I sadly believe that demand won't be a problem once this whole COVID problem ends because we're also facing an economical crisis.

It's time for the Friday news!

SALES & DEALS

Here are some games that are (or will be in a couple hours) free:

• The Deed will be free until the 30th: https://store.steampowered.com/app/420740/The_Deed/?curator_clanid=9753302
• Developer Orange_Juice has put three of its games free until March 30:
  • Acceleration of SUGURI 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/390710/Acceleration_of_SUGURI_2/
  • 100% Orange Juice: https://store.steampowered.com/app/282800/100_Orange_Juice/
  • And 200% Mixed Juice! https://store.steampowered.com/app/335190/200_Mixed_Juice/
• UNI will be available until March 31: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1011300/UNI/

Humble has three new sales:

• There's a new Humble Bundle: the Humble Award Winners Bundle, with up to 7 games to get during the next 13 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/games/award-winners
• Warner Bros has its games up to 75% off for the next 3 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/promo/wb-games-publisher-sale/
• And the Mount & Blade franchise is also up to 75% off for the next 3 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/promo/mount-blade-sale/

Fanatical has two new sales (and they've changed the gifted game again, now it's Pony Island):

• The new Star Deal is RollerCoaster Tycoon 2: Triple Thrill Pack, 90% off for the next 48 hours: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/rollercoaster-tycoon-2-triple-thrill
• There's a new Shadows Bundle with 2 games and 4 DLCs, 84% off: https://www.fanatical.com/en/bundle/shadows-bundle

SOFTWARE & DRIVERS

Nvidia graphics card not loading DirectX 11 games? Try this hotfix driver
https://www.pcgamer.com/nvidia-driver-hotfix-445-75-dx11/
This one isn't going to show up in your GeForce Experience utility, but Nvidia has made available a 'hotfix' for an issue preventing some DirectX 11 games from launching properly after the most recent GPU driver update.
Nvidia says this happens when Image Sharpening is enabled from within its Control Panel. The option is found under the Manage 3D Settings heading, and you may or may not have had cause to enable it. For those who have, the 445.75 driver update made available earlier this week apparently threw a minor wrench into the operation.
If you have not downloaded the 445.75 driver and/or aren't experiencing this specific issue, you can go ahead and safely skip the hotfix—it will be rolled into the next driver release anyway. Otherwise, you can grab the 445.78 hotfix from Nvidia.

MODS/EMULATORS

PC gamers can now play Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix via MUGEN or RPCS3
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/pc-gamers-can-now-play-super-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hd-remix-via-mugen-or-rpcs3/
While Capcom has supported the PC platform with its fighting games, there is one particular SF game that never came out on the PC. That SF game is obviously Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. As its title suggests, the HD Remix version is a remaster/remake of that classic fighting game. Thankfully, though, PC gamers can finally play it thanks to MUGEN and the Playstation 3 emulator, RPCS3.
Let’s start with the MUGEN version of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Maxi Bosch has released a new beta version of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix MUGEN 2020. This MUGEN remake aims to come close to the original version. Unfortunately, though, the game is still a bit rough around the edges. Here is hoping that its creator will continue working on it.
On the other hand, the best way that you can currently play Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix on the PC is via RPCS3. Since last year, this Playstation 3 emulator has been able to run the game with 60fps. Furthermore, and from what we can see, there aren’t any visual glitches. Of course you’ll need the PS3 version of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, otherwise you won’t be able to play it.

NieR Automata 2B Mod released for Resident Evil 3 Remake
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/nier-automata-2b-mod-released-for-resident-evil-3-remake/
Vyaomo has released a NieR Automata mod for Resident Evil 3 Remake. As the title suggests, this mod replaces Jill Valentine with 2B. Moreover, this mod has full facial animations, something that some of you will appreciate.
Naturally, this mod works with the PC demo version of Resident Evil 3 Remake. After all, the full game is not out yet. Still, I’m pretty sure that this mod will work out of the gate with the final/retail version too.
>> You can get it from Nexus Mods.

