The Friday news... Yay!

SALES & DEALS

On the Humble Store, the Shadowrun franchise is on sale with up to 75% discounts for the next 3 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/promo/shadowrun-franchise-sale/

At Fanatical, there are two new deals:

• There's a Side Scroller Bundle with five games for a 95% discount the next 3 days: https://www.fanatical.com/en/bundle/side-scroller-bundle
• And the top wishlisted games are on sale for the next two days. Check them out: https://www.fanatical.com/en/collections/wishlist-weekend

SOFTWARE/DRIVERS

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MODS/EMULATORS

CEMU 1.15.3 available for download to Patreon backers, full release notes revealed
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/cemu-1-15-3-available-for-download-to-patreon-backers-full-release-notes-revealed/
The team behind the best Nintendo Wii U emulator, CEMU, has released a brand new version of it. CEMU 1.15.3 is currently available for download to all Patreon backers and will be made available to the public on March 7th.
This new version of CEMU comes with a reworked shader cache loading screen to scale better on higher resolutions, optimizes texture loader and multi-threads JIT recompilation of functions if multi-core recompiler is enabled (which slightly reduces micro-stutter caused by recompilation).
In addition, CEMU 1.15.3 packs various optimizations in various GX2 API functions, fixes random crash due to out-of-bounds access in texture code, fixes a crash that could occur when GPU buffer cache accuracy was set to high and increases time before restorable textures are dropped from texture cache.

You can now play Metal Gear Survive in first-person perspective thanks to this mod
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/you-can-now-play-metal-gear-survive-in-first-person-perspective-thanks-to-this-mod/
I’m pretty sure that there aren’t a lot of players that play Metal Gear Survive these days. Konami’s latest Metal Gear game disappointed pretty much all of its fans and is easily one of the worst Metal Gear games to date. Still, modder ‘iBobaFett’ released a new mod for it that allows players to experience this survival game in first-person mode.
This mod adds a first person view that works in both single-player and co-op, though it requires a controller in order to be enabled or disabled. Once you turn it on (or off), though, you can keep playing the game with your mouse and keyboard.
>> You can get it from Nexus Mods.

Skyrim Script Extender devs accuse Skyrim Together modders of stealing code
https://www.pcgamer.com/skyrim-script-extender-devs-accuse-skyrim-together-modders-of-stealing-code/
The Skyrim Together mod, which allows up to eight players to play Skyrim in co-op mode, has been in the works for years, and it recently inched a bit closer to the finish line with a playable closed beta. This week, however, drama erupted as the developers of Skyrim Script Extender accused the makers of Skyrim Together of using SKSE code without permission or attribution.
"Skyrim Together is stealing [Skyrim Script Extender] code, uncredited, without permission, with an explicit term in the license restricting one of the authors from having anything to do with the code," a SKSE developer posted on Reddit. "The proof is pretty clear when you look at the loader and dll in a disassembler. They're using a hacked-up version of 1.7.3 classic presumably with some preprocessor macros to switch structure types around as needed between the x64 and x86 versions."
The SKSE developer also points to a Reddit message from a Skyrim Together dev a year ago, which states: "We aren't using SKSE at all but the mod will be able to be loaded by SKSE's loader."

GAMING NEWS

New gameplay trailer released for The Sinking City
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/new-gameplay-trailer-released-for-the-sinking-city/
Frogwares has released a new gameplay trailer for The Sinking City. According to the press release, this trailer video highlights the inner-workings of the game’s unique investigation system and how it forces players to truly think, deduct and make their own (possibly the wrong) conclusions rather than just follow convenient waypoint markers.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered has been rated by PEGI
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-campaign-remastered-has-been-rated-by-pegi/
It appears that a remastered version of Modern Warfare 2 is on its way. PEGI has rated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered, hinting towards a Remaster version for the game’s single-player campaign mode.

New Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night trailer showcases visual improvements
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/new-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-trailer-showcases-visual-improvements/
505Games and ArtPlay have released a new trailer showcasing the visual improvements in the latest version of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a 2.5D sidescrolling gothic action RPG from the godfather of the genre, Koji Igarashi.

First Insurgency: Sandstorm major content update has been released, includes performance improvements
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/first-insurgency-sandstorm-major-content-update-has-been-released-includes-performance-improvements/
New World Interactive has released the first major content update for Insurgency: Sandstorm that includes the massive addition of a new ‘arcade’ playlist with rotating game modes, alongside five new weapons, a new firing range, performance improvements, and a wealth of smaller changes, additions, tweaks, and bug fixes.

Final gameplay trailer released for Devil May Cry 5, contains spoilers
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/final-gameplay-trailer-released-for-devil-may-cry-5-contains-spoilers/
Capcom has released the final gameplay trailer for Devil May Cry 5. However, and as the title indicates, this trailer contains spoilers so we strongly suggest avoiding if you’re planning on playing this new action title.

New screenshots released for Arc System’s new fighting game, KILL la KILL – IF
https://www.dsogaming.com/screenshot-news/new-screenshots-released-for-arc-systems-new-fighting-game-kill-la-kill-if/
PQube, Arc System Works and Studio TRIGGER have released some new screenshots for KILL la KILL – IF. KILL la KILL – IF is a fighting game that – according to its press release – promises to deliver astounding battle in 3D arenas.

Friday news, part two:

The Division 2 Dark Zone trailer ramps up the drama
https://www.pcgamer.com/the-division-2-dark-zone-trailer-ramps-up-the-drama/
Ubisoft's released a menacing Dark Zone trailer to whet our appetites before The Division 2's open beta, which starts tomorrow. They're awful places, the trailer warns, completely lawless and forsaken. There's good loot, however, so you'll want to pay them a visit.

See Fortnite's new ping system in action
https://www.pcgamer.com/see-fortnites-new-ping-system-in-action/
The Fortnite Season 8 patch notes detail volcanic vents, cannons, and a pretty new UI, but this season's most prominent new feature is Fortnite's new ping system. Taking a cue from how we and everyone else have fawned over Apex Legends' deep, intuitive communication tools, Epic's implemented its own simpler take on team comms for Fortnite.
>> And players have found possible evidence of the respawn system.

