There is that, but then again we have to remember that the fixed price cuts are what they are, and hardly ever go down by much, so the little shave off of the gift card eventually gets negated by the smaller price cuts to said games over time. 

Also devs like bamco who pull markups on their games.

I am so keen for a Diablo 4. Make it happen Blizzard.
...Knowing my luck it's just another character/DLC/Expansion for Diablo 3 though.

Thursday news:

SALES & "SALES"/DEALS

Steam's daily deal is Battlestar Galactica Deadlock, 50% off: https://store.steampowered.com/app/544610/Battlestar_Galactica_Deadlock/

And the game Fortified, that was free not so long ago on the Humble Store, is now free on Steam, but only for a short time: https://store.steampowered.com/app/334210/Fortified/

At Fanatical, there are three deals:

• The Star Deal is THQ Nordic Legends Pack, featuring Darksiders: Warmastered Edition, Red Faction Guerrilla and Titan Quest Anniversary Edition, 80% off: https://www.fanatical.com/en/bundle/thq-nordic-legends-pack
• There's a new THQ Nordic sale, featuring deals up to 80% off: https://www.fanatical.com/en/publishers/thq-nordic
• Lastly, there's a Bayonetta and Vanquish sale, with both titles being 60% off and the bundle with both of them being 65% off: https://www.fanatical.com/en/collections/bayonetta-and-vanquish

SOFTWARE

Valve opens up its Steam gates to all developers, will only ban “illegal” or “trolling” games
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/valve-opens-up-its-steam-gates-to-all-developers-will-only-ban-illegal-or-trolling-games/
Valve has just announced that it will open up its Steam store to all developers. The company will no longer police its content, meaning that it will welcome all sorts of games to its library, unless they are illegal or trolling games.

>>shikamaru317 has made a thread about it.

Itch.io creator says Steam's new hands-off curation policy is 'ridiculous'
https://www.pcgamer.com/itchio-creator-says-steams-new-hands-off-curation-policy-is-ridiculous/
In a statement released earlier today, Valve announced that, beginning soon, it will allow "everything" to be published on Steam as long as it it isn't illegal or "straight-up trolling." Valve's Erik Johnson said this is simply because "Valve shouldn't be the ones deciding this." This decision has proven contentious, and Itch.io creator Leaf Corcoran is clearly among those against it.
In a recent tweet, Corcoran called Valve's decision "ridiculous" and affirmed that Itch.io remains against content that is "malicious, derogatory, discriminatory, bullying, harassing, [or] demeaning." This lines up with Itch's terms of service which, in addition to everything Corcoran listed, also disallow content and actions that are unlawful, misleading, incendiary, obscene or inflammatory.

MODS/EMULATORS

One of the best SNES emulators, Snesx, got updated with emulation accuracy and performance improvements
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/one-of-the-best-snes-emulators-snesx-got-updated-with-emulation-accuracy-and-performance-improvements/
There are currently three major emulators for Nintendo’s classic 16-bit console, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System – also known as SNES – and these are: Snesx, ZSNES and BSNES/Higan. And the team behind Snesx has released a brand new version of it, bringing emulation accuracy and performance improvements.

Skyrim mod adds God of War Leviathan Axeg
https://www.pcgamer.com/skyrim-mod-adds-god-of-war-leviathan-axe/
Kratos' Leviathan Axe in God of War is a cracking piece of equipment. Unlike the series' previous trademark hardware, the chain-sword hybrid Blades of Chaos, this weapon feels more solid, more reliable, more precise—and it looks gorgeous to boot. Renowned Skyrim modder Ghosu has now created an equivalent in Skyrim and its Special Edition variant.
Craftable at forges, Ghosu has made four versions of the Leviathan Axe from scratch—two of which inflict frost damage.

GAMING NEWS

The Crew 2 – Post-release content detailed, major free updates every three months
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/the-crew-2-post-release-content-detailed-major-free-updates-every-three-months/
Ubisoft today revealed the post-launch plan for its upcoming open-world racing game The Crew 2. The game releases on June 29th and the development team will introduce significant new content through regular updates. Major free updates will occur every three months to expand the game’s experience, enrich its world and bring new disciplines, modes and features.

Chrono Trigger – Patch #3 is now available, featuring UI and battle improvements
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/chrono-trigger-patch-3-is-now-available-featuring-ui-and-battle-improvements/
Square Enix has released the third update for the PC version of Chrono Trigger. According to the release notes, this patch further updates the UI for those using a controller or keyboard in a number of areas, packs various improvements for battles, and improves gameplay speed in areas where it previously slowed down.

Monster Sanctuary is a pixel art monster collecting game, demo available for download
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/monster-sanctuary-is-a-pixel-art-monster-collecting-game-demo-available-for-download/
Denis Sinner has been working on an indie game for two and a half years. This game is called Monster Sanctuary and is described as a pixel art monster collecting game that features sideview visuals, metroidvania like exploration and challenging turn based combat.