If you miss the pistol in Doom Eternal, there's an unofficial way to access it
https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-eternal-pistol/
Honestly, I was a little relieved that Doom Eternal did away with the classic Doom starter pistol. While its 2016 iteration was pretty useful, what with its infinite supply of ammo, going straight to the shotgun felt right, and besides, you don't need infinite ammo when you've got a chainsaw and an abundance of ammo-spewing imps.
But for those who still miss it, it turns out the weapon does actually exist in Doom Eternal's code. New Blood founder Dave Oshry posted footage of it on Twitter
Unfortunately, Doom Eternal doesn't provide out-of-the-box access to its command console like classic id Software games of yore, but there is a way to access it if you use a Cheat Engine. I haven't used it myself, but that's how the pistol was accessed in the Twitter video above.

GAMING NEWS

Cities: Skylines is free to play this weekend on Steam, and you can download it right now
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/cities-skylines-is-free-to-play-this-weekend-on-steam-and-you-can-download-it-right-now/
Paradox Interactive has announced that Cities: Skylines will be free to play this weekend on Steam. From today and until March 29th, PC gamers can visit its Steam store page, download and play it.
>> And it's also 80% off (and up to 75% off the DLCs)

New gorgeous screenshots and multiplayer video released for Microsoft Flight Simulator
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/new-gorgeous-screenshots-and-multiplayer-video-released-for-microsoft-flight-simulator/
Microsoft has released a new set of alpha screenshots for Microsoft Flight Simulator. As always, these beautiful screenshots showcase some of the environments and the planes that players will find in the game. Oh, there is also a goose so there you have it.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare March 26th Update has fixes & tweaks for Battle Royale, full release notes
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-march-26th-update-has-fixes-tweaks-to-battle-royale-full-release-notes/
Infinity Ward has released a new update for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Call of Duty Warzone. Do note that this is a pretty big patch as it’s around 18.6GB in size. In addition, the team has revealed the full release notes for this March 26th update.

Doom Eternal does not have a main or render thread, Anti-Aliasing uses up to 32 temporal subsamples
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/doom-eternal-does-not-have-a-main-or-render-thread-anti-aliasing-uses-up-to-32-temporal-subsamples/
id Software’s Tiago Sousa and Axel Gneiting have shared some new tech details about Doom Eternal. According to Gneiting, Doom Eternal does not have a main or render thread. Instead, the game has jobs with one worker thread per core.

Resident Evil 3 Remake gets a new official trailer, focusing on Jill Valentine
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/resident-evil-3-remake-gets-a-new-official-trailer-focusing-on-jill-valentine/
Capcom has released a brand new official trailer for Resident Evil 3 Remake that focuses on Jill Valentine. Jill Valentine’s escape from Raccoon City is fraught with danger, but she still has some dependable allies to rely on.

Latest COD: MW patch adds an artwork for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/latest-cod-mw-patch-adds-an-artwork-for-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-remastered/
A few days ago, we informed you about the Korean Game Rating and Administration Committee rating Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered. And it appears that this was a legit leak. Earlier today, Infinity Ward released a new patch for COD: MW and may have leaked this upcoming remaster itself.

Friday news, the second part:

Elite Dangerous is finally getting fleet carriers in June, with beta tests next month
https://www.pcgamer.com/elite-dangerous-is-finally-getting-fleet-carriers-in-june-with-beta-tests-next-month/
The long delay of Elite Dangerous' hulking fleet carriers—ships that can repair, refuel and transport other craft—is finally coming to a close. They will launch in beta next month, Frontier Developments announced today, ahead of a full release in June.

Insurgency: Sandstorm is free to play for the next five days
https://www.pcgamer.com/insurgency-sandstorm-is-free-to-play-for-the-next-five-days/
Tactical multiplayer shooter Insurgency: Sandstorm, one of the hidden gems of 2019, is free to play from now until next Wednesday, April 1. You can grab it from its Steam page—if you're enjoying it, then you can buy it at half price (£12.99/$14.99) for the duration of the free-to-play period.

Nomadic MMO Last Oasis wanders into Early Access
https://www.pcgamer.com/nomadic-mmo-last-oasis-wanders-into-early-access/
Last Oasis, the MMO that casts you as a nomad with a walking wooden base, is now in Early Access. It costs $24.89/£19.74 on Steam, which includes a 17 percent launch discount.

