Valve introduces Steam Achievement Sets in beta, offering a more organized approach to tracking game progress and rewards.
The most significant move in PC gaming news this week comes from Valve’s latest feature in beta for the Steam platform, which is aimed at aiding completionists in organizing their gaming achievements. As reported by Rock Paper Shotgun, Steam Achievement Sets will now allow developers to categorize achievements into distinct groups such as DLC and seasonal content. This could greatly benefit players striving for 100% completion of games with sprawling and evolving achievement lists, offering a clearer and more structured overview of what they have completed and what remains to be achieved.
Tim Sweeney Reflects on Gaming History
The industry’s retrospection took center stage when Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney revisited his comments from 26 years ago regarding the closure of Looking Glass Studios. According to PC Gamer, Sweeney reflected on the precarious balance between creative innovation and financial viability that marks the gaming industry. The discussion brought renewed attention to Looking Glass Studios’ legacy in shaping immersive sims, despite their business challenges.
Mods and Developer Updates
In other news, modders continue to breathe new life into classic games. A mod for ‘Deus Ex’ aims to transform the experience by incorporating a third-person perspective and action elements reminiscent of ‘Max Payne’, as detailed by PC Gamer. Although this may seem unconventional for a game known for its immersive first-person gameplay, the mod illustrates the ongoing community engagement with iconic titles.
Development challenges have also been at the forefront, with Firaxis’ ‘Civilization 7’ undergoing significant updates that were not anticipated during its initial development phase. As PC Gamer reports, the game’s creative director found it personally challenging to reinstate a single-civilization mode after initially moving towards multiple civilization transitions. This reversal showcases the trials developers face in balancing original vision with community feedback and franchise traditions.
Community Concerns and Rumors
The MMO and live service landscape continues to face its share of trials, with Bulkhead admitting to the missteps in ‘Wardogs’ Season 2 rollout. PCGamesN highlights how rapid updates and content releases sometimes undermine fundamental game stability, prompting a more cautious approach moving forward.
Meanwhile, rumors swirl around an allegedly canceled ‘Assassin’s Creed’ game set in Qin Dynasty China. According to Rock Paper Shotgun, leaked footage points to a distinct project from Ubisoft aimed at PC and consoles, sparking discussions about what might have been if the project had reached fruition.
