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warmUP News: Gaming Guides & Launcher Insights

Launcher showdowns, couch-gaming guides and the stories shaping how we play on PC. Written by the warmUP editorial team.

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Comparison

PlayNite vs warmUP: which launcher actually unifies your library?

Two launchers promise one home for every game. We put PlayNite head-to-head with warmUP on setup, controller feel, and the couch experience.

Rosa del PeroJun 10, 2026

8 min read

73 stories

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Cover image for Henry Cavill Confirms He'll Star in Live-Action Warhammer 40K Series, Mike Flanagan Writing

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Henry Cavill Confirms He'll Star in Live-Action Warhammer 40K Series, Mike Flanagan Writing

Henry Cavill confirms he'll star in Amazon's live-action Warhammer 40K series written by Mike Flanagan, with an animated Deathwatch spinoff also in the works.

Devon YatesAug 4, 2026

7 min

Cover image for Valve's Hardware vs. the RAMpocalypse: Can Steam Deck Survive?

Comparison

Latest

Valve's Hardware vs. the RAMpocalypse: Can Steam Deck Survive?

Surging memory prices have transformed Valve's Steam Machine from a $600 couch PC promise into a $1,049 luxury, and the Steam Deck OLED is getting pricier too-can Valve's hardware survive the RAMpocalypse?

Devon YatesAug 3, 2026

7 min

Features

Owlcat Games at 10: Dark Heresy, The Expanse, and the Future of Hardcore CRPGs

Owlcat Games marks its 10th anniversary with 600 employees, the upcoming CRPG Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, and its first third-person RPG The Expanse: Osiris Reborn-all while vowing to never abandon the hardcore RPGs that built its reputation.

Devon YatesAug 3, 2026

7 min

Comparison

Steam Indie vs AAA 2026: Why Innovative Indies Are Thriving

Steam data shows innovative indies like Palworld are crushing traditional AAA in 2026. We explore the shift and what it means for your game library.

Devon YatesAug 1, 2026

6 min

Guide

Fix Doom: The Dark Ages DLC Chain Spear Throw Button Prompt

Stuck with the '??' Chain Spear Throw prompt in Doom: The Dark Ages DLC? We walk through the exact workaround, alternative controller fixes, and what to expect from a patch.

Mika LindqvistJul 9, 2026

7 min

Comparison

Xbox Full-Screen Experience vs warmUP: Which Couch Launcher Feels More Like a Console?

We put Windows 11's Xbox mode and warmUP side by side - setup, performance, library integration, and controller feel - to help you decide which deserves the center of your living room.

Rosa del PeroJul 7, 2026

6 min

News

Xbox Layoffs 2026: Studios Go Independent, Bethesda Pivots

Microsoft announces its biggest Xbox restructuring ever, spinning off Double Fine and Compulsion Games, selling Ninja Theory and Undead Labs, and refocusing Bethesda on core franchises.

Devon YatesJul 7, 2026

6 min

News

EVE Online's Carbon Engine Goes Fully Open Source on GitHub

Fenris has open-sourced the Carbon Engine powering EVE Online and EVE Frontier. Discover how this move could redefine MMO modding and challenge Unreal Engine's dominance.

Devon YatesJul 7, 2026

7 min

News

Danganronpa 2x2 Delayed to Early 2027 – Slayhem Mode & 3D World Map Revealed

Spike Chunsoft confirms Danganronpa 2x2 is moving to early 2027, but the delay comes with a deep dive into the new Slayhem alternate story mode and a fully explorable 3D world map.

Devon YatesJul 7, 2026

6 min

Features

Meccha Chameleon Hits 15 Million Sales: The Rise of 'Friendslop' Gaming

Meccha Chameleon just sold 15 million copies in under a month. Here's how this $6 prop-hunt game became the biggest indie hit of 2026 and what its success says about the future of PC gaming.

Devon YatesJul 7, 2026

6 min

News

The Scroll of Taiwu 1.0 Released – English Localization & 8-Year Journey Culminate in a Wuxia Epic

After eight years in early access, The Scroll of Taiwu hits 1.0 with a massive English script, opening its CK2-meets-Kenshi wuxia sandbox to the world.

Devon YatesJul 4, 2026

7 min

Features

Valheim 1.0 Price Hike: September 9 Release & $30 Cost

Valheim's full launch on September 9, 2026 brings a 50% price increase to $30, the icy Deep North biome, and a final chance to grab it for $10 during the Steam Summer Sale.

