Steve Bauman - PC Gaming, Early Access & Playtesting Editor
Steve Bauman
40 storiesEditor
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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Education
University of Missouri–St. LouisTopics
- 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
Steve Bauman - PC Gaming, Early Access & Playtesting Editor
Steve Bauman
Categories
- PC 154
- Steam 135
- Release Dates & Scheduling 128
- Indie Games 107
- Game Announcement 73
- Game Update Report 60
- Platform Availability Report 51
- PlayStation 5 50
- Xbox Series X 44
- Industry News Report 31