While headlines warn about the risks of AI, the technology also offers remarkable benefits. One of the biggest advantages is its ability to process and analyze data at lightning speed and to put that information to practical use. Real-time data can make video games more fluid, responsive, and immersive than ever before, offering players experiences that adapt to their style and preferences in the moment.

As games become more complex and connected, the amount of data being generated has grown exponentially. Every movement, decision, and interaction can be captured and analyzed, enabling developers to understand not just how games are played but also why players behave as they do. This insight is at the heart of modern game design.

What Are Real-Time Analytics?

As the name suggests, real-time analytics involves analyzing data streams as they are generated. This continuous analysis allows systems to respond almost instantaneously, producing insights or outcomes with impressive accuracy. But what does this mean for players, developers, or even entertainment platforms beyond gaming?

For developers, real-time analytics provide immediate feedback on performance, balance, and engagement. If a particular level proves too difficult or a feature isn’t being used as intended, adjustments can be made quickly, sometimes without players even noticing. This ability to fine-tune experiences on the fly helps keep games enjoyable and relevant long after launch.

Enhancing Personalized Experiences

Online platforms are increasingly using real-time analytics to tailor experiences for individual users. For example, a platform may observe which types of games a player enjoys most or which challenges they respond to eagerly. This data can inform recommendations, highlight new content, and adjust difficulty levels to match the player’s skill level, making every session feel personalized and engaging.

Personalization also plays a role in retention. Players are far more likely to return to a game that feels fair, rewarding, and aligned with their preferences. By recognizing patterns in behaviour, developers can create progression systems, rewards, and events that feel timely rather than generic.

Even the online casino industry, though not the focus here, provides an illustrative example. Some review platforms now rate sites using real-time data, so the top online casinos in competitive markets like Canada are ranked based on factors such as user engagement, game variety, and promotional offerings. This demonstrates how immediate insights can improve both the service and the player experience.

Dynamic Gameplay and Strategy

Real-time analytics also transform how players interact with games. In many competitive games, whether strategy-based or team-oriented, field or map conditions can change rapidly. Real-time data allows game mechanics, AI opponents, or in-game events to adjust dynamically, creating more realistic and challenging scenarios. Players can adapt their strategies on the fly, making decisions informed by constantly updating information.

In multiplayer environments, this can also support fairer matchmaking. Analytics help ensure players are matched with others of similar skill levels, improving competition and reducing frustration. This balance is essential for keeping online communities healthy and engaged.

This has clear advantages: gameplay becomes more engaging, decisions are more meaningful, and strategic depth increases. However, it can also create pressure. Players may feel compelled to act quickly, sometimes sacrificing thoughtful planning in favour of an immediate response. Balancing speed and strategy is part of the modern gaming challenge.

Predictive Insights and Preparation

Where real-time analytics truly shine is in preparation and anticipation. Data on player behaviour, environmental changes, or evolving game conditions can be analyzed in advance of critical moments. This allows players to make better-informed decisions, anticipate opponents’ moves, and adjust tactics effectively. The result is smarter gameplay and more satisfying outcomes.

From training modes that highlight weaknesses to live dashboards that track performance trends, analytics are becoming a powerful tool for improvement rather than just observation.

Conclusion

Where real-time analytics really do win out is when they are used in the run-up to a contest. There are many factors that can affect the outcome, from sudden announcements about player injuries to changing weather forecasts.

By taking these into account, it not only gives an indication about what the result will be, it also leads to better prediction of odds and, if the odds go your way, an even bigger payout if you win.

In the world of online entertainment, innovation now moves alongside regulation. You can feel the difference. The platforms you use have become more stable, transparent, and responsive without losing their creative edge. This reflects a shift toward compliance-driven technology stacks that treat regulation as infrastructure rather than interruption. France and neighbouring markets have advanced more slowly, while Germany’s approach to governance and technology integration keeps it at the forefront of digital services.

You interact with platforms subject to EU-level frameworks, such as the Digital Services Act, and to national enforcement. Here, governance is embedded directly into systems rather than added at the margins. Content moderation, identity verification, accessibility, and reporting run continuously in the background, providing a more reliable and professional experience. For operators, compliance technology underpins sustainable growth, demonstrating how structured governance can support creativity, interaction and long-term trust.

The regulatory framework driving platform technology

Germany’s compliance architecture is built on layered obligations that affect nearly every interactive platform you use with a meaningful user base. The Digital Services Act introduced ongoing risk assessments, transparency reporting, and formal complaint-handling processes for digital intermediaries. National laws further expand these duties, particularly regarding content moderation speed, tax transparency, and consumer protection.

You may never see these systems directly, but they influence how platforms log your interactions, flag violations and document decisions that affect your account or content. Today, developers design systems in which regulatory logic runs alongside core functionality, rather than being added later. Accessibility requirements taking effect in 2025 have also reinvigorated interface design, improving how you navigate platforms using different devices or assistive technologies. Together, these rules dictate the technical foundations behind the experiences you engage with daily.

Compliance innovation within regulated entertainment ecosystems

Germany’s compliance stack has become a practical test of operational maturity within regulated entertainment sectors. Licensed casinos operate under strict identity verification, age controls and behavioural monitoring obligations that directly affect how you onboard and play. The list of German online casinos at CasinoBernie illustrates how operators can integrate regulatory tooling while maintaining smooth gameplay and a user-friendly experience.

These platforms rely on automated identity checks, transaction monitoring and centralized reporting dashboards to remain compliant while keeping interaction flows smooth. From your perspective, this results in faster verification, clearer limits and more predictable platform behaviour. As a result, industry discussions increasingly frame compliance engineering as a competitive advantage rather than a burden; when governance systems are built into the product, you benefit from stability without feeling constrained by regulation.

How compliance technology influences user experience

Compliance technology in Germany is increasingly shaping the user experience of interactive platforms. Accessibility standards have led to cleaner interfaces, clearer navigation paths and better compatibility and collaboration across platforms, devices and assistive tools. Meanwhile, automated content moderation systems help keep communities you participate in active while reducing exposure to harmful behaviour, with you benefiting from faster report responses and more consistent rule enforcement.

Transparency requirements also influence design decisions, providing clearer explanations of moderation outcomes, account actions, and data usage, which together contribute to the predictability and fairness many users now expect. From the platform side, compliance tools generate real-time insights into risk patterns and behaviour, allowing adjustments without disruptive redesigns. As a result, innovation often accelerates rather than slows, while your experience improves quietly over time.

Competitive effects of Germany’s compliance-first approach

Germany’s digital compliance domain has also reinvigorated competitive dynamics across interactive entertainment. Large platforms face heightened scrutiny under EU competition and market fairness rules, while smaller operators gain clearer entry paths through standardized compliance expectations. For developers, this reduces ambiguity around legal obligations and supports more predictable product planning. As a user, you can access a broader range of platforms that offer localized services without sacrificing professionalism.

Interoperability expectations and data governance rules encourage modular system design, enabling platforms to expand across regions with minimal disruption. In this context, compliance technology vendors have become integral partners in this ecosystem, supplying adaptable tools that keep pace with regulatory change, resulting in competition driven by quality, reliability, and user trust.