Devon YatesJul 2, 2026

6 min

News

Onimusha: Way of the Sword Release Date Moved Forward to Escape GTA 6 Gridlock

Capcom shifts the samurai action revival three weeks earlier to September 4, dodging September's packed release schedule and the looming GTA 6 shadow.

Devon YatesJul 2, 2026

6 min

News

Total War: Warhammer 3 9.0 Update: New Endgames, Vampire Counts Rework, and the Glottkin

Total War: Warhammer 3's 9.0 update overhauls endgames, adds unique victory conditions, and reworks the Vampire Counts, alongside the Lords of the End Times DLC.

Devon YatesJul 1, 2026

6 min

News

Xbox Prepares the Largest Layoff in Gaming History. These Studios Are at Risk

Multiple reports confirm Microsoft is days away from executing what's been called the biggest single layoff event in gaming, with Undead Labs, Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine facing potential closure.

Devon YatesJun 30, 2026

6 min

Features

Tim Sweeney Says Valve Is Missing Out Without Fortnite and Genshin Impact on Steam

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney's recent comments reveal the strategic tension between Steam and the Epic Games Store, and what the absence of blockbusters like Fortnite and Genshin Impact means for PC gamers navigating a fractured launcher landscape.

Devon YatesJun 25, 2026

8 min

News

GTA 6 Pre-Order Bonus Has a Catch: Auto-Renewal Fee Trap

Rockstar's free Vice City Starter Pack automatically enrolls you in a paid GTA+ subscription, but you can cancel before the charge hits.

Devon YatesJun 25, 2026

6 min

Features

Valve's Steam Machines 2026 Comeback Was Almost a Disaster

A new report reveals Valve nearly killed its 2026 Steam Machine lineup before a last‑minute OEM partnership saved the living‑room PC push-and what this means for couch gamers.

Devon YatesJun 25, 2026

7 min

News

Echoes of Aincrad Release Date Set for July 9, 2026

Bandai Namco confirms Echoes of Aincrad launches July 9 on Steam, with PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions following on July 10.

Devon YatesJun 23, 2026

6 min

Guide

How to Use Steam's Personal Calendar: A Complete Guide

Learn how to access and customize Steam's new Personal Calendar to track upcoming game releases, filter by genre, and integrate your wishlist for a smarter discovery feed.

Mika LindqvistJun 23, 2026

10 min

Guide

Overcome Steam Next Fest 2026 Decision Paralysis: A Smart Guide to Enjoying 4,931 Demos

Steam Next Fest June 2026 dropped a record 4,931 demos. Here's how to beat the choice overload, build a wishlist you'll love, and stop scrolling.

Mika LindqvistJun 21, 2026

9 min

News

EMPULSE Early Access Launches June 24 – What to Expect

1047 Games' movement shooter EMPULSE enters Early Access on June 24 with cross-play, no microtransactions, and a free demo available now.

Devon YatesJun 21, 2026

6 min

News

Steam Next Fest June 2026: Last 24 Hours to Grab Free Demos Before They Vanish

The clock is ticking on Steam Next Fest June 2026. With nearly 5,000 free demos set to disappear on June 22, here's your last-minute guide to the must-downloads and how to beat the countdown.

Devon YatesJun 21, 2026

7 min

News

Steam Next Fest 2026: Best Psychological Horror Demos

From a fishing trip that slowly unravels into dread to a teenager's desktop that invades your memories, these psychological horror demos are the standout scares of Steam Next Fest June 2026.

Devon YatesJun 21, 2026

8 min

News

Steam Next Fest 2026 Horror Games: Psychological Thrills Steal the Show

Psychological horror dominates Steam Next Fest June 2026 with standout demos like About Fishing and lily's world XD, redefining what it means to be scared on PC.

Devon YatesJun 21, 2026

8 min

News

Copa City Out Now – The Football Tycoon Game Lands During World Cup Fever

Copa City brings football matchday logistics to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, turning players into off-pitch strategists. It's a bold twist on the beautiful game, but the launch state has critics divided.

Devon YatesJun 21, 2026

8 min

News

Steam Summer Sale 2026 Begins June 25 - What You Need to Know

Valve's biggest discount event of the year kicks off June 25 at 10 AM PT. Here are the confirmed dates, discount expectations by tier, and how to prepare.

Devon YatesJun 21, 2026

5 min

News

Steam Next Fest June 2026: The Best Demos You Should Play

Steam Next Fest June 2026 is live with thousands of demos. We've rounded up the must-try picks across action, horror, strategy, and indie surprises to help you make the most of the final days.

