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This Week in PC Gaming: Highlights on Crimson Desert, Death Stranding 2, and Unique Features Including Frogs, Cubes, and a Menacing Chicken

Last week our resident novelty-guzzling elder god the Maw ate me, as Julian sorrowfully reported. Well, I’m back in the waking world, and not as smelly as I could be, all things considered. I’ve been eaten by the Maw a few times now, but this is the first time I’ve managed to escape via one of its mouths, rather than by way of… other orifices.

“ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED,” I bellow, straightening heroically with my shoulders braced against the cyclopean gums, as chunks of rancid Call Of Duty DLC sluice between my ankles. “MY OTHER CAR’S A MOTHRA”, I roar, as the other RPS hastily staff gather with a jump net. “HERE ARE SOME NEW PC GAMES,” I add, throwing myself into the waiting arms of my brethren.

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Jeff Kaplan Talks About the Pointlessness of Whining Regarding Unplayed Games: “Nobody Is Interested”

### The Controversial Aspect of Video Game Feedback: Jeff Kaplan’s Perspective

Within the extensive landscape of the internet, especially in gaming circles, there is a vocal group of users who voice their contempt for games they lack interest in or familiarity with. This trend has caught the attention of prominent figures in the industry, including Jeff Kaplan, the former director of *Overwatch* and now the creative lead at Kintsugiyama, working on *The Legend of California*. During a recent Twitch stream, Kaplan openly addressed this toxic tendency, encouraging critics to reconsider the effects of their remarks.

Kaplan’s remark, “Shut the f*** up. No one cares,” highlights his exasperation with individuals who not only share negative views about games they haven’t experienced but also project their feelings onto the wider community. He contends that this behavior does little to positively impact game development. Rather, it estranges developers and creates a cycle of negativity that is often unproductive.

In a lengthy 10-hour Twitch stream, Kaplan interacted with fans and highlighted aspects of *The Legend of California*, a game illustrating a new trajectory for his career after departing Blizzard due to corporate pressures he believed hindered the creative process. He reflected on the rudeness and antagonism he has noted in gamer comments regarding titles that fail to capture their interest, suggesting that such mentalities do not motivate developers to shift towards the critics’ preferences.

Kaplan stressed that while sharing one’s opinion is a crucial part of a participatory culture, there is a distinction between constructive feedback and blatant hostility. He advocated for a more rational approach to game discussions, stating, “If a game is released and you have no interest in playing it, and you haven’t played it, shut the f*** up.” This counsel resonates with many in the gaming industry, who frequently feel inundated by a wave of negativity rather than constructive commentary.

Despite Kaplan’s frank observations, those who criticize games without involvement are unlikely to alter their conduct. However, his readiness to speak candidly may encourage other developers to deviate from the typical norms of corporate communication, which can often be excessively sanitized and cautious.

Kaplan’s exit from Blizzard was prompted by rising pressures to meet financial goals, which affected his capacity to nurture innovation within his team. At Kintsugiyama, he is fostering a more liberated environment where he can interact with the community genuinely, unencumbered by the constraints that previously restricted his voice.

As the gaming community continues to progress, conversations about player feedback and developer accountability will remain vital. Kaplan’s views serve as a reminder that, in an industry driven by passion and creativity, the manner in which we express our feelings about games can significantly influence the surrounding culture. Ultimately, constructive dialogue is far more advantageous than simple disparagement, promoting a healthier atmosphere for both developers and gamers.

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“Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War – A New FPS from the Creators of Warhammer 40K Boltgun Featuring Intense Combat and Continuous Engagement”

Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War is out today on PC. It’s another licensed retro first-person shooter from Auroch Digital, the creators of Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun. It casts you as a Mobile Infantry soldier wrassling with the Arachnids on a bunch of human colonies, including a seaside resort planet that reminds me of Halo: Combat Evolved.

In general, the game caters to a slightly more recent era of graphicsability than the Doom-ish Boltgun, with boxy weapons and enemies that have me dreaming of the early polygonal 3D period, a few years before the brownification of action games set in. Think heyday of MDK and Turok.

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New Firefly Animated Show Unveiled with Original Voice Cast, Omitting Joss Whedon

### Nathan Fillion Unveils Animated Revival of Firefly in Advanced Production

At Awesome Con, Nathan Fillion shared the thrilling news that an animated revival of Joss Whedon’s legendary sci-fi series *Firefly*, which debuted in 2002, is officially entering “advanced production.” Fillion disclosed this exciting update during a live taping of the *Once We Were Spacemen* podcast, with confirmations from *Deadline* providing further details. This announcement has sparked significant excitement, as it signals a return to the cherished universe of *Firefly*, although Joss Whedon, the original creator, will not participate in its production.