Gearbox is revealing something at PAX East, possibly Borderlands 3
https://www.pcgamer.com/gearbox-is-revealing-something-at-pax-east-possibly-borderlands-3/
Gearbox is headed to PAX East later this month, and as is common for the studio, the company is hosting its own panel. According to the event's description on the PAX East website, the studio will have "never-before-seen reveals, exclusives, and surprises", which is obviously cause for speculation: will the studio finally show Borderlands 3?

Barotrauma is part Subnautica, part FTL, and all Gong Show
https://www.pcgamer.com/barotrauma-is-part-subnautica-part-ftl-and-all-gong-show/
Daedalic Entertainment is best known for publishing quirky (but generally good) point-and-click adventure games, but Barotrauma is something else entirely. It's a 2D submarine simulator for up to 16 players, set in the alien ocean of Jupiter's moon Europa, a deeply inhospitable place that is both passively and actively trying to kill you.

Destiny 2 Season of the Drifter video details new modes, gear, and guns
https://www.pcgamer.com/destiny-2-season-of-the-drifter-video-details-new-modes-gear-and-guns/
It's the question at least some Destiny 2 players have been asking themselves since Forsaken: what's inside the Drifter's big ball? Bungie has given us an exciting round up of the next season's activities via the medium of 'ViDoc' (a video), and apparently we will finally go inside the ball. "When you go into this thing, it's not what you expect," says art director Rob Adams.
>> And, apparently, players aren't happy about the microtransaction changes from next week.

Someone leaked the Apex Legends map a year ago and nobody cared
https://www.pcgamer.com/someone-leaked-the-apex-legends-map-a-year-ago-and-nobody-cared/
I imagine it's hard being a leaker: you're doing something you're not meant to do, and online anonymity doesn't exactly instil confidence. What if you happen upon an exciting leak, but no one believes you? Worse still, what if it just attracts a bunch of lukewarm takes? That's what happened to Reddit user hiticonic eleven months ago when, with virtually no fanfare, they leaked the Apex Legends map in the Titanfall subreddit.

Freedom Finger is a hand-drawn shoot 'em up with a stellar cast
https://www.pcgamer.com/freedom-finger-is-a-hand-drawn-shoot-em-up-with-a-stellar-cast/
Freedom Finger is a space shoot 'em up where you pilot an angry fist as it tears across the galaxy. It's trying pretty hard to be 'crazy', but also promises a great cast of voice actors, including Nolan North and John DiMaggio, and a soundtrack full of licensed music from the likes of Red Fang, METZ and Power Trip. Watch the trailer above.

God's Trigger brings Hotline Miami-style co-op murder in April
https://www.pcgamer.com/gods-trigger-brings-hotline-miami-style-co-op-murder-in-april/
Bloodthirsty top-down shooter God's Trigger pairs an angel with a demon as they attempt to halt the apocalypse by killing their way into Heaven. Judging by the trailer above, they make an awful mess. It's kicking in the Pearly Gates next month.

Space Engineers leaves Early Access and is free to play for the next three days
https://www.pcgamer.com/space-engineers-leaves-early-access-and-is-free-to-play-for-the-next-three-days/
Space Engineers, a sci-fi open world sandbox game, has been in Steam Early Access for over five years. The developers announced last week that the title would finally leave Early Access on February 28, and sure enough, it's now officially a finished game. To celebrate, Space Engineers is now 20% off on Steam, and it's free to play for the next three days.

Co-op dwarf shooter Deep Rock Galactic is free to play until Monday
https://www.pcgamer.com/co-op-dwarf-shooter-deep-rock-galactic-is-free-to-play-until-monday/
Deep Rock Galactic is a space dwarf mining sim co-op shooter, and if you have no idea what that means, all I can say is, welcome to the club. (It's a bit like Left 4 Dead). Fortunately for the curious among you, this weekend is the perfect time to figure it out: It's the one-year anniversary of the game's Early Access release, and so developer Ghost Ship games is making it free to play for the weekend.

Time to check the rest of the weekend deals from GOG and Steam:

+GOG

• The first of the 2 offers this weekend at GOG is the weekly sale, with discounts up to 80% off: https://www.gog.com/promo/20190225_weekly_sale
• The other one is the weekend sale, Great stories and adventures, also with up to 80% discounts: https://www.gog.com/promo/20190301_weekend_sale

+Steam

• Let's start the rest of the Steam deals is the first (because there's two) daily deal, CardLife: Creative Survival, 33% off: https://store.steampowered.com/app/920690/CardLife_Creative_Survival/
• Insurgency: Sandstorm is the other "daily" deal, 20% off for the next 4 days: https://store.steampowered.com/app/581320/Insurgency_Sandstorm/
• TEKKEN 7 is half its usual price: https://store.steampowered.com/app/389730/TEKKEN_7/
• Hearts of Iron IV gets a 60% discount: https://store.steampowered.com/app/394360/Hearts_of_Iron_IV/
• And of course, there's the weeklong deals.

And just like that, we've reached the end of the news, at least for this week. Have a happy and gaming weekend.

I would take a look in the games configuration file if it's not exposed in the games settings.

Monday news:

SALES & DEALS

Survival/city-builder Dawn of Man was the top selling PC game on Steam last week
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/survival-city-builder-dawn-of-man-was-the-top-selling-pc-game-on-steam-last-week/
Valve has announced the top 10 best selling PC games on Steam for last week. According to the charts, the survival/city builder Dawn of War was able to top everything, following by PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm and Grand Theft Auto V.

