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Steam has just rolled out some fantastic new features that make gifting games, hardware, and gift cards a breeze! Whether you're looking to surprise a friend or simply share your favourite titles, these updates are sure to enhance your experience on the platform.

One of the standout features is the guest checkout option. Previously, this was limited to hardware and gift cards, but now you can purchase games without needing a Steam account. This means if you want to buy a game from a friend's wishlist, you can do so easily. If you're aiming for a surprise, all you need is the recipient's email address. The recipient will receive an email with all the necessary details to log into their account and redeem the gift. Just remember, their account must be in the same country as the purchase, and they need to redeem it within 30 days to avoid automatic refunds.

Another exciting addition is the ability to gift games directly across regions. Steam will handle the calculations for you, so you won't have to figure out how many gift cards you need to cover the price of a game. However, keep in mind that the recipient must be on your friends list for this feature to work.

Additionally, Steam has expanded its wishlist functionality. You no longer need to be friends with someone to gift them a game from their wishlist. Plus, you can create specific, filtered wishlists to share with family and friends, making it easier for them to know exactly what you want. When someone sends you a gift, your details will be auto-filled in the checkout cart, streamlining the process even further.

Guest checkout
In 2024, we added guest checkout, which lets a family member or friend make a gift purchase without needing to create a Steam account. This feature was limited to digital gift cards and hardware purchases at the time.

Now guest checkout can be used to buy any game on Steam.

You can send a wishlist share link to a friend or family member, and they can purchase gifts directly from that list without needing a Steam account themselves. If a guest wants to send a gift as a surprise, they can send it to any email address instead.

Gift to email
Don't know your nephew's Steam account? No problem, both digital gift cards and games can now be sent directly to email recipients. And don't worry if your nephew's email address is the same one they use for their Steam account. The email will include a link to let them sign in to their account and accept the gift.

Please note that any gift email not accepted within 30 days will be automatically refunded, so they cannot be scheduled for future delivery. The recipient of the gift must also live in the same country as the purchaser.



Cross-region gifting
Buying a gift for a friend in a higher-priced region? In the past, digital gift cards were the gifting solution, but that required you to know the full price of the game in your friend's region.

Now you can gift games directly to your friend. Steam will calculate the cost in your friend's region at checkout. Your friend needs to be on your Steam friends list to send this type of gift.
Direct from wishlist
Sending a friend or family member a link to your wishlist is a great way to help them choose a great gift for your birthday or holiday. We have made several share link improvements, including:

• You can now send a digital gift card or gift a game directly from someone's wishlist
• You no longer need to be friends on Steam to send gifts
• You can create a shared wishlist link that is filtered to specific games
• When a friend or family member clicks on your shared wishlist link, if they choose to gift you a game, the gift recipient in the cart will be pre-populated with your information.
• And remember from above, your friend or family member can checkout as a guest, without needing to create a Steam account

Overall, these new features promise to make gifting on Steam more seamless and enjoyable. It's interesting to see these changes come at a time when discussions about game ownership are becoming more prevalent, but that's a topic for another day!

Control: Ultimate Edition, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Dragon Age Inquisition (PC) and more FREE via Amazon Prime Gaming

From November 1st you will be able to claim and keep Control: Ultimate Edition, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Dragon Age Inquisition (PC) and more via Amazon Prime Gaming.

Once claimed, these games will be yours to keep forever - regardless of your Amazon Prime membership status. Offer will expire on November 30th.




Prime Gaming is offering 9 new titles for members starting November 1:

Control Ultimate Edition – Developed by Remedy Entertainment, the main game and previously released expansions, including "The Foundation" and "Awe" are available in one great value package.

Rise of the Tomb Raider – Embark on an adventure into Siberia as Lara Croft in search for the legendary city of Kitezh while battling the paramilitary organization Trinity, which intends to uncover the city's promise of immortality.

Dragon Age Inquisition – Players can become the hero as they are tasked with making important decisions that shape the future of Thedas. With constant wars and demonic invasions, champions must band together to lead the land of strife to victory… or fall.

Rogue Heroes – Team up with friends to combat procedural dungeons and explore the expansive overworld full of secrets to take down the Titans and save the once peaceful land of Tasos in this 1-4 player classic adventure game with modern rogue-lite elements.

Liberated – Ignite the revolution as players lock, load, and get ready for a new kind of action adventure! Uncover a cyberpunk conspiracy against human rights in the rain-soaked city inside a paperback comic.

Puzzle Agent 2 – In this sequel to the award-winning Puzzle Agent, Agent Nelson Tethers just solved the biggest case of his career. Worried that the case will languish forever unsolved, Tethers ventures back to the eerie town of Scoggins, MN to solve the mystery of "the Hidden People" once and for all.

Demon Hunter 2: New Chapter – In the sequel to Demon Hunter: Chronicles from Beyond, Dawn challenges players to face puzzles and mini games which reveal secrets that threaten to shake the core of her very existence.

