy VII Remake & Rebirth Digital Deluxe Twin Pack (limited time price: $89.99) – Includes Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade full game download plus all Digital Deluxe Edition contents.

Accolades

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was named Game of the Year by USA Today, and was also awarded the Best Score and Music at The Game Awards 2024 show. The company’s highly acclaimed hit, which earned over 110 perfect review scores from global critics, was also nominated at The Game Awards 2024 for Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best RPG, Best Performance (Briana White as Aerith), and Best Audio Design.

About the Game

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a new, standalone adventure set across a vast and vibrant planet. The game sees Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Aerith and Red XIII escape from the dystopian city of Midgar into the wide world beyond. To hunt down Sephiroth, a haunting figure from Cloud’s past bent on ruling the planet, these unlikely heroes join forces with new companions like the spirited ninja operative Yuffie and the wisecracking, feline-shaped robot Cait Sith. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers an unforgettable experience to players filled with unexpected twists, memorable characters and jaw-dropping set pieces that longtime fans and newcomers can both enjoy.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth follows the previous installment, Final Fantasy VII Remake, which was released in 2020 to universal acclaim from players and critics around the globe. Final Fantasy VII Remake became the highest-selling digital release on the PlayStation platform in Square Enix’s History, exceeding more than seven million shipments and digital sales worldwide since its release.

[felassan]

"Journal #3 Dragon Age: The Veilguard is coming October 31 Pre-orders Open Now Hello everyone, We’re excited to finally share the release date for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which is officially October 31, 2024 worldwide! Please note, this is a simultaneous release; we will announce exact timing at a later date. We want to extend a huge shout out to the Dragon Age community for your patience and enthusiasm; we can't wait for you to jump into the role of Rook and embark on your journey to save Thedas. We know the wait has been long, but the wait will be worth it. In the meantime, we want to give you a hint at what's in store for you in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. You're leading a desperate fight for the future of Thedas with your companions, the stakes are higher than ever. So grab a seat and click on the thumbnail below to watch this brand new trailer (includes some small story spoilers). “As someone who’s been working on Dragon Age for over 15 years, I know just how much our community has been looking forward to this day, and I’m equally excited to share and celebrate that the game will officially launch on October 31,” said John Epler, Creative Director of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. “We wanted to give you the choice to really express yourself, and do that in a world full of adventure and danger. So whether you’re a Warrior, Rogue or a Mage, we can’t wait for you to gear up, gather your party, and set out for another thrilling adventure through Thedas this Halloween.” As a character-driven RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers you a crafted experience woven from the threads of rich storytelling and fantasy worldbuilding the franchise is known for. In this bold, heroic adventure, you will experience expansive and dynamic stories that navigate love, loss, and complex choices that affect relationships and the fate of each member of the Veilguard. In true Dragon Age fashion, these bonds of fellowship are the foundation upon which Rook’s journey is built, and it will be up to you to determine how their personal story unfolds. Pre-Orders Now Open Fans who pre-order* the Standard Edition of Dragon Age: The Veilguard for $69.99 USD‡ on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, or $59.99 USD‡ on PC via Steam, EA App and Epic Games Store will receive cosmetic Blood Dragon Armor sets for Warrior, Mage and Rogue classes. EA Play Pro† members on the EA App will enjoy unlimited access to the EA Play Pro Edition* starting October 31st. Check out the full breakdown of the different editions we have available here: Digital Editions"

"- Standard Edition  - Dragon Age: The Veilguard - PC: $59.99‡| Console: $69.99 USD‡"

"- Deluxe Edition - Dragon Age: The Veilguard - 3 Rook armor sets (cosmetic only) - 6 Rook weapons (cosmetic only) - 7 Companion armor sets (cosmetic only) - 7 Companion weapons (cosmetic only) - PC: $79.99 USD‡ | Console: $89.99 USD‡"

"- Pre-Order Bonus* - All Pre-Orders (Standard & Deluxe) will receive: - Blood Dragon Armor Set (Warrior, Mage, Rogue - cosmetic only)"

- “Rook’s Coffer” Edition (Does NOT include Game) - Lyrium Dagger - Thedas Map with Quiver Tube - Rook’s Deck - Potion Flask - Enchanted Die - $150 USD‡"

"- Vyrantium Pack by Scanavo (Does NOT include Game) - Exclusive SteelBook® Case (No Game) - ICONART™ Metal Print and magnet wall mount - Notebook - Collector’s rigid Outerbox Check in with your local retailer to find out about the availability of this edition in your region"

"The Art of Dragon Age: The Veilguard by Dark Horse (Does NOT include Game, Deluxe Edition shown above)  - Standard Edition - 256-page art book providing a behind-the-scenes look at Dragon Age: The Veilguard - $49.99 USD‡ - Deluxe Edition - Includes extra prints - Includes exclusive slipcase - Alternate cover - $99.99 USD‡ - BioWare Gear Edition - Only available while supplies last, sold exclusively on the BioWare Gear website - Includes an exclusive print - BioWare Gear Edition alternate cover - $55.00 USD‡ What’s Coming?"

"ICYMI, we released our August Roadmap this week! Next week, we’ll have a dive into our game’s combat and more information on our PC Specs. There’s a lot more to come in September and October, too; so keep your eyes peeled on our socials.  We're beyond excited to be on this adventure with you, and we can't wait for you to get your hands on the game. Chat soon. - The Dragon Age Community Team *Conditions & restrictions apply. See https://www.ea.com/games/dragon-age/dragon-age-the-veilguard/disclaimers for details. ‡Offers may vary or change. see retailer site for details. †Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See EA Play Terms for details."

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