Tag Archives: PC Gaming

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Xbox May Update: Retro Classics, PC Enhancements, and Cloud Gaming Evolution

The gaming world received an exciting boost with the Xbox May Update, unveiling new features that cater to nostalgia-driven gamers, PC enthusiasts, and cloud gaming advocates. This month’s update is a statement from Microsoft, reflecting its ongoing commitment to game preservation, seamless cross-platform integration, and the future of cloud-based gaming.

Reviving Retro Classics with Activision Titles

One of the standout additions in this update is the Retro Classics collection, bringing over 50 legendary titles from Activision’s golden era to Xbox Game Pass. These games—ranging from Pitfall! to MechWarrior 2—offer players a chance to relive iconic experiences that shaped gaming history. The decision to incorporate these classics into Game Pass underscores Microsoft’s dedication to backward compatibility and ensuring gaming history remains accessible.

The timing of this addition has led to speculation about Microsoft’s broader strategy. Some believe the FTC’s unsuccessful appeal against Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard King has accelerated the integration of these titles. With regulatory hurdles removed, Microsoft now has more flexibility to tap into Activision’s gaming legacy and incorporate it into its ecosystem.

PC & Cloud Gaming Gets a Boost

Beyond classic titles, Microsoft has continued refining its support for PC gamers. The Xbox app on PC now integrates with GeForce Now, providing cloud-based flexibility for players who prefer streaming games instead of traditional installations. In addition, updates to the Game Bar include quick settings tweaks and the upcoming Microsoft Edge Game Assist, an innovative tool designed to optimize browser usage for gaming-related tasks.

Microsoft’s push for cross-platform connectivity seems to be gaining momentum. With PC and console gaming becoming more intertwined, updates like these allow players to seamlessly transition across different devices

Cloud gaming remains at the forefront of Xbox’s future strategy. The latest update enhances performance optimization for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, ensuring lower latency and smoother gameplay when streaming titles on supported devices. As Microsoft continues investing in cloud technology, these improvements indicate a growing shift toward game streaming as a mainstream option.

A Turning Point in Microsoft’s Strategy?

The inclusion of Activision classics—following the FTC’s failed appeal—suggests that Microsoft’s acquisition benefits are now unfolding at full speed. The combination of nostalgic titles, enhanced PC features, and cloud gaming innovation aligns with Microsoft’s long-term vision of offering players a unified gaming ecosystem.

Whether this update is just the beginning of a larger rollout remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition has the potential to reshape the gaming industry for years to come.

One more thing….!

Microsoft confirmed the line up of games that are coming soon to Xbox Game Pass and the list goes as follows:

  • Monster Train 2 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 21
  • Creatures of Ava (Xbox Series X|S) – May 22
  • S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 (Xbox Series X|S) – May 22
  • Tales of Kenzera: Zau (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) EA Play – May 22
  • Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 27
  • To a T (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 28
  • Metaphor ReFantazio (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 29
  • Spray Paint Simulator (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 29
  • Crypt Custodian (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 3
  • Symphonia (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 3

15 More Games Coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) on May 23

Game Pass Ultimate members can look forward to a big batch of games coming to the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) library on May 23. Check them out below:

  • Brütal Legend
  • Costume Quest 2
  • Day of the Tentacle Remastered
  • Full Throttle Remastered
  • Grim Fandango Remastered
  • Max The Curse of Brotherhood
  • Neon Abyss
  • Quantum Break
  • Rare Replay
  • ScreamRide
  • State of Decay Year-One
  • SteamWorld Dig 2
  • Sunset Overdrive
  • Super Lucky’s Tale
  • Zoo Tycoon Ultimate Animal Collection

DLC / Game Updates

Sea of Thieves: Season 16 – Starting May 22
Flameheart’s loyal followers are working to advance his ambitions! Set sail on new Reaper quests to uncover ancient secrets and unleash The Order of Bone and Blade, recruit Skeleton Mercenaries to aid you on your various Voyages, and cause chaos with portable (and unstable) Cannons of Rage.

Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker – Available now
This free DLC sends Solstice Warriors Valere and Zale on a side-adventure into the miniature, clockwork world of Horloge, where a cursed carnival threatens its innocent denizens. To survive, they’ll need to play by unfamiliar rules and confront not only the mischievous Puppeteer and her minions, but also their own darker traits.

In-game Benefits

Call of Duty: Warzone – Game Pass Pack 2 – Available now

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can now get a free in-game bundle for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone. This pack comes with 2x Operator Skins, 4x Weapon Blueprints, 1x Finishing Move, 1x Emote, 2x Weapon Charms, 1x Loading Screen, 1x Spray, 1 hour 2XP Token, and a 1 hour 2WXP Token.

Smite 2: Summer Fun Medusa Drop – Available now
She’s got shades, snakes, and serious style. Claim this drop to get Medusa and her Summer Fun skin! This Benefit requires Smite 2 to use.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

Throne and Liberty: Commander and Firefly Items – May 22

Join the Resistance in this Xbox exclusive colored Commander Outfit and get a Firefly Amitoi to tag along on your adventures. This Perk content requires Throne and Liberty to use.

Tom Clancy The Division 2: EMS Outfit – Starting May 29

Gear up and get ready to save the day with the Emergency Medical Services-inspired outfit! The outfit includes a shirt, pants, hat, shoes and glasses.

Leaving May 31

The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Be sure to pick back up where you left off before they go and remember to use your Game Pass membership discount to save up to 20% to keep them in your library.

  • Cassette Beasts (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Firework (PC)
  • Humanity (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Remnant 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Events, Featured, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

The battleground for Mid-rage GPUs by Nvidia and AMD at Computex 2025

Computex 2025 has been a battleground for the latest mid-range graphics cards, with NVIDIA unveiling the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti, while AMD countered with the Radeon RX 9060 XT. Both companies are vying for dominance in the competitive mid-range segment, offering improved performance, AI-driven enhancements, and aggressive pricing.

NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 & RTX 5060 Ti: The Green Team’s Mid-Range Push

NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 comes in at an attractive $299 price point, targeting gamers who want solid 1080p and 1440p performance without breaking the bank. The RTX 5060 Ti, on the other hand, offers higher clock speeds and improved AI acceleration, with 8GB and 16GB GDDR7 memory options priced at $379 and $429, respectively.

Key features of the RTX 5060 series include:

  • DLSS 4 for AI-enhanced upscaling and frame generation.
  • Ray tracing improvements with optimized cores.
  • PCIe 5.0 support for faster data transfer.
  • Lower power consumption compared to previous generations.

While NVIDIA’s DLSS 4 continues to be a major selling point, early benchmarks suggest that the RTX 5060 Ti struggles at higher resolutions, especially when compared to AMD’s latest offering.

AMD’s Radeon RX 9060 XT: A Strong Challenger

AMD’s RX 9060 XT is positioned as a direct competitor to the RTX 5060 and 5060 Ti, boasting RDNA 4 architecture and FSR 4 enhancements. Available in 8GB and 16GB configurations, the RX 9060 XT starts at $299, with the 16GB version priced at $349.

AMD’s key advantages:

  • FSR 4 Redstone introduces Neural Radiance Caching and ML-assisted frame generation.
  • Higher clock speeds at 3.13 GHz, outperforming the RTX 5060 Ti in raw processing power.
  • PCIe 5.0 and DisplayPort 2.1a support for future-proofing.
  • Better performance-per-dollar, with AMD claiming a 15% advantage over the RTX 5060 Ti.

AMD’s RX 9060 XT is designed to maximize 1440p gaming, with FSR 4 promising smoother frame rates and enhanced ray tracing capabilities. The 16GB version is reportedly 6% faster than the RTX 5060 Ti, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers.

While NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 Ti has faced stock shortages, AMD’s RX 9060 XT is expected to have a more stable supply, potentially giving Team Red an edge in availability. Both GPUs will be available from major board partners, including ASUS, Gigabyte, PowerColor, and Sapphire.

With FSR 4 expanding to over 60 titles by launch, AMD is making a strong case for its AI-driven enhancements, while NVIDIA continues to push DLSS 4 as the gold standard for upscaling.

Computex 2025 has set the stage for an intense mid-range GPU showdown. NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 series brings DLSS 4 and ray tracing improvements, but AMD’s RX 9060 XT counters with FSR 4, higher clock speeds, and better pricing. With early benchmarks favoring AMD’s offering, gamers will have a tough choice between Team Green’s AI-driven performance and Team Red’s raw power and affordability.

Which GPU will reign supreme? Only time—and real-world testing—will tell.

Featured, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

Intel presents the Arc Pro B-Series for more Itel Arc GPUs offering

Intel has unveiled its latest Arc Pro B-Series graphics cards at Computex 2025, introducing the Arc Pro B60 and Arc Pro B50 GPUs, designed for workstation applications and AI inference. These new GPUs are built on Intel’s Xe2 Battlemage architecture, featuring Intel Xe Matrix Extensions (XMX) AI cores and hardware-accelerated ray tracing units.

Key Features of Arc Pro B-Series GPUs

  • Arc Pro B60:
    • 24GB GDDR6 memory
    • 197 TOPS of AI performance
    • PCIe 5.0 x8 interface
    • Multi-GPU scalability for AI workloads
    • Targeted for demanding tasks like generative design, 3D simulation, and video editing.
  • Arc Pro B50:
    • 16GB GDDR6 memory
    • 170 TOPS of AI performance
    • Compact dual-slot design
    • Priced at $299, making it an affordable option for professionals.

Intel has also expanded its Gaudi 3 AI accelerator lineup, offering PCIe add-in cards and rack-scale server modules to support large-scale AI inferencing. The Project Battlematrix platform enables multi-GPU configurations, allowing up to eight B60 cards to work together, providing 192GB of video memory for AI models with up to 150 billion parameters.

Intel aims to challenge NVIDIA and AMD in the workstation segment by offering high memory capacities at competitive prices. The Arc Pro B50 and B60 GPUs will be available in Q3 2025, with full feature enablement scheduled for Q4 2025. Intel is collaborating with ASRock, Gunnir, Maxsun, Sparkle, and other partners to bring these GPUs to market.

These new GPUs mark a significant step forward for Intel in the professional graphics and AI computing space, reinforcing its commitment to open architectures and scalable AI solutions.

Computex: Intel Unveils New GPUs for AI and Workstations
Company extends the Intel Arc Pro GPU lineup to prosumers and AI developers, and announces Intel Gaudi 3 AI accelerator availability via rack scale and PCIe deployments.
Source/Via
Games, Gaming, News, PC

Final Fantasy XI being kept alive is thanks to their fans

For over two decades, Final Fantasy XI has stood as a testament to the enduring power of community-driven gaming. Originally launched in 2002, the MMORPG was a groundbreaking entry in the Final Fantasy franchise, offering players an expansive world filled with adventure, camaraderie, and deep lore. However, as time passed and newer titles emerged, the game faced the looming threat of closure. In a surprising turn of events, it was the unwavering dedication of its fanbase that ultimately kept Final Fantasy XI alive.

A Planned Farewell That Never Came

According to Final Fantasy XI director Yoji Fujito, Square Enix had been preparing to end support for the game’s PC version in 2024, following the conclusion of its Voracious Resurgence storyline. The company even considered shutting down the game entirely due to aging servers. The plan was to transition the game into “maintenance mode,” meaning no new content would be added, and only system upkeep would be performed.

