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Windows vs. Linux gaming: Test reveals clear winner, but community disagrees

Linux has evolved into a serious alternative for PC gamers in recent years. However, a new comparison by Meta PCs shows that while the open-source operating system can outperform Windows in some productivity workloads, Windows 11 still holds the lead in gaming performance and compatibility.

Not for beginners: Complex city-builder (90% positive) drops below $10 on Steam

Deal | Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic stands out from traditional city builders not only because of its Cold War-era socialist setting, but also thanks to its complex production chains and realistic construction mechanics. The challenging city builder, which holds a 90% positive rating on Steam, is once again available at its lowest-ever price of around $10.

Repairability takes a hit: Valve appears to discontinue key Steam Deck replacement part

The Steam Deck has long been considered a benchmark for repairability among handheld gaming PCs, but that reputation may be starting to crack. According to an email from Valve's official repair partner iFixit, the company appears to be phasing out one of the handheld's most important replacement parts.

Repairability takes a hit: Valve appears to discontinue a key Steam Deck replacement part

The Steam Deck has long been considered a benchmark for repairability among handheld gaming PCs, but that reputation may be starting to crack. According to an email from Valve's official repair partner iFixit, the company appears to be phasing out one of the handheld's most important replacement parts.

This cozy productivity sandbox is free to play on Steam for a limited time

Deal | Anyone who is easily distracted while working at a PC can currently try an unusual solution on Steam for free. gogh: Focus with Your Avatar is a cozy coworking sandbox featuring anime avatars, lo-fi music and virtual workspaces. It is free to play this weekend and will then remain available at a 40% discount.

This city builder breaks the mold – now just $2.84 on Steam for the first time

Deal | Anyone looking for an unconventional alternative to Cities: Skylines or SimCity may want to give Urbek City Builder a closer look. Compared with more traditional genre entries, the game takes a different approach in several key areas and is currently available on Steam for just $2.84 instead of $18.99.

Steam: Dark roguelite strategy game (94% positive) free for a limited time

Deal | In Against the Storm, city-building fans have to accept that the settlements they painstakingly construct are never meant to last – and that is exactly what gives the indie hit its distinctive appeal. The strategy game is free to play on Steam until July 13 and will remain available at a 70% discount for just $8.99 until July 23.

Steam Machine: "Unscientific Testing Guy" gives verdict after testing 60+ games

A Reddit user spent more than a week extensively testing Valve’s Steam Machine, trying out over 60 games from a wide range of genres. His detailed assessment is largely positive, although he also identifies several shortcomings that prevent the device from delivering a fully console-like experience.

Fans fear for DOOM's future as developer calls layoffs a "bloodbath"

id Software appears to have been particularly hard hit by Microsoft's wave of layoffs. Shortly after work on the new DOOM DLC was completed, numerous employees reportedly lost their jobs. A former developer describes the situation as a "bloodbath," while fans fear for the future of the long-established studio.

Black Flag Resynced: Early reviews impress fans – but there’s a catch

The first reviews for Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced are surprisingly strong, and the reaction on Reddit is largely enthusiastic as well. Fans and critics are praising the successful modernization of the classic and its unmistakable pirate atmosphere. However, many players remain skeptical about the full price.

94% positive shooter hidden gem is just $2.49 on Steam right now

Deal | Hidden & Dangerous 2 is a classic shooter that is often overlooked next to genre heavyweights like Call of Duty and Battlefield. Among fans, however, the game enjoys cult status and is still considered one of the best World War II shooters ever made. Anyone looking to catch up on the classic can get it on Steam through July 9 for $2.49 instead of $9.99.

Popular 2025 RTS remaster is now cheaper than ever on Steam

Deal | Building castles, managing your economy and laying siege to enemy fortresses: Stronghold Crusader remains one of the most iconic real-time strategy games ever made. Now, its remastered edition is available on Steam with a 40% discount for the first time, dropping the price from around $20 to about $12.

Indie GTA in London? ENDS takes a different approach

With ENDS, British indie studio Concrete Realm is working on an open-world game set in modern-day London – and comparisons to GTA are almost inevitable. However, the developers stress that ENDS is meant to follow a very different path from Rockstar’s blockbuster series. A new developer diary now shows fresh pre-alpha gameplay.

Unexpected gameplay freedom: Medieval RPG gets 60% Steam discount for the first time

Deal | Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, one of the top contenders for the 2025 Game of the Year award, is discounted by 60% for the first time. The open-world RPG dispenses with dragons, magic, and fantasy, instead opting for a medieval setting that is as believable as possible. As part of the Steam Summer Sale, the role-playing game is available for $23.99 until July 9.

Even more tactical than Civilization: China-set 4X strategy game drops below $5 on Steam for the first time

Deal | At its core, Oriental Empires is strongly reminiscent of the games in the Civilization series, but it also brings some exciting ideas of its own. The 4X strategy game is currently 85% off on Steam through July 9 and available at its previous best price of $4.49.

Harry Potter: HBO actor offers an interesting insight into the character of Cornelius Fudge

Cornelius Fudge is one of the more controversial characters in the Harry Potter universe. Now, HBO actor Bertie Carvel has spoken for the first time about his interpretation of the Minister for Magic. To him, Fudge is less of a coward than a traumatized politician.

“What is the point of owning a PlayStation 6 anymore?” – Reddit discussion goes viral

Following Sony's announced end to disc-based releases, a Reddit discussion has fundamentally called the PlayStation 6 into question. Many fans see the shift to purely digital games as the decisive break from the traditional console, though not everyone shares this view.

Steam Summer Sale: 97%-positive roguelike hit falls below $1.50 for the first time

Deal | The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth combines things that seemingly don't belong together: its world is both cute and unsettling, grotesque yet strangely captivating. Widely regarded as one of the most influential roguelikes ever made, the game is now available for less than $1.50 for the first time on Steam.

"Forza Horizon from 2005": Simcade racer drops below $2 for first time ever in Steam Summer Sale

Deal | Before the Forza Horizon series popularized open-world racing games, World Racing 2 had already introduced several ideas that would later become closely associated with the genre – more than 20 years ago. As part of the Steam Summer Sale, the racing classic is now 80% off, dropping below $2 for the first time.

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