Carzy Zarx’s PC Gaming Emporium - Catch Up on All the Latest PC Gaming Related News

[JEMC]

Let’s go with the Friday gaming news:

GIVEAWAY

We're joining Frosthaven's party to give you a chance at winning a gaming laptop, a game key, and some swag to boot
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/board-games/were-joining-frosthavens-party-to-give-you-a-chance-at-winning-a-gaming-laptop-a-game-key-and-some-swag-to-boot/
There's something about dark fantasy and the observation that it's a bit cold out that goes together like whiskey and… well, ice. Frosthaven, an adaptation of a board game by the same name, understands this—and also happens to've just launched into early access.
Led by Julian Gollop, head of Snapshot Games and creator of X-COM, Frosthaven aims to replicate the dark fantasy tactical RPG vibes of its board game. And to celebrate, we've gone ahead and partnered with them for a giveaway.
One lucky adventurer'll be the proud owner of a Frosthaven-branded Alienware Aurora 16 gaming laptop, some swag (including a beanie and pin set) and an early access key. Even if you aren't the chosen one, you might be one of ten runners-up, who'll also get a key for the game.
To be eligible for your prize, you need to be from North America, the United Kingdom, or Europe. You'll also need to be 18 years old as of August 12, 2025.
>> Good luck!

SALES/PLAYER COUNTS & DEALS

New report suggests that there are 3 million fewer PC gamers in Japan than 10 years ago, despite the market having at least tripled in size
https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/new-report-suggests-that-there-are-3-million-fewer-pc-gamers-in-japan-than-10-years-ago-despite-the-market-having-at-least-tripled-in-size/
As reported by Automaton, Famitsu has released a preview of its annual Famitsu Game Hakusho, a survey of the games industry by Kadokawa ASCII Research Laboratories. One confounding takeaway from the data is that the games market in Japan is bigger than ever, with the PC space nearly matching consoles for economic impact, while there are slightly fewer gamers⁠ in the country overall, and many millions fewer PC gamers than just a decade ago.
*** Here are some numbers about the market size, in billions on yen/$, and number of players ***
The market numbers correlate with those produced by investment strategy firm Epyllion earlier this year for the global games market: Strong growth for PC and mobile sales, with a slight decline for consoles. The population figure is a real headscratcher, though: Three million fewer PC gamers than reported in the 2015 Famitsu Game Hakusho.
Data firm Newzoo has likewise shown enormous growth for the PC market in Japan in recent years, while last October, Kantan reported that Japan's Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) shared data showing that Japan's PC gaming sector tripled in size from 2020 to 2024—that's going by software sales alone, while the Famitsu Gaming Hakusho accounts for software and hardware.

During the next 20 days, the Humble Store celebrates its Summer Sale. Check it out to find all kinds of deals: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/promo/humble-summer-sale-2025.

Fanatical has new Flash Deals and a bundle:

• These are the new 24h Flash Deals:
  • Sultan's Game is 27% off: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/sultans-game
  • Persona 5 Royal has a 65% discount: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/persona-5-royal
  • Project Hospital ha a 66% deal: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/project-hospital
• The BYO Blazing Bundle (Summer 2025) has 20 titles to choose from for your bundles of 3+, 5+ or 7+ games during the next 34 days: https://www.fanatical.com/en/pick-and-mix/build-your-own-blazing-bundle

SOFTWARE & DRIVERS

Steam store pages just got thicker than Emma Frost's thighs
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/steam-store-pages-just-got-thicker-than-emma-frosts-thighs/
Does Steam look different to you today—girthier, perhaps? If so, and you're a Steam client beta participant, you'll be happy to know that you're not imagining it, nor do your eyeglasses need adjustment. Steam has embiggened its store pages, taking them from 940 pixels wide to 1200, a change it said is part of an ongoing effort "to modernize the design and provide a better experience for players with larger monitors."
"This improves the shopping experience in a number of ways, allowing for bigger screenshots and trailers, and allowing more room to describe your features in the written description area," Valve said of the change. "Of course the page will still scale down appropriately for smaller screens or smaller browser windows."
Previous steps in the 'modernization' process of Steam include new storefront navigation, Valve said, as well as the razzle-dazzle new video player that rolled out at the end of July. The thickification process "includes refreshing the page layouts to make better use of modern screen sizes and resolutions, as well as optimizing page loads for display on mobile and handheld devices."
>> Another change: the performance monitor should now report GPU utilisation more accurately than Task Manager (link here).

