SteamOS Updated! HDR, Trackpads Fixed

Summary

The video discusses Steam Deck updates, new requirements for game ratings in Germany, Microsoft making resolution upscaling easier for developers, layoffs at EA, the unsustainability of endless growth in gaming, reviews of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Cult of the Lamb, improvements to HellDivers 2 servers, and good news about developers Remedy, Saber Interactive, Gearbox, and Toys for Bob gaining more control over their projects and IP.

Takeaways

• 😊 Steam Deck gets update fixing issues like black screens, invisible SD cards, overly bright charging light
• 😟 Germany now requiring age ratings for all Steam games, including old/indie titles. Could mean lots vanish in Germany.
• 👍 Microsoft working on new scaling tech to easily upgrade game graphics and performance.
• 😢 EA laying off 670 (5% employees), cancelling unnamed Star Wars FPS game.
• 😒 8,000 game industry layoffs in early 2024, but not an 80s-style "crash" since revenue still grew 4% in 2023.
• 😴 Too many giants focus on endless AAA games rather than innovative smaller titles.
• 🎮 Personally playing FF7 Rebirth and Batro poker roguelike on Steam Deck.
• 👾 Arrowhead scaling up HellDivers 2 servers, planning ongoing story that reacts to players.
• 😡 Toxic players still causing issues in co-op HellDivers 2 by killing each other for loot.
• 🙌 Good news as Remedy gets Control rights back, Saber buys independence with KOTOR remake, Gearbox sold, and Toys for Bob goes indie.

Q & A

What types of fixes were included in the recent Steam OS update?

The Steam OS update included fixes for black screen issues when launching games, SD card invisibility issues, adjustments to the charging LED brightness, performance improvements on games like Persona 3, fixes for oversaturated HDR, improved trackpad corner tracking, and USB fixes.

What new requirements were introduced for games sold in Germany?

Germany now requires all games sold there to be rated by the official ratings board. This applies to new and old games, which could mean many unrated legacy games on Steam may disappear from the German store.

What is Microsoft's new DirectXR API designed to do?

DirectXR is designed to make it easier for game developers to implement resolution upscaling. It provides a common interface so devs only need to write the upscaling code once, and users can choose which method like NIS, FSR, or DLSS to use.

How does Proton relate to DirectXR?

Proton is software that translates Windows API calls to Linux. For DirectXR to work in SteamOS, the Proton developers may need to implement the API as well. Since it standardizes upscaling, it should simplify Proton integration.

Why did EA cancel the upcoming Star Wars FPS game?

EA cancelled several live service games and licensed IP projects to cut costs amid wider gaming industry layoffs. This included the in-development Star Wars FPS being made by Respawn Entertainment.

Why does the author say this is not like the 1983 crash?

The author argues this is not an industry crash because overall gaming revenue was up 4% in 2023. Instead, public companies are mimicking growth by cutting employee costs to increase profits.

Which studios recently gained more independence?

Remedy acquired the rights to Control, Saber Interactive bought itself from Embracer Group, and Toys for Bob and the Borderlands studio became independent.

What changes does Remedy expect from owning Control?

Remedy said owning Control will allow them to self-publish sequels or strike better publishing deals. It also strengthens their negotiating position now that Control is an established franchise.

What evidence shows toxic behavior in Hell Divers 2?

Some players were team killing for loot drops even though rewards are shared. Others were kicked from parties for not having meta builds, showing an obsession with optimization over enjoyment.

Why does the author want more independent studios?

The author argues independent studios have more control of their games and destiny. Public companies have to maximize profits and growth each quarter to satisfy shareholders.