BAFL – Brakes Are For Losers – Challenge friends, pick a funky car and outrun competitors with fierce driving skills and dirty tricks in the game that emanates pure arcade fun.

Secret Files: Sam Peters – Discover the truth about the Asanbosam, a mysterious creature that lurks behind the trees in Bosumtwi, a mysterious crater lake in Africa. Join journalist Sam Peters as she searches for answers behind the legends of the Ashanti people in Ghana.

The fluctuating prices of RAM are creating complications for accurate pricing predictions of the upcoming Steam Machine. As we approach its 2026 launch, enthusiasts are engaging in speculative exercises to guess its cost. However, the current state of RAM pricing has become erratic, primarily due to an industry-wide shortage exacerbated by the demands of AI data centres.

As highlighted in a recent article, the cost of RAM has surged dramatically, with some crucial components seeing price increases of over 100% in a matter of weeks. For instance, a standard 32GB Crucial DDR5 kit jumped from £88 to £206, while certain configurations now exceed the price of high-end graphics cards. This situation puts hardware manufacturers in a precarious position; those without stockpiled RAM may struggle to produce competitively priced machines.

Valve's decision to remain tight-lipped about the Steam Machine's pricing likely stems from the unpredictability of component costs. The company may have to choose between absorbing higher costs or passing them on to consumers, which could deter potential buyers.

Ultimately, while discussions about the specs and performance of the Steam Machine continue, the volatility of RAM pricing adds an undeniable layer of uncertainty. It serves as a reminder of how external factors, like the growing AI industry, can ripple through the tech landscape and influence consumer products.

Key Points:

• RAM prices have skyrocketed due to AI demand, complicating pricing predictions for the Steam Machine.
• Hardware manufacturers may face challenges in maintaining production costs without stockpiled components.
• Valve's silence on pricing may be influenced by the unpredictability of component costs.
• The situation illustrates the broader impact of industry trends on consumer technology.

Read more about the Steam Machine in our discussion thread

Valve has announced a significant price hike for its Steam Deck OLED models. The increase, which amounts to nearly £200 in the UK and over 40% in various other regions, is attributed to "rising memory and storage costs."

For many fans of portable gaming, this news might come as a disappointment, especially considering the anticipation surrounding the Steam Deck since its launch. The price adjustment reflects the ongoing challenges faced by manufacturers in managing production costs. With the demand for high-quality gaming hardware on the rise, factors such as component shortages and increased material costs have inevitably impacted pricing.

While Valve has been a leader in the gaming industry with its innovative products, this change raises questions about accessibility for gamers who are looking to invest in the Steam Deck. The price increase could influence potential buyers, prompting them to reconsider their options or wait for future sales.

Here are some key points to consider regarding this price adjustment:

• Reason for Increase: Valve cites rising memory and storage costs.
• Impact on Prices: UK prices will rise by nearly £200, with global increases exceeding 40%.
• Community Reaction: The announcement has prompted discussions among gamers about the affordability of high-end gaming devices.
• Future Implications: This price change may alter the purchasing decisions of potential Steam Deck buyers.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, consumers need to stay informed about these developments. It's always a bummer when prices increase, especially for a product that has garnered so much love and attention. The Steam Deck OLED continues to be a game-changer in portable gaming, and while the new prices may deter some, it's essential to weigh the value it provides against the cost.

For those of you who are still thinking about getting a Steam Deck, what are your thoughts on the price increase?

Ubisoft has just launched The Division Resurgence on PC as part of its Early Access phase!



Ubisoft has also shared the game's official PC requirements. PC gamers will at least need an Intel i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3400G with 8GB of RAM and an Intel UHD 630 Integrated GPU or an AMD Vega 11 Integrated GPU. With this PC setup, you will be able to run the game at 1080p/Low Settings with 30FPS.

For gaming at 1080p/High with 60FPS, you will need an Intel i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 5500 with 8GB of RAM and an Nvidia GTX 1650, an AMD RX 5500, or an Intel ARC A380.

For gaming at 2K/High with 60FPS, you will need an Intel i5-10400 or an AMD Ryzen 5 5500 with 8GB of RAM and an Nvidia GTX 1660, an AMD RX 5500 XT, or an Intel ARC A580.

Finally, for 4K/Very High with 60FPS, you will need an Intel i7-8700K or an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 with 8GB of RAM and an Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti, an AMD RX 5600 XT, or an Intel ARC A750.

If you're interested in jumping in, be sure to check the system requirements to ensure your PC can handle this new adventure. This could be a great opportunity for both seasoned players and newcomers to immerse themselves in the Division universe.

It looks like Valve has finally put an end to the speculation surrounding the Steam Controller! They've confirmed that the new version will launch on Monday, and the price is set at £84.99. This will be welcomed by gamers who have been eagerly waiting for an upgrade to this unique controller.