MODS, EMULATORS & FAN PROJECTS

One of the best mods for Doom 3, RealDOOM 3, just got a new update
https://www.dsogaming.com/mods/one-of-the-best-mods-for-doom-3-realdoom-3-just-got-a-new-update
Modder ‘AgentLoginov’ has released Version 5.0 for one of the best mods for Doom 3, RealDOOM 3. This new version comes with new content, numerous tweaks and changes, as well as improved graphics. So, let’s take a closer look at it.
For those who don’t know, RealDOOM3 is a mod that aims to update the game’s atmosphere and graphics. It also updates the maps, adds new creatures, and new sounds. From what I know, this is the only modern-day mod for Doom 3 that is still in development. As such, you can use it if you want to replay this 2004 horror FPS.
Version 5.0 adds a new texture pack for Doom 3, Resurrection of Evil, and The Lost Mission. It also adds a new Birdman monster. Moreover, there is a new E1M1 map. Players will now wear a helmet, and they can hold a pistol with both hands. Plus, the modder added some new sounds to the game.
>> The article has no media.

This incredible mod adds parkour movement mechanics to Skyrim
https://www.dsogaming.com/pc-performance-analyses/this-incredible-mod-adds-parkour-movement-mechanics-to-skyrim
Now here is something really special for our Skyrim fans. Modder “Tsptds” has released a new version of SkyParkour. SkyParkour is a mod that brings a parkour movement system to Skyrim, which will let players climb and vault over objects smoothly. It also has easy stepping for low ledges, midair ledge grabs, and even climbing out of water.
SkyParkour V3 adds support for the default first-person camera. Previously, the mod only worked in third-person mode. But now, you can also use it in first-person. This is a game-changer mod as it can completely change the way you play it. As such, it’s a must-have mod for all Skyrim fans.
What’s also cool here is that there is an equipment-weight-based stamina system. The mod has dynamic and responsive ledge detection, as well as dynamic height and scale support. Players will now have smoother parkour moves, full camera control, stay in sneak mode, and won’t have to put away their weapons.
>> The article has a slightly over 3 minutes video of the mod.

Cyberpunk 2077 Mod Overhauls Main Story with Better Pacing and More Roleplay Opportunities
https://www.dsogaming.com/pc-performance-analyses/cyberpunk-2077-mod-overhauls-main-story-with-better-pacing-and-more-roleplay-opportunities
Modder “Xurec” has made an awesome new mod for Cyberpunk 2077. This lore-friendly mod adds more breaks, better pacing, and more roleplay moments to the main story. As such, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to replay the game.
Going into more details, fixers, clubs, and merc handlers will no longer hand out jobs to just anyone. Some main missions will now require a minimum Street Cred to access. Therefore, players will have to earn their reputation before the city gives them anything in return.
Main missions, side quests, and gigs are no longer given to you all at once. Instead, you get them over time through events and Street Cred milestones, making the story feel slower and more immersive. You’ll also get lore-friendly messages from characters like Jackie, Viktor, Dum Dum, Brick, and more, all built right into the game’s messaging system.
Gigs have been changed so that each fixer now has their own Street Cred requirements. These are based on their personality, power in their district, and relationship with V. In the original game, only Rogue and Muamar had real requirements. This mod changes that. Now, every fixer has their own unlock path, making your rise in the merc world feel more meaningful.
In short, this is a mod that a lot of CP2077 fans may find interesting. After all, it will change the way you experience its main story. In a way, it will make it fun to replay it. So, go ahead and download it from this link.
>> Looks like an awesome mod. Sadly, the article has no media about it.

GAMING NEWS

Jurassic Park Survival won’t be present at Gamescom 2025
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/jurassic-park-survival-wont-be-present-at-gamescom-2025
Jurassic Park Survival fans, we have some bad news for you today. According to Saber Interactive, this new dinosaur single-player action-adventure game won’t be present at Gamescom 2025. Thankfully, though, we got a new Behind The Scenes video, which packs a few seconds of pre-alpha footage.

First Echoes of the End Patch Released to Address Stuttering Issues
https://www.dsogaming.com/patches/first-echoes-of-the-end-patch-released-to-address-stuttering-issues
Myrkur Games has released the first update for Echoes of the End, which addresses most of its awful stuttering issues. This is really great news for everyone who wanted to try this new single-player game. It also proves that we were right to complain about them.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered Update 2 Releases Tomorrow – Full Patch Notes
https://www.dsogaming.com/patches/tomb-raider-iv-vi-remastered-update-2-releases-tomorrow-full-patch-notes
Aspyr Media announced that the second major update for Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered will come out tomorrow and shared its full patch notes. So, let’s see what this new update brings to the table.
>> That tomorrow will likely be today.

Gamescom 2025 Gameplay Trailer Released for Neo Berlin 2087
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/gamescom-2025-gameplay-trailer-released-for-neo-berlin-2087
Elysium Game Studio has released the Gamescom 2025 gameplay trailer for its upcoming game, Neo Berlin 2087. This gameplay trailer will give you a glimpse at the improvements the team has made in the past year.

Take a look at this new 13-minute gameplay video for Crimson Desert
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/take-a-look-at-this-new-13-minute-gameplay-video-for-crimson-desert
IGN has released a new 13-minute gameplay video for the highly anticipated Crimson Desert. The video shows exploring the world, moving around, and real-time battles. We also see the main character, Greymane Kliff, fighting a boss named Cassius Morten, who is part of the Drunken Black Bears enemies, in the Calphade region.