Civilization VII Officially Steam Deck Verified: A New Era for Portable Gaming

 

Roanoke, VA

January 10, 2025

In an exciting development for fans of strategy gaming on the go, Firaxis Games has announced that Sid Meier's Civilization VII has been officially verified for Steam Deck, Valve's portable gaming device. This confirmation, coming just over a month before the game's scheduled release on February 11, 2025, marks a significant milestone for both the game and the platform.

Portable Strategy at Its Finest

Civilization VII, the latest iteration in the storied franchise known for its depth and replayability, brings the complex turn-based strategy genre to the handheld realm with full Steam Deck support. This verification means that the game not only runs on the Steam Deck but has been optimized for its controls, ensuring a seamless experience whether you're navigating through ancient history or ushering your civilization into the future.

The game's design allows players to lead their empire through distinct ages, with each era offering unique civilizations, resources, and gameplay systems. With Steam Deck verification, players can now do this from virtually anywhere, be it a long commute, a lunch break, or a cozy evening in bed. 

Optimized for the Deck

Valve's Steam Deck Verified badge is not given lightly; it indicates that the game has been tested and confirmed to offer an excellent handheld experience, with controller support fully integrated. This includes intuitive control schemes for the Steam Deck's unique input methods, ensuring that even the intricate diplomacy, warfare, and city management of Civilization VII are accessible and enjoyable on a smaller screen.

The game supports Linux natively, which is the operating system of the Steam Deck, promising smoother performance and fewer compatibility issues than might be encountered with games running through emulation layers like Proton. This native support, alongside the verification, suggests that Civilization VII could be a benchmark for strategy games on handheld devices.

Community and Critical Reception

The news has been met with enthusiasm from the gaming community, particularly from those who have been vocal about their desire to see more complex games adapted for portable play. Posts on social platforms like X have shown a mix of excitement and curiosity about how well the game's strategic depth will translate to the smaller screen and controller-based inputs. 

Reviews and previews from tech and gaming sites have already praised the game's depth and the innovative changes in gameplay mechanics, with many now also highlighting its successful adaptation to the Steam Deck. This move is seen as a nod to the growing segment of gamers who prefer or need the flexibility of portable gaming without sacrificing game quality or complexity.

Looking Ahead

As Civilization VII prepares for its launch, the Steam Deck verification not only broadens its appeal but also sets a precedent for future titles in the genre. It invites other developers to consider the potential of handheld gaming for complex strategy games, potentially leading to a new era where high-quality, deep gameplay is not restricted by the size of the screen or the nature of the controls.

This verification is more than just a technical achievement; it's a statement on the evolving landscape of gaming, where the line between console, PC, and now handheld experiences continues to blur. For fans of Civilization and strategy gaming at large, this means that their next grand empire might just be built from the comfort of their favorite armchair, or anywhere their adventures take them.

Civilization VII is available for pre-purchase on Steam, with special editions offering additional content for those looking to dive deep into this new chapter of history-making. As the release date approaches, the strategy gaming community eagerly anticipates how this classic game will adapt and thrive in the portable format.

Epic Games Introduces New Terms of Service: Non-Compliance Results in Account Termination

January 09, 2025 — In a significant update to its policies, Epic Games has introduced new Terms of Service that have raised concerns among its user base, particularly in the United States. According to the revised terms, users who fail to accept the new conditions will face the immediate loss of access to their Epic Games accounts. Furthermore, any violation of these terms could lead to permanent account termination without prior notice.

The new terms, specifically highlighted in sections related to Termination, Indemnity, Ownership, and License Conditions, outline strict guidelines for user conduct and usage rights. Under Section 9, Termination, it’s explicitly stated that failure to comply with any part of the Terms of Service results in automatic termination of the agreement. Users are also given the option to terminate their agreement by deleting all copies of the software, which then nullifies their license to use any Epic Games products.

