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Emma Locke

Emma champions the indie scene and the PC gaming community that keeps it thriving. From hidden gems on Steam to breakout hits from two-person studios, Emma finds the stories that mainstream outlets miss. Passionate about the creative freedom that independent development offers and the communities that rally around it. Currently has 347 games wishlisted on Steam.

The Red Cathedral Offers Free Play on Steam for Limited Time

Independent developer and publisher Devir has made an exciting announcement for fans of tabletop adaptations. The digital version of the award-winning board game, The Red Cathedral, will be free to play on Steam for a limited 12-day period, beginning August 25 and running until September 6. As first reported by GamesPress, this initiative aims to give players a taste of the game’s unique blend of strategy and cooperative gameplay.

Rising Windows Licensing Fees Hit PC Prices Harder as Manufacturers React

PC manufacturers are bracing for a wave of price increases as Microsoft raises its OEM licensing fees by 7-10 percent. This change is expected to push the prices of Windows-based systems up by an additional 5 percent this quarter. As first reported by Wccftech, this adjustment comes at a time when consumers are already feeling the pinch from ongoing component shortages that have plagued the market.

TSMC Secures Land for Groundbreaking 1.4nm Fabrication Plants Amid Landowner Concerns

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has recently secured the necessary land to develop two cutting-edge 1.4nm fabrication plants and an advanced packaging facility. This significant milestone follows a series of protests from local landowners, who initially expressed concerns about the opportunity costs associated with the land use. As first reported by Wccftech, TSMC’s plans faced delays, but local sentiment has shifted, allowing the semiconductor giant to move forward.

AMD Launches Ryzen 7 449 and Ryzen 5 439 APUs, Skipping NPU for Affordable Computing

AMD has just unveiled its latest mainstream APUs, the Ryzen 7 449 and Ryzen 5 439. One of the standout features of these new processors is their omission of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which has become commonplace in modern chips aimed at enhancing AI capabilities. By steering clear of NPU integration, AMD has positioned these APUs as an attractive option for everyday users who may not necessarily need the added complexities that come with dedicated AI hardware, as first reported by Wccftech.

Sam Barlow Shares His Indie Game Inspirations With Steam Library Tour

Sam Barlow, the acclaimed creator behind the groundbreaking narrative game Her Story, recently opened the doors to his Steam library, revealing a curated selection of indie titles that resonate with his design philosophy. As first reported by PC Gamer, Barlow’s unique taste emphasizes minimalism and elegance, highlighting the indie landscape’s creativity.

New Survival Game Takes Players Back to 10,000 B.C. with “Echoes of Existence”

In a refreshing turn of events for the indie gaming scene, a new survival game titled “Survive 10,000 B.C. - Echoes of Existence” is making waves as its solo developer shares their journey from a corporate job to the world of game development. After being laid off from a stable position in April, the developer decided to channel their creativity into crafting a game they personally would love to play, aiming for a release in 2027.

Score Big Savings on the Beloved Indie Gem ReStory: Chill Electronics Repair

ReStory: Chill Electronics Repair has captured the hearts of players and now offers a tempting deal that’s hard to resist. This cozy indie game is currently available at its lowest price yet, making it an ideal pick for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing yet engaging gaming experience. As first reported by GameSpot, the title boasts a remarkable 97% rating on Steam, a testament to its charm and the joy it brings to players.

Deltarune's New Track "The Third Sanctuary" Pushes Musical Boundaries and Captivates Fans

In a delightful twist that blends innovation with nostalgia, Toby Fox’s latest track “The Third Sanctuary” from the beloved indie game Deltarune is capturing the attention of players and music lovers alike. The track, which is part of the game’s ongoing episodic saga, pushes the boundaries of musical composition while resonating deeply with fans who have followed Fox’s work since the original Undertale.

Dominus Automa Kicks Off Multiplayer Playtest, Embraces Busy Gamers

On August 7th, Warsaw-based indie developer Starry Night Studios announced the launch of a multiplayer playtest for their upcoming title, Dominus Automa. This idle open-world RPG is tailored specifically for busy adults who still yearn for immersive gaming experiences but may not have the luxury of dedicating long hours to their favorite pastime. As first reported by GamesPress, the playtest is now live on Steam, inviting players to explore the game’s unique mechanics and community features.

Steam Grants Refund to Battlefield 6 Player After Rush Mode Removal

In a surprising turn of events, a dedicated Battlefield 6 player was granted a full refund for their game after logging an impressive 470 hours of gameplay. The refund comes in the wake of EA’s quiet decision to remove the beloved Rush mode from the Quickplay feature, a change that many players had not anticipated. This incident raises questions about player expectations and developer responsibilities in the gaming landscape.

