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Emma Locke

Emma champions the indie scene and the PC gaming community that keeps it thriving. From hidden gems on Steam to breakout hits from two-person studios, Emma finds the stories that mainstream outlets miss. Passionate about the creative freedom that independent development offers and the communities that rally around it. Currently has 347 games wishlisted on Steam.

Former Epic Games Evangelist Sjoerd De Jong Departs Amid Industry Changes

Sjoerd De Jong, a prominent figure in the gaming industry and former lead evangelist at Epic Games, has announced his departure from the company. His decision comes at a time when he believes the gaming landscape is undergoing significant changes. As first reported by PC Gamer, De Jong shared that he feels compelled to reassess his role within the evolving industry.

New Study Reveals 'AI Stigma' on Steam Harms Game Reviews Significantly

A recent analysis has shed light on an unexpected phenomenon affecting how games are received on Steam. Data analysts discovered that the presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in a game can significantly diminish its review count and skew the sentiment of the reviews. As first reported by PC Gamer, games incorporating AI elements may see review numbers drop by approximately 53%, with the reviews that do come in often being less favorable.

Final Fantasy 14's Band Takes the Stage at UK’s Largest Rock Festival

Fans of Final Fantasy 14 were treated to a remarkable experience recently, as the game’s live band took to the stage at the UK’s Download Festival, one of the largest rock and metal gatherings in the world. This performance marked a significant achievement for the intersection of video game music and live concerts, showcasing the power and appeal of gaming soundtracks beyond the screen.

Epic Games Store Unveils Ambitious Roadmap for User Experience Overhaul

In a bold announcement at Unreal Fest in Chicago, Epic Games has revealed an ambitious roadmap for the Epic Games Store that promises to enhance user experience significantly. As first reported by IGN, the updated features aim to address long-standing requests from gamers and developers alike, paving the way for a more intuitive and engaging platform.

Understanding CPU and GPU Bottlenecks: What Limits Your Gaming Performance?

For many PC gamers, one nagging question often arises: Is my CPU holding back my graphics card? This concern can be particularly prominent when building a new setup, installing an upgraded GPU, or experiencing frustrating slowdowns in your favorite games. As first reported by Wccftech, understanding the dynamic nature of bottlenecks is key to enhancing your gaming performance.

Defend the Walls: An In-Depth Look at The Gate Must Stand

In a landscape teeming with big-budget titles, The Gate Must Stand emerges as a noteworthy indie game that invites players to engage in a battle of strategy and survival. Developed by Wallrun Studio, this title is the fifty-second entry in a growing catalogue of indie offerings that challenge traditional gaming norms. As first reported by Wccftech, the game delivers a unique blend of tower defense mechanics and real-time strategy, immersing players in a world where every decision counts.

AMD Set to Increase Prices on RX 9000 Series GPUs Amid Rising Component Costs

AMD is reportedly preparing to raise the prices of its Radeon RX 9000 series graphics cards by 10-15%. This anticipated hike comes as the DRAM market continues to experience significant price increases. As first reported by Wccftech, these changes are part of a troubling trend that has seen major GPU manufacturers and their partners adjusting prices for their products over the past six months.

Valve's Steam Controller Demand Surges, Orders Delayed Until 2027

Last month, Valve introduced its highly anticipated Steam Controller, and the response has been overwhelming. Demand has far outstripped supply, leading to a significant backlog for new orders. As a result, customers looking to purchase the controller will have to wait until 2027 for their orders to be fulfilled, as first reported by GameSpot.

Steam Next Fest Highlights Surprising Lack of AI Transparency in Demos

Steam Next Fest has once again brought a vibrant selection of indie games to the forefront, showcasing over 500 demos from a diverse array of developers. However, as first reported by PC Gamer, only one of the top-played games during the event made an explicit disclosure about its use of artificial intelligence. This revelation has sparked discussions about the importance of transparency concerning AI in game development, especially as the technology continues to evolve and permeate various aspects of gaming.

Unlocking the Magic: Essential Cheats for Fairy Sims in The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature

The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature expansion has added a fresh layer of enchantment to the beloved life simulation game, allowing players to immerse themselves in the mystical world of Fairy Sims. For those looking to enhance their experience, a comprehensive list of cheats has surfaced, enabling players to modify their Fairy Sims and master the Apothecary skills. As first reported by PC Gamer, these cheats make it easier to explore all that the expansion has to offer.