Additionally, Section 8, Indemnity, mandates that users agree to indemnify Epic Games and its affiliates against any claims or legal actions stemming from user misconduct or breaches of the agreement. This includes claims arising from negligence, misuse of software, or infringement on third-party intellectual property rights through user feedback.

In terms of Ownership/Third Party Licenses (Section 6), Epic Games retains full ownership and intellectual property rights over its software and services, with user rights granted by license only, not by sale.

The License Conditions (Section 2) further restrict how users can interact with Epic’s software, prohibiting commercial use, reverse engineering, distribution, or any form of unauthorized modification. Users are also barred from behaviors detrimental to the community’s enjoyment, such as cheating or harassment, which could lead to immediate account sanctions.

These stringent new terms have sparked a debate regarding user autonomy and the implications of such strict enforcement on gaming communities. While some users appreciate the clarity and protection these terms offer against misuse, others are concerned about the lack of leniency and the potential for sudden account loss without the chance for redress.

Epic Games has not provided a public statement on the rationale behind these changes, but the update reflects a broader trend in the tech industry towards more controlled user environments to ensure legal compliance and protect intellectual property.

As of now, users in the US and globally must decide whether to accept these new terms or lose access to their accounts, a decision that underscores the evolving relationship between digital service providers and their user base.

Note: This article is based on the current understanding of Epic Games’ updated Terms of Service as of January 09, 2025. Users are advised to review the terms directly for any personal decisions regarding their Epic Games account.

GeForce NOW Thursday: Updates and Expansions in Cloud Gaming

 

Los Angeles, CA — NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW, a leading cloud gaming service, continues to expand its offerings with the latest updates announced on its weekly "GFN Thursday" segment. With a commitment to enhancing the gaming experience across multiple devices, GeForce NOW is set to introduce new games, features, and partnerships that cater to its growing community of gamers.

New Games and Memberships

This week, GeForce NOW announced the addition of 14 new games to its catalog, coinciding with NVIDIA’s CES keynote scheduled for January 6. The inclusion of titles like "War Hospital" and "Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla" showcases the platform's dedication to diversity in gaming, offering both new releases and beloved classics. The service now boasts over 2,000 games available for streaming, making it one of the most comprehensive cloud gaming libraries in the industry.

Furthermore, NVIDIA has re-branded its Priority membership to the Performance membership, introducing enhancements that include higher resolution streaming capabilities. This move is part of GeForce NOW’s strategy to provide more GeForce-powered premium gaming in the cloud at the same great pricing as before. Members can look forward to a 100-hour monthly playtime allowance starting next year, which aims to accommodate the majority of users' gaming habits while ensuring exceptional quality and speed.

Device Compatibility and Future Prospects

In a significant expansion, GeForce NOW is set to support new devices, including the Steam Deck, Meta Quest 3, Apple Vision Pro, and Pico headsets. This development opens up cloud gaming to VR and mixed reality environments, promising immersive experiences with high-quality game streaming. The integration of GeForce NOW on these platforms is anticipated to transform how gamers interact with their favorite titles, providing access to GeForce RTX quality gaming without the need for high-end personal hardware.

Community and Rewards

GeForce NOW maintains an active community engagement strategy, with weekly updates on new games, features, and member rewards. Recently, the service celebrated its fourth anniversary by offering exclusive discounts and new games like "The Inquisitor," alongside device promotions such as the Logitech G Cloud discount for members. 

Looking ahead, NVIDIA's GeForce NOW is poised for further growth, with plans to integrate more deeply with existing gaming ecosystems like Xbox's PC Game Pass, enhancing user accessibility and simplifying the gaming experience across different platforms.

As GeForce NOW continues to evolve, its commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible gaming remains at the forefront. With each GFN Thursday, NVIDIA not only adds to its game library but also refines its service, ensuring that members enjoy the latest in cloud gaming technology. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, GeForce NOW's updates are designed to elevate your gaming experience to new heights, making every Thursday an event to look forward to for gamers worldwide.

