Well sort of.

Even if we go back to say Pascal. You had the 1080 launch for $599 MSRP and $699 for Founders. Then you had the 1080 Ti which launched for $699 for both and the 1080 got a price drop to $499. With 1070, you had $379 MSRP and $449 for Founders. With the 1070 Ti, you had $449 MSRP for both but granted the 1070 non founders didn't get a discount.

Now you kinda have this situation where nothing is getting a discount or giving you more performance for a similar price or slightly more price. One could argue that a 3080 Ti being a slightly cut down 3090 for $500 less is like the 1080 Ti. And yes, there's obviously value there. But to me it's like, the 1080 Ti also made the 1080 cheaper where as the 3080 Ti won't.

So it's like, you get 8-15% more performance + 2GB more Vram for $300 more with a 3080 Ti vs 3080. Compared to before, you got 30% more performance + 3GB more Vram for $100 more (or $0 compared to Founders) with a 1080 Ti vs 1080. Maybe I just miss those days loll.

Sadly, I do.

Anyway, home now. Give me 30 minutes and I'll have the news.

Finally, here are the news (it's been a bit more than 30'):

SALES /PLAYER COUNT & DEALS

Cyberpunk 2077 sold 13.7 million copies in 2020, The Witcher 3 surpassed 30 million sales
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/cyberpunk-2077-sold-13-7-million-copies-in-2020-the-witcher-3-surpassed-30-million-sales/
In December, CD Projekt RED revealed that Cyberpunk 2077 had sold 13 million copies. And today, during its latest investor call, the team revealed that the game sold 13.7 million copies in total in 2020.
As CDPR revealed in January 2021, 80% of the game’s digital sales are coming from the PC.
(...)
Moreover, the team announced that The Witcher 3 has sold over 30 million copies. Additionally, the Witcher franchise has sold over 50 million copies.

Alien Isolation is available for free on Epic Games Store
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/alien-isolation-is-available-for-free-on-epic-games-store/
Epic Games has announced that Alien Isolation is available for free on Epic Games Store for a limited time. From today and until April 29th, PC gamers can visit its EGS page and acquire their free copy. This is the second time that EGS is offering this Alien game for free.
(...)
You can acquire your free copy of Alien Isolation from here. Additionally, Hand of Fate 2 is also available for free.
>> Next weeh there will only be one free game (so far): "Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms"

There are four new deals at Humble:

• There's a new Humble Down to Earth Bundle, with up to 8 games to get during the next 7 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/games/earth-day-bundle
• And at the Store we find:
  • The Koei-Tecmo publisher Weekend Sale features up to 90% discounts during the next 3 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/promo/koei-tecmo-publisher-weekend/
  • Publisher HandyGames celebrates its anniversary here as well with up to 80% discounts during the next 5 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/promo/handygames-anniversary-sale/
  • And the Earth Day Collection Sale, features up to 80% discounts during the next 6 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/promo/earth-day-collection/

Fanatical is busy with its Insanity Sale. Have you checked it today?

SOFTWARE & DRIVERS

-Empty-

MODS, EMULATORS & FAN PROJECTS

Valheim gets a new 1.1GB HD Texture Pack, overhauling most of its textures
https://www.dsogaming.com/pc-performance-analyses/valheim-gets-a-new-1-1gb-hd-texture-pack-overhauling-most-of-its-textures/
Modder ‘Willybach’ released earlier this week a 1.1GB HD Texture Pack for Valheim that aims to improve most of its textures. This pack covers most Biomes so far and many Building and Crafting textures. Furthermore, and by using AI techniques, it tries to stay as close to the vanilla textures as possible.
As the modder noted, loading times are drastically reduced, as well as performance. Additionally, this pack does not suffer from an issue that reverted rocks back to their vanilla textures. (...)
You can download this HD Texture Pack from here. In case you do not like it, we suggest downloading this one from aC0C0NUT.