Valve cut the crowbar from Half-Life: Alyx in part because players kept assuming they were Gordon Freeman
https://www.pcgamer.com/valve-cut-the-crowbar-from-half-life-alyx-in-part-because-players-kept-assuming-they-were-gordon-freeman/
Half-Life: Alyx spent roughly four years in development, and for about one-and-a-half of those years Alyx Vance had a crowbar. The iconic Half-Life melee weapon was ultimately cut, though, because testers got it stuck on everything while assuming they were Gordon Freeman, who is not the star of Half-Life: Alyx.

Valorant's support character Sage showcased in a new gameplay teaser
https://www.pcgamer.com/valorants-support-character-sage-showcased-in-a-new-gameplay-teaser/
The latest character teaser for Riot's upcoming competitive FPS Valorant turns the spotlight on Sage, who unlike the previously-revealed fighters—Phoenix, Viper, and Sova —is focused primarily on defense and healing.

Snowrunner overview trailer showcases big trucks, big mud, and endgame content
https://www.pcgamer.com/snowrunner-overview-trailer-showcases-big-trucks-big-mud-and-endgame-content/
Snowrunner, the sequel to Mudrunner, is a driving simulator set in super-harsh off-road environments in the US and Russia, with vehicles ranging from classic pickups and 4x4s to massive commercial and industrial rigs, and even a few military machines. A new trailer released today showcases a number of them in action, and also digs into what exactly it is you're doing out there in the middle of that rugged wilderness, and what you might see as you explore.

Hearthstone's universal dupe protection and Priest class overhaul are live
https://www.pcgamer.com/hearthstones-universal-dupe-protection-and-priest-class-overhaul-are-live/
Last week was a big one for Hearthstone: A new year, a new expansion, a new class—the first one ever!—and, somewhat more granularly, the expansion of duplicate protection across all rarities of cards. With today's rollout of the Ashes of Outland patch, that updated dupe protection, and several other changes including the Hall of Fame rotation and Priest class update, are now live.

Castle Crashers, Pit People and BattleBlock Theater are free-to-play on Steam for a week
https://www.pcgamer.com/castle-crashers-pit-people-and-battleblock-theater-are-free-to-play-on-steam-for-a-week/
The Behemoth has made its (brilliant) back catalogue free-to-play on Steam for the next week. Castle Crashers, Pit People and Battleblock Theater are all available to play until April 1, and if they take your fancy, they're heavily discounted, too.
>> First Cities: Skylines, then Insurgency: Sandstorm and now this. What will I have to put on the Steam deals at the end of this post?!

Microsoft Flight Simulator will use air traffic data to populate the simulation
https://www.pcgamer.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-will-use-air-traffic-data-to-populate-the-simulation/
Microsoft Flight Simulator will draw from air traffic data to simulate the skies exactly as they are, in real time. That's according to a new video hosted by Asobo CEO Sebastian Wloch, which provides some details on how multiplayer will work.

Dwarf Fortress shows off more of its new look
https://www.pcgamer.com/dwarf-fortress-shows-off-more-of-its-new-look/
Now that Dwarf Fortress developer Bay 12 Games is focusing on the upcoming Steam release, designer Tarn Adams has shown off some of the new version's visual improvements, which ditch the ASCII look for something a bit more expressive, though still low key.

CD Projekt Red has donated almost $1 million to combat the coronavirus
https://www.pcgamer.com/cd-projekt-red-has-donated-almost-dollar1-million-to-combat-the-coronavirus/
Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Red is collaborating with a Polish NGO by donating 4 million PLN (£770,000/$970,000) to assist in stopping the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in Poland.
>> Good of them.

Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord is launching a day early
https://www.pcgamer.com/mount-and-blade-2-bannerlord-is-launching-a-day-early/
More than seven years after it was announced, Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord is finally launching on Steam this month, at least in Early Access. Given all the delays lately, I was a little worried we wouldn't see it arrive in March, but turns out that it's actually ahead of schedule, so we'll be getting our hands on it on March 30 instead of March 31.

