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Steam Summer Sale 2023: Start Date, Time, and Games

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The highly anticipated Steam Summer Sale of 2023 is upon us, bringing a plethora of great games that can be purchased at significantly reduced prices. This annual event is a much-anticipated spectacle in the gaming world, where players can acquire some of the most popular titles of recent years at a fraction of their usual cost​​.

When Is Steam Summer Sale 2023 Starting?

The Steam Summer Sale is set to kick off on Thursday, June 29, at 10 am PDT (1 pm ET / 6 pm BST / 7 pm CEST). Regrettably, developers who hoped to include their games in this event have missed the submission deadline. However, for future reference, information regarding the eligibility of games for upcoming events can be found on the Steam Sport Fest partner information page​.

When Is Steam Summer Sale 2023 Ending?

The sale is scheduled to last exactly two weeks, drawing to a close on Thursday, July 13, at 10 am PDT (1 pm ET / 6 pm BST / 7 pm CEST). It is an event not to be missed, as it offers a chance to grab some exceptional bargains​.

Steam Summer Sale 2023 Starts Today: Here’s What’s on Sale

While exact pricing details are yet to be released, we can confirm several games that will feature in the Steam Summer Sale 2023. Some of these include:

  • Anno 1800 (RRP $59.99)
  • Smalland: Survive The Wilds (RRP $24.99)
  • The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story (RRP $29.99)
  • Pharaoh: A New Era (RRP $22.99)
  • Rust (RRP $39.99)
  • Vertigo 2 (RRP $29.99)
  • Dead Cells (RRP $24.99)
  • Terra Nil (RRP $24.99)
  • Sid Meier’s Civilization VI (RRP $59.99)
  • SIFU (RRP $39.99)
  • Boundary (RRP $23.99)
  • Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (RRP $59.99)
  • Total War: Warhammer III (RRP $59.99)​​.

It’s important to note that not all top-tier games will be part of the sale, so manage your expectations accordingly​1​.

The Steam Summer Sale provides an excellent opportunity to try new games and save money. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking to expand your collection or a novice player exploring the world of gaming, this sale is an event you don’t want to miss.

So, get ready to set your reminders, save the dates, and brace yourself for the Steam Summer Sale 2023. The countdown begins now!

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CSGO: Astralis Fined $100,000 for Conflict of Interest Case

In an unprecedented move, the Louvre Agreement’s Commissioner’s Office took action against Astralis in a conflict of interest case in 2021 within the realm of CS:GO. The events that unfolded served as a testament to the dedication of the Louvre Agreement towards enforcing rules and regulations within esports, specifically within the ESL Pro League.

The case unraveled in January 2023, when the Commissioner’s Office was alerted to potential breaches in the Louvre Agreement’s regulations. In response to these allegations, an independent investigation was initiated, which had the approval of the ESL Pro League’s Executive Board​​.

The independent investigation led to several findings. A key revelation was that Astralis had solicited and received services from an individual who was soon to become an employee, during the period of April to July 2021. This individual, at that time, held a significant role within a competing team. The failure to report this situation to the league authorities and the competing team itself was found to be a violation of the Louvre Agreement’s regulations. However, it is noteworthy that no other violations were identified during the investigation​.

The repercussions for Astralis were substantial. The Executive Board decided to impose a fine of USD 100,000 on Astralis for maintaining and failing to report this conflict of interest. The fine incorporated legal and procedural fees. An important point to note is that the investigation concluded that this conflict of interest did not have any effect on the outcomes of competitions or match results​​.

Anders Horsholt, CEO of Astralis, expressed surprise and disappointment at the investigation’s conclusion. However, he acknowledged the verdict and emphasized the organization’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and fair play. Horsholt praised the Louvre Agreement for its role in ensuring good governance and regulatory discipline. He also recognized the diligent work done by all parties involved in the matter and expressed anticipation for future collaboration with the members of the Louvre Agreement to further refine the process​.