Compliance as a catalyst for future platform growth

Looking ahead, Germany’s compliance-centric technology stack positions interactive entertainment platforms for long-term resilience and that resilience directly affects you. Regulatory focus is expected to expand into areas such as algorithmic accountability, youth protection and real-time risk monitoring, with platforms that already operate continuous compliance systems adapting more smoothly to these shifts. For you, this likely means services that progress steadily rather than through disruptive corrections.

Developers increasingly treat compliance tooling as core infrastructure, similar to security or performance optimization, which supports faster innovation cycles and more confident experimentation within defined boundaries. Germany’s situation shows that strong governance, when supported by modern technology, creates conditions in which platforms can grow responsibly while delivering experiences that feel stable, transparent, and future-ready.

Vital stats

• Compliance drives broader entertainment growth: Germany’s video games market, encompassing games, hardware and online services, generated around €9.4 billion in revenue last year, with online gaming services within that rising 12% year over year, signalling how structured compliance and governance support dynamic segments of interactive entertainment.
• Regulation enhances user safety: German authorities reviewed over 1,700 websites and initiated 231 prohibition proceedings last year, illustrating how tech-driven compliance protects users.
• Compliance improves experience and competition: Transparency and accessibility rules under the Digital Services Act give you clearer moderation and account actions, while smaller operators can compete confidently, creating a more professional and trustworthy ecosystem.

Satisfactory from Coffee Stain Studios had quite a few patches to improve it on Steam Deck, and the latest update got it Steam Deck Verified.

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Read the full article on GamingOnLinux.

The post AI-Fueled PC Gaming Crisis Has One Store Begging For People’s Old Rigs appeared first on Kotaku.

In these days of shrinking attention spans, the success of a game is too often determined by its overture: you either capture the audience during those crucial early minutes, or you never get another chance. Developer Bethesda understood this quite some time ago, and since 1992, dramatic openings have been one of the most notable aspects of its hit RPG series, The Elder Scrolls.

[Ed. note: This piece contains spoilers for the ending of Final Fantasy Tactics]

Portal 2 isn’t perfect. Expanding and narrativizing this jewel-like game so it could assume the scope of a traditional video game blockbuster was always going to blunt its edges. It’s still very good, though, and still mordantly funny, with a script by Wolpaw, Faliszek, and Jay Pinkerton, and game vocal performances by Stephen Merchant and J.K. Simmons.

In January 2026, PlayStation Plus Essential offers three games: Need For Speed: Unbound, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, and Core Keeper. This month features unexpected PS4 inclusion amidst the subscription changes.

NVIDIA is wrapping up a big week at the CES trade show with a set of GeForce NOW announcements that are bringing more ways to play and more games to the cloud.

From new native apps for Linux and Amazon Fire TV streaming sticks to hands-on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) support for simulation fans and a new single sign-on option, GeForce NOW is expanding across devices and making it easier to jump straight into gameplay.

Topping it off, a new wave of AAA titles — including IO Interactive’s 007 First Light, Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem and Pearl Abyss’ Crimson Desert — is gearing up to join the GeForce NOW library for high-fidelity, low-latency streaming across the globe.

Get ready with the six new games available to stream this week.

Leveling Up Where Gamers Play

A new native GeForce NOW app is launching in beta for Linux, starting with Ubuntu 24.04 and later. This answers a long-standing request from the gaming community, turning compatible systems into RTX-powered gaming rigs that can stream at up to 5K resolution and 120 frames per second (fps) or 1080p 360 fps. With rendering handled in the cloud, Linux gamers can tap into ray tracing, NVIDIA DLSS and other RTX features without needing a local, high-end GPU.​

A new native app for Amazon Fire TV streaming sticks transforms the tiny device into a big-screen cloud gaming endpoint, giving members another way to stream their PC libraries straight to the TV with a gamepad in hand. It builds on existing device support, making it easier for gamers to pick up and play from the couch without a console or gaming PC attached.​

Clearer Skies Ahead 

Flight control support has landed in the cloud, letting virtual pilots connect their favorite gear — including industry-leading Thrustmaster and Logitech setups — to custom HOTAS configurations. Whether locking in a full desktop throttle-and-stick rig or fine-tuning a split cockpit arrangement, everything’s ready for takeoff.

Paired with the incredible RTX 5080-powered performance available to Ultimate members, plus ultralow-latency streaming and NVIDIA Reflex in supported titles, pilots can now enjoy ultra-precise, hyper-immersive flight experiences straight from the cloud. Soaring over detailed landscapes in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, dogfighting in War Thunder or exploring the stars in Elite Dangerous has never felt smoother.

Easier Sign-Ins, Faster Game Time

GeForce NOW now supports new games — and more ways to get into them faster.

Battle.net single sign-on recently joined the service, letting members jump straight into supported titles without juggling extra credentials each time. And coming soon early this year, Gaijin.net integration will make takeoff even smoother — one simple sign-on connects more game libraries across devices.

Fewer passwords and pop-ups mean more time playing — whether on a desktop, laptop, handheld device or TV.

Next Up in the Cloud

A new wave of AAA titles is headed to GeForce NOW, bringing spies, survivors and freeswords to the cloud for members to stream across their favorite devices. The games each bring a distinct flavor — from stealthy espionage to nerve-shredding horror and gritty fantasy combat — and they’re all gearing up to join an already-stacked GeForce NOW library when they launch on PC.

IO Interactive’s 007 First Light brings a modern James Bond origin story to the cloud when the PC title launches May 27, inviting members to step into the shadows as Bond begins his journey. Experience a balanced mix of stealth and action built around a “breathing” gameplay loop with IOI’s cinematic, set-piece-driven storytelling. Approach encounters through stealth, direct action or creative improvisation, with multiple viable paths to each objective that let players define Bond’s style.

Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem continues the legendary survival-horror saga with a new chapter that doubles down on tense exploration, eerie environments and resource-tight combat. Expect dimly lit corridors, unsettling encounters and that classic feeling of weighing every bullet and healing item before moving forward when playing as Grace, and exhilarating, death-defying action when playing as Leon.

Gaijin Entertainment’s Active Matter, coming this year, is a realistic military shooter where players join dangerous raids for loot or intense player vs. player battles set in a fractured multiverse. Active matter can be harvested from active matter-transformed creatures or seized from other players. Join this never-ending hunt to improve the chances to find the way out of the time loop.

Pearl Abyss’ Crimson Desert is a stunning open-world action adventure set in a war-torn fantasy land, pairing large-scale exploration with cinematic storytelling and hard-hitting, combo-focused combat. One moment is a quiet ride across windswept plains, the next is a chaotic clash against towering foes with mystical power effects lighting up the battlefield.

Playing these titles on GeForce NOW means jumping into big-budget experiences with RTX 5080-class performance, high frame rates and advanced graphics features on a wide range of devices, without worrying about downloads, patches or local hardware requirements. Members can pick up the same adventure on a desktop, laptop, handheld device or TV, letting each of these worlds shine wherever and however they choose to play.

Hello New Games

The eerie world of Pathologic 3, from Ice-Pick Lodge and tinyBuild, invites players to step once again into a haunting town teetering on the edge of disaster. Time is fleeting, trust is scarce and every conversation feels like a test of loyalty — or survival. With its signature blend of tension, philosophy and dark humor, Pathologic 3 doesn’t just tell a story; it dares players to live through it.

