I'm a bit meh on Valhalla now since they seem to focus so much on direct combat. I play AC for the stealth, so if it turns out they did scale down the stealth parts I'm gonna skip it and wait for AC Japan.

Not gonna get WD. It's technically interesting but there is just not enough for me in it to justify spending time on it.

Definitely gonna get FC6. They haven't screwed with the formular so far so I'm confifent I'm gonna love it again.

As for PC ports I know that the games I've played were badly optimized, but that's why I buy high end hardware. I'm just happy they do RT at all.

The only things I like the AC series for is their historical research in terms of buildings, architecture, clothing, and so on. As a history buff I'm hugely impressed how much they get right and don't fall into the Hollywood history trap. Some of those things get a bit streamlined for gameplay or story reasons (or because it's just plain ugly, like how greco-roman statues were pained in vivid colors, but historians agree that the painted marble is so ugly that they actually prefer them to be not painted even in otherwise historically accurate settings), but apart from those, it's all very realistic and how it was at the time. If just the character writing would be anywhere close to that, too, especially for historical persons...

Blue over at Overly Sarcastic Productions says it pretty well here in his videos about AC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s--BaDt0Jbw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIm9cXtsjzY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6bl4u8lsvU

Here come the Monday news:

SALES /PLAYER COUNT & DEALS

Here is how you can claim your free copy of Watch Dogs 2
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/here-is-how-you-can-claim-your-free-copy-of-watch-dogs-2/
As we informed you last week, Ubisoft was planning to give away for free Watch Dogs 2 to viewers of Ubisoft Forward 2020. However, UPLAY’s server went down yesterday. As such, PC gamers were unable to login and acquire their free code, which led to huge frustration. Thankfully, Ubisoft has now provided a way via which you can claim your free copy of Watch Dogs 2.
All you have to do is head over at Ubisoft Foward Rewards, and register to receive the rewards previously offered during the Ubisoft Forward event. After registering, you will soon receive your free PC copy of Watch Dogs 2 in your Uplay PC library. And that’s it.

Chinese RPG Gujian 3 has sold 1.3 million copies
https://www.pcgamer.com/chinese-rpg-gujian-3-has-sold-13-million-copies/
The Gujian games are singleplayer RPGs set in a fantasy version of ancient China, developed by Shanghai-based studio Aurogon. The original was the first Chinese videogame to have fully voiced main characters, and the whole series is quite popular in its home country. It was even adapted into a TV series called Swords of Legend, and was one of the 40 launch games announced for Steam China last year.
As industry analyst Daniel Ahmad pointed out on Twitter, Gujian 3 sold 1.3 million copies, more than any other game in the series. It's also the only one with English subtitles, which were patched into the Steam version in November of 2019. Since then it's racked up a substantial amount of customer reviews in English, and is currently sitting on a user rating of Very Positive.

GOG starts the week with two sales and two new releases:

• There are two weekly sales with the theme of "Games from France":
  • Focus Home Interactive offers its games up to 80% off during the next 4 days: https://www.gog.com/promo/french_sale_fhi
  • And Ubisoft has its games up to 75% off during the next 7 days: https://www.gog.com/promo/french_sale_ubisoft
• And these are the new releases:
  • Fates of Ort launches with a 15% discount until July 20: https://www.gog.com/game/fates_of_ort
  • And Astrologaster comes with a 40% discount until the 20th of July: https://www.gog.com/game/astrologaster

Steam has two new daily deals:

• Evan's Remains is 20% off: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1110050/Evans_Remains/
• And Aground gets a 25% discount: https://store.steampowered.com/app/876650/Aground/

At the Humble Store we find the Graffiti Games sale, with up to 80% discount during the next 4 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/promo/graffiti-games-sale/

And Fanatical has two new deals:

• The new Star Deal is Little Nightmares Complete Edition, 80% off during the next 24 hours: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/little-nightmares-complete-edition
• And there's a new July Madness sale. Check the deals from here: https://www.fanatical.com/en/on-sale

SOFTWARE & DRIVERS

Steam's customizable News Hub gets a big update ahead of full launch
https://www.pcgamer.com/steams-customizable-news-hub-gets-a-big-update-ahead-of-full-launch/
The customizable News Hub added to Steam in March has been expanded ahead of its full rollout, with layout changes, updated hubs for individual games, a dedicated section for upcoming events, and the addition of a new "Featured" section that, for now, includes posts from the top 100 best-selling games on Steam.