Despite these plans, something remarkable happened—players continued to log in, maintaining the same monthly subscription fee of $11.95 since the game’s launch. Their enthusiasm and dedication sent a clear message to Square Enix: Final Fantasy XI was far from losing momentum. Seeing this, the developers decided to keep the game running, ensuring that the world of Vana’diel remained alive and thriving.

New Updates and a Bright Future

Instead of winding down operations, Square Enix surprised the community by announcing fresh updates for Final Fantasy XI. These include:

  • A new high-tier mission battlefield to challenge veteran players.
  • Gamepad configuration adjustments for smoother gameplay.
  • A new Morale gauge to enhance combat mechanics.
  • The ability to change a character’s race, offering more customization.
  • Expanded content for the Limbus battle system, adding depth to the game’s strategic elements.

The resilience of Final Fantasy XI is a testament to the power of its community. In an era where many MMORPGs struggle to maintain player engagement, this classic title has defied expectations. Even Final Fantasy XIV, the franchise’s modern MMO, acknowledged its predecessor by introducing a crossover Alliance Raid series that transports players to Vana’diel.

As long as players continue to explore its vast world, battle formidable foes, and forge lasting friendships, Final Fantasy XI will remain more than just a game—it will be a legacy!

Square Enix considered ending Final Fantasy 11 in 2024, but player interest was high enough to keep it alive even after 20+ years – AUTOMATON WEST
According to Final Fantasy 11 producer and director Yoji Fujito, the MMORPG could have ended support or even shut down completely.
Source/Via
Games, Gaming, News, PC

The arrival of Stella Blade on PC will be official later this year

The highly acclaimed action RPG Stellar Blade is finally making its way to PC, marking a significant milestone for fans who have been eagerly awaiting its arrival. Originally released as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, the game captivated players with its stunning visuals, fast-paced combat, and compelling narrative. Now, with a PC release scheduled for June 11, 2025, Stellar Blade is set to bring an enhanced experience with new features and improvements.

The Journey to PC

Stellar Blade’s transition from console to PC has been an exciting one. Developed by Shift Up, the game first launched on PS5 in April 2024, quickly gaining popularity for its fluid combat mechanics and immersive world-building. The decision to bring the game to PC was fueled by its success, with over 1 million copies sold within two months. The developers recognized the demand for a broader audience and began working on a Complete Edition, which includes all previously released DLC and additional content.

New Features and Enhancements

The PC version of Stellar Blade is not just a simple port—it comes packed with technical improvements and exclusive features designed to take advantage of modern hardware. Some of the key enhancements include:

  • Uncapped FPS for smoother gameplay
  • Nvidia DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3 for AI-powered upscaling
  • Ultrawide display support (5:4 to 32:9 aspect ratios)
  • Higher resolution environment textures for improved visuals
  • DualSense controller support with haptic feedback
  • Japanese and Chinese voiceover options
  • A brand-new boss battle against Mann, Leader of the Sentinels
  • 25 new costumes added to the game

The Backstory of Stellar Blade

At its core, Stellar Blade tells the story of Eve, a warrior tasked with reclaiming Earth from mysterious invaders. The game blends sci-fi elements with deep lore, creating a world filled with intrigue and danger. Players navigate through post-apocalyptic landscapes, uncovering secrets about humanity’s downfall and Eve’s own past. The narrative is enriched by cinematic storytelling and character-driven moments, making it a standout experience in the action RPG genre.

The arrival of Stellar Blade on PC is a game-changer for fans who prefer the flexibility and power of PC gaming. With enhanced graphics, customizable settings, and expanded content, the PC version promises to be the definitive way to experience the game. Whether you’re a returning player or a newcomer, Stellar Blade’s fast-paced combat, gripping story, and stunning visuals make it a must-play title.

Stellar Blade’s journey from PS5 exclusive to PC release is a testament to its success and the demand for high-quality action RPGs. With new features, improved performance, and additional content, the game is set to make a strong impact on the PC gaming community. As June 11 approaches, fans can look forward to diving into Eve’s world once again—this time with even more ways to experience the adventure.