Samsung Employees Protest Pay Disparity by Wearing Black Amid Bonus Controversy

In a striking display of solidarity, employees from Samsung’s Device Experience (DX) division took to work dressed in black today, voicing their frustrations over a staggering pay gap with their semiconductor counterparts. This protest highlights a growing rift within the conglomerate, as the disparity in bonuses between the two sectors has reached an astonishing 100 times, sparking unrest and dissatisfaction among those outside the semiconductor division.

NVIDIA's GeForce NOW Expands Library with New Titles Including Super Meat Boy 3D and Aphelion

NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW cloud gaming service has announced the addition of seven new titles, enhancing its already impressive library and making it more appealing for players looking to explore a variety of games. Among the notable entries are the highly anticipated Super Meat Boy 3D and the atmospheric narrative adventure Aphelion, both of which are sure to attract attention from gamers everywhere. This latest update was first reported by Wccftech.

Game Freak Ventures Beyond Pokémon with "Beast of Reincarnation," an Ambitious RPG

Game Freak, known primarily for its iconic Pokémon franchise, is making a bold departure with its upcoming title, “Beast of Reincarnation.” This marks the studio’s first significant non-Pokémon release since 2019’s “Little Town Hero.” Set in a hauntingly beautiful yet desolate future Japan, this action RPG promises to deliver a rich and mature narrative alongside its engaging gameplay mechanics.

Hands-On with Lassen's Loop: Free Demo Available at Steam Next Fest Ahead of July Release

Music lovers and aspiring producers, rejoice! TNB Games has officially launched a free demo of their new title, Lassen’s Loop, as part of Steam Next Fest, which runs from June 15 to June 22. Set to release on July 1, 2026, this unique music-maker allows players to craft their own songs using short, eight-second musical cards composed by real musicians. Notably, there is no AI involved in the creative process, and players retain full ownership of the tracks they create.

Samsung Pushes for Fully Automated Semiconductor Plants by 2030 Amid Union Tensions

In a significant shift in its operational strategy, Samsung is gearing up to fully automate its semiconductor fabrication plants by 2030. This move comes on the heels of recent labor disputes with its semiconductor workers, who secured substantial bonuses. However, as first reported by Wccftech, this victory may come at a cost, as Samsung is now focusing on reducing its reliance on unionized labor through increased automation.

Dokapon 3-2-1: Super Collection! Arrives on PC This June

Indie Game Developer Sting is gearing up to release the much-anticipated bundle, Dokapon 3-2-1: Super Collection!, for PC on June 29. As first reported by Gematsu, this collection promises to bring the charm and excitement of the beloved sugoroku RPG series to a new audience through Steam.

Miyazaki Teases Future Projects Amid Kadokawa Controversy

Hidetaka Miyazaki, the acclaimed director behind popular titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, recently hinted at several unannounced projects during a discussion about the ongoing controversy surrounding his parent company, Kadokawa. As first reported by PC Gamer, Miyazaki’s comments have sparked intrigue among fans and industry insiders alike.

South Korea Invests $329 Million to Accelerate Power Semiconductor Production

The South Korean government is making a significant investment of approximately 500 billion won, or $329 million, to advance the mass production of next-generation power semiconductors. This initiative falls under the ambitious “Ultra-Innovation Economy Project,” which aims to position South Korea at the forefront of semiconductor technology, particularly in the thriving field of artificial intelligence.

Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader Expands Horizons with Major Class Updates and New Expansion

Owlcat Games has delivered a substantial update for Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader, coinciding with the launch of its latest expansion. This patch promises to address long-standing balance issues by buffing some of the game’s weaker classes and companions, providing players with a more robust experience than ever before. As first reported by PC Gamer, these changes are aimed at enhancing gameplay and encouraging more diverse strategies.

Discover Hidden Gems: New Indie Releases on Steam from June 4th to June 12th

As the indie gaming scene continues to flourish, a number of intriguing titles have emerged on Steam between June 4th and June 12th. Each game offers a unique experience that deserves attention, especially for those who love to unearth hidden gems. As first reported by Store, a dedicated guide has been assembled to shine a light on these overlooked releases.

Apple's Drone Project Tackles Network Congestion in New Patent Filing

Apple is making strides in its ambitious drone project, as revealed by a recent patent application that addresses the significant issue of network congestion triggered by drone swarms. As first reported by Wccftech, this filing highlights Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation, even as the company has shifted its focus away from the highly publicized Apple Car initiative.