Intel’s Diamond Rapids “Xeon 7” Set to Compete in 256-Core Race Against AMD’s EPYC Venice

Intel is stepping up its game in the data center CPU arena with the forthcoming Diamond Rapids “Xeon 7,” which is designed to feature up to 256 performance cores. This latest offering is part of a strategic push to compete directly with AMD’s EPYC Venice line, which caters to the growing demand for high-core-count processors. As first reported by Wccftech, the launch of these new chips is scheduled for 2027, indicating a significant wait ahead for tech enthusiasts and data center operators alike.

Embrace the Eurojank: Why ‘The Age of Decadence’ is the Game of Thrones CRPG You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’ve been longing for a CRPG that captures the intricate politics, moral ambiguity, and grit of George R. R. Martin’s universe, you might want to shift your expectations. Instead of waiting for a polished AAA title that embodies the essence of Game of Thrones, consider exploring the indie gem, The Age of Decadence. As first reported by PC Gamer, this title offers a unique experience that might just scratch that itch for complex storytelling and tactical gameplay.

Worms: The Director's Cut Celebrates 30 Years with a Free Expansion

Team 17 has just brought a wave of nostalgia to fans of the beloved Worms series with a free expansion for Worms: The Director’s Cut, coinciding with its 30th anniversary. As first reported by PC Gamer, this update not only celebrates the rich legacy of the franchise but also introduces fresh content that invites both veterans and newcomers to join the fun.

New Indie Parkour Game from Acclaimed Developer Launches Soon

Excitement is building for the upcoming release of “Momentum,” an indie parkour game crafted by one of the French developers behind the highly anticipated FPS title launching in 2024. Scheduled to hit the digital shelves in just two weeks, this game promises a fresh take on traversal mechanics that could captivate both parkour enthusiasts and gamers looking for something unique.

Gigabyte's X870 AORUS Infinity: A New Player in Overclocking for Ryzen CPUs

After four years since the debut of the AMD AM5 motherboard platform and the introduction of the 600-series motherboards, a fresh contender has entered the ring. Gigabyte has unveiled its X870 AORUS Infinity motherboard, designed to elevate overclocking performance for Ryzen CPU enthusiasts. As first reported by Wccftech, this new offering integrates the latest technological advancements, specifically aiming to support AMD’s upcoming lineup of processors.

Taiwanese Retailer Forces RTX 5090 Purchasers into Pricey Bundle Deal

A curious trend is unfolding in the world of high-end graphics cards, with a Taiwanese retailer setting a controversial precedent for the sale of NVIDIA’s RTX 5090. As first reported by Wccftech, this retailer is requiring customers to purchase the RTX 5090 only as part of an extravagant bundle priced at a staggering $7,481. This package includes not just the graphics card itself but also a whopping eight motherboards, alongside other components such as AMD GPUs, CPUs, and power supplies.

Rare Early Footage of Demon's Souls Prototype Discovered

In an intriguing find for fans of the genre, a prototype version of the beloved classic Demon’s Souls has been uncovered, showcasing a first-person camera mode that never made it to the final release. This revelation was first reported by PC Gamer, highlighting how a dedicated fan has managed to unearth footage from the earliest stages of the game’s development.

GTA 6's Netflix Collaboration Sparks Debate on Piracy and Advertising Ethics

The recent partnership between Rockstar Games and Netflix to promote the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI has stirred a lively conversation about the ethics of advertising and piracy in the gaming world. As first reported by PC Gamer, this collaboration has left fans pondering whether advertising itself can be subject to piracy, opening a Pandora’s box of questions about ownership and consumer rights.

Introducing Overwatch's New Mech Hero: A Sword-and-Board Successor to D.Va

Blizzard Entertainment has unveiled a new mech hero for Overwatch, and this one brings a fresh twist to the game’s dynamic roster. As first reported by PC Gamer, the hero stands out as a sword-and-board counterpart to the beloved character D.Va, shifting the focus from purely defensive capabilities to a more strategic combat style.

NVIDIA CMP 170HX GPUs Experience Price Surge After VRAM Unlocking Tool Emerges

NVIDIA’s CMP 170HX graphics cards have seen a significant surge in market prices, skyrocketing from around $100 to over $1,000 overnight, following the release of a new tool that unlocks hidden memory capabilities. As first reported by Wccftech, this tool enables users to access up to 80 GB of VRAM, transforming these GPUs into highly sought-after solutions for artificial intelligence applications.

Tower Tactics 2 Set for Early Access Launch in 2026

Indie developer asraworks, in partnership with publisher Assemble Entertainment, has announced the upcoming release of Tower Tactics 2. This sequel to the beloved deckbuilding tower defense roguelike is set to hit Steam Early Access in the third quarter of 2026. As first reported by GamesPress, fans of the original are already buzzing about what the new installment might bring.