1. Dawn of Man
2. PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS
3. Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm
4. Grand Theft Auto V
5. Expansion - Hearts of Iron IV: Man the Guns
6. The Invisible Guardian - 6?10?
7. DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Digital Deluxe Edition with Bonus
8. Devil May Cry 5
9. The Invisible Guardian

APEX Legends surpasses 50 million players in its first month
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/apex-legends-surpasses-50-million-players-in-its-first-month/
Respawn has announced that its free to play title, APEX Legends, has surpassed 50 million players in its first month. APEX Legends came out of nowhere and has managed to captivate the interest of pretty much all players on all platforms.
>> Kerotan has made a thread about this.

Brilliant indie game Oikospiel is free to keep for the whole of March
https://www.pcgamer.com/brilliant-indie-game-oikospiel-is-free-to-keep-for-the-whole-of-march/
Oikospiel, which is on our list of the best indie games you can play on PC, is celebrating its second birthday by going free to keep for the whole of March.
It's about a group of dogs making a video game dog opera, and it doubles as a satirical critique of the game industry’s labor practices. It's as utterly surreal as it sounds. "Play as a German Shepherd named Pluto and explore the enchanted climates of planet Earth and the asteroid 433 Eros. Visit an Arctic Ocean wind farm, Kochiri Forest, a computer OS, a cluttered desk, a union-busting prairie in Kansas, a private jet, a flooded city at the North Pole, and many more fevered landscapes," reads the description on its itch.io page. That clears that up, then.

Free download RUNONCE gives you a digital pet to play with for one short lifespan
https://www.pcgamer.com/free-download-runonce-gives-you-a-digital-pet-to-play-with-for-one-short-lifespan/
For once, perhaps I should have heeded Windows SmartScreen's warning. Having carved out a niche making thoughtful digital-pet-ish games including Cyberpet Graveyard and A_DESKTOP_LOVE_STORY, with her latest free game RUNONCE (remember_me) , Nathalie Lawhead is exploring what it means to be a finite being, with no clue when your life might unceremoniously end. Having ignored Windows' file paranoia—and consequently a big in-game warning by Lawhead—I would go on to make friends with, and converse with a cute desktop pet.

Grab Northgard, Mutant Year Zero and Absolver for just $12 in latest Humble Bundle
https://www.pcgamer.com/grab-northgard-mutant-year-zero-and-absolver-for-just-dollar12-in-latest-humble-bundle/
The latest Humble Monthly Bundle is one of the best I've seen in a while. For just $12, you can pick up Viking RTS Northgard, multiplayer fighting game Absolver and Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden, the tactical XCOM-like with anthropomorphic pigs and ducks.

Cyberpunk management sim Spinnortality made $90,000 in its first month
https://www.pcgamer.com/cyberpunk-management-sim-spinnortality-made-dollar90000-in-its-first-month/
In Spinnortality you're the CEO of a corporation in the year 2060. Shadowy board members have given you the task of researching brain-transfer immortality so they won't die, and to achieve that involves raising a lot of capital. If you fail, the implant they've put inside you goes off and, bingo bango, it's all over. It's like Syndicate with finance instead of combat. Rather than miniguns, there's focus groups to figure out which megastate any given slogan is likely to appeal to.
James Patton, the Austrian indie developer behind Spinnortality, has made his sale numbers public via his blog. Though it didn't set the internet on fire, Spinnortality did sell "about 7000 copies on Steam, and 33 on itch" in its first week. As we know from Cultist Simulator and countless others, it's typical for indie games to sell significantly more on Steam than any other platform, though Valve takes a 30% cut of what, in Spinnortality's case, was "about $70,000".
Now, a month after release, that number's up to $90,000, Spinnortality having sold "nearly 9000 copies on Steam and itch combined". It's enough money for Patton to make another game, and he seems pleased with the result even if he puts a lot of it down to luck. "It’s no Minecraft, certainly", he writes, "But these sales numbers are as good as they could possibly be, I think: this is a first-time game from a relatively unknown person with very little PR footprint or established reputation."

JPR Report: GPU shipments decreased by 2.65% from last quarter and by 3.3% from last year
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/jpr-report-gpu-shipments-decreased-2-65-from-last-quarter-and-3-3-from-last-year/
Jon Peddie Research, the market research firm for the computer graphics industry, has released its quarterly Market Watch report on worldwide GPU shipments used in PCs for Q4 2018. According to the report, overall GPU shipments have decreased by 2.65% from last quarter and year-to-year total GPU shipments decreased by 3.3%.
Going into more details, AMD shipments decreased by 6.8%, Nvidia shipments decreased by 7.6% and Intel’s shipments decreased by 0.7% from last quarter.

The new GOG weekly sale brings up to 75% discounts: https://www.gog.com/promo/20190304_weekly_sale

Steam's daily deal is Tyranny, 50% off: https://store.steampowered.com/app/362960/Tyranny/

And at Fanatical, there are three new deals:

• The Star Deal is Road Redemption, 60% off for the next 48 hours: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/road-redemption
• The Learn Japanese to Survive! Trilogy is 66% off for the next almost 3 days: https://www.fanatical.com/en/bundle/learn-japanese-to-survive-trilogy
• And publisher 505 Games has it's games on sale, up to 90% off for the next 6 days: https://www.fanatical.com/en/publishers/505-games

SOFTWARE/DRIVERS

Steam is haunted, keeps playing random creepy sounds from Amnesia
https://www.pcgamer.com/steam-is-haunted-keeps-playing-random-creepy-sounds-from-amnesia/
There you are idly using your computer when, suddenly, you begin to hear a series of terrifyingly ominous noises coming out of your speakers. Among them is the horrifically wet sound of someone being stabbed, the manic laugh of a woman (or is she sobbing?), and an atmospheric rumbling that evokes the creepy feeling of being deep, deep underground. These sounds repeat again and again until you finally identify the source: Somehow, Steam's music player (you didn't even know it had one, did you?) is randomly playing sound effects from horror classic Amnesia: The Dark Descent. It sounds like the beginning of some creepypasta internet myth, but this is exactly what's been haunting redditor 'YouNiqueUser' and others over on the Steam subreddit.

