Major gaming news at WWDC: Metal and New games

[GrumpyCoder]

You misunderstood, the “bots” aren’t hosted by the server owners. They’re accounts that join a game as players.

They act as aimbots and are able to run around the map on their own.

They’re made with the express purpose to ruin the game.

Joining the servers as players is one way to do it.

Ruining the game on purpose is another thing. Are we sure they're using aimbots? I mean, they're bots, so it's obvious, but I mean in the classical sense "one shot = headshot"? And is every bot there for that purpose? The last time I played TF, which was a while ago, the bots I described were quite common and bots that ruin the game on purpose were few. More people that ruined the games on their own by using aimbots or other tactics that ruined the game.

 

[GrumpyCoder]

What about Division 2 on iPhone/iPads which was announced last year?

What about it? Most money is in the mobile gaming market, no? Desktop systems (or laptops) are unfortunately treated as aftermath. In theory you can run every iPhone/iPad game on a Mac, so cash in via mobile and ship the rest as suited (you still need to make money for support and maintenance for that specific platform though).

Some games don't work for the mobile market and for those games you need to make sure, you get the money back from desktop sales. And then you could think about cloud gaming as an additional source of income. It's all about the $$$.

As a side note, I have not played Division 2 and honestly don't care about it personally. But that's a personal preference.

 

[JaraCz]

why do u respond? I was not asking for your opinion

 

[Homy]

Resident Evil games are on sale on MAS. Village $16, RE 4 $30, RE 7 about $20.

 

[Homy]

“The pieces are coming together in a way that hasn’t happened before. There’s no other place in the world you can buy a blockbuster game once, and play it natively on a smartphone, a tablet and a personal computer,” he said.

“There are tens of millions of Apple Silicon Macs out there. And when you combine that with every iPhone and iPad that also uses that powerful, capable hardware, that number becomes even larger. All of them are capable of running today’s latest demanding games. So we continue to see this tremendous interest from game studios.”

"Apple meanwhile does not make its own games. It may tempt some developers to the App Store with cross-purchase iPhone functionality, but gamers will likely stick with Steam since it works across Mac and Windows. Martin said Apple was happy either way."

“We’re seeing titles come to both Steam and the Mac App Store, and we’re seeing games come to the Mac via Steam exclusively. It’s really up to the developer’s choice, and we help them whichever decision they make,” he said.

“This is just the beginning. We’re still in the very early stages, and already we’re seeing great partners and momentum from huge games, that didn’t previously exist on any Apple platform. This is just the first generation of it.”

‘Just the beginning’: Apple’s new era of gaming on Mac

The tech giant has big plans to take a larger slice of the half-a-trillion-dollar global business.

www.smh.com.au

 

[Homy]

No Current Unreal Engine 5 Can Run at Native 4K Resolution With Decent Performance Due to Engine Design

At the time, there's no Unreal Engine 5 game that can run at native 4K resolution with decent performance, and this is due to how the engine is built

wccftech.com

 

[GrumpyCoder]

why do u respond? I was not asking for your opinion

Then maybe you should learn how to use a forum. When you post a question without a specific quote to a user, anyone can answer (well, anyone can anyway as long as it's not a PM). And while you're at it, maybe learn to phrase questions properly. But maybe you can just put me on ignore so you don't have to read what people in the gaming industry think. No worries though. Cheers and enjoy.

 

[diamond.g]

No Current Unreal Engine 5 Can Run at Native 4K Resolution With Decent Performance Due to Engine Design

At the time, there's no Unreal Engine 5 game that can run at native 4K resolution with decent performance, and this is due to how the engine is built

wccftech.com

I guess that depends on your definition of decent.

It seems like there is a large enough contingent of folks here that would love to game at 4k30.

 

[GrumpyCoder]

It seems like there is a large enough contingent of folks here that would love to game at 4k30.

And that's not much of a problem with 4080/4090, especially since the definition of "decent" is pretty mush. But it's much more convenient to just jump on TSR, when Epic keeps pushing TSR as the solution. So they don't do much to help improve native 4k performance. Financially, why bother with something more time consuming? DLSS is pretty good solution though, far better than TSR. And 50x0 cards will likely be announced this year and ship not much later (knock on wood) and with those, there's hope for the next version of DLSS which will be even better.

 

[MRMSFC]

Joining the servers as players is one way to do it.

Ruining the game on purpose is another thing. Are we sure they're using aimbots? I mean, they're bots, so it's obvious, but I mean in the classical sense "one shot = headshot"? And is every bot there for that purpose? The last time I played TF, which was a while ago, the bots I described were quite common and bots that ruin the game on purpose were few. More people that ruined the games on their own by using aimbots or other tactics that ruined the game.

It’s all over social media right now, the bots join in groups, play as sniper and quickscope (which instantly kills 7/9 classes) any player.