>>The demo is available from Steam.

Assetto Corsa Competizione will be playable for the first time at E3 2018
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/assetto-corsa-competizione-will-be-playable-for-the-first-time-at-e3-2018/
Kunos Simulazioni and 505 Games have announced that Assetto Corsa Competizione, the new official licensed Blancpain GT Series videogame, will be showcased for the first time in public during E3 2018 in Los Angeles at Thrustmaster’s booth.

Anti-gravity futuristic racing game, Antigraviator, is now available on the PC
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/anti-gravity-futuristic-racing-game-antigraviator-is-now-available-on-the-pc/
Iceberg Interactive and Cybernetic Walrus announced that their multi-award winning anti-gravity racing game Antigraviator is available on PC today through Steam and other digital retailers, at an SRP of $24.99.

Story-driven adventure game, 11-11: Memories Retold, releases on November 9th
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/story-driven-adventure-game-11-11-memories-retold-releases-on-november-9th/
Bandai Namco has revealed more details on 11-11: Memories Retold, as well as its release date. The story-driven adventure set in World War I will be released November 9th and its the main protagonists are Kurt, Harry and their animal companions.

Agony Unrated will release as a separate product on Steam, will feature all censored content and more
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/agony-unrated-will-release-as-a-separate-product-on-steam-will-feature-all-censored-content/
Madmind Studio has announced that an adult, unrated version of Agony will release on Steam. Agony Unrated will be a separate title produced and published by Madmind Studio and without the involvement of any publishers, and will feature additional content and changes suggested by its community.

Report: Crackdown 3 may get delayed until 2019
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/report-crackdown-3-may-get-delayed-until-2019/
Things are not looking good for Microsoft’s next exclusive title, Crackdown 3. Last month, there were rumours suggesting that the game has been delayed to 2019 and today, Kotaku has reported that – according to its sources – the game will be indeed delayed until 2019.

>>There's a thread about this rumor, made by UltimateGamer1982.

E3 2018 gameplay trailer released for post-apocalyptic Battle Royale FPS, Fear of the Wolves
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/e3-2018-gameplay-trailer-released-for-post-apocalyptic-battle-royale-fps-fear-of-the-wolves/
Focus Home Interactive has released the E3 2018 gameplay trailer for its upcoming competitive Battle Royale FPS that is being created by the S.T.A.L.K.E.R veterans, Vostok Games, Fear of the Wolves. This trailer gives us the first glimpse at the dark setting, player vs environment elements, and endgame extraction of this new Battle Royale FPS.

Battlefield V’s minimum PC requirements were incorrect, were published as placeholders
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/battlefield-vs-minimum-pc-requirements-were-incorrect-were-published-as-placeholders/
Last month, we informed you about the minimum PC requirements for Battlefield V. However, EA’s community manager Van Vitre said that those PC specs were incorrect and were published as placeholders.

Quake Champions June update is now available, adds AI bots and new Gore System
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/quake-champions-june-update-is-now-available-adds-ai-bots-and-new-gore-system/
Bethesda and id Software have announced the release of a brand new update for Quake Champions. This new patch adds AI bots, a new Gore System, Free Champion Rotation, comes with tons of Champion & weapon balance changes, and even more performance polish.

Thursday news, part two:

Hi-Rez's battle royale game Realm Royale is now available on Steam Early Access
https://www.pcgamer.com/hi-rezs-battle-royale-game-realm-royale-is-now-available-on-steam-early-access/
Realm Royale, the free-to-play battle royale game from Paladins developer Hi-Rez Studios, is now available in Early Access on Steam. To celebrate the not-quite-full-release of the game, Hi-Rez is holding a "continuous 130+ hour stream" featuring developers and community members that won't stop until sometime on Sunday.

Totally Accurate Battlegrounds is battle royale but with beatboxing and punchable cheese
https://www.pcgamer.com/totally-accurate-battlegrounds-is-battle-royale-but-with-beatboxing-and-punchable-cheese/
If you press G in Totally Accurate Battlegrounds, a newly released parody of battle royale games, your character starts beatboxing. That should tell you how seriously TABG, as developer Landfall has dubbed it, takes itself. It's got the bones of a battle royale game, but it's mostly a playable punchline. It's free on Steam right now, and if you get it in the next few days, you can keep it forever. It released yesterday, June 5, and Landfall says the price will jump to $5 once 100 hours have passed, so the freebie is good through Friday night, give or take.

Eldritch sex adventure Lust for Darkness releases next week
https://www.pcgamer.com/eldritch-sex-adventure-lust-for-darkness-releases-next-week/
Lust for Darkness, the eldritch sex adventure that bears the distinction of being the very last game I voted for on Steam Greenlight, will be out on June 12. So let's take a moment to lie back and watch the recently-released cinematic trailer, a creepy mix of Eyes Wide Shut and American Beauty, with a sprinkling of The Rats in the Walls to keep things interesting.