In addition, members can look for the following:

• StarRupture (New release on Steam, Jan. 6)
• Ancient Farm (New release on Steam, Jan, 87)
• Pathologic 3 (New release on Steam, Jan. 9)
• Blood West (Epic Games Store)
• Paradise Killer (Epic Games Store)
• Supermarket Simulator (Xbox, available on Game Pass)

GeForce RTX 5080-ready game:

• HITMAN – World of Assassination (Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox, available on Game Pass)

What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

NOW that's what I call gaming!

More games
More platforms
More devices

Experience GeForce RTX-powered PC gaming across more screens than ever. https://t.co/AhcjD6DSEK pic.twitter.com/cuu1Xu3Xe5

— NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) January 6, 2026

Announced at the CES trade show running this week in Las Vegas, NVIDIA is bringing more devices, more games and more ways to play to its GeForce NOW cloud gaming service. Powered by GeForce RTX 5080-class performance on the NVIDIA Blackwell RTX platform, GeForce NOW Ultimate continues to raise the bar for PC gamers streaming from the cloud.

GeForce RTX 5080-powered servers are live globally for Ultimate members, delivering up to 5K resolution 120 frames-per-second (fps) streaming and up to 360 fps at 1080p with NVIDIA Reflex technology support for ultralow-latency, competitive play. Cinematic-Quality Streaming mode enhances image clarity and text sharpness for visually rich single-player adventures on nearly any screen.

New this year, GeForce NOW is expanding that performance to more platforms than ever, headlined by a native Linux PC app and a new app for Amazon Fire TV sticks.

Flight-simulation fans are also getting flight controls support, and members everywhere gain faster access to more games thanks to new single sign-on integrations and upcoming AAA titles joining the cloud.

Here Come the Platforms

Linux PCs and Amazon Fire TV sticks are joining the GeForce NOW native app family, unlocking new ways to play in the cloud across desktops and living rooms.

These new apps build on GeForce NOW’s existing support for Windows PCs, macOS, Chromebooks, mobile devices, smart TVs, virtual-reality devices and handhelds, all tapping into the same GeForce RTX 5080-class performance wherever members log in.

A new native GeForce NOW app for Linux PCs, supported with Ubuntu 24.04 and later distributions, answers one of the top requests from the PC gaming community. Linux users can transform their compatible systems into GeForce RTX-powered gaming rigs, streaming supported PC titles from the cloud at up to 5K and 120 fps or 1080p 360 fps.

With rendering handled in the cloud, high-end PC gaming is possible on Linux operating systems, breathing new life into older devices. Members can enjoy ray tracing, NVIDIA DLSS 4 and other RTX technologies without needing a local high-performance GPU. The app is designed to bring a seamless, native experience that fits naturally into Linux desktop workflows while giving access to the expansive GeForce NOW library, turning everyday Linux devices into RTX gaming powerhouses.

The app is expected to enter a beta release early this year.

A new native GeForce NOW app for select Amazon Fire TV sticks — starting with the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (2nd Gen) and Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) — can bring RTX-powered PC gaming to another big screen in the home. Members can stream their compatible PC game libraries directly to Fire TV-connected displays to turn a compact streaming stick into a powerful cloud gaming rig.

With support for gamepads and GeForce NOW’s familiar interface, Fire TV users can jump into their favorite supported games without a console or gaming PC attached to the TV. This builds on existing TV support and helps make GeForce NOW the easiest way to bring high-performance PC gaming into the living room.

The app is expected to be available in countries where compatible Amazon Fire TV sticks and GeForce NOW are offered and will be launching early this year.

Take Flight

GeForce NOW turns more devices into powerful cloud gaming rigs, and CES this year brings another of the community’s most-requested additions.

Simulation fans are getting a major upgrade with flight controls support on GeForce NOW. Popular flight sticks and throttle systems from leading brands such as Thrustmaster and Logitech can be used as affixed hands-on throttle-and-stick desktop units or as separately mounted stick-and-throttle setups for custom cockpits.

Combined with RTX 5080 performance, ultralow-latency streaming and NVIDIA Reflex in supported titles, flight controls let virtual pilots experience greater precision and deeper immersion in their favorite flight- and space-simulation games — including Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Elite Dangerous and War Thunder. Members can build out detailed simulation setups at home while streaming the heavy lifting from the cloud when it launches early this year..

Blockbusters in the Cloud

The GeForce NOW catalog includes thousands of supported games from top PC stores like Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox and others, with more joining every week. Backed by RTX 5080-class performance, members can stream everything from competitive shooters to expansive role-playing games with high frame rates, advanced graphics features and low latency.​

New AAA titles such as IO Interactive’s 007 First Light, Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem, Pearl Abyss’ Crimson Desert, and Gaijin Entertainment’s Active Matter are coming to GeForce NOW when they launch on PC, adding to an already robust lineup of new releases and fan favorites.

007 First Light drops players into a modern James Bond origin story filled with stealth, espionage and cinematic action. Resident Evil Requiem continues the iconic survival-horror series with a new protagonist facing terrifying threats in a chilling new setting. Crimson Desert blends open-world exploration, cinematic storytelling and intense combat in a richly detailed fantasy world. Active Matter from Gaijin is a realistic military shooter where players join dangerous raids for loot or intense player vs. player battles set in a fractured multiverse.

Members can look forward to seeing these and other upcoming hits arrive on the service, with updates shared regularly on GFN Thursdays.

One Login, Many Worlds

GeForce NOW is also making it faster to jump into gaming with new account and platform integrations. Recent updates introduced Battle.net automatic sign-in, letting members connect their accounts and access supported titles more quickly.

That seamless experience is expanding to additional game stores, with Gaijin.net set to soon support automatic sign-in on GeForce NOW early this year. Members will be able to authenticate once and jump into War Thunder and other titles with fewer steps.

Learn more about the latest NVIDIA-powered innovations at CES, running through Friday, Jan. 9.

See notice regarding software product information.

At the CES trade show, NVIDIA today announced DLSS 4.5, which introduces Dynamic Multi Frame Generation, a new 6X Multi Frame Generation mode and a second-generation transformer model for DLSS Super Resolution, so gamers can experience the latest and greatest titles with enhanced performance and visuals.

Over 250 games and apps now support NVIDIA DLSS 4 technology, with this year’s biggest titles adding support, including 007 First Light, Phantom Blade Zero, PRAGMATA and Resident Evil Requiem at launch.

In addition, RTX Remix Logic debuted, expanding the capabilities of the Remix modding platform to enable modders to trigger dynamic graphics effects throughout a game based on real-time game events.

Plus, NVIDIA ACE technology demonstrated in Total War: PHARAOH showcases how AI can assist players in navigating the complexities of the game’s many systems and mechanics.

In PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG Ally powered by NVIDIA ACE adds long-term memory, evolving its intelligence and capabilities.

And G-SYNC Pulsar monitors are available this week, delivering a tear-free experience together with a perceived 1,000Hz+ effective motion clarity and G-SYNC Ambient Adaptive Technology — all setting a new gold standard for gamers.

NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 Will Power 4K 240Hz Path-Traced Gaming

NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 introduces Dynamic Multi Frame Generation and a new 6X Multi Frame Generation mode.

DLSS 4.5 can generate up to five additional frames per traditionally rendered frame, dynamically boosting performance and enabling 240+ frames-per-second gaming with path tracing using GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs. This delivers the smoothest gameplay experiences yet. Dynamic Multi Frame Generation and 6X Multi-Frame Generation are expected to be available in spring of this year.