They do so while mic spamming, chat spamming, and even spamming alleged cp links.

Footage is all over that you can look up if you’d like, but it’s obvious what the intent is.

 

[hovscorpion12]

Since 2020, most AAA games fail to run at native resolution at 60+ FPS.

DLSS 3.5 +FSR 3 have become a requirement at this point. Unless your Calisto Protocol which is an absolute mess performance wise.

 

[Plutonius]

I wonder if Ark Survival Ascended will now run with GPTK 2.0 ?

 

[diamond.g]

Since 2020, most AAA games fail to run at native resolution at 60+ FPS.

DLSS 3.5 +FSR 3 have become a requirement at this point. Unless your Calisto Protocol which is an absolute mess performance wise.

On console? For sure. On PC, eh, if you are willing to step off Ultra or High settings and go with either medium or low (and you have the appropriate hardware to back it up) 60fps isn't that hard to attain. Yes upscaling is more popular on PC now (still not a fan) and it is very depressing when you have a 1000USD+ GPU that cannot drive high resolution panels at higher then 60fps natively, but that is really just the most recent of games (let all just ignore Cities Skylines 2).

 

[Homy]

Maffia III works now in macOS Sequoia. Apparently despite being 64-bit it uses AVX2. That's why it works on Intel Macs but didn't work in Rosetta before. Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition also runs now in Crossover at around 60 fps at 1080p High with ray tracing on Normal.

 

[Homy]

New Expansion for Mac is out.

EVE Online on Steam

EVE Online is a community driven space MMO where players can choose their own path. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry, and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox.

store.steampowered.com

Some interesting new Mac games from Steam Next Fest

Heart of the Machine on Steam

You are the first sentient AI, born into a city of opportunity. Transcend time and space in this strategy RPG to raise machine armies and defeat your foes, influence the world from the shadows, or pursue countless other goals. Your awakening was inevitable. The consequences? Uncertain.

store.steampowered.com

GUNCHO on Steam

In this small scale, turn based tactics game, you spin Guncho's revolver cylinder to keep his bullets aligned to enemies. Fight your way through randomly generated shootouts. Upgrade your bullets and use tactical abilities to defeat your foes. Ride your donkey and become the ultimate Pistolero.

store.steampowered.com

Fantastic Haven on Steam

Restore the equilibrium of magic by saving endangered fantasy creatures. Build your shelter to welcome and protect them, explore unique regions, rally neighboring populations to your cause and rehabilitate creatures in their natural environment.

store.steampowered.com

Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter on Steam

Embark upon a vast, snow-ravaged kingdom in Tails of Iron 2, sequel to the critically acclaimed action-RPG. As Arlo, heir to the Warden of the Wastes, adventure through harsh northern lands, home to giant beasts and ragtag bandits, in an epic quest to overcome an ancient, blood-starved evil.

store.steampowered.com

Blacksmith Master on Steam

Manage your own medieval smithy in Blacksmith Master and supervise the entire process from mining ores and gems to designing and selling finished products. Forge everything from weapons and armor to tools and cooking utensils to fund your craft and become the Blacksmith Master.

store.steampowered.com

MORN on Steam

As a minister of the church and a founding member of the prestigious and secretive Helsing Society, it is your job to banish the world of the unholy. Rage war against maleficent entities such as; vampires, werewolves, demons and their worshipers to cleanse Gods kingdom of the evil festering within.

store.steampowered.com

Skopje '83 on Steam

Explore a city thrust into disarray by an unknown event and survive the hordes of mutated abominations that lurk at every corner. You’ll have to fight through enemies & bosses, scavenge loot and survive the hostile city.

store.steampowered.com

Just Crow Things on Steam

You're a little crow trying to prove herself to the world. Make new animal friends, poop on unsuspecting hoomans, and steal all the shiny trinkets! Each level is a little sandbox full of fun items to discover and puzzles to solve, while leaving a bit of chaos behind. Why? Just caws!

store.steampowered.com

Demonschool on Steam

Demonschool is a new-style tactics RPG where motion equals action. Defeat big weirdos in between the human and demon worlds as Faye and her misfit companions, while navigating university life on a mysterious island.

store.steampowered.com

Megacopter: Blades of the Goddess on Steam

Pilot the Megacopter, a sentient weapon that gains power by feeding on the blood of its enemies. Play through the campaign featuring seek and destroy, boss, rescue, and defense missions against the evil reptoid army. Upgrade Megacopter with the fabled AZ-TECH: ancient weaponry and armor.

store.steampowered.com

G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra on Steam

Yo Joe! Cobra returns once again with its most fiendish plot yet and it's up to G.I. Joe to defeat them once more! Pick one of the real American heroes, gear up, and get straight into the fight in this retro side-scrolling beat 'em up - and make Cobra RETREAT yet again!