MODS, EMULATORS & FAN PROJECTS

There is now an open-world co-op mod for Far Cry 3 that you can download
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/there-is-now-a-co-op-mod-for-far-cry-3-that-you-can-download/
Modder ‘scubrah’ has released a new co-op mod for Far Cry 3. This mod lets you play online co-op in Far Cry 3’s single player map. It’s a pretty cool concept and although it’s still in an alpha stage, you can go ahead and download it right now.
According to the modder, this co-op mod supports up to 8 players. This mod features enemies, vehicles, outpost, and the full open-world map for you to explore. However, I don’t think there are any story missions you can complete.
>> It's 2.3GB in size and can be downloaded from Nexus Mods.

These Witcher 3 mods make Yennefer and Triss look like their Netflix actors
https://www.pcgamer.com/witcher-3-netflix-mods-yennefer-triss/
The Witcher season 2 is going back into production soon, but with delays from COVID-19 it feels like it's going to be a long wait for the show to return to Netflix. Modders, meanwhile, are putting the Netflix cast back to work before the show itself resumes. A new mod released this week, Netflix Triss Merigold, remodels The Witcher 3's Triss after actor Anna Shaffer. It's a surprisingly good likeness for a mod.
(...)
Earlier this year, other modders replaced Yennefer's face model with the likeness of actor Anya Chalotra. This retexture, which builds on another mod, does a particularly good job. That's the Netflix show's Yen, alright.
Of course there are also multiple Henry Cavill mods for The Witcher 3. If you're going to swap out Yen or Triss, it just makes sense to go for the whole trio.

Half-Life: Alyx modders are remaking GoldenEye
https://www.pcgamer.com/half-life-alyx-modders-are-remaking-goldeneye/
Some Half-Life: Alyx modders are doing important work that will have big ramifications for the future of mankind: they're remaking GoldenEye in VR.
(...)
GoldenEye Alyx 007 (cheers, PCGamesN) is a work-in-progress that's so far reproduced Dam, which comes in two parts, and Facility, complete with the original soundtrack. Being rebuilt in Alyx, however, means there are some changes. It still uses character models from the base game, for instance, including Alyx herself, and it still boasts a lot of that highly interactive sandbox quality.

GAMING NEWS

Amazon delays New World to Spring 2021
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/amazon-delays-new-world-to-spring-2021/
Back in April 2020, we informed you about the delay of New World. And today, Amazon announced that its upcoming MMORPG has been delayed yet again.

Microsoft Store has leaked eFootball PES 2021 Season Update, first details
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/microsoft-store-has-leaked-efootball-pes-2021-season-update-first-details/
Microsoft Store has just leaked the next part in Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer series. Instead of investing resources into creating a brand new game, though, Konami will be offering a mere update of the previous eFootball PES game.
>> It can be a better approach than launching a new game every year, if the price is right, of course.

New gameplay trailer released for Serious Sam 4
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/new-gameplay-trailer-released-for-serious-sam-4/
Devolver and Croteam have released a brand new gameplay trailer for Serious Sam 4. Serious Sam 4 promises to reignite the classic FPS series in a high-powered prequel. Moreover, it will have an explosive arsenal, intergalactic carnage, and perfectly timed one-liners.