EverRail Offers Free DLC and Exclusive Skins to Celebrate Early Access Success

Independent developer Aesir Interactive has hit a significant milestone with its newly launched game, EverRail, and is celebrating by rewarding both current players and newcomers with exciting bonus content. As first reported by GamesPress, the game has already surpassed 180,000 wishlists on Steam since its Early Access debut just two weeks ago.

Samsung Unveils Innovative Memory Technologies for Future AI Demands

At the recently held FMS 2026, Samsung unveiled groundbreaking memory and storage technologies poised to enhance the future of artificial intelligence and computing. Among the key highlights were the V10 BV-NAND, zHBM, and zNAND-O, which promise to address the escalating demands of AI-driven applications. As first reported by Wccftech, these innovations represent a significant leap in memory architecture.

Pale Coins Launches Major Update, Enhancing Customization and Build Variety for Players

Pale Coins, the vibrant hand-pixeled soulslike action RPG from indie developer Mottol, has rolled out its most significant update yet, version 1.1.4. Released on August 5, 2026, this free update is packed with features designed to deepen player engagement and customization. As first reported by GamesPress, the latest enhancements include armor transmog, account-wide blueprints, and a revamped tutorial area.

Cloudbreaker Soars to Launch on September 15, Promising Strategic Roguelite Action

The Canadian indie scene is set to welcome a new challenger to the roguelite genre with the upcoming release of Cloudbreaker, developed by the dedicated duo at Ballast Games. Set to launch on September 15, this strategic bullet heaven is primed to captivate players with its unique blend of inventory management and fast-paced action, as first reported by GamesPress.

Big Discounts Await During Steam's Cyberpunk Fest for High-Tech Game Lovers

The annual Steam Cyberpunk Fest has kicked off, bringing steep discounts on a variety of games set in vivid, neon-lit futures. This event, perfect for fans of the cyberpunk genre, features an impressive lineup of titles that dive deep into high-tech narratives and complex characters. As first reported by PC Gamer, the sale runs through October 30, making it a prime opportunity for gamers to snag some beloved titles at bargain prices.

August: A Quiet Interlude Before a Wave of New Game Releases

August has arrived, bringing a lull in game releases that many in the industry recognize as a moment of calm before the bustling fall season. As first reported by PC Gamer, this month typically serves as a transitional period when developers and publishers prepare for the more active months ahead, making it a fascinating time to reflect on upcoming titles.

Paradise Lost Studios Unveils A Sector Darkly, A New 2D Space Exploration RPG for PC

Paradise Lost Studios has officially announced its upcoming title, A Sector Darkly, a thrilling open-world 2D space exploration RPG set to launch on Windows PC via Steam Early Access in the fourth quarter of 2026. As first reported by GamesPress, the game draws inspiration from beloved space adventure classics like Starflight 2, EV Nova, Star Control, and Distant Worlds, aiming to create a captivating experience for fans of the genre.

Capcom Reveals Allure of Onimusha: Way of the Sword's Villain

In a recent conversation about the upcoming Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Capcom has provided intriguing insights into the game’s antagonist. The development team highlighted that the villain embodies a distinct “edge of eroticism,” making him particularly captivating as he moves throughout the game. This revelation adds an unexpected layer to the experience of navigating the game’s dark, mythical landscape.

Neon Inferno Lights Up Steam’s Cyberpunk Fest with Unprecedented Discounts

In a thrilling announcement, Neon Inferno, the beloved run-and-gun title from New York’s indie studio Zenovia Interactive, is joining Steam’s Cyberpunk Fest with its largest discount ever. As first reported by GamesPress, this promotion provides an incredible opportunity for gamers to immerse themselves in the vibrant and chaotic world of this dystopian version of New York City.

Can Valve's Hardware Weather the Current Memory Crisis?

As first reported by PC Gamer, Valve’s hardware ambitions are under scrutiny as the ongoing memory crisis casts a shadow over the gaming landscape. The Steam Deck, once hailed as a revolutionary handheld for PC gaming, is facing increasing pressure as developers grapple with rising costs and dwindling availability of crucial components.

Apple’s Upgrade Program Aims to Make New Devices Accessible for Just a Dollar a Day

Apple has introduced an innovative device leasing program called Apple Upgrade, which allows customers to use a new iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac for approximately one dollar a day. This initiative is aimed at easing the financial burden on consumers who might hesitate to spend over $1,000 outright for a new device, especially in light of rising memory costs, often referred to as ‘chipflation.’ As first reported by Wccftech, this program is shifting the focus from the steep upfront costs to a more manageable daily payment structure.