This Valheim mod adds the perfect Viking mount: a bright blue car
https://www.pcgamer.com/valheim-car-mod/
With no mounts to speak of, players only have a few ways to get around in Viking survival game Valheim. They can run, they can sail, and they can fast-travel with portals. And that's really about it. Feels to me like something's missing.
No, not horses. Cars! Frankly, it's hard to believe the creators of Valheim didn't think to put a bright blue, eight-wheeled automobile in the game themselves. Historically, Vikings drove jacked-up 1983 Lincoln Continentals, right?
I gave Valhiem's Drivable Vehicle Mod a little test run and it's kinda great, honestly. With the mod installed, tap T to spawn your shiny blue whip—it pops into the world without the parking brake on, so be warned and try not to do it on a hillside.

GAMING NEWS

Tales of Arise PC Requirements
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/tales-of-arise-pc-requirements/
Bandai Namco has launched the Steam store page for Tales of Arise, revealing its official PC requirements. According to the specs, the game will require 45GB of free hard disk space, and will be using the DX11 API.

Star Citizen Alpha 3.13: Underground Infamy is now available for download
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/star-citizen-alpha-3-13-underground-infamy-is-now-available-for-download/
Cloud Imperium Games has announced the launch of the Star Citizen Alpha 3.13: Underground Infamy update. This update is currently available to all active and new Star Citizen players. Additionaly, this update introduces for the first-time a variety of new features, systems, and content.

Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is free to play on Steam until this Sunday
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/warhammer-vermintide-2-is-free-to-play-on-steam-until-this-sunday/
In order to celebrate the release of the Chaos Wastes Update, Warhammer: Vermintide 2 goes free to play this weekend on Steam. From today and until this Sunday, PC gamers can download and play the game.
>> And also 75% off.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin PC Requirements, will be using Denuvo
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/monster-hunter-stories-2-wings-of-ruin-pc-requirements-will-be-using-denuvo/
Capcom has launched the Steam store page for Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin and revealed its official PC system requirements. Moreover, the company has confirmed that it will be using the Denuvo anti-tamper tech.

New gameplay trailer for Blood Bowl 3 focuses on the Black Orcs Team
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/new-gameplay-trailer-for-blood-bowl-3-focuses-on-the-black-orcs-team/
NACON and Cyanide Studio released a new gameplay trailer for Blood Bowl 3. This new trailer focuses on the Black Orcs team. According to the devs, the Black Orcs will be a formidable race in Blood Bowl 3.

Here are the key features of Fallout 76’s The Locked and Loaded Update
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/key-features-fallout-76-the-locked-and-loaded-update/
Bethesda has revealed the key features of Fallout 76‘s next update which will release on April 27th, The Locked and Loaded. This Update will add an all-new game mode, S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Loadouts and C.A.M.P. Slots.

Chernobylite will leave Early Access and will fully release in July 2021
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/chernobylite-will-leave-early-access-and-will-fully-release-in-july-2021/
The Farm 51 has announced that Chernobylite will fully release in July 2021. In order to celebrate this announcement, the team released a brand new trailer that you can find below.

Multiple older builds of Alien Resurrection have been leaked online
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/multiple-older-builds-of-alien-resurrection-have-been-leaked-online/
While Alien Resurrection never came out on PC, PC gamers can already play it by using a Playstation emulator. And, from the looks of it, a former Argonaut Games developer has leaked multiple older builds from it.

Friday news, part two:

Indie games store Itch.io is now available on Epic
https://www.pcgamer.com/indie-games-store-itchio-is-now-available-on-epic/
Following the addition of Spotify to the Epic Games Store, five more non-game apps have been added to Epic's shelves—including rival games store Itch.io.
(...)
But the real head-scratcher is the addition of Itch.io, a competing storefront focussed on platforming experimental indies. You can now download the Itch.io App from Epic, though I'm struggling to understand why you'd ever want to go through one games app to open a second.

