Revolutionize Your Game Update Experience with Steam's New Settings
Understanding the Need for Enhanced Control
In regards to game updates, Valve emphasizes the importance of finding a balance. The automatic settings typically prioritize updates for recently played games and bundle those for less-played games for later download. This works well in most cases, but some users, especially those with metered connections or bandwidth caps, may want more control. For instance, imagine having a 200GB game like God of War: Ragnarok sitting on your PC, being updated for months while you keep playing other games. You might want updates for the latter to be downloaded instantly, but not for the former until you're ready to play again.This new section added to the "Downloads" tab in the Steam client offers two main options. You can set the default to "let Steam decide when to update the game (based on factors like when you last played the game, bandwidth availability, etc.)" or wait to update until the game is launched. Additionally, you can set specific game overrides by selecting "Game Properties" on titles in your library, and these overrides will be visible in the "Downloads" section under "Manage Exceptions."
The significance of these settings becomes evident when considering the storage requirements of modern games. Take Stalker 2, which requires about 154GB of storage and has had multiple large patches since release. Some games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Black Myth: Wukong, and Horizon games all consume over 100GB. Even games like Ark: Survival Evolved, with a base install size of around 130GB, can expand to 300GB+ with expansions and DLC.
The Impact on Different Users
Users with fast and unmetered connections like myself are in a fortunate position. However, the use case for those with limited resources is undeniable. It allows them to manage their bandwidth more efficiently and only update games when they truly need to. For example, a casual gamer who plays a particular game once a week might not want to constantly download updates. With these new settings, they can have more control and only update when they are ready to play.On the other hand, a dedicated gamer who plays the same game every night will appreciate the option to have updates downloaded as soon as they are available. This ensures that they are always playing the latest version of the game without any delays.
Valve's Approach and Future Plans
Valve signs off with a touch of humility, highlighting their "robust set of existing download options" and expressing their willingness to hear from users about additional settings they'd like to see. While there is no set timeline for when these beta features will be rolled out to non-beta users, it's clear that Steam is committed to providing the best possible experience for its users.The company's focus on balancing user needs with efficient use of resources is evident in these new settings. As game file sizes continue to grow, having more control over updates becomes increasingly important. Steam's efforts in this area are a step in the right direction, ensuring that users can enjoy their games without being overwhelmed by large download sizes.
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.Uniting Cinema and Gaming in a Unique Narrative
First-Person Cinema vs. Gaming
Nickel Boys stands out with its almost exclusive use of first-person point-of-view shots. While not the first to attempt this style, it is rare in sustained film narratives. Comparisons can be drawn to Robert Montgomery's 1947 film noir Lady in the Lake and various other examples in different mediums. But in gaming, this perspective has been commonplace since the early days.Video game developers have been placing virtual cameras in 3D spaces since 1992 with Wolfenstein 3D. Even before that, they faked it in role-playing games. Players have always wanted to see through their characters' eyes. However, the purpose in Nickel Boys is not about immersion in action but generating empathy and challenging identity notions.
There are many examples in gaming where first-person is combined with different elements to create unique psychological realities. Games like The Chinese Room's Dear Esther, Fullbright's Gone Home, Campo Santo's Firewatch, and Giant Sparrow's What Remains of Edith Finch explore family histories and personal tragedies.
Editing and Perspective Shifts
The film's editing is a powerful aspect. It plays the two protagonists' perspectives against each other, splicing and lining them up for stunning moments of convergence. This is a technique rarely seen in video games, although there are some good examples like Brendon Chung's Thirty Flights of Loving.Occasionally, Ross breaks out of first person to take a third-person view, tightly framed behind a character's shoulders, creating a destabilizing effect. Shots like the poster shot of the two boys looking up into a ceiling mirror together are both artistically and emotionally captivating.
Comparing Cinematic and Gaming Narratives
There is a level of sophistication and playfulness in how Ross sets up the movie's first-person form and breaks it that is not often seen in games. But the subjective, enveloping storytelling that Nickel Boys taps into is familiar to most gamers.For those currently captivated by the film, dipping into some gaming's first-person greats would be a worthwhile experience. Nickel Boys opens in limited release on Dec. 13 and expands to wide release on Jan. 3, 2025.
Uncover Epic Holiday Surprises with Free Games
Discovering the Free Games
Epic has yet to reveal exactly which games will be on offer during this holiday sale. However, in previous years, they have treated gamers to some truly amazing titles. For instance, Destiny 2: Legacy Collection and Control were among the big games given away. So, there's a good chance that this year too, Epic has some wonderful holiday surprises up its sleeve. It's an exciting time for gamers as they wait to see what free gems will be added to their collections.
The anticipation builds as gamers eagerly await the announcement of the free games. It's a moment of excitement and possibility, knowing that they might get their hands on a game they've been longing for at no cost. Epic's track record of providing quality free games makes this sale even more enticing.
Paid Deals and Rewards
Alongside the free games, there are some excellent paid deals to sift through. Games like 35 percent off Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Star Wars: Outlaws offer great value for money. During the holiday sale, Epic is also going the extra mile by giving users 10 percent back on their purchases as part of the Epic Rewards program. This is a significant boost from the usual 5 percent, adding even more value to the shopping experience.
The combination of discounted paid games and the bonus rewards makes this holiday sale a must-visit for gamers. It's an opportunity to not only expand their game libraries with free games but also to make some great purchases at discounted prices.
Time to Claim and Enjoy
The sale will end at 11AM ET on January 9th, 2025. This means that gamers have a limited time to claim the free games and take advantage of the paid deals. It's important to keep an eye on the store and act quickly to ensure you don't miss out on any of the amazing offers.
As the countdown to the end of the sale begins, gamers are gearing up to make the most of this festive shopping event. Whether it's through claiming free games or scoring great deals on paid titles, it's a time to indulge in the world of gaming and have some fun.