Our friends from the Humble Bundle are back at it again, and this time they are giving away free copies of Spec Ops: The Line. For those who have never heard of the game, Spec Ops: The Line is a third-person military shooter published by 2K Games back in 2012. Players lead a small group of soldiers into a post-apocalytic Dubai for a reconnaisance mission. The game allows players to make decisions that will ultimately have an impact on the game's ending. Spec Ops: The Line normally costs ‎$29.99 on the Steam, but you can get a free Steam key from the Humble Bundle Store. Better hurry up, though, since the offer ends on Saturday morning.

Valve was one of the first to run a centralized game distribution + multiplayer service, through Steam, and its in-house alternative to the Punkbuster anti-cheating software, in the form of VAC (Valve Anti-Cheating). Over the years, VAC has evolved to leverage newer technologies. Its latest avatar is VACnet, an AI deep-learning system built up of over 1,700 CPUs, to more intelligently sniff out cheaters. VACnet leverages CS:GO's player-operated replay system. It studies replays of players who have been reported for cheating, and studies their replays for patterns of cheating, such as wallhacks, aimbots, and more.

What makes this different from previous approaches to the problem is that the AI evaluates the behavior of the gamer through their inputs in a way only a human could, before this. It also makes up its own criteria for spotting cheaters, as it learns more about cheating, so creative and new cheaters are quicker to spot. The decision to suspend or ban players ultimate falls in the hands of humans. VACnet sniffs out the most probable cheaters, and reports its findings to human moderators that determine guilt, and hand out suspensions or bans. VACnet has the potential to increase "convictions" of cheaters by close to four fold.

PUBG Corporation has shared several screenshots of their upcoming 4 km by 4 km map for PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds. Due to its small nature, players can expect more intense shootouts and shorter matches. The map will feature a southeastern Asian environment. If all goes according to plans, players should be able to test the new map in early April. The developer hopes to return to their open development model and improve the map based on player feedback.

For the next 25 hours, Humble Bundle is offering Codemasters' F1 2015 racing title for free. Head over to their store to get your free copy now. If you don't have a Humble Bundle account already, registration is quick and easy. Then all you need to do is add the game to your cart and check out. Humble Bundle will send you an email with the product key to activate F1 2015 on your Steam account. Happy racing!

IO Interactive just released the Hitman Spring Pack on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Players can redeem it for free starting from today until April 3. The Hitman Spring Pack includes the Sapienza location, which is basically Episode 2 of the six-episode saga. Apart from the story mission, players will also get access to the prequel, which includes two story missions, and other features. If you decide to purchase the full game later on, your progress will carry over without hiccups. PC owners can add the Hitman Spring Pack to their Steam library over at the game's Steam page. If you already own Episode 1 from the December giveaway, you might run into some problems when trying to redeem Episode 2. In that case, you can go to SteamDB and click the Free button to add Episode 2 to your Steam library.

Quake Champions continues to grow and evolve in Early Access thanks to new content, features, and improvements driven by feedback from the community. Next Thursday, 15th March, id Software will roll out the next big free update for Quake Champions, delivering new ways to play and fun new looks. This will include the return of Instagib - the first new game mode added since closed beta - the introduction of 'No Abilities Mode' in custom games; a new 2v2 version of Ranked Play for competitive players and a variety of fresh seasonal cosmetics to commemorate the coming of Spring.

Video game developer and publisher Square Enix is holding a Publisher Weekend Sale on the popular Steam platform. Discounts range from 20% to 90%. You can save big on some of their blockbuster titles which include Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Just Cause 3, NieR:Automata, and Rise of the Tomb Raider. It is also noteworthy that both Tomb Raider and Final Fantasy franchises are part of sale as well. We've included a few titles that stand out, but don't forget to swing by the Square Enix Publisher Weekend microsite for other incredible offers.

Daybreak Games today announced the official launch of H1Z1, the original standalone battle royale game that sparked a worldwide phenomenon. H1Z1 is now available on Steam for Windows PC with a brand-new game mode, Auto Royale, injecting high-octane vehicular mayhem into the genre.

"In 2016, we did something unheard of - we split a successful game into two products and introduced the world to the first standalone battle royale game. The next year, we created the first battle royale esports league and became the second esport to ever air on broadcast television. This year, we continue to push this young genre forward with the introduction of Auto Royale," said H1Z1 General Manager Anthony Castoro. "Auto Royale doesn't rinse and repeat what is currently available on the market; it turns the genre on its head with a fresh approach - arcadey, vehicle-only battle royale unlike anything anyone has experienced before."