A second-generation transformer model for DLSS Super Resolution also arrives with NVIDIA DLSS 4.5, bringing state-of-the-art image quality to over 400 games and apps for all GeForce RTX GPUs. The second-generation transformer is available to try now via the NVIDIA App for all GeForce RTX GPUs. Learn more.

Over 250 DLSS 4 Games and Apps Available Now

DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation launched at CES last year with 75 games and apps supported. Now, more than 250 games and apps are supported, including 2025’s most-played titles, such as ARC Raiders, Battlefield 6, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Where Winds Meet.

New and upgraded titles announced today that will support the latest GeForce RTX technologies include 007 First Light, Active Matter, DEFECT, Phantom Blade Zero, PRAGMATA, Resident Evil Requiem and Screamer. Learn more.

Next-Generation G-SYNC Pulsar Gaming Monitors Available Now

The launch of G-SYNC in 2013 revolutionized displays and gaming, introducing Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology that all major display manufacturers now incorporate. This meant gamers no longer had to experience screen-tearing glitches when optimizing for responsive gameplay.

G-SYNC Pulsar displays mark the latest evolution of NVIDIA’s pioneering VRR technology. Through the invention of variable frequency backlight strobing, they deliver effective motion clarity of over 1,000Hz, significantly increasing the clarity and visibility of content in motion so gamers can track targets with increased precision and maintain consistent smoothness in gameplay.

In addition, new G-SYNC Ambient Adaptive Technology uses a built-in light sensor, letting users automatically tune color temperature and brightness for optimal viewing at any hour, day or night. Learn more.

RTX Remix Logic Brings Dynamic Graphics Effects to Classic Games

Many iconic PC games remain beloved for their unforgettable stories, characters and gameplay. However, as technology advances, their visuals can become dated, making it harder for gamers to immerse themselves in the titles.

NVIDIA RTX Remix, a modding platform for RTX AI PCs built to reimagine the graphics of these timeless classics with cutting-edge path tracing, lets longtime fans relive their favorite adventures in stunning visual detail, while opening opportunities for a new wave of players.

A new RTX Remix update — RTX Remix Logic — will be available later this month via the NVIDIA App. Remix Logic is a logic system for making RTX Remix mods visually reactive to the moment-to-moment, in-game action, equipping modders with 900+ configurable settings to trigger dynamic graphics effects based on a wide variety of in-game events.

Historically, modifying a game’s graphics in response to real-time game events was restricted to those with source code or engine access. RTX Remix eliminates this barrier so modders can customize visuals across 165+ classic games without touching the original engine code. Learn more.

NVIDIA ACE Powers New AI Teammates and Advisors

Non-playable characters (NPCs) traditionally follow strict rules designed to provide scripted interactions with players. NVIDIA is expanding the NVIDIA ACE suite of AI technologies to turn conversational NPCs into autonomous game characters that use AI to perceive, plan and act like human players.

Creative Assembly, creator of the award-winning Total War franchise, is experimenting with NVIDIA ACE in Total War: PHARAOH to power a new, dynamic AI advisor that assists players in learning the game’s many systems and mechanics.

By processing the player’s prompts, current game state and data retrieved from the game’s complex database, the advisor delivers real-time, context-aware guidance that adapts to what the player is doing, while staying in-character and faithful to the game’s lore and time period.

KRAFTON is adding long-term memory for PUBG Ally — an NVIDIA ACE-powered AI teammate in PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS that allows players to issue commands and communicate plans of attack or other tactical maneuvers with each other.

With long-term memory, the Ally can remember previous performances and gameplay interactions, and inject commentary into their responses that refers to past events. PUBG Ally will initially be released as part of a limited-time user test event in the first half of this year via PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Arcade for players using English, Korean or Chinese.

GeForce NOW Expands RTX Cloud Gaming Across More Devices

NVIDIA continues to push the limits of PC gaming accessibility with new GeForce NOW updates unveiled today at CES, delivering GeForce RTX 5080-class performance to an even broader range of devices. Gamers can now experience ultrahigh-fidelity RTX visuals through new native apps for Linux systems and Amazon Fire TV Sticks. This answers top community requests.

New support for hands-on throttle-and-stick flight control peripherals provide immersion in simulation titles, enabling precise input and smooth streaming responsiveness for flight and space combat games. GeForce NOW also introduces streamlined single sign-on for Gaijin titles, minimizing setup time and getting players into their favorite experiences faster.

GeForce NOW’s ever-expanding library continues to grow with day-and-date cloud launches of major upcoming titles — including 007 First Light, Active Matter, Resident Evil Requiem and Crimson Desert — ensuring that gamers can stream the latest blockbusters the same day they arrive on PC, all powered by NVIDIA RTX technology. Learn more.

RTX AI PCs Accelerate AI Video, Image and Text Generation

At CES, NVIDIA announced a wave of AI upgrades for GeForce RTX GPUs and laptops that unlock the performance and memory needed for developers to deploy generative AI on PC, including:

• Up to 3x performance and 60% reduction in VRAM for video and image generative AI via PyTorch-CUDA optimizations and native NVFP4/FP8 precision support in ComfyUI.
• RTX Video Super Resolution integration in ComfyUI, accelerating 4K video generations.
• NVIDIA NVFP8 optimizations for the open weights release of Lightricks’ state-of-the-art LTX-2 audio-video generation model.
• A blueprint for generating 4K AI video using a 3D scene in Blender to precisely control outputs.
• Up to 35% faster inference performance for SLMs via Ollama and llama.cpp.
• RTX acceleration for Nexa.ai’s Hyperlink new video search capability.

These advancements will allow users to seamlessly run advanced video, image and language AI workflows with the privacy, security and low latency offered by local RTX AI PCs. Learn more.

See notice regarding software product information.

New year, new games, all with RTX 5080-powered cloud energy. GeForce NOW is kicking off 2026 by looking back at an unforgettable year of wins and wildly high frame rates.

From streams of the biggest blockbusters to new ways to play anywhere, members showed all year what happens when great games meet serious GeForce performance in the cloud.

Grab a cozy spot, queue up a game and ring in the new year with GeForce NOW, starting with a fresh list of 14 titles coming to the cloud this January, with 5 available to stream this week..​

Put a Bow on It

The star upgrade of 2025 was the arrival of NVIDIA Blackwell RTX in the cloud, bringing GeForce RTX 5080 power to the GeForce NOW Ultimate membership tier along with all the NVIDIA technologies that 50 Series GPU owners have access to, including DLSS 4 and 5K 120 frames-per-second (fps) streaming.

“The amazing announcement of the RTX 5080 being added to GeForce NOW with features like DLSS 4 and 5K 120 fps streaming was a true game-changer for cloud gaming,” said Nads from Cloud&Console.​

Luna, a GeForce NOW Discord community modder, called out how the Ultimate tier let her go topside in ARC Raiders and explore Castor Woods in Dying Light: The Beast “in areas where my local machine struggles — and now, the RTX 5080-powered cloud can push them even further.”

GeForce NOW had major day-and-date launches of blockbuster titles including ARC Raiders and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 — and the community packed in some unforgettable sessions to celebrate. Nads summed up the smoothness: “Vaulting into Borderlands 4, surviving Grounded with friends and diving into Battlefield 6 chaos — all of it was seamless on GeForce NOW this year.”​

For Warwick, cloud gaming turned into a superpower: “I’ve always struggled to play Fortnite with my friends while streaming, but with GeForce NOW, I’ve been able to jump straight in with ease and get those victory royales,” the gamer said. One highlight of their year was seeing “all the incredible things coming to GeForce NOW at Gamescom, including Fortnite with Discord — game changer!”

