Steve Bauman PC gaming and playtesting editor Next-Gen Gaming Blog

Steve Bauman - PC Gaming, Early Access & Playtesting Editor

Steve Bauman

40 stories

Editor

PC gaming and playtesting editor

Steve Bauman covers PC gaming, Early Access releases, playtesting and computer role-playing games. His work examines stability, balance, progression systems, updates and community feedback, helping readers understand how games change from early builds to completed releases.

Steve.Bauman@nextgengamingblog.com

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 Steve Bauman is a PC gaming contributor and editor focused on playtesting, Early Access development and computer role-playing games. At Next Gen Gaming Blog, he evaluates demos, alpha and beta builds, major updates and unfinished releases, paying particular attention to stability, performance, balance, progression and player feedback. His coverage also includes games connected to Star Wars, Marvel, Alien and Dungeons & Dragons, alongside independent projects and major Steam releases. Bauman approaches previews cautiously, separating observable features from developer promises and avoiding final judgments when a game is still changing. His practical, player-focused perspective helps readers understand what is working, what remains incomplete and whether an evolving game is ready for their time and money. 

Topics

  • Early access Pre-release distribution of playable games through alpha, beta or continuing-development builds, often supported by community testing and feedback.
  • Software testing Systematic evaluation of software stability, functionality, usability, performance and defects, applied here to playable video game builds.
  • Role-playing video game Computer and console games built around character development, progression, narrative decisions, combat systems and party or equipment management.

40 latest articles by Steve Bauman

Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu Teaser Debuts

A new teaser trailer for Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu has been revealed at Pokémon XP, confirming Disney+ as the exclusive global streaming platform for the stop-motion series launching in 2027

RunOut - Hothead Paws Launches in Southeast Asia with Bangkok Event

WakaStudio has officially released RunOut - Hothead Paws across Southeast Asia, marking the occasion with a community-focused launch event in Bangkok and confirming cross-platform play for PC and mobile

Gallipoli Delivers the Most Authentic WW1 Multiplayer Experience Yet

BlackMill Games has released Gallipoli, the latest entry in its WW1 series, bringing new classes, detailed Middle Eastern maps and a focus on teamwork to PC multiplayer shooters

SlotsNStocks Demo Now Playable on Steam Ahead of 2026 Launch

SlotsNStocks, a deckbuilding slot machine roguelike, has released a public demo on Steam. Players can draft symbols, manipulate market odds and test their strategies before the full game arrives in Q4 2026

Bohemia Interactive Reveals New Games and Expansions at Gamescom 2026

Bohemia Interactive has presented a range of upcoming titles and major updates at Gamescom 2026, including new details on Cosmo Tales, DayZ Badlands, Everwind, and Nailcrown, with hands-on demos and future plans outlined

The Division 2 Red Horizon Brings Cleaners to D.C. and Confirms Crossplay

Ubisoft has launched Year 8 Season 3 for The Division 2, introducing the Cleaners faction to Washington D.C., new modifiers, permanent Toxic Dark Zones, and a crossplay update scheduled for later this year

Cassette Beasts 2002 Release Window Set for March 2027 on All Platforms

Raw Fury has announced Cassette Beasts 2002, the next entry in the creature-collecting RPG series, will launch globally in March 2027 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, alongside updates on other upcoming titles

Lee Joohee Joins Solo Leveling: ARISE With Prism-Based Combat Update

Netmarble has released a major update for Solo Leveling: ARISE, introducing Lee Joohee as a new SSR hunter, new story difficulties, and the Hall of the Monarchs challenge, alongside balance changes and a new weapon for Sung Jinwoo

Militsioner Announced for PC, Xbox Series X|S and Game Pass in 2027

Militsioner, a first-person city exploration game with a surreal twist, has been officially revealed for PC, Xbox Series X|S and Game Pass, with a 2027 release window confirmed during the Xbox @ Gamescom Showcase