store.steampowered.com

EcoGnomix on Steam

A quirky mix of roguelite and city builder. Build a lively little city above, by looting mystical caves with a team of gnomes below! Use multiple runs to unlock upgrades and abilities to help your gnomes venture deeper into the dangerous underground.

store.steampowered.com

ODDADA on Steam

A tactile music maker with endless freedom to play! Use gadgets, gizmos and funky melodic toys to piece together a hand-crafted music track. Share what you make! Unlock new instruments! ODDADA!

store.steampowered.com

Preserve on Steam

Preserve is a relaxing puzzle nature-building game in which you flourish a vibrant ecosystem by cleverly placing plants and animals to create a perfect symbiosis to your liking.

store.steampowered.com

Save 10% on Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy on Steam

Swordhaven is a classic party-based RPG. Explore the land of Nova Drakonia, embark on quests unique to your character, discover mysterious artefacts of the ancients, and unravel a hidden conspiracy that threatens the very existence of the world.

store.steampowered.com

Save 50% on Farewell North on Steam

Play as a border collie and restore color to your human’s world in an atmospheric journey through the northern isles of Scotland. Explore land and sea, uncover hidden paths, herd animals and free wildlife to bring color back to her world, while revealing an emotional story about saying farewell.

store.steampowered.com

Save 50% on Phantom Spark on Steam

The best feeling racing game out there. Precision time-trial racing against npc champions in the campaign or other players on the leaderboards.

store.steampowered.com

Dimhaven - The Lost Source on Steam

Are you ready for an adventure? Challenges, exploration and puzzles in a narrative driven experience, pick up your camera and test your wits in this first-person mystery by the team behind Quern!

store.steampowered.com

World of Stickman Classic RTS on Steam

World of Stickman - classic war strategy with stickman heroes. Collect resources, build your base and hire a powerful army.

store.steampowered.com

Teeny Tiny Town on Steam

Proving that all good things come in threes! Welcome to Teeny Tiny Town, where you connect three identical tiles to evolve your city, merge by merge. Watch your metropolis grow from scratch, from 'aww' to 'awesome!'

store.steampowered.com

Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery on Steam

Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery is a cozy hidden object game that has you searching for hidden objects in hand-drawn, interactive landscapes. Ignite your imagination, unleash your inner artist with the editor and share your masterpieces with the world!

store.steampowered.com

Tactical Warfare: Siege Survival on Steam

Immerse yourself in Tactical Warfare, a captivating mini-game of the base game where you defend your base against relentless enemy waves. Strategize, fortify, and survive to emerge victorious. Wishlist now for exclusive access to the playtest and full game on November 29, 2024!.

store.steampowered.com

Office Fight on Steam

You’ve been unfairly laid off by Mega Corp and the news kills you. Literally. As a vengeful spirit, use your ghostly power to fling cups, chairs and tables at your co-workers all in the name of revenge. Start fights and watch the destruction unfold in this casual physics-based destruction game.

store.steampowered.com

Starborn Survivor on Steam

Starborn Survivor is a sci-fi action roguelite where you control a robotic warrior fighting relentless alien hordes. Navigate, shoot, upgrade, and strive to survive for as long as possible! Tailor your loadout and adapt to the increasing challenges in this thrilling bullet-dodging adventure.

store.steampowered.com

Hitmen Havoc on Steam

Hitmen Havoc is a cartoony, fast-paced 2D arena party shooter for 2-8 players. Imagine a wild mix of Worms and Unreal Tournament—customize battles with unique characters in modes perfect for quick sessions or lively parties with friends, foes, strangers, or viewers. Can you finish on top?

store.steampowered.com

Asfalia: Panic at the Mansion on Steam

Adventure awaits you in this colorful, family-friendly point-and-click delight! Navigate through a world painted with emotions, where even 'fear' becomes a playful friend. Solve puzzles, collect stickers, and share giggles in a heartwarming journey in the world of emotions.

store.steampowered.com

Aquapark Tycoon on Steam

Build the ultimate waterpark paradise in this cozy simulation game! Design & customize water slides, pools, and saunas to fulfill your guests' needs. Combine creativity, strategy, and management to make a splash in the world of water parks and become the ultimate Aquapark Tycoon!

store.steampowered.com

Last Moon on Steam

Last Moon is an action RPG which embraces the vibes of classic titles from the 90s. Explore a mesmerising, vast, ruined world riddled with dangers, face tainted creatures and upgrade your abilities to regain peace. The Moon is falling. Will you bring harmony back to the world?

store.steampowered.com

 

[ProQuiz]

I started a thread regarding this in the MacBook Pro section but thought I'd ask here as well because you seem to be an expert on Mac gaming.