Call of Duty: Warzone will 'never again' return to original Verdansk map
https://www.pcgamer.com/call-of-duty-warzone-will-never-again-return-to-original-verdansk-map/
The entire Call of Duty: Warzone community watched yesterday as the Verdansk map that we've spent hundreds of hours shooting, running, and flying across got nuked into oblivion. Activision has turned back the clock and introduced Verdansk '84, a revamped version of the map with new buildings, layouts, and landscapes.
Verdansk '84 is not some limited-time destination or optional variant—according to developer Raven Software, the Verdansk we knew is gone forever.

Destiny 2’s new transmog system is incredibly confusing and involves grinding bounties for some reason
https://www.pcgamer.com/destiny-2s-new-transmog-system-is-incredibly-confusing-and-involves-grinding-bounties-for-some-reason/
We've known for a long time now that a transmog system, enabling players to outfit themselves in whatever styles they like without having to sacrifice stats, is on the way to Destiny 2. (...)
Today Bungie revealed how that new "Armor Synthesis" system will work, and I have to wonder how—or if—his enthusiasm will hold up. Armor Synthesis, as it’s called, will enable players to convert their armor's appearance into Universal Armor Ornaments, so they can effectively change up their look as they like. But it's going to take quite a bit of work to make it happen.

Apex Legends teases something 'beyond battle royale' in Season 9
https://www.pcgamer.com/apex-legends-teases-something-beyond-battle-royale-in-season-9/
The launch trailer for Apex Legends: Legacy (Respawn has dropped the Season number this time round) reintroduced us to Ash, a scary robot lass and one of the Apex Predator antagonists from 2016's tremendous wallrunner. She's been keeping an eye on the games—shown off in an explosive montage of gunfights, night clubs and shattered beers—before teasing the introduction of something "beyond battle royale".

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis arrives this summer
https://www.pcgamer.com/phantasy-star-online-2-new-genesis-arrives-this-summer/
Phantasy Star Online 2's massive standalone New Genesis expansion is coming this June, Sega revealed this week.
Existing somewhere between an expansion and full-blown sequel, New Genesis is a complete overhaul of PSO2—introducing completely new gameplay mechanics and a gorgeous visual overhaul. While technically a separate game, you'll be able to transfer characters freely between NGS and old PSO2.

Valheim devs frustratingly tease more Hearth and Home images
https://www.pcgamer.com/valheim-devs-frustratingly-tease-more-hearth-and-home-images/
As Viking survival game Valheim edges toward its fourth month of release, during which it's accumulated an astounding 7 million players, fans are still waiting (mostly patiently!) for its first major update. Hearth and Home, as it's called on the Valheim roadmap, will "focus on the house building aspect of the game, with more building pieces and stuff to do in and around the house," Iron Gate Studios has said.

Valorant takes a trip to the beach with its next map, Breeze
https://www.pcgamer.com/valorant-takes-a-trip-to-the-beach-with-its-next-map-breeze/
I hope you brought your best swim-shorts, agents. Valorant's next map is Breeze, and it's taking the superpowered team shooter out for a sunny seaside holiday.

And here are the new deals at GOG and Steam for the weekend:

+GOG

• The Weekend Sale comes with up to 80% discounts on games that give you "divine powers": https://www.gog.com/promo/20210423_weekend_sale
• The Special Telltale Games Sale comes with up to 80% discounts during the weekend. Oh! And the more games you buy, the higher the discount: https://www.gog.com/promo/telltale_sale
• The second Special Sale involes SNK, with its games up to 70% off until April 30: https://www.gog.com/promo/snk_publisher_sale
• And there's a third Special Sale with games from Assemble Entertainment up to 90% off until May 6th: https://www.gog.com/promo/20210422_assemble_sale