2025 belonged to members who play literally anywhere. The native GeForce NOW app elevated gaming on Steam Deck, making it easier than ever to play the cloud gaming platform’s 2,000+ supported games from Steam, Epic Games Store, Game Pass and more — all at GeForce RTX quality on the handheld device.

Anytime Anywhere Gaming gave a shoutout to “the release of ARC Raiders and continued Steam Deck support,” calling it “nothing short of amazing” to take on raiders and play beloved titles on Steam Deck “at max fidelity.”​

The Install-to-Play feature brought even more titles to members. “Install-to-Play has brought in so many games,” said creator Cloudy With Games. “Take a gamble on Slots and Daggers, it’s worth it.”

Creator RuDiggz put it this way: “Install-to-Play breathes new life into favorites like Pixelmancer, mobilizing indies with the cloud from my desktop to my phone on the go.” For those chasing maximum freedom and fidelity, he added, “GeForce NOW Ultimate is the only way to play thousands of titles at max settings — no hardware minimums. GeForce NOW has the frames and the games.”

The Ultimate Winners

The Ultimate Contest gave members a chance to share their favorite cloud gaming moments and show off what GeForce RTX 5080-class power can do. From stunning action moments to creative showcases, the submissions proved why the Ultimate experience stands out.

A huge “GG” to our top 10 winners: pfoglista, danipeter007+gfn, brunocas_300, Studmuffin9398, patanaimuje, dufranklin4, despandan4, chandabenr, andreaosmani222 and Lyreliarlyre. Those who joined in earned two Ultimate Day Passes — one to enjoy and one to share with a friend — plus one year of an Ultimate membership.

Pfoglista’s video really captured how GeForce NOW Ultimate “feels exactly like playing on a local PC,” highlighting how fast, competitive, low‑latency cloud gaming can look and feel every bit as precise as playing on a local high‑end rig.​

New Year, New Games

Members can look for the following to play this week:

• My Winter Car  (New release on Steam, Dec. 29)
• Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (Xbox, available on Game Pass)
• The Casting of Frank Stone (Xbox, available on Game Pass)
• Eternights (Epic Games Store)
• Warhammer 40,000: SPACE MARINE 2 (Epic Games Store, GeForce RTX 5080-ready)

GeForce RTX 5080-Ready Games, in addition to Warhammer 40,000: SPACE MARINE 2​

• Factorio (Steam)

Catch the full list of games coming to the cloud in January:

• StarRupture (New release on Steam, Jan. 6)
• Pathologic 3 (New release on Steam, Jan. 9)
• Quarantine Zone: The Last Check (New release on Steam, Jan. 12)
• MIO: Memories in Orbit (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, Jan. 20)
• Nova Roma (New release Steam, Jan. 22)
• Guild Wars: Reforged (Steam)
• Mon Bazou (Steam)
• Supermarket Simulator (Xbox, available on Game Pass)
• Tavern Keeper (Steam)

Decked-Out December

In addition to the 30 games announced in December, an extra seven joined over the month:

• Fallout: New Vegas (Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox, available on PC Game Pass)
• Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel (Epic Games Store)
• Monster Hunter Stories (Steam)
• Monster Hunter Stories 2 (Steam)
• Pioner (Steam)
• RuneQuest: Warlords (Steam)
• Skate Story (Steam)

What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

What has been your favorite game so far this year?

— NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) December 30, 2025

Holiday lights are twinkling, hot cocoa’s on the stove and gamers are settling in for a well-earned break.

Whether staying in or heading on a winter getaway, GeForce NOW makes it easy to keep gaming from anywhere.

Stream the 13 new games joining GeForce NOW this week across devices — including laptops, tablets and mobile — and pick up right where play sessions paused, with high frames and beautiful graphics.

The Best Games to Unwrap This Season

‘Tis the season for catching up on long-awaited adventures or discovering new favorites. From the latest blockbusters to the coziest indie titles, stream on GeForce NOW for stunning fidelity, smooth frame rates and faster load times — rendering every world as bright and crisp as winter snow.

With NVIDIA Blackwell RTX power everywhere, Ultimate members can stream even the most graphically demanding adventures at GeForce RTX 5080-power without needing the latest hardware. That includes Borderlands 4’s vibrant chaos and outrageous humor, Battlefield 6’s cinematic explosions and dynamic lighting, the snow-dusted magic of Hogwarts Legacy and the striking contrasts of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s painterly world.

Whether for a cozy co-op session or solo chill, the cloud has it covered. For those who want to share their holiday adventures, ARC Raiders offers thrilling teamwork and dramatic battles under electric skies. And when the mood calls for quiet introspection, Hollow Knight: Silksong delivers graceful precision and beauty, perfect for winding down by the glow of holiday lights.

The cloud is also packed with smaller indie gems. Dive into the reflective, emotional storytelling of Spiritfarer, drop into R.E.P.O for fast, snappy runs and satisfyingly chaotic cleanup work, or lean into tight challenges with playful, over-the-top twists in Peak. For a touch of mystery alongside relaxation, Tunic offers a clever, secret-filled adventure that feels just right for a lazy winter afternoon.

Seasonal festivals in Stardew Valley and the rotating holiday events in Fortnite help set a cozy mood in just a few clicks. With games updating automatically in the cloud, members can instantly jump into the latest winter maps and limited-time celebratory content, keeping the season fresh without installs or patches getting in the way.

Sleighing New Games

Shape of Dreams, a stylish action-roguelite from Neowiz, mashes up multiplayer online battle arena-style combat with surreal dream logic. Players can dive into a shifting dream realm, editing memories to craft bizarre, overpowered builds and chasing endlessly replayable runs that always feel a little different — and a little more unhinged — every time.

In addition, members can look for the following:

• ARC Raiders (Epic Games Store)
• Citizen Sleeper (Steam)
• Dying Light: The Beast (Epic Games Store)
• Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel (Epic Games Store)
• Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (Xbox, available on Game Pass)
• Pacific Drive (Xbox, available on Game Pass)
• Pigeon Simulator (Xbox, available on Game Pass)
• PowerWash Simulator 2 (Steam)
• Shape of Dreams (Steam)
• Storage Hunter Simulator (Steam)
• Sword of the Sea (Steam)
• Underground Garage (Steam)
• Witchfire (Epic Games Store)

GeForce RTX 5080-ready games:

• Sid Meier’s Civilization VII (Steam and Epic Games Store)
• Jurassic World Evolution 3 (Steam)

What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Twas the night before GFN Thursday and all through the cloud…

— NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) December 24, 2025

Step out of the vault and into the future of gaming with Fallout: New Vegas streaming on GeForce NOW, just in time to celebrate the newest season of the hit Amazon TV show Fallout.

To mark the occasion, GeForce NOW members can claim Fallout 3 and Fallout 4 as special rewards, completing a wasteland-ready trilogy in the cloud.

Whether scavenging the ruins of post-apocalyptic America or rebuilding hope in the Wasteland, gamers can experience every choice — and every radroach — even sharper in the cloud.

Take a detour from the desert dust to the enchanted halls of Hogwarts in Hogwarts Legacy — and relive Harry’s years at school, brick by whimsical brick, in LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-7. This week’s GFN Thursday lineup of five games proves adventure comes in every form, from radiation to incantations.

