A series of tubes

Digital distribution isn’t just the way of the future – as far as PC gaming is concerned it is the way of the present as well. Given that Steam has now been around for a little over 13 years and that it was roundly criticised at launch for the difficulties users faced authenticating games and codes, having limited download speeds and the like, it’s amazing that we still see constant hiccups when it comes to digital distribution platforms.

A few months ago I reviewed, after much faffing about, Quantum Break, the game that was set to launch the Windows 10 game store. It was a disaster from start to finish – so much so that the game is now available through Steam. This month we have two games missing from our reviews due to the same store – Gears of War 4 and Forza Horizon 3 – and some of the same problems that we faced in the beginning with Quantum Break and the Gears of War collection. Failures to authenticate properly, the necessity of installing unwanted updates, massive downloads, and downloads hanging for no apparent reason and starting all over again. I had big plans to power through Gears on the Labour Day long weekend, but after three days of continuous download it didn’t get over 21GB of the 73.3GB required. What’s most frustrating is that these faults seem entirely random.

Anyway, digital distribution problems aside, it’s been a hell of a month in the PCPP bunker. We had out Upgrade Australia 4.0 event – we’ve got some pics in this issue but there will be a full roundup in the next – and thanks to everyone being in town for EB Expo, the hands on events have been an almost daily occurrence. The rest of the year is looking amazing for games. Stay tuned.

Daniel Wilks

Waaagh Chief

@drwilkenstein