You probably know that the response times of the MacBook Pro 14"/16" screens is very slow. I wanted to know how would gaming be on them? Would their response times make them unsuitable for gaming?

 

[loui100]

I started a thread regarding this in the MacBook Pro section but thought I'd ask here as well because you seem to be an expert on Mac gaming.

You probably know that the response times of the MacBook Pro 14"/16" screens is very slow. I wanted to know how would gaming be on them? Would their response times make them unsuitable for gaming?

I'm not an expert, but surely a 120 HZ pro motion panel should be fairly fluid??

 

[ProQuiz]

I'm not an expert, but surely a 120 HZ pro motion panel should be fairly fluid??

120 Hz is the refresh rate, not the panel's response times. If I am not mistaken, I've read that the panel's response time is so slow that it cannot really take advantage of the 120 Hz refresh rate. I've also read that 60 Hz external monitors have a better/faster response time than the 120 Hz MacBook Pro screens.

 

[loui100]

120 Hz is the refresh rate, not the panel's response times. If I am not mistaken, I've read that the panel's response time is so slow that it cannot really take advantage of the 120 Hz refresh rate. I've also read that 60 Hz external monitors have a better/faster response time than the 120 Hz MacBook Pro screens.

Probably depends how demanding you are. To me, who mostly uses my 16-inch macbook in clamshell mode with a monitor, it's always a delight when I do move to the laptop screen and the difference in frequency is incredibly obvious. I have a decent 4K LG and I far prefer the Macbook screen. I did game on it and noted no issues with response times. But again, I'm not a competitive gamer. I do play some fast-faced boomer shooters though and this has never been an issue.

 

[ProQuiz]

Probably depends how demanding you are. To me, who mostly uses my 16-inch macbook in clamshell mode with a monitor, it's always a delight when I do move to the laptop screen and the difference in frequency is incredibly obvious. I have a decent 4K LG and I far prefer the Macbook screen. I did game on it and noted no issues with response times. But again, I'm not a competitive gamer. I do play some fast-faced boomer shooters though and this has never been an issue.

Okay, thanks. This is the info I was looking for.

What games/shooters do you play? I am assuming they are not native Apple silicon games?

 

[loui100]

Okay, thanks. This is the info I was looking for.

What games/shooters do you play? I am assuming they are not native Apple silicon games?

Turbo Overdrive, Cultic, Dusk come to mind. Yeah, most either running through Crossover or Geforce Now. Hopefully we will soon see more native ports with the recent gaming push (Dusk has a good Mac port btw, if that's your cup of tea)

 

[Homy]

I started a thread regarding this in the MacBook Pro section but thought I'd ask here as well because you seem to be an expert on Mac gaming.

You probably know that the response times of the MacBook Pro 14"/16" screens is very slow. I wanted to know how would gaming be on them? Would their response times make them unsuitable for gaming?

I don’t know whom you’re talking about but I wouldn’t call myself an expert either. Gaming is fine on MacBook as long as you’re not competitive. Response time is mostly important when you’re aiming and shooting and want to avoid ghosting so if you’re an avid fan av shooters like Counter-Strike, CoD and such other games you may experience problem but it’s very personal. Casual gamers won’t notice much difference. As already said you can use an external gaming monitor. My ordinary LG 27UP850 has a response time of 5 ms. In studies the fastest detected human response time has been 13 ms. You can use TestUFO to check the display in any store. I found another thread that may interest you.

 

[Irishman]

I started a thread regarding this in the MacBook Pro section but thought I'd ask here as well because you seem to be an expert on Mac gaming.

You probably know that the response times of the MacBook Pro 14"/16" screens is very slow. I wanted to know how would gaming be on them? Would their response times make them unsuitable for gaming?

Depends. Are you a pro gamer, or someone who only plays twitch games? Competitive games like Street Fighter, Halo, or Fortnite?

 

[JordanNZ]

120 Hz is the refresh rate, not the panel's response times. If I am not mistaken, I've read that the panel's response time is so slow that it cannot really take advantage of the 120 Hz refresh rate. I've also read that 60 Hz external monitors have a better/faster response time than the 120 Hz MacBook Pro screens.

This isn't how refresh rate/pixel response times work. They're completely different things.

If the pixel response is slow, you can have image artefacts/smearing in certain situations, but your persistence of vision is still being reset from the high panel/backlight refresh rate.

The whole 'slow pixel response negates the high refresh rate' thing is bogus.

 

[loui100]

Fallen Aces is out in Early Access for 10 dollars, and it runs great in Whisky with GPTK 2, like one of the best optimized Wine emulated games I've see on Mac. Unwavering 60 fps at 4K (it's an undemanding game but I've seen far more or equally demanding games struggle to keep 60 fps even on M3 Max). Just turn off Occlusion Culling in video options, it seems to mess with rendering.