Qix Joins Retrocade's Apple Arcade Lineup with 14 Classic Games

Resolution Games has added Qix to Retrocade's Apple Arcade collection, expanding the retro lineup to 14 classic arcade titles playable across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro

ARK: Astraeos Heaven & Abyss Update Completes Greek Mythology Adventure

Studio Wildcard has released the ARK: Astraeos Heaven & Abyss update, bringing the Greek-inspired map to completion and introducing new biomes, bosses and naval features across PC, Xbox and PlayStation platforms

CAAAHR! Sets 2 November PC Release for Voice-Controlled Co-op Racing

Assemble Entertainment and Mateo Covic have confirmed CAAAHR! will launch for PC via Steam on 2 November 2026, following its reveal at gamescom's Awesome Indies showcase. The game features voice-based acceleration and online or local co-op play

Odd Town Brings Retro Sandbox Mystery to PC in September 2026

Odd Town, a retro-inspired first-person sandbox adventure from The Flying Baguette and HYPERSTRANGE, is set to launch on PC via Steam in September 2026, offering players a compact open-town experience with a focus on mystery and consequence

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Experiments With Combat and Story

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy shifts the series' focus from stealth to melee combat and introduces a new protagonist, but not all changes land as intended. Here's how the prequel spinoff compares to previous entries

Myth of Empires: Throne Season 3 launches 3 September with new map

Myth of Empires: Throne Season 3 arrives on 3 September 2026, introducing the Shattered Isles map, new siege weaponry, Legendary Warriors, and a range of gameplay and quality-of-life changes for PC players

Police Simulator announced for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2027

astragon Entertainment has revealed a new Police Simulator, developed by GRIP Studios and targeting a 2027 release on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a focus on improved realism, expanded missions and K-9 companions

Amphibian Revealed as Story-Driven Frog RPG for PC and Consoles

JARCORP Interactive has announced Amphibian, a narrative-focused Super2D RPG set in a world of talking frogs and toads, coming to Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2028

MR. RECORDS Announced for Nintendo Switch 2 with New Gameplay Trailer

Wired Productions and Glee-Cheese have confirmed MR. RECORDS for Nintendo Switch 2, debuting a new gameplay trailer at the Future Games Show during Gamescom and highlighting its rhythm adventure structure

Aux Court Launches: Multiplayer Music Taste Battles Now Live on Web and Android

GabFreakyPie has released Aux Court, a competitive multiplayer music curation game for web browsers and Android, offering real-time playlist battles and ranked leaderboards for music fans and streamers

Future Games Show at gamescom 2026 Reveals Over 40 Upcoming Titles

Future Games Show at gamescom 2026 delivered more than 40 game reveals, including 12 world premieres, new trailers, and platform updates for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and more, with key release dates and gameplay details

We Are So Cooked Sets October PC Release for Co-op Stealth Chaos

Dwarven Brothers and 1312 Interactive have announced that We Are So Cooked, a 1-4 player physics-based stealth game about hiding bodies, will launch for Windows PC via Steam on 15 October 2026, with console versions to follow

Sweetheart Horror Breakup Simulator Announced for PC and Consoles in 2027

Genie Boy Games has revealed Sweetheart, a first-person horror breakup simulator, during Future Games Show Live. The narrative-driven title is set for release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch next year

Corsair Cove reveals major September update and sales milestone at gamescom

Hooded Horse and Limbic Entertainment have detailed a significant content update for Corsair Cove during the Find Your Next Game showcase at gamescom 2026, confirming new features, visual upgrades and a sales milestone for the PC city builder

Dwarf Fortress to Add Procedural Magic System in Major November Update

Kitfox Games has announced a significant update for Dwarf Fortress, introducing a procedurally generated magic system for PC this November. The update promises new rituals, workshops and environmental effects, but full details remain to be seen

Cutout Announced by 906 Games and Big Blue Sky Games at gamescom 2026

906 Games and Big Blue Sky Games have revealed Cutout, a side-scrolling action-horror adventure set in a handcrafted fairy tale world, during the Find Your Next Game showcase at gamescom 2026, with a demo available for attendees and a 2027 release planned