American Truck Simulator lets you cruise around Colorado in new DLC
https://www.pcgamer.com/american-truck-simulator-lets-you-cruise-around-colorado-in-new-dlc/
American Truck Simulator recently teased a 'colourful' new journey DLC but left fans guessing where in the USA we'd get to cruise next. In that news story, Andy guessed that it would be Colorado and he'll be jumping for joy knowing that his guess what spot on. SCS Software has confirmed on its official website that the new destination is the rocky wilderness of Colorado.

Time to check the GOG and Steam deals for the weekend:

+GOG

• This is the last weekend of GOG's Spring Sale, that will end March 30.
• There's also the Spring Sale Goodies Collection #2 giveaway, that will be available for another 46 hours.

+Steam

• The EGX REZZED Digital... sale? highlights upcoming games and has some already released ones on sale, up to 25% off until the 28th: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/rezzeddigital
• Call to Arms is 50% off for the next 3 days: https://store.steampowered.com/app/302670/Call_to_Arms/
• Publisher Monolith has put its games up to 75% off for the next 3 days: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/MonolithSale2020
• Shoppe Keep 2 - Online co-op open world first person resource management RPG, take a moment to breathe, is 80% off until the 30th: https://store.steampowered.com/app/684580/Shoppe_Keep_2__Online_coop_open_world_first_person_resource_management_RPG/
• The Endless franchise is on sale, up to 75% off until the end of the week (and Endless Legend is free to try): https://store.steampowered.com/sale/endless_weekend
• Developer Avalanche has its games up to 90% off until March 30, and the game theHunter: Call of the Wild is free to try for another 2 days: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/avalanche
• Kerbal Space Program is free to try for the next 3 days and 75% off until the 31st: https://store.steampowered.com/app/220200/Kerbal_Space_Program/
• Killing Floor 2 67% off until March, 31: https://store.steampowered.com/app/232090/Killing_Floor_2/
• OCTOPATH TRAVELER is 50% off until April 2nd: https://store.steampowered.com/app/921570/OCTOPATH_TRAVELER/
• And we can't forget the weeklong deals.

As you can see, there's no reason not to enjoy this weekend closed at home, with so many games free to try plus the discounted ones. Stay home, stay safe and have a happy and gaming weekend.

PC and gaming sales apparently have been pretty good with everyone being stuck inside for now though. Local stores can't keep consoles and games on shelves. Even the small computer shops have been busier than usual. Used PC parts online are finally starting to pick up as well. I just sold most of my Socket 754 build parts for $75, which ain't bad, and had a couple offers today on the i5 2400 desktop.

In terms of 'Big Navi', ya, you got a point. If this keeps up, later this year that could certainly be a concern, if those products launch by then and aren't held back for more than just manufacturing delays. AMD may have to rethink their strategy and try another Polaris type launch instead perhaps. Radeon 6000 Titan level cards could be a blessing yet a disaster.

Right now the situation for most is that of an odd stand-by: not going to work but having social benefits from our governments that help us while it lasts. But once this COVID situation passes (at all or until next winter, we'll see), we will have to face a situation where a lot of business will close and other s will see slow demand for their products.

That will cause the crisis that everybody fears and talks about, making a lot of people to lose their jobs, which will mean even less demand for certain products. And videoconsoles and PC parts (not so much games, specially during sales) are some of the expenses that many will cut first.

*** MORE FREE GAMES ***

At Steam we can grab the game Barro for free until April 3rd: https://store.steampowered.com/app/618140/Barro/

And for those that have kids (or younger brothers or cousins), the Windows Store has two free games for them too for the next 4 days:

• Bunny Mahjo: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/bunny-mahjo/9pg63cn30km1
• Bunny Reverse: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/bunny-reversi/9ppf6dvbcpjl

The longer the illness is sustained, the bigger the bailout for everyone I'd bet. Another giant bailout, like around 08 if need be. For first world countries anyway. That will certainly help in the short term once it's over, if it doesn't go on for years that is, but the problem then would be products coming from second and third world countries. Can first world countries increase production and products quickly enough to get their own people to spend that money sooner than later at home, since third world countries could face significant shortages? In some sectors, like computing, electronics, etc, there really isn't much choice but waiting for things over there to improve. You can't just move a silicon fab to America overnight.