This cool animation shows the top Steam games by player count since 2015
https://www.pcgamer.com/this-cool-animation-shows-the-top-steam-games-by-player-count-since-2015/
The above animation is perhaps the best illustration I've seen of how exactly Steam users' tastes have changed since 2015—or, more accurately, how they've stayed roughly the same. It shows the top 15 Steam games by player count for every day since January 1, 2015, and runs through four years in 50 seconds. If you have a spare five minutes, I'd recommend watching TheRankings' original video here. The gif above, from gfycat user TheKarmaFiend, is a sped-up version.

MODS/EMULATORS

This mod aims to bring high quality 2K textures to Quake 2, first comparison screenshots released
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/this-mod-aims-to-bring-high-quality-2k-textures-to-quake-2-first-comparison-screenshots-released/
The Quake 2 RP Team is currently working on a promising high quality texture pack for id Software’s classic shooter, Quake 2. This pack aims to introduce new textures as much as possible close to original but with new shaders and 2K resolution (textures are made from scratch using Zbrush and Substance Painter).
The textures will also have PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials and the shaders that have been used support Albedo, Roughness, Specular, Parallax, Normal mapping, though there is currently no support for a “metallness” shader.

Unreal Evolution mod announced, will enhance AI, improve graphics and more
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/unreal-evolution-mod-announced-will-enhance-ai-improve-graphics-and-more/
Modder ‘|Totalitarian|’, creator of the GMDX mod for Deus Ex, has announced a new overhaul mod for the first Unreal game. This brand new mod is called Unreal Evolution and aims to offer a tighter overall design through polished and enhanced weaponry/gunplay, smarter artificial intelligence and refined enemy placement.
Unreal Evolution will also feature an enhanced artistic direction (new textures, effects, level details), tightened balance and resource distribution, new player mechanics, an engaging challenge (that will be based on the difficulty mode you pick), enhanced replayability, minor audio upgrades, a handful of bugfixes, better bossfights, level design with more to offer without being obviously different, and more.
>> If you're interested, they've created a Discord page to talk about it: Discord.gg.

Parasite Eve, Final Fantasy 8, Resident Evil 3 & more classic 32-bit intros remastered in 4K via ESRGAN AI techniques
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/parasite-eve-final-fantasy-8-resident-evil-3-and-more-classic-intros-upscaled-to-4k-via-esrgan-ai-techniques/
By now I’m pretty sure that most of you know how much I love ESRGAN and Topaz Topaz Gigapixel. We’ve been sharing a lot of AI-enhanced Texture Packs for numerous old/classic games these past couple of months, however today we’ve decided to share some really cool intro videos from some of our favourite 32-bit games.
YouTube’s members 60fps Hacks, Slowbeatle and Upscale have used ESRGAN in order to upscale and improve the intro videos for Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Parasite Eve, Final Fantasy 8, Onimusha 3 and Soul Reaver. As such, and for the first time, you can now watch these intro in high quality (believe me, the original videos look awful for today’s standards).
>> The videos are in the article, for those of you that want to check them.

Resident Evil 2 mod turns Mr. X into Thomas the Tank Engine
https://www.pcgamer.com/re2-mod-turns-mr-x-into-thomas-the-tank-engine/
If transforming Skyrim's dragons into trains from Thomas the Tank Engine wasn't enough for you, now you can also alter Mr. X's visage into that of a smiling demented Thomas. Following on from popular mods that made DMX play when Mr. X approached and the unforgettable one that showed us what he's wearing beneath that signature trenchcoat, the latest mod from the meme factory not only turns Mr. X into Thomas, it adds his theme music too.
It's the work of modders ZombieAli (who made the model for Thomas), and DJ Pop (who added the music, and previously made the X Gon' Give It To Ya mod). You can download the model here and the music and sound effects here. And of course, if you want to combine Thomas with DMX, that's an option too.

Fallout: Miami update includes factions, sweet shotgun animations, and more
https://www.pcgamer.com/fallout-miami-update-includes-factions-sweet-shotgun-animations-and-more/
The latest progress update from the Fallout: Miami mod is here and it's a nice reminder that work continues on this ambitious Fallout 4 project. Nothing major is revealed in the video but there are mentions of the factions (including the Nuclear Patriots and the Dreamers, junkies in animal masks who seem inspired by Hotline Miami), and the reputation system, which will be less involved than the one New Vegas had, but will still do things like effect which ending you get.

Dragon Age: Total War mod adds Blights, Grey Wardens and naughty mages
https://www.pcgamer.com/dragon-age-total-war-mod-adds-blights-grey-wardens-and-naughty-mages/
Despite the impending launch of Total War: Three Kingdoms, there are still plenty of reasons to return to the older games, especially Medieval 2 and its multitude of total conversion mods. Total War: Dragon Age is the latest attempt to turn BioWare's fantasy realm into grand strategy romp, and so far it looks very promising.
A recent update from the mod team shows off the campaign map, specifically Fereldan, which you'll know doubt recognise if you've already spent hundreds of hours walking around the RPG version. You'll be able to visit places like the Temple of Andraste and Flemeth's hut, where unique events, items or even a high dragon can spawn.
>> Available from ModDB.

GAMING NEWS

New gameplay trailer for Outward focuses on its combat mechanics
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/new-gameplay-trailer-for-outward-focuses-on-its-combat-mechanics/
Deep Silver and Nine Dots Studio have released a new gameplay trailer for their upcoming title, Outward, focusing on the game’s combat mechanics. Outward is an open-world fantasy adventure game featuring deep simulation and immersion.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy releases on April 9th, official PC system requirements revealed
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-releases-on-april-9th-official-pc-system-requirements-revealed/
Capcom has revealed, via the game’s Steam store page, that Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy will release on April 9th. In addition, the Japanese company has unveiled the game’s official PC system requirements.
>> The min req. doesn't even ask for a discrete GPU.

First details and announcement trailer for Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/first-details-and-announcement-trailer-for-trine-4-the-nightmare-prince/
Modus Games and Frozenbyte have revealed the first details and released an announcement trailer for Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince. According to the press release, the Trine series will return to the magic of 2.5D and will not be a complete 3D game like Trine 3 was.