+Steam

• Creeper World 4, that has a demo, is 33% off during the next 47 hours: https://store.steampowered.com/app/848480/Creeper_World_4/
• Rising Storm 2: Vietnam is 75% off during the next 47 hours: https://store.steampowered.com/app/418460/Rising_Storm_2_Vietnam/
• The LudoNarraCon Sale and "conference" brings upto 50% discounts until Monday 26: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/ludonarracon
• DCS World Steam Edition has put its DLCs up to 50% off until Monday: https://store.steampowered.com/app/223750/DCS_World_Steam_Edition/
• Publisher Jackbox Games offers its games up to 60% off until the 26th: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/JackboxWeekendParty
• And the last new sale is the Koei-Tecmo Sale, with up to 90% discounts until Monday 26: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/koeitecmo

And that's all. Until next time (whenere that is), I wish you a happy and gaming weekend.

Fair enough.  Having a price reduction would of been awesome for 3080 but that was never going to happen given the supply vs demand issues. 

As for the 30% vs 15% jump for the xx80 to xx80ti that a bit more complicated. 

The 1080 was closer to 3070 when it comes to chipset since both used xx104 while xx102 was reserve for titan at launch until the 1080ti came out.

where the 3080 is using the (xx102 chipset) the same as the 3080ti/3090 so there really was not as much space for improvement and could argue you getting a better card with 3080 compare to what you getting with 1080 to begin with. 

Of course there a big price difference too but unfortunately that ship has sail and we never going back to 10 series pricing unless there a major change in the competitive land scape like AMD or INTEL having high end product that competitive and cost less but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

Humble Bundle is removing the sliders that allowed buyers to configure how money is allocated when purchasing one of their bundles.

Instead now there will be two options for donations, which will leave the max for charities at 15%, here is an example with $25:

• Default Donation Option ($25)
  • $21.25 to Publisher (85%)
  • $1.25 to Charity (5%)
  • $2.50 to Humble (10%)
• Extra to Charity Option ($25)
  • $20 to Publisher (80%)
  • $3.75 to Charity (15%)
  • $1.25 to Humble (5%)

I am not in favor of this change, since I liked to split it evenly between publishers and charities and leave about 10-20% to Humble.

Seeing a 970 as recommended makes me feel old as I remember when that was considered pretty high end gpu.

Humble bundle keeps getting worse as time goes on.

I get a similar feeling when looking at game benchmarks nowadays. I have to scroll to the bottom to find my poor 1070.

It was bound to happen after IGN bought them a few years ago.

We're not gonna get a deal like the 1080ti in a long time, Yuri...

Which sucks, because you'd think them bringing out a ti model, would bring some form of balance to the market. All I see happening with this, is it getting snatched up by scalpers/miners soon as. Even with the currency going down in value, some will likely snap it up.

I dunno why they even want to give the market refreshers, because they'll only be filling a rather small and expensive hole, that hardly anyone is going to either want, nor afford, or even manage to grab.

It's like creating a problem, instead of a solution. 

I am assuming they have certain contracts or something they need to fill or maybe the yields of 12GB is better than 24GB of G6X since I doubt Nvidia wants to lose the $500 that they could be making by selling the 3090 by releasing the 3080 Ti. It just doesn't make any business sense since it's technically better for the consumer by having Nvidia release a more obtainable version of the 3090. If you are lucky enough to even get one at MSRP that is.

As GPU plans happen years before they actually launch, I am sure a refresh of Ampere was gonna happen one way or another since they are going release Lovelace next year. And honestly, in a lot of ways, I am pretty concerned about Lovelace/RDNA 3 pricing. Like Turing was pretty meh and AMD has been very meh for a long time. So both companies brought their A game and competitive pricing because they wanted to make sure they can sell these products. But now that the GPUs are able to sell 2-3x their MSRP, what is it gonna mean for the future of GPUs and their pricing?

The worst part is, a few months ago, it was pretty easy to buy 10-14 TB hard drives for relatively cheap in Canada. Now they are sold out every where thanks to Chia coin. This is the embodiment of PC gaming hell. What's next? They gonna come up with a coin that uses RAM? At this point, someone is probably gonna come up with a way to mine using RGB.