However, it's worth noting that the much-anticipated Steam Machine and Steam Frame seem to be stuck in limbo due to ongoing RAM shortages. It's a bit of a shame that the other hardware launches have been delayed, but it's great to see Valve pushing ahead with the Steam Controller refresh.

What to Expect from the Steam Controller
The revamped controller is expected to come with some improvements over its predecessor. Here are a few key features to look out for:

• Enhanced build quality for better durability
• Improved haptic feedback for a more immersive gaming experience
• Customisable buttons to suit different gaming styles

The decision to release the Steam Controller independently suggests that Valve is keen to keep the momentum going, even if the rest of the hardware lineup is delayed.

The return of the Steam Controller is sure to spark discussions among gamers who have been eager for its comeback. With fresh features and an updated design, it aims to cater to the evolving needs of gamers everywhere.

For those who might have missed the initial announcement six months ago, Valve's plans for hardware have always been ambitious, and it's great to see them find a way to bring this controller to market despite the hurdles.

As Valve designer Lawrence Yang explained last week, the fact the new Steam Controller contains neither RAM nor storage meant it's escaped the problems facing the company's other hardware. "And so we're announcing and shipping it now because this is when it's ready," he noted. "We didn't artificially hold it back for whatever reason. This is just how long it's taken to get everything ready from a hardware, firmware, software standpoint, as well as building up enough launch quantity and getting it to all of the warehouses around the world so that we can have a good launch quantity on ship day."

Valve's Steam Controller revival has been in development since the launch of Steam Deck OLED and was, according to Valve engineer Jeremy Slocum, borne from the team's earlier handheld work. "As we were developing the Steam Deck, a lot of the prototypes we built were very much controller like, but in a handheld form factor, that's the way we dialed in the ergonomics... And even then, we had inklings [that these] set of inputs and this kind of layout could actually make a pretty good controller design. [The controller] was always in our mind, even as we were developing the Steam Deck."

And as Steam Deck found its footing, the team "saw that people would dock [the device] and then, if they wanted to play from their couch, those inputs and those configurations that they created for their Steam deck just didn't translate" to any other controller. "It was kind of a hole in the experience that we felt like we wanted to provide", explains Slocum.

What do you all think about the Steam Controller's return?

Been playing it since before Christmas, It's good. But the server lag and net code sucks. I've been getting some deaths that are nothing short of frustrating. But the idea for the game is awesome and I really enjoy it

Check out our streaming section for live action

The recent announcement from Liquid Swords regarding the roadmap for their game, Samson, has garnered attention, especially following the previous update that addressed numerous bugs and crashes. The team has scheduled two more patches for April 15th and 22nd, aimed at enhancing the game's stability and overall polish.

While the details of these updates are still vague, they promise to focus on gameplay improvements and further address player feedback. The first patch has already helped lift Samson from a "Mixed" rating on Steam, indicating that there is potential for continued improvement.

For those who may not be familiar, Samson presents an intriguing, albeit rough, experience in the city of Tyndalston. The game has shown enough promise to keep players engaged, but it clearly requires additional refinement. It appears that Liquid Swords is committed to making the title the best it can be, despite acknowledging the need for more development time.

Currently, Samson is available exclusively on PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store, with console versions being considered for the future. As developments unfold, it will be interesting to see how the game evolves with player input and future updates.

In Windrose, players will assemble a crew of custom pirates, engage in ship battles, and explore the mysteries of cursed swamps. The game promises a mix of base building, "soulslite" combat, and the peculiar challenge of battling unique enemies, including a rather unexpected pink flower known as the "High Priestess." This bizarre twist raises questions about the nature of pirate adventures - should we really be swinging swords at flora?

The developers have hinted that the game will evolve over the next one and a half to two and a half years, leading to a full release. The journey begins with a grounded survival experience that gradually unfolds into a tale of rival powers and ancient evils.

For those eager to dive in, a demo is available on Steam, allowing players to get a taste of what's to come.

The recent early access launch of Road to Vostok on Steam has garnered considerable attention, particularly for fans of survival and simulation games. Since its announcement in 2022, anticipation has built around its unique permadeath mechanic and its dedication to realistic environmental challenges.

This game promises to push players to adopt a cautious approach, reminiscent of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, where safety nets are minimal, heightening the stakes for survival. The developers have shared an extensive launch video, detailing what players can expect as they navigate the treacherous journey toward Vostok. The game's design emphasizes the need for strategy and skill, which could be a refreshing change for those accustomed to more forgiving gaming experiences.

Road to Vostok is set to stay in early access for an estimated two to four years, during which players can expect significant content expansions, potentially doubling what is currently available. This extended period allows developers to refine the game based on community feedback, ensuring a polished final product.

For those eager to experience a game that combines survival with a gritty realism, Road to Vostok appears to be a promising title worth exploring.

• Road to Vostok launched in early access on Steam.
• Features a permadeath mechanic that emphasises careful gameplay.
• Aims to provide a realistic simulation of harsh environments.
• Expected to remain in early access for 2-4 years with content updates.
• Appeals to fans of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series.