Fortnite's shotguns finally nerfed, traps buffed back up
https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnites-shotguns-finally-nerfed-traps-buffed-back-to-normal/
In a small update to Fortnite with massive implications, Epic Games has finally nerfed shotgun damage (and restored trap damage from 75 to 150, thank goodness).
"For awhile we felt that Shotguns promoted healthy close quarter gameplay, however with the recent equip time changes, Shotguns are being used more often than we like," the update reads. "It's something we've been keeping an eye on, but broadly speaking we feel Shotguns are a little too strong in their current state."

Hearthstone's latest nerf has players feeling short-changed
https://www.pcgamer.com/hearthstones-latest-nerf-has-players-feeling-short-changed/
Until now, I wasn't sure how many Burgle Rogue players there were, but judging by the angry reaction to Hearthstone's latest balance patch, it's way more than I imagined. Fans are demanding full Arcane Dust refunds following a recent update which quietly changed multiple legendaries, including the Rogue class card Tess Greymayne.

Dungeons & Dragons has a peppy new trailer, announces upcoming adventures
https://www.pcgamer.com/dungeons-and-dragons-has-a-peppy-new-trailer-announces-upcoming-adventures/
In the event you’ve been missing Dungeons & Dragons cartoons since the last one was cancelled 33 years ago, the folks at Wizards of the Coast have a bit of a surprise for you: A trailer for D&D Beyond, the digital service that accompanies Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.

PUBG Sanhok map testing extended again due to 'interesting performance problems' (Updated)
https://www.pcgamer.com/pubg-sanhok-map-returns-to-test-servers-this-week/
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds' Sanhok map returns to its 'Experimental Server' this week. Once known as Codename Savage, the tropical 4x4km arena enters test servers on May 31 at 7pm PST / June 1 at 3am BST, and wraps up on June 4 at 4am PST/ 12 noon BST.
Update: The final round of testing for PUBG's Sanhok map has been extended to Monday, June 4 Thursday, June 7 Monday, June 11. Wow, it's tough keeping up with this one.

Fortnite duo ride Shopping Cart to Spawn Island
https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-duo-ride-shopping-cart-to-spawn-island/
I'm a semi-regular Fortnite player, but I've never once tried to return to Spawn Island. A quick Google search informs me a sizeable chunk of players have made the trip by building bridges, parachuting straight from the Battle Bus, or hitching a ride on a rocket.
Invariably, these methods—the ones I've seen, at least—have fallen short due to the invisible wall that guards the archipelago. As showcased by Fortnite streamer Lachlan, though, it appears doing so while riding a Shopping Cart is possible.

There is a sale going on the Stardock store on their RTS games.

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion Gold Edition - $19.99
Items included in this edition: Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity, Outlaw Sectors DLC, Stellar Phenomena DLC, Forbidden Worlds DLC, and the original soundtrack.

Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation Gold Edition - $19.99
Items included in this edition: Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation, Epic Map Pack DLC, Overlord Scenario Pack DLC, Turtle Wars DLC, Gauntlet DLC, Oblivion DLC, Inception DLC, Secret Missions DLC, and the original soundtrack

Offworld Trading Company Gold Edition - $19.99
Items included in this edition: Offworld Trading Company, Jupiter’s Forge expansion pack, Real Mars Map Pack DLC, Scenario Toolkit DLC, The Ceres Initiative DLC, The Patron and the Patriot DLC, Blue Chip Ventures DLC, Conspicuous Consumption DLC, Limited Supply DLC, and the original soundtrack.

Bundle with all three Gold Editions - $49.99   

^Good discounts all around. Thanks for sharing.

"Valve opens up its Steam gates to all developers, will only ban “illegal” or “trolling” games"
Wonderful.

So how about the high core count CPUs announced by Intel and AMD.
Yeah, they're pretty much just server chips, but it is still pretty cool.
32 cores for desktops, what a time to be alive.
Apparently not all four dies will have direct access to RAM.
Obviously the 28 core Intel chip won't be running at 5GHz when you take it home.
https://www.anandtech.com/show/12906/amd-reveals-threadripper-2-up-to-32-cores-250w-x399-refresh
https://www.anandtech.com/show/12893/intels-28core-5-ghz-cpu-coming-in-q4

Intels 28 core Xeon chips apparently gives the 32 core Threadripper a run for it's money.

I think 10nm/7nm is going to be very interesting, we may transition to 8-10 cores in the mainstream.

28 and 32 cores, wow. I figured AMD would just jump to 24 at best. Makes me rethink whether or not next gen consoles would bother with anything less than 8.