The gaming landscape today is a study in contrasts. Independent developers on Steam are pushing boundaries with experimental pricing and retro revivals while PC gamers face a grim reality regarding hardware costs. From the gold medal stages of the SEA Games to the depths of the Steam store, here is your essential briefing for December 17.
The Indie Steam Storm
The mid-December release window is usually quiet. However, today brings chaotic energy to the Steam marketplace. Leading the charge is the Early Access launch of M.E.A.T. II: Absolute Zero. This shooter from Trippin Bears combines pixel art nostalgia with modern mechanics. It introduces a “Telestarion” weapon system and an “Absolute Zero” ability that forces players to gamble their entire resource bar for a massive attack.
For fans of horror history, Reines du Sabbat: Queen of Sacrifice also dropped today. This free release is a reconstruction of Makoto Kedouin’s debut work. Kedouin is best known as the creator of Corpse Party.
The “AI Tax” Hits PC Builders
If you were planning a holiday PC upgrade you might want to sit down. Reports today confirm that major system integrators like CyberPowerPC are raising prices on gaming desktops. The culprit is a massive shortage of DRAM and SSD components.
The explosive growth of artificial intelligence has forced manufacturers to pivot production toward enterprise-grade memory for AI data centers. This leaves fewer scraps for consumer gamers. Analysts warn this supply crunch could last well into 2027.
Valve Flags Xbox Controllers
Steam Deck users might see a new warning message today. Valve’s latest SteamOS beta update now explicitly flags Xbox controllers running incompatible firmware. This has been a long-standing headache for Linux gamers. The new update tells you exactly what is wrong. However, the fix still requires connecting the controller to a Windows PC or Xbox console to update it.
Esports: Sibol’s Dynasty and Cheating Scandals
In the competitive arena, the Philippines continues its reign in mobile esports. The national team Sibol secured their fourth consecutive SEA Games gold medal in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang today. They swept Malaysia 4-0 in the Grand Finals. The victory was cemented by a miraculous objective steal by jungler Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno.
The SEA Games also saw drama in Arena of Valor. The entire Thai team was withdrawn following a cheating scandal involving unauthorized software usage by a player.
Quick Hits
- Call of Duty Strategy Shift: Activision is reportedly ending the cycle of back-to-back Modern Warfare and Black Ops releases to combat franchise fatigue.
- Tekken Shakeup: Longtime series producer Katsuhiro Harada has announced his departure from Bandai Namco after 30 years.
- Release Date News: Kotama and Academy Citadel has officially confirmed a January 15, 2026 launch date.
