News Patch v8.18

Intel Arc [Link]

Intel is stepping on to the competitive GPU stage with Nvidia and AMD with its new Arc branding
The Arc entity will cover the hardware, software and services to come for Intel’s high-end, discrete GPUs. Many generations planned as well
Arc GPUs will be available in both desktop and laptops as early as Q1 2022 under the build name “Alchemist”
Alchemist is capable of many expected features such as mesh shading, variable rate shading, video upscaling, and real-time ray tracing. Intel is even promising AI-powered super sampling. DLSS competition anyone?
While no benchmarks are currently released for Alchemist, we do already know the future generational codenames: Battlemage, Celestial and Druid.

Valheim Hearth & Home Deets [Link]

Not a deep dive of the upcoming content patch for Valheim, but deets are deets
In addition to new building pieces (a higher tier roof and actual window pieces), the food system gets some more insight
Foods will now be more focused toward the player’s health or stamina, instead of varying degrees of both. Not to mention many new food items being added to the menu.. Of crafting
Block will also be based off of your HP instead of stamina now! There will be a new ‘stagger bar’ that shows up next to your viking as you block damage. Once this bar fills up, YOU will be staggered. As always subtle, but sensible features in this game adding to the gameplay balance.

Epic Games Self-Publishing Beta [Link]

A toolset for Epic Games Store self-publishing has entered closed beta
Epic is stating that this will allow their games store to grow faster than ever before which is likely true since devs/publishers currently have to work hand-in-hand with Epic to get approval
These new tools will allow publishers to "set up their own product pages, achievements, pricing, offers, and upload builds and updates" on the store, very similar to what we’re used to with Steam Direct
Unlike Steam, speaking of, Epic will still have higher standards as to what kinds of content will be approved. No hate, discrimination, porn, etc. will be allowed on the storefront. Although there are already mentions of a loophole for adult content.
Epic has declined to speak on any fees associated with this publishing method yet, as, again, Steam charges $100 for an initial listing.

https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/16/22626912/intel-arc-gpu-brand-alchemist-codename-release-date

https://www.pcgamer.com/new-valheim-video-outlines-upcoming-changes-to-blocking-and-staggering/

https://www.pcgamer.com/the-epic-games-stores-equivalent-to-steam-direct-is-in-beta/

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