Gait Games

### The Framerate Dilemma in Gaming: My Journey with Overwatch on Switch 2

In recent times, the gaming world has changed considerably, especially with the emergence of remastered games emphasizing enhanced performance. As a veteran player of *Overwatch*, I have logged over a thousand hours in this hero shooter, mostly on PlayStation consoles where it operates at a steady 60 frames per second (fps). This elevated framerate has become instinctive for me, allowing for accurate aiming and swift reactions. However, my anticipation for the debut of *Overwatch* on the Switch 2 was met with dissatisfaction upon learning it was restricted to 30fps.

### The Effect of Framerate on Gameplay

At first sight, a reduced framerate might not appear harmful. Nevertheless, the truth is that framerate has a substantial effect on how a game is experienced. Competitive titles, in particular, aim for higher framerates to provide a smooth and responsive interaction. With a fixed 30fps on the Switch 2, my gameplay felt sluggish and unwieldy, akin to wading through thick syrup. Tasks that demand accuracy, like aiming shots with Soldier: 76, became significantly more difficult. Each movement felt jerky, and my previously instinctive muscle memory for performing actions seemed restricted.

### A Downgrade or a Misstep?

The anticipation surrounding the Switch 2 iteration of *Overwatch* stemmed from its pledge of enhanced performance over the original Switch version, which barely achieved 30fps. Players were eager for a seamless experience that would let them enjoy *Overwatch* while on the move. Instead, the letdown was evident when the update failed to provide the expected framerate improvement, prompting many to wonder if Blizzard inadvertently released the incorrect version of the game.

### Blizzard’s Response

Blizzard has recognized the feedback regarding the framerate concern and is reportedly working on a patch to correct this issue. As an avid player, I am hopeful for a prompt remedy that would enable a portable experience aligning with the high standards I’ve come to expect from gaming on my home console.

### Conclusion

The experience of playing *Overwatch* on the Switch 2 has highlighted the significance of framerate in competitive gaming. While the gameplay may appear satisfactory at first glance, the subtle feel of motion and precision is vital for players used to smoother performance. As the gaming community looks forward to a resolution, it remains clear that for many gamers, framerate is not merely a figure but a crucial aspect of the gaming experience.

Update: It’s now been pulled from sale on Steam.

Original story follows:

Star Trek: Resurgence, the Telltale-style Trek game which came out back in 2023, is set to be delisted from Steam soon. Unlike the mysterious spate of Disney delistings the other day, Resurgence developers Dramatic Labs have been upfront about the reason it’s being pulled.

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**Hidden Depths Bundle: Exploring the Uncharted Territory of Indie Games**

In a novel twist on game promotion, the creators of the indie game *Blue Prince*, operating under the name Dogubomb, have adopted an intriguing position regarding their newest collection, the Hidden Depths. The official BlueSky account declares, “We’re not going to reveal anything about the games in this bundle. These are experiences best approached with minimal prior knowledge.” This mindset is apparent in the heavily censored Steam store page for the Hidden Depths bundle, featuring five celebrated indie titles from recent years. Gamers are invited to delve into these experiences without advance information, amplifying the excitement of discovery.

This approach resonates with many who enjoy the surprise and joy of navigating lesser-known indie games. Frequently, articulating the values of such titles without disclosing their distinctive twists proves difficult. The Hidden Depths bundle highlights the essence of surprise found in titles such as *Animal Well*, *Fez*, *Tunic*, *Outer Wilds*, and *Blue Prince*.

The Steam page illustrates the redaction strategy with enigmatic descriptions: *Animal Well* is presented simply as “a…game about…a………well,” while *Blue Prince* intrigues potential players with “you…………journey…….to…Room 46?” Such vagueness encourages gamers to discover these titles unburdened by preconceived ideas.

While the concept of approaching a game without prior exposure holds appeal, it is essential to acknowledge that these five titles are among the most recognized in the indie community. Even casual gamers have likely come across conversations or media regarding these games. *Fez*, which debuted in 2013, has reached iconic status, while the newer *Outer Wilds* (2020), *Tunic* (2022), *Animal Well* (2024), and *Blue Prince* (2023) have received widespread praise and attention. Thus, for those yet to explore these titles, the bundle offers an enticing chance to dive in without the weight of expectations.

Another intriguing element of the Hidden Depths bundle is its pricing. Among the five included games, only two — *Outer Wilds* and *Blue Prince* — feature discounts of 40% and 34%, respectively. The lack of discounts on the other three titles raises questions regarding the pricing strategy of this thoughtfully curated bundle. Ultimately, the total cost reaches $94, which may appear high. However, considering the enriching experiences and exceptional quality of the games available, many would contend that this expenditure is justified.