Monday news, part two:

Objects in Space is a very different kind of space sim
https://www.pcgamer.com/objects-in-space-is-a-very-different-kind-of-space-sim/
Objects in Space is unlike most space sims. It's a stellar sandbox that shares Elite Dangerous' predilection for trade and exploration, but actually flying a ship feels more like commanding a submarine in a game like Silent Hunter. You're crammed into your vessel where you'll stare at a multitude of in-game monitors, your main window into the galaxy, and you'll probably spend a lot of time hiding from other ships. It's tense, claustrophobic and left Early Access today.

Epic sued over Fortnite Save the World's 'predatory' loot Llamas
https://www.pcgamer.com/epic-sued-over-fortnite-save-the-worlds-predatory-loot-llamas/
Epic Games is being sued yet again over Fortnite, but for once it's not because of funky dance emotes. A lawsuit filed on behalf of an underage Fortnite fan, available via The Verge, alleges that Fortnite Save the World's "Llama" loot boxes are part of a "predatory scheme" in which Epic hooks players by selling the game at a lower-than-normal price point, and then squeezes them for microtransaction money.

Destiny 2's 'snake-faced bastard' will finally start selling Forsaken Exotics next week
https://www.pcgamer.com/destiny-2s-snake-faced-bastard-will-finally-start-selling-forsaken-exotics-next-week/
Still haven't got the One-Eyed Mask to drop? Your luck might finally be in. A small but significant change coming to Destiny 2 in next week's Season of the Drifter will see Xur, the weekend vendor better known to the community as "that snake-faced bastard", begin selling Exotic items from the Forsaken expansion.

Evidence building that Apex Legends' next character is Octane
https://www.pcgamer.com/apex-legends-octane/
Over the last 24 hours, new rumors and unconfirmed leaks about the next Apex Legends character have circulated from multiple sources, supporting prior rumors and even pointing, maybe, to an imminent release of a new character called Octane and/or the Apex Legends battle pass, which we're expecting sometime in March. Although EA has not announced anything officially, let's lay out the information we have so far.

Ooblets will 'very likely' get an early access release
https://www.pcgamer.com/ooblets-will-very-likely-get-an-early-access-release/
Lots of people are wondering when the cute farm-life sim Ooblets will finally be released. As it turns out, so is creator Rebecca Cordingley. She said in the latest development blog that things are coming along well, but she's still not certain when it'll release.

Riot Games hires its first Chief Diversity Officer
https://www.pcgamer.com/riot-games-hires-its-first-chief-diversity-officer/
Six months after an in-depth Kotaku report revealed a pervasive "bro culture" at League of Legends studio Riot Games, the company has hired Angela Roseboro, formerly of Dropbox, as its first Chief Diversity Officer. Roseboro will oversee all diversity and inclusion activities at the studio, as well as the creation of new programs aimed at encouraging a more inclusive culture, and will "lead the recruiting team in driving inclusivity in Riot’s hiring and talent sourcing processes."

KOTOR 2 designer Chris Avellone has been working on Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
https://www.pcgamer.com/kotor-2-designer-chris-avellone-has-been-working-on-star-wars-jedi-fallen-order/
We learned earlier this week that Respawn's upcoming Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order will be revealed in April at Star Wars Celebration. And we learned earlier today, thanks to a late-last-night tweet, that prolific game writer Chris Avellone, whose credits include Fallout 2 and New Vegas, Icewind Dale, Tyranny, Prey, and design lead of Knights of the Old Republic 2, was working on it.

Rumor: Here's a leaked image of Mortal Kombat 11's full character roster
https://www.pcgamer.com/heres-a-leaked-image-of-mortal-kombat-11s-full-character-roster/
Another day, another Mortal Kombat 11 leak, only this time, it's not just one or two characters that have somehow sneaked into public view—oh no. This time, we can lay our eyes on the entire 34-strong roster.

World of Warcraft will let you play as a dinosaur druid soon
https://www.pcgamer.com/world-of-warcraft-will-let-you-play-as-a-dinosaur-druid-soon/
World of Warcraft's Zandalari and Kul Tiran allied races are coming soon, Blizzard revealed on an art livestream. Both groups have been at the centre of Battle for Azeroth, but only as NPCs so far. You'll be able to make your own characters on March 12.

Turns out some of World of Warcraft: Classic's demo 'bugs' are not bugs after all
https://www.pcgamer.com/turns-out-some-of-world-of-warcraft-classics-demo-bugs-are-not-bugs-after-all/
Blizzard has revealed what progress its made since World of Warcraft: Classic's demo and fed back on issues reported by those who played it.
In an update on the official forums, community manager "Kaivax" said the team had been "following the discussions" about World of Warcraft: Classic—a recreation of the 2004 MMO and slated to release later this year—courtesy of "fantastic" fan feedback about the demo.

Hildryn will make her Warframe debut next week
https://www.pcgamer.com/hildryn-will-make-her-warframe-debut-next-week/
Hildryn will make her Warframe debut next week.
While we don't have a definitive date for Hildryn's arrival per se, Warframe developer Digital Extremes' latest developer stream—which also outlined a range of features in development, as well as an update in regards to the melee changes—confirmed she is expected to deploy next week.
>> This article is from 2 days ago, meaning that she will arrive this week.

Activision-Blizzard says layoffs "could negatively impact our business"
https://www.pcgamer.com/activision-blizzard-says-layoffs-could-negatively-impact-our-business/
Last month, during a fourth-quarter results conference call, Activision-Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick announced that the company had enjoyed a record year, and also that they were going to lay off hundreds of their employees. Now Activision-Blizzard's annual Form 10-K report, published on February 28, has appeared, and it says that the consequences of these layoffs "could negatively impact our business."

