EA could merge with Savvy Games, GOG revives Nox, and Steam updates its Big Picture Mode.
This week, the PC gaming landscape is rich with nostalgia and megacorporate maneuvers. Key topics include a potential mega-merger involving EA, updates on classic and new games, and enhancements to popular platforms.
EA’s Possible Merger with Savvy Games
In a significant potential shake-up in the industry, EA’s new Saudi Arabian owners are reportedly contemplating merging the publisher with Savvy Games Group. According to Rock Paper Shotgun, this merger would form an “ubermegacorp” unifying Saudi wealth fund’s gaming interests under a single umbrella. Given EA’s longstanding influence in the gaming sector, such a move could have widespread ramifications, further consolidating control of AAA gaming within larger investment frameworks. With the Saudi government’s Public Investment Fund having recently acquired EA for a notable $55 billion, this development reinforces the increasing participation of sovereign wealth funds in the gaming domain.
Classic Games See New Life
The retro gaming bubble continues to expand as GOG adds the classic Westwood/EA game Nox to its Preservation Program. GamingOnLinux reports that the title, known for its quirky magic and combat, will benefit from new fixes that make it more accessible to modern players. This move is part of GOG’s strategy to keep classic titles alive and well-played on modern machines.
Additionally, nostalgia blends with innovation through the release of Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse. As Rock Paper Shotgun details, the developer behind Dead Cells has successfully helmed this project, breathing new life into the Castlevania series with contemporary design sensibilities.
Steam Enhancements
Valve continues to refine user experience with their latest Steam beta update, reported by Rock Paper Shotgun. This update includes a reworked Big Picture mode, which aims to improve navigation and aesthetics for Steam Machines and the Steam Deck, with elements like new screensavers enriching the interface. These updates are part of ongoing efforts to maintain Steam’s position as the premier digital distribution platform by enhancing functionality and user interface options.
Orc Incremental Enters the Scene
A new game, Orc Incremental, is reviewed by GamingOnLinux. This incremental auto-battler draws inspiration from classic Warcraft themes, setting up battles between orcs and humans in a genre-blending title. The game aims to innovate within its genre, leveraging familiar narrative and gameplay elements to attract fans of older RTS and RPG classics.
Blood of Dawnwalker Mods and Co-op
On the modding front, Rebel Wolves’ vampire RPG, The Blood of Dawnwalker, is already seeing community-driven changes. PCGamesN reports that modders have quickly removed the game’s 30-day time limit, altering its core mechanics significantly. Meanwhile, another mod now enables split-screen co-op play, as covered here, expanding the ways players can experience its richly crafted world with friends.
Altogether, this week in PC gaming showcases an intriguing blend of corporate dynamics, nostalgic revivals, and innovative community contributions, underscoring the ever-evolving nature of the industry.