Widely hailed as one of the greatest video games of all time, the definitive version of CHRONO TRIGGER is now available for the first time on STEAM. This version features:

• Two Extra Dungeons - Includes the mysterious "Dimensional Vortex" dungeon and "Lost Sanctum" dungeon that first appeared in the Nintendo DS and mobile releases
• CHRONO TRIGGER Limited Edition - Those that purchase the STEAM version until April 2, 2018 will receive the following digital bonuses for free: An enchanting and specially edited digital song file containing a medley of five songs: "Far Off Promise," "Wind Scene," "Battle with Magus," "Corridors of Time," and "Chrono Trigger", composer Yasunori Mitsuda's digital liner notes, and a collection of six stunning PC wallpapers in varying sizes.
• Updated Graphics and Sound - While keeping the atmosphere of the original, this version features optimized visuals designed for modern PCs and a re-recorded soundtrack under the supervision of original composer Yasunori Mitsuda.
• Updated Controls - Optimized PC experience that supports both controller and mouse/keyboard configuration
• New Autosave Feature - Automatically saves while still featuring the original title's Save Point function

The wait is over: Crytek has announced that Hunt: Showdown is now available via Steam Early Access, priced at 29.99 EUR/USD and 25.99 GBP. Hunt: Showdown is a competitive multiplayer bounty hunting game that combines PvP with PvE elements in a handcrafted sandbox environment. "We want to take this opportunity to thank everybody who participated in closed alpha testing," said Hunt Producer Fatih Özbayram. "It was essential for us in our continuing developments, and we are grateful to have such a dedicated community this early in the game."

"Early access is a big milestone for the team, and we are all excited to finally be releasing Hunt: Showdown out into the wild," said Hunt: Showdown Creative Director Magnus Larbrant. "With Hunt, we wanted to make the game that we, as gamers, have always wanted to play ourselves: tense, dark, addictive, terrifying-a real adrenaline-pumping experience. We have the foundations laid out, and now with the support and input of the community during early access, we can polish that experience together."

Assetto Corsa Competizione, the new official game of the Blancpain GT series, named after world-renowned Swiss watch manufacture Blancpain and organized by SRO Motorsports Group, will be speeding onto Steam Early Access this summer from Kunos Simulazioni and 505 Games. Featuring an extraordinary level of simulation quality that allows players to experience the unique atmosphere of this GT3 Series, players can compete against official drivers, teams, accessing all cars and circuits with the highest level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Taking full advantage of Unreal Engine 4, Assetto Corsa Competizione will ensure the highest quality rendering with photorealistic weather conditions and graphics to reach a new standard in driving realism and immersion racing. Players will experience highspeed torque as they get behind the wheel of luxurious speedsters including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens and many other prestigious GT cars reproduced with an outstanding level of detail. Motion capture technology is used to create the animations of mechanics and drivers in an even more realistic fashion and guarantee a high level of player engagement during races, pit stops and driver changes.

Developer Gem Rose Accent will reward the first player to beat their new puzzle game with a Bitcoin, which is worth $11,669.97 at the time of this post. In MonteCrypto: The Bitcoin Enigma, players must navigate through a very complicated maze from a first-person perspective and solve the 24 puzzles to finish the game. Players also have the option form a group with other players to solve the different puzzles. MonteCrypto: The Bitcoin Enigma is available on Steam for $1.99, but you can purchase it for introductory price of $1.19. According to the developer, MonteCrypto: The Bitcoin Enigma will easily be one of the hardest game you will ever play. Will you take up their challenge?

Valve yesterday announced the begin of yet another wallet-burning sale to appeal to our consumerist bones. The Lunar Sale, as it is being called, is live from February 15th through February 19th, so, a mere four days with tons (thousands) of games under heavy discounts that can sometimes go up to 90%. On this front, it's business as usual - buy all those games you've been wanting at a fire-sale price, and then look at them guiltily as they collect virtual dust on your backlog.

Other, somewhat more relevant changes that have been made by valve to the overall Steam experience also look towards making it easier for customers to part with their hard-earned currency of choice (or not so hard-earned, it's all good for Valve, really.) Namely, there are some changes to the wishlist which now allow users to place items on their shopping cart directly from their wishlist page - which is nice, since before, you had to enter the games' own store page, and then add it to your cart). Of course, for items that are sold in packages or where there's a bundle, customers will be invited to peruse "Details" on the package, via the relevant store page. There's also the ability to sort your wishlist gamers through those that have the higher discount percentage - a handy tool for bargain-bin hunters. There's also tag search, and filtering options to exclude games such as W"Early Access" titles that aren't currently finished - and that may, or may not, be finished in the future.