#### Returning Cast and Production Insights

All original primary cast members were in attendance for the announcement, with notable exceptions of Adam Baldwin and the deceased Ron Glass, who passed away in 2016. Nathan Fillion affirmed that Baldwin would be voicing a character in the animated series despite his absence at the event. This continuity of cast members underscores the lasting allure of *Firefly*, which has retained a loyal fanbase for more than twenty years.

The animated series is set to be produced through Fillion’s company, Collision33, in partnership with 20th Television Animation, the rights holders to *Firefly*. Reports suggest that scripts for the series have been finalized, and the “fully assembled package” will soon be presented to prospective buyers, indicating progress towards realizing this long-awaited project.

#### Controversies Regarding Whedon

While the return of *Firefly* has been welcomed with excitement, the lack of Joss Whedon has prompted questions and concerns. Whedon has been accused of sexual harassment by multiple former cast members of *Buffy the Vampire Slayer*, impacting his reputation in Hollywood. The choice to move forward without him has been viewed as a necessary decision amidst the ongoing dialogue about accountability in the entertainment industry.

Interestingly, Adam Baldwin’s involvement in the animated project has sparked some discussion, given his controversial political viewpoints and affiliations, which include support for GamerGate and various pro-MAGA statements. This has ignited conversations in fan circles regarding the criteria determining who is included in the revived *Firefly* universe.

#### Fan Commitment and Future Outlook

Nathan Fillion emphasized the significance of the *Firefly* fan community, highlighting that their unwavering commitment has kept the show’s legacy vibrant. “Clearly, the return of *Firefly* is something the fans want. More importantly, it’s something they deserve,” Fillion asserted. However, fans remain cautiously hopeful. Recent events, such as the cancellation of the *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* sequel titled *Buffy The Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale*, serve as a reminder that enthusiasm should be moderated until tangible steps are taken to secure the series’ funding and production.

As *Firefly* transitions into an animated format, many are eager to see how it retains the original essence while also adapting to the current landscape of television and fandom. The excitement for this new chapter in the *Firefly* saga continues to build, and upcoming developments are sure to be closely monitored by fans and critics alike.

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The Escalating Threat of $70 Games in Light of the Demand for More Affordable Options on Steam

### The 2026 PC and Console Gaming Report: An Evolution in Gaming Revenue

The 2026 PC and Console Gaming Report from the prominent video game analytics company Newzoo has revealed noteworthy trends in the gaming sector, suggesting a significant evolution in buying patterns and revenue generation within the gaming industry. Released on March 12, the report presents essential insights, particularly focusing on the growing popularity of “sub-$30” games on PC platforms and the projected growth of PC gaming revenue.

#### Surge in Sub-$30 Game Purchases

A standout figure from the report is the impressive 156 percent rise in sub-$30 game purchases on PC from 2022 to 2025. This increase highlights a shift in consumer preferences, as players are leaning towards more affordable game options. The report asserts that this growth is not merely a result of discounts on existing titles but is mainly driven by a strong array of new releases priced under $30. By 2025, sub-$30 games made up 9 percent of overall PC revenue, showcasing their growing significance in the market.

#### Consequences for PC Compared to Console Revenue

Newzoo’s forecasts indicate that PC game sales will overtake the total revenue of leading consoles such as Nintendo’s Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X by 2028. This prediction is particularly remarkable given the dual revenue sources from subscription services utilized by these console leaders, such as PlayStation Plus and Xbox Games Pass, which Steam does not provide. Nonetheless, the expected rise in PC sales raises vital questions about the future of the console market.

#### The Drop in Subscription-based MMORPG Revenue

While the report highlights the ascendance of sub-$30 games, it also notes a decline in revenue from subscription-based MMORPGs, suggesting a potential shift in consumer priorities and gaming habits. This decrease may demonstrate broader trends as players look for value in standalone, cost-effective games over long-term subscriptions.

#### The Cycle of Console Generations

Ben Porter, Newzoo’s Director of Consulting, points out the cyclical nature of console generations as a factor affecting spending behaviors. In contrast to the PC gaming market, which can evolve steadily and naturally, the console market faces distinct cycles linked to new hardware releases and upgrades. This contrast aids in the consistent expansion of the PC sector, nurturing a varied ecosystem of gaming choices at multiple price levels.

#### Upcoming Trends and Expectations

As the gaming landscape changes, the impacts of the sub-$30 market trend will be closely observed. Titles like “Slay the Spire 2,” anticipated in the upcoming years, will be crucial to watch in Newzoo’s future reports, as their sales may further demonstrate the viability and significance of budget-friendly gaming options in an increasingly competitive environment.

In summary, the findings from the 2026 PC and Console Gaming Report reveal a significant shift in consumer preferences towards economical gaming, forecasting major changes in revenue dynamics between PC and console platforms. As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders must remain vigilant regarding emerging trends that will influence the future of gaming.