GameJamPlus Opens Applications for 2026/27 Local Organisers

GameJamPlus has begun accepting applications from universities, studios and other organisations to host local venues for its 11th edition, an eight-month global game development competition set for 2026/27

MADE IN JAPAN Collection to Showcase 12 Indie Games at PAX West 2026

The MADE IN JAPAN Collection, powered by JETRO, will debut at PAX West 2026 with a curated line-up of Japanese indie games, hands-on demos, and exclusive event merchandise for attendees

Where Winds Meet Hits 100 Million Players, Hidden Mountain Finale Dated

NetEase Games and Everstone Studio have confirmed Where Winds Meet has surpassed 100 million players globally, with the final chapter of the Hidden Mountain storyline set to launch on 16 September

Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta Arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 This Weekend

Nintendo Switch 2 owners can now pre-order Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, with the first-ever open beta for the platform available to play for free from 28 August to 1 September

MOZA Racing unveils licensed sim hardware and AI tech at Gamescom 2026

MOZA Racing has revealed a new line-up of officially licensed sim racing hardware and AI-powered simulation technologies at Gamescom 2026, including collaborations with Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ford and MotoGP

GRAVHOUNDS Early Access Release Set for PC and Xbox This November

Octopus Panic has announced GRAVHOUNDS, a 1-4 player co-op action builder launching in Early Access for PC and Xbox Series X|S on 2 November 2026, with day-one Xbox Game Pass access and a Gamescom demo

Reality Break Ship Types DLC launches 28 August with new campaign and ships

Element Games has confirmed the Ship Types DLC for Reality Break will arrive on Steam on 28 August, introducing new ships, enemy prototypes, ship construction, a fresh campaign and compatibility with existing save files

Pixel Arcadia Showcase Reveals Terranigma Revival and Over 50 Retro Games

Pixel Arcadia's first showcase delivered eight world premieres, including Terranigma's return, a surprise launch for Blaster Bug, and the comeback of Alien Breed, with more than 50 retro titles highlighted for modern platforms

Alien Breed 35th Anniversary Collection Brings All Six Games to Modern Platforms

Commodore has announced the Alien Breed 35th Anniversary Collection, bundling all six original games with new features for PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch, with a confirmed release date of 24 September 2026

4 Penny Coffins Playable at gamescom 2026 with Magistrate Mode Demo

Other Ocean Interactive has confirmed that 4 Penny Coffins will be playable at gamescom 2026, offering attendees a first look at its single-player Magistrate Mode and opportunities for community engagement

Overtrick Release Date Set for August 2026 on Steam

Overtrick, a trick-taking roguelike deckbuilder inspired by Bridge and set in 1920s high society, has been officially scheduled for release on Steam in August 2026, with multiple game modes and a launch discount confirmed

Blasterbug: Last Bug Standing! launches free on Steam in surprise drop

Dotemu has released Blasterbug: Last Bug Standing! as a free local multiplayer game on Steam, following a surprise announcement at the Pixel Arcadia retro showcase. The title supports up to eight players and features multiple chaotic modes

Terranigma Returns: Classic JRPG Announced for Modern Consoles and PC

Clear River Games has officially announced Terranigma for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox and PC, marking the long-awaited return of the cult Japanese action RPG with new features and updated visuals, targeting an early 2027 release window

Ninja JaJaMaru: Yokai Night Parade Announced for Steam, Switch 2 and PS5

Clear River Games and City Connection have revealed Ninja JaJaMaru: Yokai Night Parade, a new hack 'n' slash action RPG inspired by 90s hip-hop and Japanese folklore, coming to Steam, Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5

Well Dweller release date set for September on all major platforms

Top Hat Studios and Kyle Thompson have confirmed Well Dweller will launch on 22 September 2026 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with day-one Xbox Game Pass access and enhanced visuals on Switch 2