Devon YatesJun 21, 2026

7 min

Guide

Tilt-Proof Your Ranked Games: 7 Mental Tactics to Climb Higher in 2026

Stop rage queueing and start climbing. These science-backed mental tactics will tilt-proof your ranked games and turn frustration into consistent improvement.

Mika LindqvistJun 21, 2026

9 min

News

Unreal Engine 6 Revealed: Portable Cosmetics, AI Tools & More

Epic Games just dropped Unreal Engine 6 at Unreal Fest Chicago, merging UE5 and Fortnite tools, adding portable cosmetics, and integrating AI-assisted workflows. Here's the full breakdown.

Devon YatesJun 21, 2026

7 min

Guide

How to Master Any Game in 2026: Pro Tips, Performance Fixes, and the Mindset to Win

Stop blaming your hardware and start dominating. This guide combines PC optimization, deliberate practice techniques, and game-specific wisdom to help you master any game in 2026.

Mika LindqvistJun 21, 2026

18 min

Features

Last Salvage Squad Launches on PC: Virtual Boy‑Inspired Shooter Hits Steam Deck Ready

The Last Salvage Squad is a striking 2.5D shooter that just landed on Steam, channelling Nintendo's Virtual Boy with full controller support and Steam Deck Verified status out of the box.

Devon YatesJun 21, 2026

5 min

Guide

Fatekeeper Performance Guide: Run This UE5 RPG Smoothly

Our Fatekeeper performance guide helps you run this stunning UE5 RPG smoothly-best settings, FPS fixes, and what to expect on Steam Deck.

Mika LindqvistJun 21, 2026

9 min

Guide

Gaming Time Tipping Point: Scientists Reveal When Your Hobby Hurts Your Health

A 2026 study pinpoints a physical health threshold at 10 hours/week, but psychological tipping points are more complex. Learn the signs and how to reset your gaming habits.

Mika LindqvistJun 20, 2026

10 min

Hardware

Best GPU Mid 2026: RTX 50-Series vs AMD RX 9000 Buyer's Guide

Everything you need to know about the RTX 50-series and AMD RX 9000 GPUs in mid-2026 - from real-world benchmarks and ray tracing to the best value card for your money.

Mika LindqvistJun 20, 2026

9 min

Features

Final Fantasy IX at 25: The Timeless Classic That Still Outshines Modern RPGs

As Final Fantasy IX turns 25, we revisit the forgotten masterpiece that tops many fans' lists-and explain why it's the definitive RPG experience in 2026.

Devon YatesJun 20, 2026

8 min

News

Fatekeeper Early Access Impressions: A Gorgeous Dark Messiah-Inspired RPG Arrives on Steam

Fatekeeper enters early access with stunning visuals, a brutal physics-based combat system, and a killer price tag-but performance issues and missing features remind us it's still a work in progress.

Devon YatesJun 20, 2026

5 min

Features

Best PC Horror Games 2026: 15+ Scary Games to Play Now

From psychological nightmares to co-op ghost hunts, here are the scariest and most celebrated PC horror games you need to play in 2026.

Devon YatesJun 20, 2026

8 min

Features

Why Pre-Ordering GTA 6 on June 25 Might Be a Mistake

Rockstar confirms GTA 6 pre-orders start June 25 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S only, but a lack of PC news and missing edition details make hitting that button a risky gamble.

Devon YatesJun 20, 2026

8 min

Guide

Dead Space Remake PC Performance Guide: Best Settings 2026

Unlock smooth, stutter-free horror with our 2026 Dead Space Remake performance guide-covering Nvidia Smooth Motion fixes, optimized settings, and community workarounds.

Mika LindqvistJun 20, 2026

8 min

News

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Launch Disaster – What Went Wrong on Day One

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam dropped June 18 to a wave of negative reviews and technical issues. Here's the full breakdown of the troubled launch and community backlash.

Devon YatesJun 20, 2026

5 min

Features

Most Hated PC Games of All Time: A Definitive Ranking

From broken launches and design disasters to community betrayals, we rank the most hated PC games ever-and ask what, if anything, can be learned from the wreckage.

Devon YatesJun 18, 2026

8 min

Guide

When to Put Down the Controller: 10 Signs It’s Time to Stop Gaming

Learn when gaming stops being a hobby and starts hurting you-a practical guide with the 10-hour threshold, IGD symptoms, and healthy limits for gamers and parents.