Player Choice at the Heart of Avowed's Combat System

 

Roanoke, VA

Vet, X-Press Insights

Editor

Published

January 9, 2025

In a recent reveal, Obsidian Entertainment has placed player choice at the forefront of the combat mechanics in their upcoming game, Avowed. The game, set to launch on February 18, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, Windows, Steam, and Battle.net, promises a personalized combat experience where every player can truly tailor their approach according to their style and strategy. 

Avowed takes place in the Living Lands of Eora, a setting familiar to fans of the Pillars of Eternity series, and introduces players to a world where choices in dialogue, character build, and combat directly affect the narrative and gameplay outcome. The studio's motto, "Your Worlds, Your Way," encapsulates this philosophy, emphasizing how player decisions can shape the environment and characters around them.

According to the Xbox Wire article, the combat system in Avowed is designed to be dynamic and flexible. Players can wield an array of weapons, from swords to magic wands, including the unique ability to dual-wield for creative and strategic combat scenarios. The game's design allows for quick loadout changes during encounters, adapting to the diverse enemies players might face in the rich landscapes of Eora.

The article describes a hands-on experience where the port city of Paradis in Dawnshore serves as the first open zone, filled with character and interactive elements that immediately immerse players in the game's vibrant world. Here, even the smallest actions, like climbing a bell tower for a better view, can lead to unexpected discoveries, like finding gold coins in a bird's nest, showcasing the game's attention to detail and player interaction.

Moreover, the combat system isn't just about the physical act of fighting but is deeply intertwined with the narrative. Choices made in combat can have long-lasting effects on the story, encouraging players to think critically about their approach. This integration of combat and narrative choice reflects Obsidian's commitment to a player-centric gaming experience.

The anticipation for Avowed is palpable among the gaming community, with pre-orders now open and the game slated for inclusion in the Xbox Game Pass from day one. This approach to combat, where every choice matters, is expected to resonate well with gamers who enjoy RPGs that offer both freedom and consequence in gameplay. 

Transforming Linux Mint 22.1 Beta into a Gaming Powerhouse

 Introduction to Linux Mint 22.1 Beta

Linux Mint has long been celebrated for its user-friendly approach to Linux, and the 22.1 Beta release continues this tradition with some notable enhancements. My journey with this distribution began with a focus on turning it into an optimal gaming environment. Here’s a detailed look at the process and results.

Customizing the Kernel and Drivers

One of the first steps in tailoring Linux Mint 22.1 Beta for gaming was updating the Linux kernel to version 6.13.1rc1. This upgrade was pivotal because newer kernels often bring improved hardware support and performance optimizations crucial for gaming. The process was straightforward, but it required some comfort with command-line operations. After the kernel update, the system felt noticeably snappier, likely due to better hardware integration and driver support.

Following the kernel update, I focused on the graphics stack by installing the latest Mesa drivers. This step was vital for leveraging the full potential of my GPU, ensuring that game rendering was as efficient as possible. The updated drivers provided support for recent Vulkan extensions and shader enhancements, which directly translated into smoother gameplay and better visual fidelity in games.

Gaming Launchers and Tools

With the foundation set, I proceeded to install key gaming software. I started with Steam, which, despite its native Linux support, still benefited from the system’s updates for better performance. Next, I added Heroic Games Launcher, which allowed me to manage games from Epic Games Store and GOG, integrating them into my Linux gaming ecosystem with ease. Lutris 0.5.18 was another critical addition, offering a single platform to manage games from various sources with custom configurations for each title.

Streaming and Recording Capabilities

For content creators, Linux Mint 22.1 Beta with OBS Studio 31 is a game-changer. The software’s integration was seamless, providing robust streaming capabilities to platforms like YouTube and Twitch. The streaming quality was impressive, thanks to the system’s stable performance and the optimized graphics drivers. OBS handled multiple scenes, overlays, and even high-bitrate streaming without hiccups, making it an excellent choice for live streaming.