In conclusion, the Hidden Depths bundle promotes the concept of discovering games without prior knowledge, appealing to those who relish the excitement of the unknown. While it may feature a higher price point, the quality of the enclosed games underscores the value of immersion and exploration that indie titles can uniquely offer. For those ready to take the plunge, the Hidden Depths promises an unparalleled adventure, urging players to experience the magic firsthand, unfiltered and completely their own.

I’ve long been an embarrassed fan of Book of Travels, the “tiny MMO” with heady artistic influences from Swedish indies Might & Delight. It’s a world of enchanted string, vast cutaway forests, tinkling tea sets, and sleepy quasi-Orientalist cities. Our former news writer Lauren Morton called it “the cure for my break-up with MMOs” back in 2021. But it’s never quite accomplished its ambitions, with the developers laying off around 25 staff following a difficult early access launch, and postponing the rollout of new areas and features.

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**Discovering the Unique Allure of *Creature Kitchen***

In the quirky yet haunting realm of *Creature Kitchen*, players are tasked with balancing the act of feeding charming yet bizarre creatures while revealing the lurking horror of their surroundings. This snug cooking game creatively challenges conventional hospitality concepts by adding an eerie twist to a seemingly straightforward premise.

Right from the start, *Creature Kitchen* envelops players in a darkly immersive atmosphere marked by an ominous presence that surrounds the abode you oversee. The opening welcome message ominously warns, “Keep them fed and you should have nothing to worry about,” alluding to the perpetual unease woven throughout the gameplay.

Players embark on their culinary journey by catering to their first customers: a fanciful crow and a selective raccoon. The crow’s straightforward demands—toast and pancakes—sharply contrast with the raccoon’s more refined palate, hinted at through a camera that reveals their meal preferences. This sets the stage for the game’s central mechanic of preparing dishes customized to the distinctive dietary desires of various creatures and mythological beings.

The cooking process itself is an engaging task that necessitates a series of manual actions to gather ingredients and whip up meals. For example, creating a PB&J sandwich involves multiple interactions: fetching bread from the pantry, slicing it, and making jam from strawberries and sugar, evoking a tactile experience reminiscent of early 2000s gaming. While the oven handles the cooking, players must maneuver through an array of tasks that keep the gameplay dynamic and engaging.

What distinguishes *Creature Kitchen* is its seamless integration of horror elements into everyday kitchen tasks. The cooking guide’s dark humor regarding potential “self-defense” tactics with kitchen tools and the presence of missing person flyers on product labels enrich the narrative with layers of intrigue and suspense. The creatures themselves show subtle peculiarities that spark curiosity and discomfort, prompting players to ponder their true essence.

A memorable encounter arises when an uninvited visitor enters the home, their quiet aura saturating the atmosphere with tension. This moment illustrates the game’s horror nuances while highlighting the significance of player engagement—preparing meals for these beings becomes a method of building connection and understanding, despite their initially disconcerting exteriors.

*Creature Kitchen* draws from multiple genres, fusing low-poly visuals and repetitive cooking tasks with puzzle-solving elements reminiscent of games like *Inscryption*. This blend creates a distinctive experience where curiosity and empathy outweigh fear, urging players to interact with the characters rather than shy away from them.

Ultimately, the essence of *Creature Kitchen* resides in its diverse cast of characters and the heartfelt exchanges that evolve through the common language of food. As players advance and unveil new aspects of the home, they nurture relationships with creatures that slowly shift from initial unease to beloved friends. Whether serving pancakes, concocting pizzas, or eventually savoring ice cream, *Creature Kitchen* conveys the message that every being, no matter how peculiar, warrants care and attention.

As players explore the creepy yet comforting domain of *Creature Kitchen*, they are reminded that hospitality frequently transcends appearances, and that nurturing relationships can thrive even amidst the most surprising circumstances.

Earlier this year Nvidia announced DLSS 5, a new version of their DLSS technology: a layer of graphical magic that uses their GPUs to do improbable things to the resolution and framerate of your favourite PC games (unless your favourite PC game is Slay the Spire). Nvidia are in a strange space at the moment – now one of the most valuable companies to ever have existed, they’re also one of the drivers of the AI boom and all of the horror and chaos that comes with it. PC gamers, once their core market, are now finding it harder than ever to afford their products, as Nvidia spent most of the last decade overselling first to crypto miners, and then to AI startups. On paper, DLSS 5 is a chance for a simple PR win, a positive example of using AI to improve the performance of modern videogames. Instead, they offered an opportunity to make every game you own slightly uglier, and only if you can afford the dual-GPUs it requires to run.

DLSS 5 is fascinating not just as an extension of Nvidia’s AI-first business philosophy, and not just as a sign of the slowdown in hardware advancement, and not just because of what it says about our desire for ‘more real than real’ graphics. DLSS 5 also reflects the world we find ourselves in today, perhaps the most neatly-packed microcosm I’ve seen to date. But for those wondering, yes, you do need to have read DLSS 1-4 to understand the plot of DLSS 5, so let’s start with a quick recap.