First official gameplay trailer released for Shadow Warrior 3
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/first-official-gameplay-trailer-released-for-shadow-warrior-3/
Devolver and Flying Wild Hog have released the first official gameplay trailer for Shadow Warrior 3. This gameplay trailer showcases some of the game’s new gameplay mechanics, like the wall-running and the grappling hook.
>> And here are the first official screenshots.

Reverse horror game, Carrion, releases on July 23rd, gets a “Sneak Peek” PC demo
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/reverse-horror-game-carrion-releases-on-july-23rd-gets-a-sneak-peek-pc-demo/
Back in 2019, we informed you about a new reverse horror game, Carrion. And today, we are happy to report that this lovely 2D game will release on July 23rd. Furthermore, Devolver and Phobia Game Studio have released a free PC demo that you can download right now.
>> You can find the demo at Steam.

New Gameplay Developer Commentary Video released for Weird West
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/new-gameplay-developer-commentary-video-released-for-weird-west/
Devolver and WolfEye Studios have released a new developer commentary video for Weird West. Weird West is an action RPG experience set within a surreal vision of the developing frontier from the co-creators of Dishonored and Prey.

Here are some new 4K screenshots from Atomic Heart
https://www.dsogaming.com/screenshot-news/here-are-some-new-4k-screenshots-from-atomic-heart/
Mundfish has released some new screenshots from its upcoming Unreal Engine 4-powered FPS, Atomic Heart. These screenshots showcase some of the game’s beautiful environments that gamers will explore.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint AI Teammates Update releases on July 15th
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/tom-clancys-ghost-recon-breakpoint-ai-teammates-update-releases-on-july-15th/
Last week, we informed you about the upcoming AI Teammates Update for Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint. And today, Ubisoft revealed that this update will come out on July 15th. Furthermore, the publisher has released a brand new gameplay trailer that you can find below.

Watch Dogs: Legion releases on October 29th, gets Gameplay Overview trailer
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/watch-dogs-legion-releases-on-october-29th-gets-gameplay-overview-trailer/
Ubisoft has just announced that Watch Dogs: Legion will release on October 29th. In order to celebrate this announcement, the team released a 7-minute gameplay trailer for it. This trailer gives us an overview of the game’s gameplay mechanics and systems.

Hyper Scape Open Beta is now available, Official Cinematic Trailer released
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/hyper-scape-open-beta-is-now-available-official-cinematic-trailer-released/
Ubisoft has announced that the Open Beta phase for its battle royale multiplayer game, Hyper Scape, is now available. In order to celebrate this announcement, the publisher has also released a new cinematic trailer that you can find below.
>> You can sign in from UPlay.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla officially releases on November 17th, gets new gameplay trailer
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/assassins-creed-valhalla-officially-releases-on-november-17th-gets-new-gameplay-trailer/
Earlier today, we reported on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s leaked release date. And as you may have guessed, Ubisoft has now confirmed that this new Assassin’s Creed game will release on November 17th. Moreover, the publisher released a new gameplay trailer that you can find below.
>> And here are some new screenshots

Here are the first official screenshots for Far Cry 6
https://www.dsogaming.com/screenshot-news/here-are-the-first-official-screenshots-for-far-cry-6/
Ubisoft has just released the first official screenshots for Far Cry 6. These screenshots will give you an idea of the graphics that this latest part in the Far Cry series will have. And, although Ubisoft did not reveal any tech details, we can assume that Far Cry 6 uses an enhanced version of the Dunia Engine.

Microsoft Flight Simulator releases on August 18th, gets new official 4K trailer
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/microsoft-flight-simulator-releases-on-august-18th-gets-new-official-4k-trailer/
Microsoft has just announced that Microsoft Flight Simulator will release on August 18th. In order to celebrate this announcement, the team has released a brand new 4K trailer that you can find below.