A Minimalist Approach to Software

To focus the system entirely on gaming, I opted to remove all default applications that came with Linux Mint. This clean slate approach allowed for a more tailored system, where every installed application served a specific purpose. In place of the default suite, I installed essential tools like Wine 10.0r4 for running Windows games, LibreOffice 24.8 for basic productivity needs, Vesktop for Discord communication, and Spotube for music, ensuring a gaming-centric environment without the bloat. Notably, I chose to avoid Snap packages entirely, preferring the traditional package management system for its simplicity and performance.

Creating a Gaming Distro

The transformation of Linux Mint 22.1 Beta into what I call a “Linux Mint Gaming Distro” was not just about installing gaming software but also about optimizing the system for performance. Disabling unnecessary services, tweaking the compositor settings for better frame rates during gaming, and ensuring all gaming-related drivers were up-to-date were all part of the process. This customization led to a system where games launched quickly, ran smoothly, and allowed for multitasking without significant performance drops.

Conclusion and Score

After extensive testing and optimization, I give Linux Mint 22.1 Beta, tailored as a gaming distro, an overall score of 9.2. It’s not just the performance but the ease of setup and the comprehensive support for modern gaming needs that impress. This version of Linux Mint stands out for anyone looking to dive into Linux gaming without the steep learning curve often associated with other distributions.

For those interested in a deeper dive or with questions about this setup, I invite you to check out more detailed insights at our blog at http://www.xpressinsights.org/

This platform continues to be a valuable resource for all things Linux and gaming.

PlayStation Cloud Gaming: A Leap Forward in Streaming, But Challenges Persist

Sony's venture into cloud gaming with the PlayStation Portal has been a topic of significant interest, especially following recent updates that incorporate cloud streaming capabilities. This review examines the latest developments in PlayStation's cloud gaming strategy, assessing its potential impacts, and discussing the hurdles that remain.

Sony's approach to cloud gaming has undergone several iterations. Initially launched as PlayStation Now, it was later integrated into the PlayStation Plus subscription service, rebranding as PlayStation Cloud Gaming under the Premium tier. The most recent advancement allows PlayStation Portal users to stream games directly from the cloud, eliminating the necessity of owning a PS5 console for gameplay. This move is seen as a response to the growing market of cloud gaming, which has been gaining traction with services like Nvidia's GeForce Now and Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming.

The capability to access over 120 PS5 games from the PS Plus Game Catalog directly on the PlayStation Portal has broadened the appeal of the device, which was initially criticized for being merely an extension of the PS5 rather than a standalone gaming solution. This update signifies Sony's intent to compete more robustly in the cloud gaming space, addressing past criticisms regarding the device's limited functionality.

Despite the promising upgrade, the implementation of cloud gaming on the PlayStation Portal has its caveats. Performance varies significantly with internet connection quality; a stable connection of 13Mbps or higher is required for 1080p streaming, with lower speeds reverting to 720p. This can be a barrier for users in regions with less reliable broadband. Additionally, the maximum frame rate is capped at 60fps, constrained by the hardware of the Portal's 8-inch screen, which has been described as mediocre in some reviews.

The inclusion of haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and other sensory features from the PS5 controllers aims to preserve the traditional PlayStation experience. However, some features like 3D audio and in-game commerce are not yet available at the launch of cloud streaming, indicating that the service is still in its developmental phase.

The selection of games available for streaming is another critical aspect. While the catalog includes popular titles like "Ghost of Tsushima" and "Spider-Man: Miles Morales," there's a noted lack of PS4 and PS3 games, which limits the historical breadth of PlayStation's extensive library. This selective approach to game streaming has sparked discussion about whether Sony is fully leveraging its back catalog. Moreover, the discoverability of games within the cloud service has been criticized for lacking robust search and sort functionalities, making it challenging for users to navigate through the available titles.