Plus, GeForce NOW is joining Ubisoft to celebrate 10 years of Rainbow Six Siege: a decade of clutch plays and tactical showdowns streaming strong in the cloud.

Have Yourself a Merry Little ‘Fallout’

Bethesda’s Fallout: New Vegas is rolling onto GeForce NOW with a suitcase full of wasteland wit. Set in the Mojave Desert after a bombing, the title follows a courier carrying a valuable chip through a desert full of schemers, gamblers and nuclear scars.

The adventure drops players into a three- or more-way tug-of-war for the fate of New Vegas, where every decision can shift who runs the Strip and who ends up buried in the sand. Choices matter at every turn: talk fast, sneak smart or go loud, all while navigating sharp, darkly funny writing and factions that rarely fit cleanly into good or evil.​

In the cloud, the Mojave feels right at home, with high-fidelity visuals, fast response times and no need for a monster rig or huge downloads. The wasteland spins up in just seconds on underpowered laptops, phones and more, making it easier than ever to drop in for a quick caravan run or a long night on the Strip.

To sweeten the deal, GeForce NOW Ultimate members can claim a stack of classics — including Fallout 3 and Fallout 4 — while supplies last. It’s a tour of the Fallout universe, ready to stream from the cloud. Members can look for an email with details on how to redeem.

Magic Without the Wait

GeForce NOW is making spirits bright this season with two enchanting adventures in the cloud. Step into the wizarding world with Hogwarts Legacy and relive the full saga of the “Boy Who Lived” in brick form with the LEGO Harry Potter Collection. Whether exploring the Forbidden Forest or causing mischief in Hogwarts, gamers can experience plenty of magic to go around.

In Hogwarts Legacy, players can chart their own path as a fifth-year student at Hogwarts in the 1800s. From learning powerful spells to taming magical beasts, the castle and its grounds are packed with secrets waiting to be discovered. It’s a world of intrigue, danger and wonder — with rich storytelling and breathtaking visuals that shine perfectly in the cloud.

GeForce NOW Ultimate members can experience the magic of Hogwarts like never before — every spell, shadow and shimmering corridor brought to life with GeForce RTX 5080-class power and NVIDIA DLSS 4 technology for spellbinding performance and ultrasmooth gameplay.

The LEGO Harry Potter Collection offers a lighter, more playful spin on the saga, combining all seven years at Hogwarts into one charming package. Revisit major moments, cast silly spells and collect enough studs to make Gringotts jealous. It’s the ultimate magical mashup — family-friendly, full of humor and packed with puzzles and co-op fun.

No need for spells or waiting around for sorting — the magic starts right away with GeForce NOW. Members can stream both titles in jaw-dropping detail from nearly any device.

Seize the Cloud

Rainbow Six Siege is turning 10, and the tactical chaos is streaming strong on GeForce NOW. For a full decade, squads have been breaching, droning and clutching rounds in one of the most precise, team-focused shooters around, instantly accessible from the cloud on a range of devices.

Rainbow Six Siege is rolling out free in-game rewards all month to mark a decade of creativity, competition and tactical mastery. Players jumping into the game can look forward to a steady stream of goodies — from themed cosmetics to special packs and daily surprises — to commemorate the anniversary, on top of seasonal updates and the ever-evolving Operator roster.

Celebrate and stream the iconic game on GeForce NOW, with anniversary matches just a few clicks away — from quick warmups on a laptop to long sessions on the living room TV. Squads old and new can mark 10 unforgettable years of Rainbow Six Siege together in the cloud.

In addition, members can look for the following:

• Pioner (New release on Steam, Dec. 16)
• Fallout: New Vegas (Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox, available on PC Game Pass)
• For the King II (Steam)
• Hogwarts Legacy (Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox, available on PC Game Pass, GeForce RTX 5080-ready)
• LEGO Harry Potter Collection (Steam)

GeForce RTX 5080-ready games, in addition to Hogwarts Legacy:

• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (Steam and Ubisoft Connect)

Starting in January 2026, some games currently available to all members will no longer be available on the free tier as the basic rig type does not meet these games’ — Enshrouded, Alan Wake 2 and Cities: Skylines II — minimum system requirements. Premium members can continue to play these games uninterrupted.

What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Treat yo'elf to our Half Price Holiday offer — for a limited time, premium memberships are half off for the first month.

Go here https://t.co/eLwaS9Go5Z #GeForceSeason pic.twitter.com/QLdVpROB7T

— NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) December 17, 2025

Hunters, saddle up — adventure awaits in the cloud.

Journey into the world of Monster Hunter Stories as Capcom’s acclaimed role-playing classics join GeForce NOW.

Monster Hunter Stories and Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin are soaring into the cloud this week, bringing colorful worlds, charming companions and turn-based monster battles across devices.

They lead seven new games joining the cloud this week, on top of an ARC Raiders “Electrician Backpack: Emerald Wave Variant” reward for Ultimate members who want to drop into battle in style.

It’s also been a big year for games, and this year’s major gaming awards nominees show just how strong gaming is right now — with many of those fan-favorite titles playable on GeForce NOW, no downloads required.

Look for the “The Game Awards” row in the GeForce NOW app to dive in instantly.

Saddle Up

Capcom’s Monster Hunter Stories and Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin arrive in the cloud this week. Members can explore vibrant worlds, bond with quirky monsters and experience turn-based role-playing game (RPG) adventures across devices.

In Monster Hunter Stories, an RPG that expands the Monster Hunter world, players are no longer hunting monsters but raising them. In this story featuring heroes known as Monster Riders, players live alongside monsters and form lifelong bonds with them.

The first installment of the Monster Hunter Stories series returns, fully voiced in Japanese and English, with additional features such as a new museum mode where players can listen to music and view concept art — offering an even deeper dive into the world of Monster Hunter Stories.

A new adventure awaits in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin: the second installment of the turn-based RPG series. Become a Monster Rider and form bonds with friendly monsters known as Monsties to fight alongside them in the game’s epic story.

These adventures can be enjoyed on almost any device, powered by high-performance GeForce RTX technology. Seamlessly switch between phones, laptops and desktops, and experience every lush landscape and thrilling battle with cloud-streamed visuals and smooth gameplay — no downloads, installs or upgrades required.

And the Cloud Goes to … GeForce NOW

It’s a big month for games, and this year’s major gaming awards make it an especially great time to be a gamer. Many of the buzziest nominees and fan-favorite titles are playable on GeForce NOW, where it’s easy to jump into the action, catch up on the hits and see what the hype’s all about — all instantly, no downloads required.

A stack of nominated titles are available in the cloud through GeForce NOW, including a majority of Game of the Year (GOTY) contenders like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hollow Knight: Silksong and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.

RPG fans can marathon some of the year’s best titles in the genre through the cloud. Avowed, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Monster Hunter Wilds and The Outer Worlds 2 are all streamable on GeForce NOW.​

Members can also dive into other nominated favorites such as Battlefield 6 and DOOM: The Dark Ages for Best Action, Indiana Jones and the Ancient Circle and Split Fiction for Best Adventure, The Alters and Sid Meier’s Civilization VII for Best Sim/Strategy, ARC Raiders and PEAK for Best Multiplayer, plus esports staples like Counter-Strike 2 and DOTA 2.