Time for the Monday news:

SALES & DEALS

With the Spring Sale over, GOG is returning to its everyday business, and that includes a new weekly sale full of indie games up to 90% off: https://www.gog.com/promo/20200330_weekly_sale

Steam's daily deal is the Early Access title Monster Sanctuary, 33% off: https://store.steampowered.com/app/814370/Monster_Sanctuary/

Fanatical has three new sales:

• The new Star Deal is GRID Ultimate Edition, 67% off for the next 48 hours: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/grid-ultimate-edition
• There are over 1,000 games still on sale from the Spring Sale, but they won't last much (1-2 days): https://www.fanatical.com/en/on-sale
• And there's a new SNK Pick & Mix Build Your Own Bundle that, for the next 14 days, will let you choose your bundles of 1 or 5 games from 25 SNK titles. And this sale is for GOG users: https://www.fanatical.com/en/pick-and-mix/snk-pick-and-mix-gog-edition

SOFTWARE & DRIVERS

Steam sets new record of concurrent players, with over 23 million players online
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/steam-sets-new-record-of-concurrent-players-with-over-23-million-players-online/
Earlier this month, we informed you about Steam setting a new record of concurrent players. And today, we are happy to report that Steam has, once again, broken a new record of concurrent players.
As we’ve already stated, this is due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Instead of roaming the streets and spreading the disease, PC gamers are staying home, playing video-games. Thus, Steam now has over 23 million concurrent players. To be more precise, Steam has peaked at 23,436,186 concurrent players.
Furthermore, we can also take a glimpse at the top 10 most played games on Steam so far. Counter-Strike: Globall Offensive and DOTA 2 are in the first two places, whereas PUBG is in the third place. GTA V is in the fourth place, followed by Rainbow Six Siege and Football Manager 2020. Capcom’s Monster Hunter World is doing great as it’s in seventh place. Lastly, in the last three places we find ARK: Survival Evolved, Team Fortress 2 and Warframe.

NVIDIA is working on a user-adjustable sharpness setting for DLSS 2.0
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/nvidia-is-working-on-a-user-adjustable-sharpness-setting-for-dlss-2-0/
NVIDIA has recently launched a brand new version of its DLSS tech, DLSS 2.0. DLSS 2.0 is being used in Deliver Us The Moon, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, CONTROL and MechWarrior 5. And according to the green team, a new user-adjustable sharpness setting will be soon be added to it.
According to reports, there is currently a hidden command for DLSS 2.0. This command is “r.NGX.DLSS.Sharpness” which does not do anything at the moment. However, and according to NVIDIA, this is a user-adjustable sharpness setting that is coming soon to DLSS 2.0.

MODS/EMULATORS

Super Smash Bros Ultimate is now playable on the PC via the Nintendo Switch Yuzu Emulator
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/super-smash-bros-ultimate-is-now-playable-on-the-pc-via-the-nintendo-switch-yuzu-emulator/
YouTube’s ‘BSoD Gaming’ has shared a video, showing Super Smash Bros Ultimate running on the PC via the Nintendo Switch Yuzu Emulator. Now while Yuzu does not perfectly emulate the game yet, PC gamers can at least run it and play it.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate runs with 48-60fps on an Intel i3 8350k with 16GB of RAM and an EVGA GTX 1070. That is with 2-4 players on screen. When increasing the fighters number to 6-8, performance takes a big hit.
Now do note that this is the first time this game runs on this Nintendo Switch emulator. As such, we can expect further performance optimizations and improvements in future versions.

First Non-VR Mod released for Half-Life: Alyx, allowing you to play with mouse and keyboard
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/first-non-vr-mod-released-for-half-life-alyx-allowing-you-to-play-with-mouse-and-keyboard/
A couple of days ago, we shared a video showing Half-Life: Alyx being played without a VR headset. And today, we are happy to report that the first non-VR mod for this latest Half Life game is available for download.
Now before continuing, we should note that this mod is more like a WIP project. It’s also a bit rough around the edges, and not as polished as we’d hoped. Still, it will allow you to play Half-Life: Alyx without a VR headset.
>> Check the article for the Mediafire link to the mod as well as the instructions and commands needed to make it work.