Fallout 76's drinky update for boozehounds detailed
https://www.pcgamer.com/fallout-76s-drinky-update-for-boozehounds-detailed/
The roadmap for Fallout 76's updates included a "brewing and distilling" update for March 12 and on Bethesda's Inside the Vault blog there's a preview of what we can expect from it. It begins with a quest called Wasted On Nukashine handed out by a new character called Biv ("Appalachia’s tipsiest robot"), and which involves crafting a new variety of workbench called the Brewing Station as well as the Fermenter.

Intruder is a multiplayer stealth shooter with tactical banana peels, now in Early Access
https://www.pcgamer.com/intruder-is-a-multiplayer-stealth-shooter-with-tactical-banana-peels-now-in-early-access/
Back in 2014, Chris said team-based stealth shooter Intruder reminded him "of the golden age of Half-Life 1 modding". Five years later, the game has come a long way—but it still needs extra polish, which is why developer Superboss Games is finally sending it into Steam Early Access.
>> They took their time.

Dead or Alive 6's first season pass costs $93
https://www.pcgamer.com/dead-or-alive-6s-first-season-pass-costs-dollar93/
Fighting game Dead or Alive 6 came out earlier this week, and you can now buy its first season pass. It will give you access to 62 new costumes and two new characters as they release between now and June—provided you're willing to stump up the $93/£74 asking price. That price tag means the season pass costs nearly $40 more than the base game.
>> LuccaCardoso1 made a thread about this a couple days ago. Personally, I don't know what bothers me more, the price, the ridiculous content it has or the fact that it's the first of a series or season passes.

The Witcher 3 game director joins Cyberpunk 2077 team
https://www.pcgamer.com/the-witcher-3-game-director-joins-cyberpunk-2077-team/
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, who was one of a trio of creative directors on The Witcher 3, has joined the Cyberpunk 2077 team. In January it was revealed that Sebastian Stepien, also a creative director on The Witcher 3 as well as a narrative and setting director on Cyberpunk 2077, had left CD Projekt Red to work for Blizzard. Tomaszkiewicz may be filling the gap, adopting roles as vice president of game development and design director for Cyberpunk 2077 according to his Linkedin profile, originally spotted by a poster on Reddit.

Devil May Cry 5 launch times: here's when Capcom's game releases
https://www.pcgamer.com/devil-may-cry-5-launch-time-heres-when-capcoms-game-releases/
Capcom has detailed what time long-awaited action game sequel Devil May Cry 5 will go live across the world. The game's official release date is March 8th, but the actual release time is technically the day before depending on where you are. Here's how it breaks down.

Smite introduces a new god, and he's a humongous snake
https://www.pcgamer.com/smite-introduces-a-new-god-and-hes-a-humongous-snake/
Smite, the god-battering MOBA, has added another deity to its massive roster: Jormungandr, the mythical Norse World Serpent. Check out the big fella's reveal trailer above.
Jormungandr is an unusual god, being both absolutely huge and not possessing any legs. He cuts through the battlefield like he's swimming, diving across the map and doing massive damage with his ultimate. Because he's a big snake popping out of the ground, knockbacks affect him differently, dazing him instead of moving him. He can even submerge, becoming invisible until he rips through the ground to attack and surprised foe.

The Outer Worlds will have a survival mode
https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-will-have-a-survival-mode/
Obsidian's Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky dropped a ton of new details for The Outer Worlds on The Game Informer Show recently, teasing a survival mode and chatting about gear customisation, companions, character progression and lots more.

Two Point Hospital hunts for immortality in the new DLC
https://www.pcgamer.com/two-point-hospital-hunts-for-immortality-in-the-new-dlc/
Two Point Hospital's new DLC sees you committing medical malpractice on the tropical paradise of Pebberley Island, home of many weird diseases—including one that turns its victim into colourful birds—and opportunities to make a quick buck. It also hides a spring of immortality, and you'll need to sterelise a path to it for Wiggy Silverbottom, a courageous explorer whose only weakness is germs.

Tuesday news:

SALES & DEALS

At Steam, there are two daily deals and a few weeklong deals (tho the filter seems to be broken as it only lists 8 games despite being more games on sale):

• The first daily deal is Yakuza 0, 33% off: https://store.steampowered.com/app/638970/Yakuza_0/
• The other daily deal is RUINER, 60% off: https://store.steampowered.com/app/464060/RUINER/
• Some of the weeklong deals are GTA V, 50% off: https://store.steampowered.com/app/271590/Grand_Theft_Auto_V/
• ARK: Survival Evolved, 60% off (and the Season Pass, with 3 expansions is 35% off): https://store.steampowered.com/app/346110/ARK_Survival_Evolved/
• A Walk in the Dark is 66% off: https://store.steampowered.com/app/248730/A_Walk_in_the_Dark/
• Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne gets a 75% discount: https://store.steampowered.com/app/61510/Age_of_Wonders_II_The_Wizards_Throne/
• Chivalry: Medieval Warfare is 85% off /as well as the Complete Pack): https://store.steampowered.com/app/219640/Chivalry_Medieval_Warfare/
• And 96 Mill is 90% off: https://store.steampowered.com/app/561480/96_Mill/

On the Humble Store, there are 4 new deals:

• The game Ultimate Chicken Horse is 50% off (just like at Steam) for the next 6 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/ultimate-chicken-horse
• There's a VR Sale, with up to 85% discounts for the next 6 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/promo/vr-sale/
• Publisher Plug In Digital has put its games on sale for the next 6 days, with up to 80% discounts: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/promo/plug-in-digital-publisher-sale/
• And Square-Enix has also puts its games on sale, up to 90% off for the next 6 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/promo/square-enix-publisher-week/

And at Fanatical, publisher Team 17 Digital Ltd. has put its games on sale, up to 80% off for the next 7 days: https://www.fanatical.com/en/publishers/team17-digital-ltd

SOFTWARE/DRIVERS

NVIDIA GeForce 419.35 WHQL driver is optimized for APEX Legends, Devil May Cry 5 and The Division 2
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/nvidia-geforce-419-35-whql-driver-is-optimized-for-apex-legends-devil-may-cry-5-and-the-division-2/
NVIDIA has released a brand new driver for its graphics cards. According to the release notes, the NVIDIA GeForce 419.35 WHQL driver provides the optimal gaming experience for Apex Legends, Devil May Cry 5, and Tom Clancy’s The Division 2.
In addition, this driver also adds support for three new G-SYNC compatible monitors (BenQ XL2540-B/ZOWIE XL LCD, Acer XF250Q and Acer ED273 A).
It’s also worth noting that this driver finally fixes the DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG error message that gamers have been receiving in APEX Legends, fixes the pixelated corruption issues in Hitman 2 and renders PhysX fog correctly in Batman: Arkham Origins.
>> Available from here.