Whether chasing GOTY, exploring indies like Blue Prince and Hollow Knight: Silksong, or sticking to long-running hits like Fortnite and No Man’s Sky, gamers can always find a top title ready to stream.

Loot, Shoot and Look Good Doing It

Ultimate members can claim the ARC Raiders “Electrician Backpack: Emerald Wave Variant” — an in-game cosmetic item that adds a distinct look. The Emerald Wave design offers a clean, modern touch for Raiders ready to stand out during extraction missions.​​

Jump into battle with style, powered by GeForce RTX 5080-class servers on GeForce NOW, delivering up to 2.8x higher frame rates and a new Cinematic-Quality Streaming mode that makes every firefight shine.

The reward is available to Ultimate members through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, or while supplies last. Keep an eye on email for instructions to redeem this stylish advantage for the journey ahead. Once claimed, navigate to the Electrician Backpack and select the Emerald Wave color variant to equip it and head off in style.

Fresh Crop of Games

Everdream Village, a cozy farming adventure from publisher Untold Tales, lets players turn a sleepy island settlement into a thriving, story-filled village. Tend crops, befriend quirky villagers and wrangle a menagerie of charming animals while terraforming the land and sail off to discover new magical islands — all while shaping a laid-back little paradise.

In addition, members can look for the following:

• Skate Story (New release on Steam, Dec. 8)
• Dome Keeper (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass, Dec. 9)
• Death Howl (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, Dec. 9)
• RuneQuest: Warlords (New release on Steam, Dec. 9)
• Everdream Village (New release on Steam, Dec. 12)
• Monster Hunter Stories (Steam)
• Monster Hunter Stories 2 (Steam)

GeForce RTX 5080-ready games:

• Age of Wonders 4 (Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox, available on the Microsoft store)
• Cities: Skylines (Steam and Epic Games Store)
• Cities: Skylines II (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass)

What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

What's on the top of your gaming wishlist this holiday?

— NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) December 10, 2025

Editor’s note: The Game Pass edition of ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ will also be supported on GeForce NOW when the Steam and Epic Games Store versions launch on the service later this month.

GeForce NOW is decking the digital halls with 30 new games to keep spirits high all month long.

Join the fun with Hogwarts Legacy, the LEGO Harry Potter Collection and a sleighful of new adventures streaming straight from the cloud.

The “Half-Price Holiday” sale keeps the savings rolling after Black Friday, with premium GeForce NOW memberships available at 50% off for the first month for a limited time.

And GeForce NOW is bringing members a new way to jump into the worlds of some of the most iconic games. Stream select Activision titles through Ubisoft+ Premium in the cloud for GeForce RTX power  — including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, with more to come.

That’s not all: Battle.net single sign-on is now live, making it easier than ever for members to leap into Overwatch 2, Diablo IV and other titles without multiple logins. Link once and play instantly, no matter the device.

Plus, the GeForce NOW Community Video Contest is rolling on — creators are decking the halls with epic clips and their merriest cloud gaming moments from all over the world. There’s still time to jump in with a clip of a favorite game or a memorable match. Submit a clip and score two Ultimate day passes — one to share with a friend and one to keep — plus a chance to win a one-year Ultimate membership.

Half-Price Holiday

The holiday season continues with more ways to play. Even after Black Friday, GeForce NOW is keeping the celebration going with its “Half-Price Holiday” offer.

For a limited time, premium memberships are half off for the first month. Performance and Ultimate tiers unlock shorter queue times, longer gaming sessions and access to more than 2,000 additional Install-to-Play titles powered by GeForce RTX in the cloud.

The “Half-Price Holiday” sale is the perfect opportunity to experience premium gaming at a fraction of the cost and keep the winter gaming streak alive. The sale wraps up on Tuesday, Dec. 30, while supplies last, so now’s the time to lock in that first month at half off and head into the new year with the GeForce NOW premium experience.

Auto Sign-In, Auto Win

GeForce NOW is making it easier than ever for members to jump into games from Blizzard Entertainment, Activision and more. Starting today, members can link their Battle.net accounts directly to GeForce NOW for automatic single sign-on across all supported devices.

After a quick one-time setup, members are automatically logged in for future cloud gaming sessions — no extra steps, no password juggling, just instant access to Battle.net favorites like Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV.

The update expands on existing automatic login support for Xbox, Epic Games and Ubisoft, further streamlining the GeForce NOW cloud gaming experience. Whether at home or on the go, members can enjoy faster, simpler, smoother access to the games they love.

A Very GeForce NOW December

Square Enix’s Octopath Traveler 0 brings the series’ signature wanderlust and quiet drama back to Orsterra, this time with a fresh cast and a few extra tricks up each traveler’s sleeve. The prequel leans into sharp character banter, devious Path Actions and choices that can charm, swindle or strong-arm just about anyone in the way. Expect rich pixel art, big feelings and plenty of scheming as players embark on an adventure of their own creation, navigating revenge and restoration.

• MARVEL Cosmic Invasion (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, Dec. 1)
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (New release on Ubisoft, Dec. 2)
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (New release on Ubisoft, Dec. 2)
• Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (New release on Ubisoft, Dec. 2)
• XOCIETY (New release on Epic Games Store, Dec. 2)
• Spyro Reignited Trilogy (New release on Ubisoft, Dec. 2)
• Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass, Dec. 2)
• OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 (New release on Steam, Dec. 4)
• ROUTINE (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, Dec. 4)
• MIMESIS (Steam)

GeForce RTX 5080-ready games:

• Enshrouded (Steam)
• Fallout 76 (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass)

Catch the full list of games coming to the cloud in December:

• Dome Keeper (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass, Dec. 9)
• Death Howl (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, Dec. 9)
• Everdream Village (New release on Steam, Dec. 12)
• ARC Raiders (Epic Games Store)
• Dying Light: The Beast (Epic Games Store)
• Citizen Sleeper (Steam)
• For the King II (Steam)
• Jurassic World Evolution 3 (Epic Games Store)
• Hogwarts Legacy (Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox, available on Game Pass)
• LEGO Harry Potter Collection (Steam)
• Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (Xbox, available on Game Pass)
• Pigeon Simulator (Xbox, available on Game Pass)
• Pacific Drive (Xbox, available on Game Pass)
• Powerwash Simulator 2 (Steam)
• Shape of Dreams (Steam)
• Storage Hunter Simulator (Steam)
• Sword of the Sea (Steam)
• Underground Garage (Steam)
• Warhammer 40,000: SPACE MARINE 2 (Epic Games Store)
• Witchfire (Epic Games Store)

‘Tis the Season for Extra Games

In addition to the 23 games announced in November, an extra 10 joined over the month:

• Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy (Steam)
• The Crew Motorfest (Xbox, available on Game Pass)
• Cricket 26 (Steam)
• Kill It With Fire (Xbox, available on PC Game Pass)
• Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass)
• Of Ash and Steel (Steam, GeForce RTX 5080-ready)
• Prologue: Go Wayback! (Steam)
• Sacred 2 Remaster (Steam)
• Songs of Silence (Epic Games Store)
• Zero Hour (Epic Games Store)

To improve the overall quality of service for the most played games on GeForce NOW, members will see movement of games in the catalog. Some titles with little-to-no playtime that are currently available in the Ready-to-Play catalog will start moving to Install-to-Play on December 12. Premium members can continue to play these games as part of their Install-to-Play benefits. See this article for details.

