Ars Technica Gaming

1. Sony demands PSN accounts for Helldivers 2 PC players, and it’s not going well

   A surprise hit, a network with brutal baggage, and the Steam profit paradox.

2. Mini Settlers is a city builder that you can both enjoy and actually put down

   No zoning, no pollution, no advisers—just squares, circles, people, and time.

3. One and done: Elden Ring’s first DLC expansion will also be its last

   But the studio is "leaving some possibilities" for a sequel that continues the story.

4. GeForce Now has made Steam Deck streaming much easier than it used to be

   Ask someone who previously did it the DIY way.

5. Hades II’s new combat options enhance an already great game

   New magic system shines in the game's early "Technical Test" period.

6. Dave & Buster’s is adding real money betting options to arcade staples

   "Gamification layer" platform promises to streamline your friendly Skee-Ball wagers.

7. The iPhone’s next AAA game, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, gets a release date

   The game launched on consoles and PC months ago.

8. Behind the wheel of CXC’s $600,000 off-road racing simulator

   CXC Simulations wanted to build something special for a cruise liner.

9. Report suggests Switch 2 can play all original Switch games

   New Joy-con buttons, 1080p screen also feature in MobaPad's "first-hand information."

10. There’s never been a better time to get into Fallout 76

    Fallout 76 is good now. Actually, it’s always been good.

11. Putting Microsoft’s cratering Xbox console sales in context

    Why declining quarterly numbers might not be awful news for Microsoft's gaming business.

12. Switch 2 reportedly replaces slide-in Joy-Cons with magnetic attachment

    Design choice may have implications for current Joy-Con compatibility.

13. Can an online library of classic video games ever be legal?

    Preservationists propose access limits, but industry worries about a free "online arcade."

14. Garry’s Mod is taking down 20 years’ worth of “Nintendo Stuff”

    Creator: "They don't want you playing with that stuff... we have to respect that."

15. No more refunds after 100 hours: Steam closes Early Access playtime loophole

    It's largely a win against scammers, but a simple policy doesn't fit all games.

16. Elite: Dangerous’s real-money ship sales spark “pay-to-win” outrage

    In 2019, dev promised purchases would "only be used to buy cosmetic Game Extras."

17. You can now disable some of Fortnite’s most toxic emotes

    Epic: "We want emotes to be a source of good vibes..."

18. Why a GameCube/Wii emulator may not be possible on the iOS App Store

    DolphiniOS dev says barring just-in-time compilation prevents playable performance.

19. War never changes: A Fallout fan’s spoiler-laden review of the new TV series

    The show preserved the themes, archetypes, chronology, and more for the games.

20. Cities: Skylines 2 team apologizes, makes DLC free and promises a fan summit

    A "complete focus on improving the base game" will happen before more paid DLC.