This article lists various free games available for Steam Deck and handheld devices as of January 2, 2026, including titles from Steam, Epic Games, GOG, and Amazon Prime, with some requiring accounts or specific tools for access.
This week, several free games are available for Steam Deck and handhelds, including titles from Steam, Epic Games, and GOG, with some requiring Amazon Prime. Notable freebies include Fallout 1 and 2 from GOG, LEGO 2K Drive, and XCOM 2 from Epic, with redemption deadlines in early 2026. Amazon Prime also offers GYLT and Dark City: Kyiv for free. The article encourages following their social media for updates on future freebies.
An AWS outage is causing widespread disruptions to popular online games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and ARC Raiders, along with other services such as Steam and PlayStation Network, with issues including login failures and server timeouts. The outage stems from problems with AWS's DNS and load balancer systems, and users are advised to monitor status updates and wait for the resolution.
Epic Games is offering the action RPG and dating sim 'Eternights' for free for 24 hours as part of its Christmas holiday freebies, allowing players to enjoy a unique blend of romance and combat during an apocalyptic setting.
Fortnite players are protesting the use of AI-generated images in the game, advocating for support of real artists and criticizing AI's environmental impact and artistic quality, amid ongoing debates about AI disclosure in digital content.
Fortnite introduces Sidekicks, customizable pets that can be personalized once permanently, with options to change accessories but not appearance, at a high cost, sparking criticism over microtransaction practices.
Apple has returned to court to challenge Judge Rogers' injunctions related to its App Store rules, as part of the ongoing legal dispute with Epic Games over Fortnite and payment policies, seeking to overturn or modify previous rulings that require Apple to allow alternative payment methods without a 27% commission.
The Supreme Court denied Google's request to pause a court ruling requiring changes to its Play app store following an antitrust case filed by Epic Games, which alleges Google monopolizes app access and payments on Android. The ruling allows developers to steer users to out-of-app payment options, increasing competition. Meanwhile, India plans to introduce biometric authentication for UPI payments, enhancing security and convenience in digital transactions.
The US Supreme Court declined to block a court order requiring Google to change its app store practices, giving Google until October 22, 2025, to comply with rules allowing alternative payment methods and linking outside downloads, while it continues to appeal the case.
The US Supreme Court declined to block a judge's order requiring Google to make major changes to its app store practices, including allowing rival app stores and external links, as part of an antitrust lawsuit filed by Epic Games. Google plans to appeal the decision, which could significantly impact its Android ecosystem and app store policies.
The Supreme Court declined Google's request to block court-mandated changes to the Google Play Store following a legal victory by Epic Games, requiring Google to allow third-party app stores, share app catalogs, and permit alternative payment methods, with some provisions set to take effect soon. Google plans to continue its legal appeal, while Epic Games celebrates the decision that could increase competition and user choice in app payments.
Epic Games acknowledges Apple's improvements in reducing the steps to install third-party app stores on iOS, from 15 to 6, as a response to EU regulations, but criticizes ongoing anti-competitive policies like junk fees and discriminatory practices that violate the Digital Markets Act.
Epic Games reports that Apple's new installation process in iOS 18.6 has significantly reduced user drop-offs by 60%, improving the experience for installing third-party app stores, though Epic remains critical of Apple's broader policies and practices.
Epic Games has addressed an exploit where players refunded V-Bucks on Xbox to get free in-game currency, fixing a system malfunction that caused some refunds and item removals to be delayed or incorrect. The company is now restoring items for players with fewer than seven refunds since December 2024, while those with more refunds will keep their removals, acknowledging the exploit and system issues.
Y Combinator has filed an amicus brief supporting Epic Games in the legal dispute with Apple, arguing that the App Store's policies and fees hinder startup growth and innovation, and urging the court to deny Apple's appeal to maintain rules allowing alternative payment methods.