Alex Inglot, Commissioner of the ESL Pro League, assured that while the need to investigate a member is rare, they are always ready to act on critical information. He commended the constructive manner in which Astralis conducted themselves throughout the inquiry and its outcome. Inglot emphasized the league’s commitment to operate with the highest standards of integrity, both in the game and outside it. He expressed pride in the support received from various individuals and organizations during the investigation and affirmed that the conclusion reached reassured all parties involved​​.

This case serves as an essential example of the steps the Louvre Agreement is ready to take to ensure the maintenance of the integrity and fair play within the ESL Pro League and in esports in general. It will be interesting to observe how this event influences future regulations and procedures within the Louvre Agreement and the wider esports community.

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Steam Bans Games with AI-Generated Art

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Popular gaming company Valve, the owners of Steam which house some of the best games in the world. have discretely been implementing penalties on games using AI-generated artwork.

Most of the AI models are trained using data sets derived from the real world which is why all AI-generated work, “artwork” in this case has been derived from someone else’s work that was used to train the model. The resultant artwork is very difficult to trace back and can carry several legal troubles

According to a thread on the AIGameDev subreddit, a user had made an attempt to release their game about a month ago, which included some art assets that were generated by AI. They had plans to enhance these assets before officially launching the game. Valve responded to the user’s submission with an email stating that they are unable to distribute games if the developer does not possess all the necessary rights.

While companies face trouble tackling AI and the implications they might have are serious. The applications of AI are increasing day by day and it will be very difficult for corporations to tell the work of an AI apart.

The fear around AI-generated work has strong ground given how difficult it is to find the origin or the several sources from which it might have been derived, which might open the company up to several lawsuits especially when heavy financial gain is involved.

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Is Final Fantasy XVI coming to PC?

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After a long wait, Final Fantasy XVI has finally made its debut on the PlayStation 5, leaving many players curious about the possibility of a PC release.

The game boasts impressive mechanics and graphics, fully utilizing the advanced capabilities of the PS5. However, fans are eager to know if there are plans for a PC version in the near future.

With several rumours floating around we have brought information from reliable sources to help resolve some of the doubts.

Is Final Fantasy XVI coming to PC?

Although the game has been developed to be a PlayStation 5 exclusive, there are reports that a PC version is in the works. The producer Naoki Yoshida, has publicly stated that the team is focused on making the game as perfect as possible for PlayStation 5 which is why they did not put any effort into optimizing the game for PC.

It can be assumed that when all the wrinkles are ironed out in the PS5 version of the game, the development team can start working on the PC version. Even though previously he denied the existence of a PC version of FF XVI urging everyone to get a PS5.

With all the information in hand, we can say that a PC version will eventually come but not anytime soon. It can take months or even a year for PC to get their own port of the game. Till then, follow us on our socials to get the latest updates on the situation.

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Fortnite Airphoria Island Code

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Fortnite, the immensely popular online video game, has just witnessed an extraordinary collaboration that will ignite the passion of sneakerheads worldwide. Prepare yourself for Airphoria, an unparalleled event where Nike and Fortnite have joined forces to create a utopia specially designed for those who adore sneakers.

Get ready to experience the best of both worlds as you explore the all-new Nike Fortnite skins and cosmetic options available in the Item Shop. But that’s not all—dive into the enchanting realm of Airphoria Island, meticulously crafted by the collaborative efforts of Epic, Nike, and Beyond Creative, and unlock your very own exclusive Nike Backbling free of charge.

Fortnite Airphoria Island Code: 2118-5342-7190

Mark your calendars because the “Airphoria” event, celebrating the monumental collaboration between Nike and Fortnite, went live on June 20, 2023. However, time is of the essence, as the Airphoria Fortnite Island will only be available until June 27, 2023, at 8 PM ET. Don’t miss out on this limited-time opportunity!

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Airphoria Island, an extraordinary creation where the realms of Nike and Fortnite intertwine. Embark on captivating story quests, exclusively designed for this Nike-themed paradise, and let the heroic character Airie guide you on an epic journey. Traverse the floating city of Airphoria, which has fallen victim to the villainous Maxxed Out Max, who has stolen the legendary Air Max Grails.