Monday news, part two:

Psychonauts 2 still has boss fights because of the Microsoft acquisition
https://www.pcgamer.com/psychonauts-2-still-has-boss-fights-because-of-the-microsoft-acquisition/
Last year, Microsoft snatched up Double Fine, adding it to Xbox Game Studios' growing roster of developers. Whenever a big publisher gobbles up an indie developer, there are well-founded concerns about creative compromises and meddling, but in this case it's apparently the only reason Psychonauts 2 still has boss fights.

Co-op dungeon crawler Blightbound is heading to Steam Early Access on July 29
https://www.pcgamer.com/co-op-dungeon-crawler-blightbound-is-heading-to-steam-early-access-on-july-29/
Romino Games' co-op dungeon crawler Blightbound will be coming to Steam Early Access on July 29. Publishers Devolver Digital announced the Early Access date alongside a gameplay trailer that was initially shown at the PC Gaming Show, showing Blightbound's bombastic brawls and hand-crafted dungeons.

Superhot: Mind Control Delete will be free for owners of the original
https://www.pcgamer.com/superhot-mind-control-delete-will-be-free-for-owners-of-the-original/
We found Superhot: Mind Control Delete to be very good, although it won't actually be out on Steam until next week. The good news for owners of the original Superhot is that when it arrives, you'll get it for free.
(...)
And, as mentioned, you can grab it free as long as you own the original. There are some restrictions, as detailed in this FAQ—the giveaway only applies to purchased copies of the game, not freebies, so if you picked it up through something like Twitch Prime or the Xbox Game Pass, you're not eligible. Superhot VR isn't eligible either, as they're "different games."

Devolver Digital surprise-released a free game about themselves
https://www.pcgamer.com/devolver-digital-surprise-released-a-free-game-about-themselves/
At the end of it latest extended critique of marketing and consumerism disguised as a videogame press conference, Devolver Digital simultaneously announced and released a new game. It's called Devolverland Expo and you can get it on Steam for free right now.

Waddling, casual battle royale Fall Guys coming in early August
https://www.pcgamer.com/waddling-casual-battle-royale-fall-guys-coming-in-early-august/
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is coming out next month on August 4, and looks to be completely ridiculous. Imagine a 60-player battle royale where everyone is a wobbly potato person and you survive by winning a candy-colored ultimate ninja warrior obstacle course and/or absurd Mario Party minigames against others. All of this while you wear ridiculous costumes and hats, because it is a videogame.

Olija is a 2D action game about a magic harpoon
https://www.pcgamer.com/olija-is-a-2d-action-game-about-a-magic-harpoon/
Japanese developer Skeleton Crew announced new game Olija today, to be published by Devolver Digital and released this year. Olija is a 2D action-adventure platformer where hero Faraday attempts to use his "legendary harpoon" to escape the strange country of Terraphage where he has been marooned. It's a game with an indie aesthetic, using minimalist graphics paired with sharp action to set its scene.

Multiple Ubisoft executives step down amid workplace abuse allegations
https://www.pcgamer.com/multiple-ubisoft-executives-step-down-amid-workplace-abuse-allegations/
Ubisoft has announced that several of the company's executives have stepped down amid a scandal involving allegations of workplace misconduct and harassment. Chief creative officer Serge Hascoët, the managing director of Ubisoft's Canadian studios Yannis Mallat, and global head of human resources Cécile Cornet have all stepped down from their positions as part of what a press release calls "the comprehensive work the Company is doing to improve and strengthen its workplace culture."
>> I wonder what effects, if any, it will have in Ubisoft.

Ubisoft explains what all those rubber duckies are doing in The Division 2
https://www.pcgamer.com/ubisoft-explains-what-all-those-rubber-duckies-are-doing-in-the-division-2/
Have you ever noticed that The Division 2 has an unusual number of rubber duckies lying around? Have you ever wondered why? During the preshow leading into today's Ubisoft Forward online event, level artist Karen Stanley explained where the whole rubber duckie thing comes from, what it means, and what the developers are planning next.