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### Recent Advancements in Steam Features: Pricing History and Framerate Estimator

Dataminers have discovered thrilling new functionalities that Valve intends to roll out on Steam, its popular digital PC gaming platform. These offerings comprise a “Pricing History” feature that reveals the lowest price a game has fetched in the last 30 days and a framerate estimation tool that aids players in evaluating game performance on their systems.

#### Pricing History Feature

The initial feature uncovered by dataminer SigaTbh, utilizing SteamDB, pertains to price monitoring. This new code refers to “Pricing History” and “30-Day Low.” This capability seems aimed at showcasing the lowest recent price of a game, potentially assisting buyers in making educated purchasing choices. This feature is presently accessible in certain European Union regions, enacted in line with the Omnibus Directive, which demands pricing transparency.

The 30-day low price capability will enable users to determine if a game is currently offered at a significant discount or if it has been recently listed at a reduced price, hence avoiding hasty purchases at inflated rates. Images shared by SteamDB depict how this feature appears in action, providing a preview of its prospective user interface.

#### Framerate Estimation Tool

Besides price monitoring, another functionality seems to be on the horizon: a framerate estimator. This groundbreaking tool aims to furnish users with estimated FPS (frames per second) based on the experiences from other gamers with comparable hardware setups. As per reports, users will have the option to select a game and enter their PC specifications to obtain charts indicating expected performance metrics.

This feature is especially advantageous for players who might not possess extensive technical knowledge and seek assurance regarding whether a game can operate smoothly on their configuration. By utilizing community data, Valve aims to enrich the purchasing experience for users, streamlining the selection process for games that are compatible with their systems.

#### Future Integration and Implications

These prospective improvements to Steam resonate with Valve’s dedication to enhancing user experience and providing vital information prior to making purchases. As gamers increasingly gravitate towards PC gaming, such features may alleviate concerns regarding game performance and pricing, thereby drawing a wider audience to the platform.

The precise timeline for when these features will be incorporated into upcoming Steam updates remains uncertain. However, their anticipated launch is eagerly awaited by the gaming community, as enthusiasts look forward to a more transparent and user-friendly shopping experience on one of the largest digital gaming marketplaces.

Yesterday, hacker group ShinyHunters made good on their threat to release data stolen from Grand Theft Auto VI developers Rockstar Games by way of a third-party service. Rockstar don’t seem bothered by the leak, with one representative calling it “a limited amount of non-material company information”, and the alleged secret titbits now in circulation certainly aren’t on the same scale as the infamous 2022 leak of WIP footage from GTA 6. Still, there are some interesting gobbets in there. One is that Rockstar’s cashcow GTA Online makes a lot less money from microtransactions on PC, despite its steady following on services like Steam.

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The initial year of the Switch 2 in the gaming arena has not unfolded as the expected windfall of current-gen ports, particularly regarding high-profile releases like Bethesda’s widely talked-about RPG, Starfield. Nevertheless, recent updates suggest a potential shift in this scenario. A leak from the Taiwan ratings board has pointed to a possible Switch 2 adaptation of Starfield, just after the game launched on PlayStation 5. This brings forth the question: will Starfield excel on Nintendo’s platform more than it has on Sony’s?

The Taiwan Entertainment Software Rating Information Board has recently listed Starfield for the Switch 2, as highlighted by Universo Nintendo. While Bethesda has not yet verified the game’s availability on Nintendo’s newest console, the speculations correspond with Bethesda’s larger plan of adapting games across different platforms. The forthcoming release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on the Switch 2 further reinforces this trend, along with the porting of other major titles, such as Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, which is set for Switch 2 in 2026.

Bethesda’s approach to porting games can enhance their financial stability while they continue to work on the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6. Nonetheless, the staggered launch of these games could adversely influence their reception on platforms other than Xbox. Data analyst Rhys Elliott from Alinea Analytics recently revealed that Starfield sold around 140,000 copies on PlayStation 5 during its debut week—a sharp contrast to the more than 15 million players recorded across all platforms.

This performance is significantly superior to that of another game, Avowed, yet it seems trivial compared to successful ports like Forza Horizon 5. Various factors might be contributing to this underwhelming performance, such as possible disinterest from PS5 players due to the surge of blockbuster titles that were previously Xbox exclusives or perhaps players holding off until numerous technical concerns, including crashes and glitches, are addressed before engaging with the game.

Although the release date for Starfield on the Switch 2 is still pending, it is anticipated to be one among several new ports planned for the console in 2026. Recent leaks from the Indonesian ratings board imply that Diablo 4 might also be heading to the Switch 2 within the year, indicating a burgeoning library of games for Nintendo’s latest hardware. This phase of adaptation and growth could ultimately serve both gamers and developers as the Switch 2 advances in the competitive gaming environment.

Resurrect!

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