MODS/EMULATORS

This Spiderman mod, based on the PS4 exclusive game, for Grand Theft Auto 5 is awesome & available for download
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/this-spiderman-mod-based-on-the-ps4-exclusive-game-for-grand-theft-auto-5-is-awesome-available-for-download/
One of the biggest PS4 releases in 2018 was its exclusive Spiderman game. Now while this title will not ever come out on the PC or any other console, modder ‘JulioNIB’ decided to give PC gamers a glimpse at it by releasing a pretty cool new mod for Grand Theft Auto 5 that is heavily inspired by it.
This mod is in a WIP state and currently allows players to web swing with a variation in animations and ending animations, web zip to target, hang upside down from various objects, wall climb, web grab and attach targets and web grab and throw vehicles. It also features both melee and special melee attacks, and all of them are based on the PS4 Marvel’s Spider-Man game.
>> Check the article for the requirements to run this mod as well as where to get it (his Patreon).

This Resident Evil 2 Remake mod turns every zombie in the game into tofu
https://www.pcgamer.com/this-resident-evil-2-remake-mod-turns-every-zombie-in-the-game-into-tofu/
It's a time of plenty for novelty Resident Evil 2 Remake mods: we've had DMX playing whenever Mr X arrives, Mr X in his underwear, Thomas the Tank Engine replacing Mr X, and now, every zombie in the game replaced with the human-sized STARS beret-wearing tofu from the Tofu Survivor mode. This one is the creation of Snipz (get it via Nexus), and while the concept is very simple, it leads to amusing instances of silly animation

Skyrim Together modders apologise for using Skyrim Script Extender code
https://www.pcgamer.com/skyrim-script-extender-devs-accuse-skyrim-together-modders-of-stealing-code/
Update: The Skyrim Together team has used its March 2019 report to apologise for using code from the Skyrim Script Extender, clarify how it happened and detail what it's done to fix the issue. It's an unusually comprehensive, formal apology that's been split up into different sections. It could be given as a presentation. There are probably slides.

GAMING NEWS

Hideaki Itsuno admits that Devil May Cry 4’s latter half re-used levels due to budget restrictions
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/hideaki-itsuno-admits-that-devil-may-cry-4-latter-half-re-used-levels-due-to-budget-restrictions/
Devil May Cry 5 will release in a few days and Capcom’s Hideaki Itsuno has finally admitted, in a brand new lengthy video interview, that the fourth part in the series had major budget issue, resulting in the inclusion of previous levels during its latter half.

Resident Evil 2 Remake is harder and more of a survival horror than the original 1998 version
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/resident-evil-2-remake-is-harder-and-more-of-a-survival-horror-than-the-original-1998-version/
In a video documentary with Archipel, Capcom’s Yasuhiro Ampo and Kazunori Kadoi revealed some new details about the remake of Resident Evil 2. According to the developers, Resident Evil 2 Remake is more of a survival experience and a harder game than the original version of Resident Evil 2.

Battlefield 5 March 5th update detailed, full patch release notes revealed
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/battlefield-5-march-5th-update-detailed-full-patch-release-notes-revealed/
DICE has just detailed the new update that will come out for Battlefield 5 tomorrow. According to the release notes, the March 5th patch will address the flickering issue on squad deployment, makes improvements to shotguns, and fixes the end of round Company Coin counter.

Official PC system requirements revealed for science-fiction survival horror game, Chernobylite
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/official-pc-system-requirements-revealed-for-science-fiction-survival-horror-game-chernobylite/
The Farm 51 has revealed the official PC system requirements for its upcoming science-fiction survival horror game, Chernobylite, via its Steam store page. Chernobylite will be using Photogrammetry and will be powered by Unreal Engine 4, and according to the specs PC gamers will at least need an Intel Core i5-2500K CPU with 8GB of RAM and an NVIDIA Geforce GTX 770 or an AMD Radeon HD 7870.

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY NT Free Edition releases on the PC on March 12th
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/dissidia-final-fantasy-nt-free-edition-releases-on-the-pc-on-march-12th/
Square Enix has announced that its fast-paced team brawler, DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY NT Free Edition, is officially coming to the PC on March 12th. DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY NT Free Edition offers players the opportunity to try out a limited roster of characters on a weekly basis, as well as a variety of characters and weapons that are also available for individual purchase.

First gameplay footage revealed for Petroglyph’s Conan strategy game, Conan Unconquered
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/first-gameplay-footage-revealed-for-petroglyphs-conan-strategy-game-conan-unconquered/
Funcom and Petroglyph have revealed the first gameplay footage for the first-ever Conan strategy game, Conan Unconquered. Conan Unconquered will be set in the barbaric world of Conan the Barbarian where you must build your stronghold and assemble an unconquerable army to survive the savage hordes of Hyboria.

Launch trailer released for The Occupation
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/launch-trailer-released-for-the-occupation/
White Paper Games has released the launch trailer for its fixed-time first-person investigative thriller, The Occupation. The Occupation is described as a clock-watching narrative thriller with multiple outcomes with politically driven themes highlighting the shades of grey people believe to be hard facts.