New Half-Life: Alyx mod ports Half-Life 2 City 17 to Source 2 Engine
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/first-half-life-alyx-mod-ports-half-life-2-city-17-to-source-2-engine/
Half-Life: Alyx is a new VR Half-Life game that came out last week. And it appears that the first major mod for it is currently under way. No no, we are not talking about the non-VR mod. We’re talking about a brand new VR mod that lets you explore City 17 from Half Life 2.
Unfortunately, this mod is not yet available for download. Still, modder ‘Vect0R’ released the following video that showcases this Half-Life 2 City 17 mod in action.
Basically, Vect0R took the original map file and converted to Source 2 format and added it to Half-Life: Alyx. In process, he also converted assets of Half-Life 2 to Half-Life: Alyx.

Classic Nemesis Mod available now for download for Resident Evil 3 Remake
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/classic-nemesis-mod-available-now-for-download-for-resident-evil-3-remake/
A lot of Nemesis fans were disappointed when Capcom officially revealed Resident Evil 3 Remake. That’s because Capcom has completely re-designed the character and some of its changes were not as great as some RE3 fans were hoping. Thankfully, though, PC gamers will be able to enjoy Resident Evil 3 Remake with a classic Nemesis skin/model.
Earlier today, modder ‘ghost’ released this Classic Nemesis mod for Resident Evil 3 Remake. This mod replaces the new Nemesis model with the one from Marvel vs Capcom. As such, RE3 PC fans will be able to enjoy the game with a more “faithful” Nemesis.
>> You can get it from Nexus Mods.

The Witcher 3 Redux V1.7 released, adds Adaptive Human Intelligence to make human enemies smarter
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/the-witcher-3-redux-v1-7-released-adds-adaptive-human-intelligence-to-make-human-enemies-smarter/
Aleks Vuckovic has released a brand new version of The Witcher 3 Redux. In case you weren’t aware of, this is a “light” gameplay overhaul for CD Projekt RED’s RPG. Although it doesn’t fundamentally change the gameplay mechanics, it still makes enough major changes to be considered more than just gameplay enhancements.
According to the modder, its main purpose is to make the gameplay feel more realistic and lore friendly where preperation is key. The list of changes and improvements is huge, so I suggest reading its description before installing it. Naturally, The Witcher 3 Redux is not compatible with other gameplay mods, like The Witcher 3 Enhanced Edition. Thus, PC gamers will have to choose only one of them.
The Witcher 3 Redux Version 1.7 adds a brand new gameplay mechanic, Adaptive Human Intelligence. Adaptive Human Intelligence aims to make human enemies smarter. As they fight you, they will learn Geralt’s combat maneuvers and will become more capable warriors as the fight progresses. AHI also makes parrying a more viable option than just dodging. Furthermore, it discourages consistently attacking the same opponent until they lower their guard. This is a crucial gameplay overhaul that most The Witcher 3 veterans will appreciate.
>> Available from Nexus Mods.

GAMING NEWS

CI Games is working on Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/ci-games-is-working-on-sniper-ghost-warrior-contracts-2/
In an interview with the polish website Strefa Inwestorow, CI Games’ president Marek Tyminski confirmed the existence of Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2. According to Tyminski, Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2’s development is in full swing. And, although it’s still too early to talk about a possible release date, CI Games may officially reveal this game later this year.

Here are 20 minutes of gameplay from Gears Tactics
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/here-are-20-minutes-of-gameplay-from-gears-tactics/
Gears Tactics is a turn-based strategy game developed by The Coalition, and published by Xbox Game Studios. The game is planned to be released this April. This is not your typical Gears of War title. Gears Tactics plays like XCOM, but it is less complicated.
>> I like what they've shown. It can be a fun game with its own personality.

NieR Replicant Remaster is coming to the PC via Steam
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/nier-replicant-remaster-is-coming-to-the-pc-via-steam/
Square Enix has announced that a remaster of the first NieR game is currently under development. NieR Replicant Remaster will be coming to the PC via Steam, and below you can find its announcement trailer.
>> Leynos made a thread about this.