Here's 20 minutes of hacking, holograms, and spiderbots from Watch Dogs: Legion
https://www.pcgamer.com/heres-20-minutes-of-hacking-holograms-and-spiderbots-from-watch-dogs-legion/
In the near future of Watch Dogs Legion, London isn't doing so hot. A mysterious group of terrorists called Zero Day have been bombing the city and pinning the blame on do-gooder hacker collective DedSec. The leader of private military corporation Albion, Nigel Cass, has used the chaos as an opportunity to seize power from the government. And a mob boss named Mary Kelley is running guns and drugs through the city.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla lets you change Eivor's gender whenever you want
https://www.pcgamer.com/assassins-creed-valhalla-lets-you-change-eivors-gender-whenever-you-want/
Like Odyssey, Assassin's Creed Valhalla will let you traipse around its big ol' open world as either a male of female hero, but unlike its predecessor you won't be locked into that decision.
>> Odd. By the way, you'll be able to chase papers like in Black Flag.

Iron Harvest's Rusviet faction trailer shows off some intimidating mechs
https://www.pcgamer.com/iron-harvest-rusviet-faction-feature-shows-off-some-intimidating-mechs/
Iron Harvest, King Art Games' 1920's mech RTS, is unsurprisingly jam-packed with intimidating, heavy metal killing machines. All but the very smallest tower over infantry and can blow through buildings and cover like they were made of tissue paper. You can take a look at some of those beefy bastards in a new faction feature trailer that showcases the Rusviet Empire.

When does Death Stranding on PC unlock in my time zone?
https://www.pcgamer.com/death-stranding-pc-release-time-unlock/
It's taken almost nine months, but Sam Porter Bridges is almost done delivering Death Stranding to the PC. We're already pretty impressed with how well Kojima Production's bizarre post-apocalyptic delivery simulator works on PC. The new port supports higher resolutions and dynamic frame rates with generous system requirements for such a pretty game.
Death Stranding on PC is dropping next week across the world, but when exactly can you play it in your time zone?

When does Halo 3 on PC unlock in my time zone?
https://www.pcgamer.com/halo-3-pc-release-time-unlock/
It's been a joy to see more of the Halo series hit the PC in Halo: The Master Chief Collection throughout 2020, but I think it's fair to say the excitement is reaching its apex with the looming release of Halo 3. This will not only be Halo 3's debut on the PC, but the first time that fans will be able to experience it at higher resolutions and frame rates.
The big MCC update is dropping in a matter of days, but when exactly will you be able to fire it up and play Halo 3?

Ubisoft continues its elaborate trolling of Splinter Cell fans
https://www.pcgamer.com/ubisoft-continues-its-elaborate-trolling-of-splinter-cell-fans/
Next month, it will have been seven years since we got a new Splinter Cell. Sam Fisher has been in retirement for a lot longer than I expected, and so far Ubisoft has only wheeled out the old spy to sell other games, like the imminent Elite Squad.

Here's the official trailer of MS flight sim. Honestly this is one of the most visually impressive games I have seen in a while.

No Steam version yet so I will get it on gamepass instead.

fun fact when i register for the copy on the website it thanks me in fucking polish, once again confirming everyone hates the french and the french hate the dutch

I worked fine for me... except for the small detail that it's been three hiurs since I asked for the game and it's still nowhere to be seen.

More rumours pointing to Alder Lake having big.Little design.

Man if their answer to Zen is adding a bunch of atom cores where as AMD gives you all big cores for the same price, then that shitz gonna be in trouble. The IPC gains will be interesting though and might save it.

https://wccftech.com/intels-alder-lake-platform-will-introduce-big-and-small-cores-for-x86-desktop-market/

btw i still noticed popin in the FS trailer

hmm might aswell have been shadows,at the 30 sec mark

Wouldn't doubt it. The specs are nutty to say the least:



Even gonna need a stable 50Mbps internet connection. Next year when my contract is up, I might just say f it and get gigabit fiber connection.