Tuesday news, part two:

A new Total War Saga is in development
https://www.pcgamer.com/a-new-total-war-saga-is-in-development/
In a recent studio update, Creative Assembly confirmed that a new Total War Saga is in development and will be announced later in the year. The Sofia studio is once again at the helm, though it's also working on other projects. Details are slim, but it's apparently passed its first milestone.

THQ Nordic CEO apologizes for the 8chan AMA
https://www.pcgamer.com/thq-nordic-co-founder-and-ceo-apologizes-for-the-8chan-ama/
Today THQ Nordic AB co-founder and CEO Lars Wingefors issued another apology for the 8chan AMA, saying that he condemns "all unethical content this website stands for," while acknowledging that "simply appearing there gave an implicit impression that we did."

Gwent's first expansion, Crimson Curse, is coming this month
https://www.pcgamer.com/gwents-first-expansion-crimson-curse-is-coming-this-month/
CD Projekt's Witcher-based card game Gwent will get its first expansion later this month, a tale of vampires and vengeance called Crimson Curse. The expansion will add more than 100 new cards to the game—31 neutrals and 14 per faction—in both standard and premium animated variants, with new Poison and Bleeding effects, Shield and Vitality boosts, and new mechanics included Deathblow and Berserk.

Watch survival RPG Outward's 'ritualistic' spellcasting in action
https://www.pcgamer.com/watch-survival-rpg-outwards-ritualistic-spellcasting-in-action/
The RPG-survival sandbox Outward looks promising, and more than a little daunting: Magic, for instance, is a lot more complicated that simply chugging mana potions and blasting superheated magma from your fingertips. "It's a lot of work to cast spells," Chris wrote in his recent preview, although that's a big part of what makes it enjoyable, too.

Rainbow Six Siege's Operation Burnt Horizon deploying this week
https://www.pcgamer.com/rainbow-six-sieges-operation-burnt-horizon-deploying-this-week/
After two weeks on the Technical Test Server, Rainbow Six Siege Operation Burnt Horizon is officially releasing Wednesday March 6. As always, new operators Mozzie and Gridlock will only be available to Year 4 pass holders for the first week. Outback, Siege’s excellent new map, will be available to all.

Destiny 2's 'Gambit Prime' armor sets will confer some pretty big bonuses
https://www.pcgamer.com/destiny-2s-gambit-prime-armor-sets-will-confer-some-pretty-big-bonuses/
One of the biggest things coming in Destiny 2's Season of the Drifter is Gambit Prime. The new mode is an upgraded verson of the PvP/PvE hybrid introduced in Forsaken that, in addition to being played over one round rather than three, will put a greater emphasis on specific roles: Reapers who clear waves of enemies, Invaders who attack opposing teams, Collectors who gather motes and send blockers, and Sentries who defend against opposing Invaders.

A promotional Fortnite skin is now available to everyone, and players are pissed
https://www.pcgamer.com/a-promotional-fortnite-skin-is-now-available-to-everyone-and-players-are-pissed/
Over the weekend, Fortnite's Reflex skin became available for purchase from the in-game store for the first time. For $15, anyone can look like a super-cop adorned in this season's best tactical turquoise.
But Reflex isn't a new skin. It's been around since late last year as part of the Nvidia Fortnite bundle. Purchase any eligible GPU and you get access to the Reflex skin, back bling, pick axe, and glider, with the added kick of 2,000 V-Bucks play around with.

Steam is currently listing a game called Rape Day in which you play as a 'serial killer rapist'
https://www.pcgamer.com/steam-is-currently-listing-a-game-called-rape-day-in-which-you-play-as-a-serial-killer-rapist/
For the last several years, Valve has grappled with the question of which games should and shouldn't be allowed on Steam. Now the largest distributor of PC games faces a major test of its rules around content, as attention centers on one of the most objectionable games to appear on the platform: Rape Day, a visual novel in which the player "controls the choices of a menacing serial killer rapist during a zombie apocalypse."
Update: The creator of Rape Day, who says they've tried to make a game for sociopaths, has posted another update on Steam. It's ready for launch, they say, but the review process is "taking longer than expected".

Star Trek Online and Neverwinter are losing player-created missions
https://www.pcgamer.com/star-trek-online-and-neverwinter-are-losing-player-created-missions/
The Foundry is one of the neatest feature in Cryptic's MMOs, Star Trek Online and Neverwinter. It allows players to use game assets and tools to create their own scripted quests to share with fellow captains and adventurers. Inside these MMOs, an unlikely community of modders sprang up. Unfortunately, Cryptic has announced that the Foundry will be closing its doors for good next month.

A Fallout 76 player thinks they've uncovered a secret ending
https://www.pcgamer.com/a-fallout-76-player-thinks-theyve-uncovered-a-secret-ending/
A Fallout 76 player believes there's a secret ending to Bethesda's survival romp. They're setting out with some volunteers to see if they can bring it about with a calculated nuclear assault on post-apocalyptic West Virginia, specifically the fissures that spawn scorchbeasts.

Neverdark is a post-apocalyptic RTS that uses maps of real cities
https://www.pcgamer.com/neverdark-is-a-post-apocalyptic-rts-that-uses-maps-of-real-cities/
Neverdark is a post-apocalyptic RTS where you'll have to rebuild society—there was a global blackout, civilisation has fallen, the internet is dead—and fight gangs for control over ruined cities. Maps of Paris, New York and Tokyo serve as the battlefields, so you can visit the Louvre, soak up the art and history, and then rebrand it as a black market. Check out the announcement trailer above for a quick hit of exposition.

The article about RE2 as a survival horror is very true. In fact, it's probably the only RE game besides REmake with its crimson heads, and perhaps some sections of RE7, where you definitely aren't going to get all the firepower you need to kill every enemy in your path, and need to think it more thoroughly.

So you're saying that it's like the original RE 2, and not like 4, 5 and 6.

It's actually easy to finish the original RE2 with like 50 grenade rounds to spare and more herbs than you can count, try and replay it now, and you'll see. But, of course, RE2 remake has the luxury of adapting difficulty so there's that to consider.