Fatshark announced in a live stream that Warhammer: Vermintide 2, the sequel to Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide, will land on PCs on March 8. Up to four players can band together to face the Chaos and Skaven armies. Players can also choose between five different heroes with 15 different career paths to choose from. Warhammer: Vermintide 2 will also feature a new Heroic Deeds system and a revamped loot system. The normal edition costs $29.99, while the Collector's Edition is going for $44.99. However, the game is already up for pre-purchase on Steam for 10% off the regular price. Consumers who pre-order the game will get the chance to participate in the exclusive pre-order beta that starts on February 28.

Final Fantasy XV Windows Edition will be released on March 6, but hardcore fans can pre-order the game now through Steam, Origin, or the Microsoft Store. The $49.99 price tag remains the same independent of the place of purchase. However, the preorder bonus differs hugely. Consumers who pre-order through Steam will receive the "FFXV Fashion Collection" which contains a collection of four t-shirts with different buffs for Noctis to wear. The buffs include strength enhancement, HP recovery rate acceleration, critical hit rate boost, and maximum HP increase. Microsoft Store preorders, on the other hand, come with a "FFXV Powerup pack" that provides players with a sleek Dodanuki sword which reduces enemy defense with each slash, 10 phoenix downs, and 10 elixirs. Origin seems to draw the short straw this time around. The Origin preorder bonus is the "FFXV Decal Selection" comprised of different decals to modify the cosmetics of the Regalia car.

Square Enix has graciously released a benchmark application to help future Final Fantasy XV Windows Edition players configure the game to get the best performance out of their systems. The zip file weighs around 3.37 GB and is available for download right here at TechPowerUp, or, if you don't like our servers for some unfathomable reason... from the developer's website. The benchmark only runs on 64-bit versions of Windows and requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6 to be present on the system. Users also need to have a graphics card that supports DirectX 11 and a monitor with a minimum resolution of 1280 x 720. Unfortunately, NVIDIA SLI and AMD Crossfire configurations are not supported at this time. The application lets users choose between the Lite, Standard, and High quality presets and resolutions from 1280 x 720, 1920 x 1080 to 3840 x 2160. The entire run takes around 6 minutes and 30 seconds. The score and performance evaluation are provided at the end of the run.

Throughout the sceptred isle of Britain the kings of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales plot their paths to dominance against each other, and the Viking horde. On 19th April there will be war, when A Total War Saga: THRONES OF BRITANNIA releases worldwide.

A Total War Saga: THRONES OF BRITANNIA will be available as a digital download or as a Limited Edition boxed product available in some territories. The Limited Edition comes in an embossed Steelbook inspired by ornately decorated Anglo Saxon helmets of the period, such as the famously reconstructed Sutton Hoo. The Limited Edition also includes a double-sided poster featuring a detailed campaign map and a set of collectible art cards celebrating five of the most prominent in-game faction leaders.

Metal Gear Survive, the upcoming spin-off from Metal Gear Solid V, will be dropping on consoles and PC this February 21. While console owners just pop the game disc into their consoles and start playing, the PC crowd has to worry about the system requirements. Konami recently added this information to the game's Steam page. According to the company, Metal Gear Survive should run fine on a system with an Intel Core i5-4460 with 4GB of RAM and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650. However, they are recommending an Intel Core i7-4790, 8GB of RAM, and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 to get the best experience. Compared to other modern AAA titles, Metal Gear Survive is relatively small and only requires 20 GB of hard drive space. However, gamers will need to have a steady broadband internet connection, since the game requires a constant connection to the internet even for the single-player campaign.

If you're a fan of the survival horror genre, today might be your lucky day. Our friends over at the Humble Store are giving away free copies of Amnesia Collection which not only includes the highly-acclaimed The Dark Descent but also the indirect sequel, A Machine for Pigs. The two-game bundle usually retails for $35 on the Steam store, but here's your chance to add the bundle to your Steam library without spending a single dollar. The giveaway ends on January 27th at 1 pm Eastern Time. You can redeem your copy at the Humble Store.