Mika LindqvistJun 17, 2026

8 min

News

The Biggest PC Game Releases of June 2026: Solarpunk, Gothic Remake, and More

From Gothic's return to Solarpunk's floating islands and Hell Let Loose's Vietnam tour, June 2026 is packed with major PC launches—though not all of them are smooth sailing.

Devon YatesJun 17, 2026

9 min

Guide

Sedentary to Active Gamer Guide: A Step-by-Step Plan to Start Small

A step-by-step guide for gamers to transition from sedentary to active with micro-workouts, ergonomic tips, and a 15‑minute energy reset routine—no gym required.

Mika LindqvistJun 17, 2026

8 min

Features

Why Final Fantasy IX Is Underrated in 2026 (And Why You Should Play It Now)

More than 25 years after launch, Final Fantasy IX remains the series’ most underrated gem—and 2026 is the perfect year to experience it on PC.

Devon YatesJun 17, 2026

8 min

Hardware

Best Gaming Laptops 2026: The Price-to-Performance Guide

Cut through the RTX 50 hype with our no-nonsense guide to the gaming laptops that deliver genuine value in 2026, from budget-friendly RTX 5070 rigs to 4K beasts.

Mika LindqvistJun 16, 2026

11 min

Hardware

Best Value Gaming Laptops 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget

From $999 RTX 5060 steals to RTX 5090 desktop replacements, discover the best value gaming laptops in 2026 that deliver maximum performance per dollar, plus how to avoid overpaying for a GPU that runs like a potato.

Mika LindqvistJun 16, 2026

16 min

Features

Summer Game Fest 2026 Indie Hidden Gems You Missed

The loudest trailers steal the spotlight, but a handful of indie games at SGF 2026 deserve your attention—especially if you play from the couch.

Devon YatesJun 16, 2026

5 min

News

Steam Next Fest AI Demos Flood June 2026 — Browsing with an AI Blocker Is Depressing

Steam Next Fest June 2026 features nearly 5,000 demos, but an AI blocker extension reveals a depressing landscape of generative AI slop. Here's how the community is coping and why couch gamers are hit hardest.

Devon YatesJun 16, 2026

8 min

Features

The Single-Player Renaissance Is Real: 5 Story Games Summoned at Summer Game Fest 2026

SGF 2026 was a love letter to solo adventures. From Control Resonant to Onimusha, these five story-driven games signal a definitive single-player comeback – and you can start preparing your PC couch setup now.

Devon YatesJun 16, 2026

6 min

News

Steam Next Fest June 2026 Demos: Record 5,000 Free Now Live

Nearly 5,000 free demos have flooded Steam's biggest Next Fest ever, running until June 22. Here's how to find the gems, avoid the duds, and get ready for the upcoming Summer Sale.

Devon YatesJun 16, 2026

8 min

News

Summer 2026 Horror Games PC: All the Reveals & Release Dates

Summer 2026 showcases dropped a wave of horror on PC—Silent Hill Townfall, RE Veronica, ILL, and more. Release dates, wishlist spikes, and how to play them couch-side.

Devon YatesJun 15, 2026

4 min

Guide

Why Gamers Buy Games They Never Play – and How to Actually Start Playing Them

The median Steam user has over half their library unplayed—yet we keep buying more. Unpack the psychology behind your backlog, and get 7 actionable strategies to break the cycle and finally enjoy the games you own.

Mika LindqvistJun 15, 2026

8 min

News

State of Play June 2026: Control Resonant, Silent Hill Townfall, and Onimusha Lock In PC Release Dates

Sony's June 2026 State of Play dropped release dates for Control Resonant, Silent Hill Townfall, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword, all coming to PC within a single crowded week.

Devon YatesJun 15, 2026

5 min

Comparison

The Cross-Store Game Library That Big Launchers Won't Build

Big publishers keep building walled gardens while PC gamers crave a single, unified view of their cross-store game library. Here's why they ignore it—and what you can actually use in 2026.

Rosa del PeroJun 15, 2026

8 min

Features

Game Devs Panic Over AI, Gamers Shrug: The 2026 Trust Gap

GDC 2026 data reveals a massive trust gap: over half of developers fear generative AI, while a silent majority of players doesn't care — and that's already shaping the games you're buying.

Devon YatesJun 14, 2026

5 min

Guide

The Best PC Games of 2026 to Play While You Wait for GTA 6

From the exhilarating heights of Cairn to the cozy chaos of Creature Kitchen, these 2026 PC releases will make the wait for GTA 6 fly by. Here’s what to play right now.