Controversy Erupts Over $100 AI-Generated Game on Steam

The gaming landscape is abuzz after the announcement of a new title on Steam, which is being sold for a staggering $100. The twist? The game is reported to be almost entirely generated by artificial intelligence. As first reported by PC Gamer, this has sparked a heated debate about the value of creativity and human effort in gaming, especially within the indie sector.

RPG Maker Forums Set to Shut Down, Risking a Treasure Trove of Indie Knowledge

In a heartbreaking announcement, the RPG Maker forums, a cherished hub for indie game developers and enthusiasts, will soon be shutting down. This closure marks the end of nearly 15 years of valuable knowledge sharing, community interactions, and collaborative spirit that have flourished on the platform. As first reported by PC Gamer, the impending closure has sparked a wave of nostalgia and concern among users who have relied on the forums for guidance, inspiration, and support.

LANESPLIT Revamps Motorcycle Racing with New VR Mode and Electric Bikes

FunkyMouse, the indie developer behind LANESPLIT, is set to reshape the motorcycle racing genre with the introduction of a virtual reality mode and electric bikes. As first reported by GamesPress, these exciting updates will be available on June 23, 2026, allowing players to experience the thrill of weaving through traffic from a completely new perspective.

New Demo for AENIGMA Launches, Offering a Glimpse into a Sci-Fi World of Intrigue

Players eager for an immersive narrative experience can now enjoy the demo for AENIGMA, recently made available on Steam. This indie title transports players to a distant future, the year 4XXX, where humanity grapples with the ominous threat of silicon-based lifeforms. As first reported by GamesPress, AENIGMA invites players to engage with a thought-provoking story that challenges perceptions of life and consciousness.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader Unleashes Free Update 1.6 Alongside New DLC

Fans of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader have reason to celebrate as Owlcat Games has launched a significant free update, version 1.6, coinciding with the release of new downloadable content (DLC). This comprehensive update introduces a host of enhancements and new features designed to elevate the gameplay experience and deepen the narrative impact for players.

D.O.T. Defence Launches on Steam, Blending RTS, TD, and Autobattler Elements

Indie developers Rattleaxe Games have officially released D.O.T. Defence 1.0 on Steam, an intriguing title that fuses real-time strategy, tower defense, and autobattler mechanics into a single package. As first reported by Store, this innovative game promises to take players on a journey through a linear story campaign that blends action and strategy in a way that could appeal to a variety of gamers.

Apple's iPhone 18 May See RAM Boost with Compromise on Base Model Component

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 is generating buzz, particularly regarding its potential RAM upgrade. As first reported by Wccftech, the tech giant confirmed plans during WWDC 2026 to enhance device longevity through increased memory. While the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are set to receive a boost to 12GB of RAM, the standard model faces some challenges.

CAPCOM Promises Enhanced Challenge for Onimusha: Way Of The Sword Following 1 Million Demo Downloads

Japanese publisher CAPCOM is gearing up for a thrilling release in 2026 with Onimusha: Way Of The Sword, a title that many are anticipating will match the quality of recent hits like Resident Evil Requiem and PRAGMATA. The excitement around the game surged last week when its playable demo reached an impressive milestone of 1 million downloads, introducing players to the world of Onimusha once again. However, the demo also sparked significant discussion about the game’s difficulty level, particularly regarding the low aggression displayed by enemies.

Hotel Barcelona Breaks the Mixed Review Trend After Patch and Asset Overhaul

In a remarkable turnaround, Hotel Barcelona has shifted from a “Mixed” to a “Mostly Positive” rating on Steam following a significant patch and the removal of AI-generated assets. This update, which was unveiled recently, has breathed new life into the game developed by the celebrated duo, Suda51 and Swery65, known for their unique storytelling and eccentric style. As first reported by PC Gamer, this change comes after a storm of criticism concerning the use of AI technology in the game’s art and design.

Unbeatable Deals on Gaming Laptops for Amazon Prime Day

As Amazon Prime Day approaches, gamers are in for a treat with a slew of deals on gaming laptops that promise to enhance your mobile gaming experience. Prime Day, which kicks off on July 11, is the perfect opportunity to snag a high-performance laptop without breaking the bank.