Predator Hunting Grounds PC Screenshots on Epic/Max Settings
https://www.dsogaming.com/screenshot-news/predator-hunting-ground-pc-screenshots-on-epic-max-settings/
The open beta phase of Predator: Hunting Grounds is a go, allowing everyone to participate. Therefore, we’ve decided to capture and share with you some Predator Hunting Grounds PC screenshots on Epic/Max settings.

First screenshots and trailer leaked for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/first-screenshots-and-trailer-leaked-for-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-remastered/
PlayStation Store Germany has leaked the first screenshots and trailer for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered. Moreover, and according to the store, COD MW Remaster will release on March 31st.

Monday news, part two:

Final Fantasy 14 won't evict you from your in-game house during the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.pcgamer.com/final-fantasy-14-wont-evict-you-from-your-in-game-house-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
Final Fantasy 14 is putting a freeze on housing evictions, its developers announced yesterday, so that players don't have to worry about their virtual property during the coronavirus pandemic.

Become a cyberpunk detective in the Chinatown Detective Agency free demo
https://www.pcgamer.com/become-a-cyberpunk-detective-in-the-chinatown-detective-agency-free-demo/
Chinatown Detective Agency is a cyber noir adventure set in a futuristic Singapore and it's currently on Kickstarter asking for 57,000 SGD by the end of April.

Corona Relief Done Quick will fight the coronavirus with speedruns
https://www.pcgamer.com/corona-relief-done-quick-will-fight-the-coronavirus-with-speedruns/
The bad news is that Summer Games Done Quick, the nice-weather edition of the Games Done Quick charity speedrun extravaganza, has been delayed because of the coronavirus outbreak and is now scheduled to run August 16-23. The postponement means that all existing game submissions will be wiped on April 26, followed by a new submission stage beginning on April 29. Everyone interested in volunteering will also have to reapply to do so, although if you've already submitted an audition, you will not need to submit a new one.

Resident Evil Resistance open beta delayed on PC
https://www.pcgamer.com/resident-evil-resistance-open-beta-delayed-on-pc/
Resident Evil Resistance, the asymmetrical multiplayer Resident Evil spinoff starring Martin Sandwich, is slated to come out in April, following an open beta that was set to begin today. The beta launched as planned on Xbox One, but the PC version on Steam (and the PlayStation 4 version, if that's your thing) has been delayed.

Blizzard polls World of Warcraft Classic players on possible The Burning Crusade Classic
https://www.pcgamer.com/blizzard-polls-world-of-warcraft-classic-players-on-possible-the-burning-crusade-classic/
Blizzard has sent a survey to a select number of World of Warcraft Classic players asking their opinions on a number of issues, including several questions geared towards the release of expansion The Burning Crusade in “Classic” form. Screenshots of the poll were posted to Reddit, after which they came to PC Gamer’s attention. The first of two questions is simply a gauge of interest in “a ‘Classic’ version of The Burning Crusade,” with response options ranging from “Not at all interested” to “Extremely interested.” The second polls players on how they’d envision starting in “Classic” Burning Crusade, and has a range of options already being hotly debated on social media.

Approachable space program simulator Mars Horizon opens beta signups for April 27th
https://www.pcgamer.com/approachable-space-program-simulator-mars-horizon-opens-beta-signups-for-april-27th/
Space program simulation game Mars Horizon is having a beta next month, and you’re invited. Described as a “strategy simulation game about space exploration,” the game has you take charge of a major space agency and attempt to get humans to Mars. Mars Horizon was developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA) , with advice on the actual science and planning that goes into the process of space missions. The beta test is open to sign ups, and will take place starting April 27th. The beta will be about eight hours long, taking players from the early stages of space flight to the Moon and back. Players will be able to play as the European, Russian, and American space agencies, upgrading rockets and building facilities and sending people to space—all the stuff you'd expect. Mars Horizon isn’t quite as hardcore as other space program simulations, like Kerbal Space Program, so it might be a good one to try if you’ve always been intimidated by the complexity of those games.