How to Enter Airphoria Island?

Accessing Airphoria Island is a breeze. Simply head to the Discover tab in your Fortnite lobby and select your preferred game mode. On the right side of the screen, you’ll find the captivating Airphoria Island waiting for your arrival. You can either locate it in the “By Epic” playlist or by entering the Island Code provided above. Get ready to step into a world where sneakers meet gaming.

Prepare to embark on an exhilarating quest within the cinematic universe of Airphoria Island. Join forces with Airie, the valiant protagonist, on a mission to retrieve the stolen Air Max Grails scattered throughout the city. Channel your inner hero and explore every corner of this extraordinary island to complete the Epic Island quest.

The journey through Airphoria Island offers more than just an unforgettable experience. By dedicating a total of ten minutes to this captivating world, you’ll not only earn valuable Battle Pass XP but also unlock an exclusive free Nike reward—the coveted Air Max 1 ’86 Back Bling. Show off your achievements and let the world know you’re a true sneakerhead.

Your dedication will pay off on June 28, 2023, when you unlock the prestigious Nike Back Bling. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to wait until the conclusion of the Nike x Fortnite event before obtaining this sneakerhead trophy. Patience will be rewarded, so hold tight until the clock strikes the right moment.

Embarking on the Airphoria quests to retrieve the five stolen Air Max Grails is no small feat. Expect an engaging journey that will captivate your attention for at least ten minutes. Rest assured, after a single playthrough of Airphoria Island, you’ll have accomplished the necessary requirements to redeem the Air Max 1 ’86 Back Bling. Prepare to bask in sneakerhead glory.

As you immerse yourself in the wonders of Airphoria, why not take your sneakerhead culture to the next level? Explore the Fortnite Item Shop and discover two remarkable additions—the Airie and Maxxed Out Max Fortnite x Nike Air Max skins. These extraordinary outfits allow you to showcase your love for sneakers within the Fortnite universe.

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xQc Blasts Twitch for Allowing Gambling Advertisements

With Twitch taking a strong stance against Gambling streams last year, xQc who recently signed a reported $100 million contract with Kick has spoken up against gambling advertisements turning up on Twitch.

Especially in 2022, Twitch went aggressive against the promotion of gambling content which took away a big part of the sponsor revenue from streamers on their platform. It was done in good faith as the younger audience was getting wrongly influenced however, Twitch has been doing the same lately where they are promoting gambling events through advertisements.

xQc who was once penalised for streaming gambling content, was left baffled when he came across an advertisement on Twitch promoting a poker event. This begs the question if Streamers weren’t allowed to profit from it, how can the platform get away with doing the same?

“Guys, I’m not going to s*it on Twitch overall because I don’t give a s*it about any of this,” he said xQc. “My take remains the same, I just think maybe, perhaps it’s time to accept the fact that it is what it is,” he added.

One thing to note, Twitch has only restricted unlicensed sites to promote themselves on the platform however, licensed bookmakers and casinos and still be promoted according to Twitch’s ToS.

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What is Viewbotting on Twitch?

View botting is a controversial topic that has sparked numerous debates in the Twitch community over the years. In simple terms, it refers to the practice of artificially inflating a live view count to give the impression of higher viewership than reality. This is achieved by using software bots to open up live streams, thereby augmenting the viewership stats of a specific Twitch channel​​.

While it might seem like a clever method to boost one’s brand and manipulate Twitch’s algorithms, it’s important to understand that this tactic is not only unethical but also prohibited on the platform. Twitch’s policies unequivocally prohibit view botting, and those caught indulging in this practice face potential sanctions, including indefinite suspensions​​.

It’s worth noting that view botting is not the same as follow-botting, a term used to describe the use of bot accounts to follow a specific Twitch user and subsequently raise their account’s profile​​.

Understanding the reasons why some individuals resort to view botting can provide a broader perspective on this issue. On the surface, view botting appears to be an effective way to unfairly gain an advantage. This is because the platform’s algorithms tend to favor and promote channels with high engagements and views over those with lesser viewership​​.