The holiday season is a time where expenses tend to skyrocket to the roof. Buying games on Steam isn't always on the Christmas list for many gamers. However, Steam has a long tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year in mid-February which gives gamers a second opportunity to purchase games at a discounted price. Unfortunately, Steam didn't hold the event last year, but according to Steam Database (a.k.a. SteamDB), the Lunar New Year Sale is making a comeback this year. If you were one of the unlucky gamers that missed out on the previous sale, mark February 15th on your calendar. The sale ends on February 19th though, don't miss out on this one!

Every year Amplitude celebrate the studio's anniversary with their players. For our seventh year of existence we're going BIG, kicking off with the reveal of the Vaulters Expansion for Endless Space 2!

THE VAULTERS EXPANSION - COMING JANUARY 25
This first Endless Space 2 Expansion re-introduces players to the Vaulters, an all-time fan favorite civilization that has been featured in all the Endless games. Did you know that in Dungeon of the Endless you play the crew that will ultimately become the Vaulters in Endless Legend? Auriga is a small world!!! Here's a quick overview of what you can expect from the "Vaulters" DLC. A new civilization means a new way to play, the Vaulters will have the ability to teleport and use the Argosy - their legacy super colonizer ship featured in the Prologue video.

Steam has revealed the top selling/highest grossing games on its platform for the year 2017, and with come some surprises, and some non-surprises as well. The distinction between top selling and highest grossing is a needed one, if you look at the top Platinum tier. There are two free-to-play games on it, which really isn't much when you consider that the category itself contains 12 titles. Still, it does go to show how correct monetization of free-to-play games leads to impressive earnings for companies. Joining those two titles are the usual multiplayer galore of titles. The hit phenomenon Player Unknown's Battlegrounds stars in 4th place, behind H1Z1, Grand Theft Auto V, and Rocket League. When it comes to single-player games, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt holds its own on 6th place in the Platinum list, a remarkable feat if one considers the game was originally released in May 2015, and hasn't seen added content for a year now.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is one of the top-rated games in the Resident Evil franchise with a 86% Metacritic score. The game was released in January 2017 with a $59.99 price tag on Steam. It has gone to sell over 4.1 million units. Now, exactly one year later, the standard version is down to its all-time low of $23.99 in the Steam store. The Gold version, which includes the base game and the Season Pass, is discounted to $45.34 as well.

It's that happy time of the year again when gamers break their piggy banks and sharpen their credit cards to purchase PC games for dirt-cheap prices on Steam. Just like every year, the Winter Sale is filled with thousands of discounts on new and classic games for Windows, Mac and Linux. The sale runs through until Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 10pm Pacific time. Why not spoil yourself this Christmas with a few games? Or send a gift to that special someone and make their day. Here are some of our recommendations.

Across the arid wastes of once-proud Nehekhara, legions of skeletal warriors and vast, terrifying constructs rise from the sands to serve their ageless masters. The Tomb Kings have awoken - to rebuild their glorious empire anew! New to both the Eye of the Vortex campaign and Mortal Empires in Total War: WARHAMMER II, the Rise of the Tomb Kings Campaign Pack introduces an entirely fresh campaign experience with a raft of race-specific gameplay mechanics, victory objectives, and lashings of authentic lore. In battle, the Tomb Kings field countless skeletal units, supported by towering stone constructs such as the Tomb Scorpion, Necrosphinx and the colossal Hierotitan.

In response to player feedback, Rise of the Tomb Kings does not contain a supplementary story campaign, but instead 2 additional Legendary Lords for a total of four, with their own skills, traits, quest-chains, legendary wargear and situational challenges. Players may embark on Tomb Kings campaigns as Settra the Imperishable, Khalida, Khatep and Nagash's former lieutenant, the malignant Arkhan the Black.

Award-winning international games label Team17 today announced that Forged Battalion, the innovative and dynamic new take on the real-time strategy genre from Command & Conquer veterans Petroglyph will be available via Steam early access on 16th January 2018. In Forged Battalion players build and customize their own unique faction as they fight in a variety of skirmish, solo and multiplayer battles. They will create, customize, and develop the blueprints of their emerging faction to create ever-evolving factories and units. Using resources gained from each battle, they will unlock new options through the tech tree allowing them to choose the archetype, and an array of armors, locomotors, weapons, and special abilities such as stealth and regeneration that will make each player's faction one of a kind.

"The early access release of Forged Battalion is a vital part of developing the game." Chuck Kroegel CEO of Petroglyph said. "We want fans to truly help forge what the game becomes so it's important to get them into the game as soon as possible and start giving us their feedback. We can't wait to see the unique factions that the community will create. We'll see you on the battlefield!"