Sony's latest push into cloud gaming with the PlayStation Portal update places it in direct competition with Microsoft, which has been expanding its Xbox Cloud Gaming service, notably by adapting its OS for handheld devices, a trend that's picking up momentum in the gaming industry. This strategic move by Sony could potentially attract a wider audience, especially those interested in cloud gaming without investing in high-end consoles, but it also faces the challenge of differentiating itself in an increasingly crowded market.

Sony's expansion of PlayStation Cloud Gaming through the Portal represents a significant evolution in how gamers can access PlayStation titles. However, the service is not without its limitations. The current state of cloud gaming on PlayStation needs improvements in performance consistency, game library exclusivity, and user interface enhancements to truly stand out. As cloud gaming continues to evolve, Sony's commitment to this technology will be crucial in shaping its future in the gaming industry, providing enthusiasts with more ways to enjoy PlayStation games wherever they are.

For PlayStation fans and cloud gaming enthusiasts, the future looks promising with these innovations, though the journey to perfecting this service is ongoing. Keep an eye on further updates from Sony as they continue to refine and expand their cloud gaming offerings.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - A Refined Medieval Odyssey

San Francisco, January 8, 2025 - 

Warhorse Studios has once again transported players back to the tumultuous, yet beautifully rendered 15th-century Bohemia with "Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2". This much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 original aims to polish the rough edges of its predecessor while expanding the scope of its RPG experience. Here's an in-depth look at what critics and players are saying about this medieval epic.

Narrative and World Expansion

"Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2" picks up the tale of Henry of Skalitz, continuing his journey from a humble blacksmith's son to a seasoned warrior embroiled in civil war. Critics have lauded the game for its narrative depth, with IGN noting, "In just about every sense, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is shaping up as a smoother, prettier, more refined continuation of all the things we liked about the original." The story is not only a continuation but also introduces new characters and a broader, more interactive world. The world now feels "broader and more grandiose," offering two distinct maps that players can travel between, enhancing the sense of exploration and adventure. The game's setting in Kuttenberg, a sprawling medieval city, adds a new layer of complexity and interaction, as noted by GamesRadar+.

Combat and Gameplay Mechanics

One of the most praised aspects of "Deliverance 2" is its refined combat system. Building on the realistic, skill-based fighting from the original, the sequel introduces a more streamlined yet equally challenging combat experience. PC Gamer highlighted that the combat system "is based on real European martial arts and looks to evolve and streamline the mechanics of the first Kingdom Come: Deliverance." The addition of new weapons, including firearms, has been a point of excitement among fans, suggesting a natural progression in the timeline and technology of the game's world. IGN's in-depth hands-on described the combat as "kinetic, precise, and polished," indicating significant improvements in how the game handles melee engagements.

Accessibility and Improvement

Warhorse Studios has made strides in making the game more approachable while preserving its authenticity. There's a focus on easing the learning curve for new players without diluting the game's demand for skill and strategy. "Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 aims to be more approachable in both story and gameplay without compromising any of the elements that resonated with the first game's hardcore fans," GameSpot reports. The sequel also addresses some of the technical issues of the first game, with IGN First coverage mentioning that the game is "more optimized," suggesting fewer performance problems than its predecessor.

Player Reception and Community Buzz

The community's reception has been largely positive, with many expressing excitement over the game's depth and the immersive experience it promises. Posts on X have been buzzing with anticipation, highlighting the game's potential for a true RPG experience in a historical setting. The game's announcement and subsequent previews have sparked discussions on the enhancements in gameplay, story, and the overall polish of the game environment.

Conclusion

"Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2" is shaping up to be a landmark title for those who appreciate historical accuracy intertwined with the freedom of an open-world RPG. While it maintains the core elements that fans loved about the first game, it's clear that Warhorse Studios has listened to feedback, resulting in a sequel that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. With a release date set for February 11, 2025, the gaming community is eagerly awaiting what could be one of the year's defining RPGs, with critics and players alike poised to delve into this medieval masterpiece once more.