The Crusader Kings 3 team is working hard to make the game easier to learn
https://www.pcgamer.com/the-crusader-kings-3-team-is-working-hard-to-make-the-game-easier-to-learn/
In their latest developer diary, Paradox Interactive has gone into detail on their efforts to make Crusader Kings 3 a more accessible experience compared to prior grand strategy games. Though Crusader Kings 2 was a smash success, a common complaint among those interested in it was that the interface and mechanics were a chore to comprehend. “We’ve put a lot of effort into making the interface more approachable for people,” says programmer Matthew Clohessy, “just so that the difficulty and complexity comes from playing the game well and having good strategies instead of finding what number you need or tooltip to find out a piece of information, or Googling what a specific term means.”

Cute village-builder Charterstone becomes the first legacy board game to go digital
https://www.pcgamer.com/cute-village-builder-charterstone-becomes-the-first-legacy-board-game-to-go-digital/
Just under two years after it was announced, the legacy board game Charterstone has released on Steam. In Charterstone, players compete to develop a new settlement, each trying to become the most famous and powerful among the local leaders. Charterstone is the first legacy board game to come to a digital platform.

Accidental crossplay between Star Wars: Jedi Academy on PC and console is a slaughter
https://www.pcgamer.com/accidental-crossplay-between-star-wars-jedi-academy-on-pc-and-console-is-a-slaughter/
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy first released in 2003, and its innovative and still-unique lightsaber dueling mechanics garnered a fanatical group of players that have kept up the game for nearly 17 years. Just this week developer Aspyr Media re-released Jedi Academy on PS4 and Nintendo Switch with updated controls for modern consoles, and it seems like the appeal is still strong—plus, the general multiplayer modes are fully functional. It does nearly everything the old PC game does.

Gabe Newell was a World of Warcraft gold farmer
https://www.pcgamer.com/gabe-newell-was-a-world-of-warcraft-gold-farmer/
Gabe Newell: CEO and co-founder of Valve, recipient of the BAFTA Fellowship award, billionaire, and as we have now learned a gold farmer in World of Warcraft (retired). The topic came up in a recent interview with Edge Magazine, where Newell discussed the evolution of Steam, explaining that at a certain point Valve started thinking of games "as productivity platforms" rather than just entertainment.

After a disastrous launch, Steam top-seller Last Oasis is temporarily going offline and giving full refunds
https://www.pcgamer.com/after-a-disastrous-launch-steam-top-seller-last-oasis-is-temporarily-going-offline-and-giving-full-refunds/
Last Oasis, like a lot of multiplayer games, has not had a smooth launch. The Early Access survival MMO released on March 26 but by that evening was suffering from widespread connection issues which quickly got worse until the game was unplayable for most people. Three days later and Last Oasis is still not working, despite its developers working around the clock and providing frequent updates. But with no end in sight for Last Oasis's server issues, developer Donkey Crew has decided to take servers offline for a week and offer players a full refund regardless of play time.

Despite an earthquake, Scum's developers are still updating their game
https://www.pcgamer.com/despite-an-earthquake-scums-developers-are-still-updating-their-game/
Prison riot survival game Scum was released in Early Access in 2018, and has been updated regularly since by Croatian development studio Gamepires. Their latest update comes in the wake of an earthquake in Croatia's capital Zagreb, where their office is located, which was apparently the worst quake the city has suffered in 140 years.

Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord is out now, after 7 years of waiting
https://www.pcgamer.com/mount-and-blade-2-bannerlord-is-out-now-after-7-years-of-waiting/
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord has been one of our most anticipated games since it was announced all the way back in 2012, and after seven years it's finally out now in Early Access. You could be playing it this very second instead of reading PC gaming news.

Minecraft with RTX is "coming soon", here's how to create textures ripe for ray tracing
https://www.pcgamer.com/minecraft-with-rtx-coming-soon/
Nvidia has released a new sneak peek of the upcoming Minecraft DXR update, 'Minecraft with RTX', and it's once more promising the ray tracing overhaul is "coming soon". But before all that, you can take a look at three new worlds designed by some of Minecraft's top creators—Razzleberries, BlockWorks, and GeminiTay—along with two presentations on the in-game path tracer and how to go about building textures for real-time ray tracing yourself.

Pretty cool air movement idea. If only it can be made much more compact.

Apparently he's going to do a follow up where he builds a PC onto this.