Some of the most popular Install-to-Play games — including Megabonk, R.E.P.O  and RV There Yet? — have moved to Ready-to-Play, so they’ll always be kept up to date for instant streaming.

What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Health pots, extra weapons, alternate armor — what's an item you never remove from your inventory?

— NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) December 3, 2025

From the original PlayStation and Xbox era to modern consoles, every generation has gathered players around one question: how realistic have the games become? This is because technology has evolved rapidly, giving developers enough room to add as much authenticity as they can.

While the triple-A narrative-based titles such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077 deliver unmatched details and life-like atmosphere, sports games are no different. Over the past two decades, we have seen a huge leap in terms of realism.

Whether you compare NBA 2K13 with NBA 2K26 or FIFA 14 with FC 26, there is a night and day difference in every aspect. However, while realism is the core selling point, it can sometimes have an opposite effect. As once easy-to-play franchises transition into simulators, they risk eliminating the very essence of fun.

The Burden Of Excessive Simulation

First of all, what’s the reason for video game consumption? There could be many answers to this, but one thing that stays constant in the background is escaping from reality. We boot up our gaming machines to chill, have fun, and distract ourselves from the everyday challenges and problems.

But if our favorite titles try to follow reality too closely, they’ll become more of a burden than a relief. I am not saying simulators are bad; millions are invested to deliver something nearly as real on the screens. Though it can be too much for mainstream gamers.

Putting sports games aside, even the story-based games like Red Dead Redemption 2 are reportedly “slow” for many. Comparing this blockbuster with its predecessor, the second installment is no doubt visually pleasing and a masterpiece, physics-wise. But sometimes even moving the horse or taking cover can be overwhelming because of how realistic the animations are.

Authenticity Or Gameplay Obstacle?

Jumping back to the world of athletes and the problems remain constant. No matter what type of sports you are into, its modern-day video game adaptation will strive to provide you with an authentic experience. We all appreciate that, but at the same time, we don’t welcome too much realism.

Sure, Kyrie Irving looks cool around the paint with life-like animations. However, the excessive simulation exposes control flaws. These real game-day features with heavy wear-and-tear mechanics, such as those of Madden 26, sometimes turn smooth actions into tiresome slogs.

This might not be the case for a particular audience, but for the majority, it remains a challenge. Here are some of the renowned sports franchises that can be exhausting due to their authenticity.

• EA Sports F1: Being an arcade-simulator, track limits and damage physics annoy players who just want to play in peace.
• NBA 2K: Stamina and fatigue offer a real-life exhaustion behavior that is a turn-off for aggressive players. Similarly, chasing for best builds in MyCAREER is another headache as attributes behave realistically.
• EA FC: Red card player bans, injuries, and unforgiving rules sometimes create an overbearing experience.
• Gran Turismo: Another sim-arcade franchise. Offers true-to-life throttle and braking response with weight shift that is too much for casuals.

All of these are famous franchises that almost everyone has been playing for ages. Each follows an annual or semi-annual tradition of dropping a new entry, which keeps on improving in terms of realism.

Is Chasing Realism Always Necessary?

Being player-friendly doesn’t mean developers should ditch the factor of authenticity entirely. However, they should respect video game boundaries and try to achieve an equilibrium between fun and realism.

All the basic rules and regulations for the actual sport should remain intact, but they should be forgiving enough to the point that it still feels like a video game. Take Forza Horizon 5 as an example. The game is very arcade-ish in nature, but once you set up the best racing wheel, it has all the right settings to crank up realism.

That’s what the industry should do. Globally, there are over 3 billion gamers, where roughly 40% prefer playing sports titles. It’s a huge audience from which the majority wants an authentic yet fun game to feed their hobbies. By releasing sports games that don’t chase realism and allow players to choose between authenticity or fun, developers can win the hearts of the wide majority.

For in-depth simulation? Well, there’s a reason we have iRacing, Assetto Corsa, and similar titles. These are separate franchises, with a sole purpose of replicating on-track physics and driving behavior. They cater to a different audience who either own a high-end simulator or want to practice for their racing career.

In other words, there should be separate simulation titles for the hardcore enthusiasts, while mainstream sports games should avoid becoming too realistic in order to preserve fun.

As yet more tech enters the home thanks to PS5s, Xboxes and Switch 2s dominating Christmas lists, experts reckon we've got £4billion worth of older tech just sitting there gathering dust

Christmas may be over but there are plenty of big new games on the horizon for players to buy in the upcoming colder months on the hit PS5 console

If you’re having a hard time trying to find out how to screenshot on Windows, you aren’t alone. If you aren’t familiar with a keyboard, then it can be tricky trying to navigate the space. This guide will show you every method available to you for screenshotting on your PC. Follow along for detailed instructions and visuals.

Print Screen

There is a button on your keyboard that is usually labeled “Prt Sc”. This is the print screen button. This allows you to take a screenshot of your window.

This screenshot gets copied to your clipboard. Meaning, you can now open applications like Word or Notepad and paste the image there.

Windows + Print Screen

If you press the Windows button on the keyboard and the Print Screen button at the same time, it will automatically save the image to your files.

To find the image, go to your pictures and look for the folder labeled “Screenshots.” You will see the picture you just took within the folder.

Alt + Print Screen

If you have more than one screen, this option is for you. By pressing the Alt button and the Print Screen button at the same time, it will screenshot ONLY the active window. Meaning, whatever window or screen you have last clicked on will be what gets screenshotted.

This will be copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it into whatever application you are using.

Snip & Sketch Tool (Windows 10)

To use this method, on your keyboard, press the Windows key at the same time you press your Shift key and the letter S. This will open the Snip and Sketch tool on your computer window.

You can now use the options provided by the tool to choose how you want to take your screenshot. This option allows you to clip and snip, rather than taking unnecessarily large screenshots. You can quickly use the tool to screenshot the exact information you want on your screen.

The screenshot gets copied to your clipboard, where you get the option to edit the clipped image. You can crop, draw, add, etc. to the screenshot. There will now be an option on that page to save the image to a folder. If you don’t edit the image, it will be on your clipboard, where you can paste the image into the desired application.

Snipping Tool (Windows 11)

Windows 11 gave an upgrade to the Snip and Sketch tool. However, they still function the same. It’s just the interface that looks a bit different.

To get to the Snipping tool, you can either type it into the computer’s search bar or use the same method of pressing Windows, Shift, and S simultaneously.

The tool does add some new features, like pre-set snipping tools and delayed capture. Once getting your screenshot, it can be saved and edited in the same way as Windows 10.

Game Bar

To open the Game Bar, on your keyboard, press your Windows key and the letter G at the same time.

You will see several different things pop up around your screen. But, in the top left, you will see a camera icon. Click this or press the Windows, Alt, and Print Screen keys at the same time, while the interface is up, to take a screenshot.

To see the saved images, click below the area where the camera icon is, where it says “See my captures.” This will open up the image. Or, you can go to your Folder and open up the Videos folder. It’s in here that you will find the screenshot.

Wrapping up

And that’s all there is to taking a screenshot on your PC. Whether you want to go the old-fashioned way of just hitting the Print Screen key or you want to open the Snipping tool and edit the photo quickly, these are all sure bets to obtain that image you want.

Happy clipping!

The post How to Screenshot On Windows (All Methods) appeared first on Games Fuze.