However, detecting view botting is not straightforward. While certain indicators such as unusual viewership spikes, large viewership numbers with low chat engagement, or nonsensical comments in the chat might suggest the use of viewbots, there is no definitive method to ascertain this. Additionally, it’s crucial to remember that a Twitch user could be a victim of viewbots without their knowledge or consent, and in such cases, they are not held responsible by Twitch​.

The issue of view botting has not spared even large streamers, who have found themselves at the center of accusations and controversies. For instance, Twitch streamer Trainwreck in 2022 expressed his suspicion that many top streamers were using bots, emphasizing that this was a significant problem for the platform​.

Several notable incidents serve as cautionary tales in this regard. In 2018, former G4 host Kevin Pereira was banned from Twitch after confessing to using bots to boost viewership on his livestreams​​. Similarly, in 2019, League of Legends streamer Tyler1 appeared to have hinted at his use of viewbots before admitting that it was a ruse to attract more attention on Twitch​. More recently, in June 2023, streamer Mizkif faced accusations of view botting, which he strongly denied​​.

While view botting on Twitch might seem like a shortcut to popularity and recognition, it is a practice that goes against the principles of fair play and community spirit that platforms like Twitch aim to promote. Streamers and viewers alike should be aware of the implications and potential repercussions of this controversial practice.

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VALORANT Premier Returns Next Month with Much-Needed Changes

The competitive world of VALORANT is about to get more thrilling as the much-anticipated Premier returns to the fray next month. This in-game esports platform is all set for its next beta phase slated to kick off on July 20​​.

VALORANT Premier’s return promises an impressive lineup of improvements, many of which stem from players’ requests during the initial global beta phase in May. This next phase is sure to be a treat for competitive players who are eager to see these changes in action​.

When Is Valorant Premier Coming Back?

The launch of the weekly Valorant Premier matches is scheduled for July 20, while the playoff tournament is marked for August 13. However, it’s worth noting that these dates may vary depending on your geographical location, shifting a day earlier or later​.

One notable change is the extended registration period. Previously, players had a narrow four-day window to sign up. Now, registration is slated to start on July 11, giving players a full week to sign up. This gives players more breathing room to prepare and, if necessary, assemble a team​.

In addition to the extended registration period, players can look forward to several other enhancements. These include tweaks to team creation, region-specific match schedules, a revamped playoff format, and live scores for playoff matches. More detailed information on these changes is eagerly awaited​.

While the aforementioned updates are exciting, they might just be the tip of the iceberg. Players should stay tuned for the official announcement which is expected to divulge more information and additional features. The map pool for the upcoming Premier phase remains a mystery, adding to the anticipation​​.

Moreover, VALORANT will reportedly continue to host the Premier in its beta form for the second phase. This could be due to the plethora of suggestions received from players during the last phase. Riot is seemingly poised to take into account more feedback in the forthcoming phase to refine and perfect the Premier experience​.

Prepare to engage in an enhanced VALORANT Premier experience as the competitive arena is set to blaze anew with these much-awaited updates.

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How to Get the Fortnite Wish, Set, Match Quest Pack?

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Fortnite, the groundbreaking game that has revolutionized the gaming industry, continues to captivate players worldwide with its immersive gameplay, stunning graphics, and regular updates. Combining the elements of shooting and building, Fortnite offers a unique gaming experience that keeps players hooked. The latest addition to the Fortnite universe is the Wish, Set, Match Quest Pack, which introduces an exhilarating tennis-themed adventure into the game.

One of the highlights of the Wish, Set, Match Quest Pack is the inclusion of the Court Queen Erisa Outfit. This outfit allows players to embody the powerful and authoritative Erisa, the queen of the court. With two distinct styles to choose from, Court Queen Erisa and summer casual, players can showcase their style while dominating the battlefield. The outfit also offers a range of shading options, including CEL, Outline Gradient, and Gradient only, allowing for a unique and fashionable look that sets players apart.

How to Get the Fortnite Wish, Set, Match Quest Pack?