Mika LindqvistJun 14, 2026

8 min

News

GTA 6 September 2026 Release Calendar: The Overcrowded Month

GTA 6's November release has forced an unprecedented cluster of AAA games into September 2026, leaving players to navigate a crammed month of blockbusters.

Devon YatesJun 14, 2026

4 min

News

The Wall Goes Up: Sony’s 2026 PC Exclusivity Shock, PSSR2, and God of War: Laufey

Sony's June 2026 triple-whammy—PSSR2, God of War: Laufey, and a hard retreat from PC single-player ports—redefines the console war for your living room.

Devon YatesJun 14, 2026

5 min

Comparison

PS5 Pro Price Hike 2026: Is It Time to Switch to PC?

Sony’s April 2026 PS5 Pro price hike to $899.99 is making PC gaming look like a better long-term deal — here’s the math.

Devon YatesJun 14, 2026

4 min

Features

Best PC RPGs 2026: Top 10 Ranked (BG3 Still Leads)

From Baldur's Gate 3 to surprising 2026 breakouts like Mewgenics and Esoteric Ebb, here are the absolute best PC RPGs you can play right now.

Rosa del PeroJun 14, 2026

8 min

Guide

10 Best Retro Games on PC in 2026: Classics & Emulated Gems

From PC ports to emulated console masterpieces, these 10 retro games still deliver timeless fun on modern rigs — here's how to play them legally in 2026.

Mika LindqvistJun 14, 2026

8 min

Features

God of War: Laufey Backlash Explained: Why the Hate and Why It Could Still Be a Hit

Santa Monica Studio’s God of War: Laufey has ignited a firestorm over its female lead and fears of losing Kratos—but the game’s new combat, multi‑mythology scope, and the studio’s track record suggest the outrage may be premature.

Devon YatesJun 13, 2026

7 min

News

Crimson Desert Patch 1.11.00 Adds Assignable Controller Buttons, New Pet Challenges, and More

The latest Crimson Desert update lets you map Inventory, Map, Skills, Journal, and Photo Mode to your controller, alongside new pet challenges and bug fixes.

Devon YatesJun 13, 2026

4 min

Guide

2XKO The Climb Couch Co‑Op Guide: PC Controller Setup (2026)

Set up 2XKO The Climb local couch co-op in minutes with our definitive PC controller guide, including troubleshooting common input issues.

Mika LindqvistJun 13, 2026

8 min

Hardware

Build a 2026 Couch Gaming PC for God of War, Gears: E-Day & More

From GPU to case to controller-friendly launcher, here's how to build a living-room PC that runs 2026's biggest blockbusters without a keyboard in sight.

Mika LindqvistJun 13, 2026

8 min

Guide

2XKO Patch 1.2.3 Meta Guide: Ahri Nerfs, Senna & Thresh, and The Climb PvE Explained

Everything you need to know about the massive 2XKO Patch 1.2.3, including Ahri and Teemo nerfs, new champions Senna and Thresh, the roguelike PvE mode, and early tier list rumblings ahead of EVO 2026.

Mika LindqvistJun 13, 2026

9 min

Guide

How to Play Classic Spyro on PC from the Couch Without Controller Hell

The Spyro retro wave is here, but getting those original PS1 gems running on a living room PC usually means a trip through controller-configuration hell. Here’s how to fix it — and the zero‑config future that’s about to make it all disappear.

Mika LindqvistJun 13, 2026

12 min

Guide

Build a Couch PC for Gears of War: E-Day and Fable – The 2026 Guide

Xbox Games Showcase 2026 just dropped huge PC-bound titles. Here's how to build the ultimate living-room rig for Gears E-Day, Fable, and more, plus the software that makes it all console-smooth.

Mika LindqvistJun 13, 2026

10 min

Comparison

Spyro vs God of War vs Persona 6: Which Blockbuster Reveal Will Own the Couch PC Experience?

Summer Game Fest 2026 dropped three massive reveals, but only one is a guaranteed win for your couch PC setup. We break down controller support, storefront chaos, and which launcher makes it all just work.

Rosa del PeroJun 12, 2026

9 min

Comparison

Heroic Games Launcher vs Playnite vs warmUP: Which PC Launcher Actually Belongs on Your Couch?

We pit the Linux-friendly Heroic, the do-everything Playnite, and the couch-first warmUP against each other to find the best way to unify your PC gaming library from the sofa.

Rosa del PeroJun 12, 2026

8 min