SteamOS Updated! HDR, Trackpads Fixed

Summary

تتناول هذه الحلقة تحديثات Steam Deck، بما في ذلك إصلاحات لمشاكل شاشة سوداء عند تشغيل ألعاب ومشكلات بطاقات SD المخفية في Steam OS، إلى جانب تحسينات في الأداء لألعاب مختلفة وتعديلات على HDR. كما تغطي التغييرات التنظيمية في ألمانيا التي تتطلب تقييم الألعاب بواسطة لجان التصنيف، ومبادرة Microsoft لتسهيل عملية تحسين دقة الألعاب. يتطرق الفيديو أيضًا إلى التسريحات الوظيفية في EA وتأثيرها على الصناعة، ويختتم بنقاش حول أهمية استقلالية مطوري الألعاب وكيف يمكن أن تؤثر على مستقبل الألعاب الضخمة والمشاريع المستقلة.

Takeaways

• 😀 Steam Deck received an update to fix several issues like black screens, invisible SD cards, overly bright charging light, etc.
• 😟 Germany now requires age ratings for all games sold there, which may result in many older games being removed from Steam.
• 👍 Microsoft is making it easier for devs to implement resolution upscaling through a new API called DirectSR.
• 😢 EA laid off 670 employees (5% of workforce) and cancelled an upcoming Star Wars FPS game.
• 😠 The gaming industry has seen over 8,000 layoffs in early 2024, but this isn't a "crash" - just companies cutting costs while revenue grows.
• 😎 Received review copies of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Rogue-like poker game Battrise.
• 👾 Arrowhead scaled up Hell divers 2 servers and is shaping the live service game like a D&D campaign.
• 😡 Toxic players farming loot & using meta builds is hurting the intended cooperative spirit of Hell divers 2.
• 🤩 Remedy acquired rights to Control franchise for better negotiating position and independence.
• 😍 More developer independence with acquisitions like Saber Interactive buying themselves from Embracer Group.

Q & A

What issues were Steam OS users experiencing that were recently fixed in an update?

Issues that were fixed included black screens when launching games, SD cards being invisible to the OS, overly bright charging LEDs, and incorrect performance overlay readings.

What new requirements around game ratings were introduced in Germany and what impact may that have?

Germany now requires all games sold there to have an official content rating. This could result in large numbers of older/indie games being removed from Steam if not rated, as devs may lack resources to get ratings.

How is Microsoft trying to improve graphics and performance for PC games?

Microsoft is working on an API called Direct XR that will make it easier for devs to implement resolution upscaling, allowing users to choose between different upscaling solutions like Nvidia DLSS.

Why does the author believe publicly traded companies are contributing to issues in the game industry?

Public companies are overly focused on constant growth to satisfy shareholders, leading to trends like oversized AAA games, excessive monetization, and frequent layoffs to protect profits.

What examples does the author provide of developers regaining more control and independence?

Remedy acquired rights to Control franchise, Saber Interactive is buying independence from Embracer Group, Gearbox being sold to new owners, Toys for Bob going indie.

What has been the author's experience with the Hell Divers 2 game?

After early server issues, the author found the game runs smoothly now. But there is toxic behavior of players killing each other for loot despite the game not having PvP.

What indie game with an interesting concept did the author recently try out?

Batrot, a rogue-like poker game where you battle casino-themed bosses. The author found it has fun, simple gameplay with robust risk/reward elements.

What evidence does the author provide against the notion of an industry-wide "crash"?

The gaming market was up 4% in revenue in 2023 - the opposite of a crash. The issues stem more from companies trying to mimic growth by cutting costs.

What major developer laid off around 5% of its workforce?

EA laid off 670 employees, around 5% of its workforce, and announced moving away from some live service games and licensed IP.

What previously announced Star Wars game from EA was cancelled?

The unnamed first-person shooter in development at Respawn Entertainment headed by Peter Hirschmann was cancelled.