To fully immerse players in the tennis-themed experience, the Wish, Set, Match Quest Pack provides two essential items: the Racket of the Wish Back Bling and the Racket of the Wish Pickaxe. The Wish Back Bling is a tennis-themed backpack that perfectly complements the Court Queen Erisa Outfit, adding an extra touch of flair to the ensemble. Meanwhile, the Wish Pickaxe offers players a one-of-a-kind harvesting tool that takes the tennis theme to new heights, allowing them to make their mark on the battlefield with style.

No tennis-themed adventure would be complete without some stylish accessories. The Wish, Set, Match Quest Pack includes the Group Shot Wrap, a vibrant cosmetic item that can be applied to both weapons and vehicles. Featuring a design showcasing a group shot, this wrap adds a delightful touch to your collection of weapons, ensuring they perfectly complement your tennis-themed outfit.

For those seeking an extra incentive to jump into the Wish, Set, Match Quest Pack, completing quests within the pack offers players the opportunity to earn V Bucks, Fortnite’s in-game currency. By successfully finishing select quests, players can accumulate up to 1500 V Bucks. However, it’s important to note that this opportunity is time-limited, with the quests needing to be completed by July 18 at 8 PM ET. Don’t miss out on this chance to embark on an exciting adventure in Fortnite while earning valuable in-game currency.

With its captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and regular updates, Fortnite continues to dominate the gaming world. The Wish, Set, Match Quest Pack brings the exhilarating world of tennis to Fortnite, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in a thrilling sports-themed experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to Fortnite, this pack offers a range of exciting cosmetic items and quests to enjoy. So grab your racket, don your tennis-themed attire, and get ready to serve and win on the battlefield of Fortnite. The Wish, Set, Match Quest Pack is now available for purchase at the affordable price of USD 11.99. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your Fortnite experience to new heights.

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How to Get Counter Strike 2 (CS2) Beta

In the realm of online gaming, the anticipation for the release of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) has reached fever pitch. After many rumors and speculations, the game developer, Valve, affirmed the upcoming launch of CS2 in 2023, marking the next evolution of the iconic game series that has kept gamers engrossed for over a decade​​.

Valve has always had a knack for whetting the appetite of gamers worldwide. This time, the company unveiled three enticing gameplay teasers on YouTube, proclaiming that CS2 would indeed make its debut in the summer. As the game’s release looms, there is an opportunity for some players to get an early taste of the action through the CS2 Limited Test or the CS2 beta​​.

What is the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test?

The CS2 Limited Test, also referred to as the CS2 beta, essentially serves as an early access version of the game. This Limited Test enables Valve to gather player feedback and rectify any potential issues before the game’s worldwide release. It’s a practice Valve has routinely used, often leading to better game outcomes​​.

Though the CS2 Limited Test seems to present an enticing opportunity, there is a catch. While technically anyone can play the CS2 Limited Test, not everyone will have the opportunity to do so​.

How to Participate in the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test

The journey to the CS2 Limited Test is not one that can be embarked upon independently. The only path to participate in this early access version is to be handpicked by Valve. The selection criteria, while not limited to, will factor in recent playtime on Valve official servers, the trust factor, and the standing of the player’s Steam account​​.

Once a player’s account is selected for the CS2 Limited Test, they will receive a notification in the CS:GO main menu. Upon receiving the notification, players can enroll for the Limited Test, triggering the download of CS2. Once the download is complete, players need to launch CS:GO and select the “Limited Test” option to start their early experience with the game​​.

What Lies Ahead

Valve intends to include more players in the Limited Test over time. So, even if you don’t get an invitation immediately, don’t lose hope. The gaming community’s excitement was recently rekindled when Valve released a significant update for the game on June 6, swapping Dust2 for Mirage and unveiling new gameplay options that players will become familiar with over the forthcoming weeks​​.

As we all eagerly await the full release of Counter-Strike 2, the CS2 Limited Test provides a unique opportunity for a lucky few to get a head start. So, keep playing, stay active on Valve servers, and you might just receive that coveted invitation. Game on!

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