acquisition Archives

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

What does GTA Online 2.0 even look like—and, more to the point, what do we even want from Grand Theft Auto 6 multiplayer?

Grand Theft Auto 6 is anticipated to be released, with a focus on a single-player experience, although there are indications of an evolving multiplayer component. Rockstar has acquired Cfx.re and is discussing Project Rome, suggesting a broader vision for Vice City. GTA Online has transformed into a social hub with diverse subcultures, raising questions about the future of Online 2.0, including content moderation, creator ownership, and the relationship between the new and original versions. Rockstar's acquisition of FiveM indicates a shift towards a community-driven approach, potentially adopting a model similar to Fortnite with a creator economy and live events. The next iteration of GTA Online will face a different environment compared to its predecessor, and the release of GTA 6's first single-player installment in nearly 15 years may provide a distraction during this transitional period.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

What Surrounds Us will make you think a lot about circles

What Surrounds Us is a game featuring a circle-shaped protagonist with a hole at its center, set in a vibrant world composed entirely of circular forms. Players navigate through three distinct regions, solving lightweight puzzles and acquiring new abilities, such as a powerful leap. The game includes challenges like a glitchy substance that obstructs paths. It offers minimal guidance, encouraging exploration and experimentation, with players learning through trial and error. The game features ambient music that enhances the atmosphere, and it can be completed in about three hours. It is available on PC via Steam.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Playstrom and SayGames eye PC growth with Shipping Store Simulator 2037

Becoming a member of GB MAX provides access to exclusive insights and connections within the global B2B leadership community in gaming, entertainment, and technology, along with a VIP ticket to the GamesBeat Next event on November 2-3 in San Francisco. Playstrom, a Belarus-based game studio, has achieved over 1.5 billion downloads across more than 20 mobile titles and is transitioning into PC game development. In 2026, they will launch Shipping Store Simulator 2037, their first dedicated PC title. Playstrom has paused mobile game projects to focus on this PC title, which is part of a strategic exploration of their strengths in PC development. The studio's PC development arm was initially established for research and development, and they plan to create mobile adaptations of successful PC titles. The demo for Shipping Store Simulator 2037 received a Very Positive rating on Steam, and SayGames plans to invest in influencer campaigns and user acquisition strategies to promote the game.

TrendTechie

July 24, 2026

BitTorrent исполнилось 25 лет. Как программа одного человека изменила интернет и поставила Голливуд в тупик

On July 2, 2001, Bram Cohen announced the operational status of his program, BitTorrent, on a mailing list for peer-to-peer network developers. BitTorrent revolutionized file sharing by segmenting files into smaller pieces, allowing users to download from multiple sources simultaneously and share already downloaded data, which improved download speeds as file popularity increased. Unlike earlier peer-to-peer networks, BitTorrent did not have a built-in catalog, relying on external websites for users to locate torrents. The first major torrent catalog, Suprnova, emerged in 2002, followed by The Pirate Bay in 2003, making the protocol widely accessible. By 2004, BitTorrent accounted for nearly a third of all internet traffic. In 2004, Cohen founded BitTorrent Inc., which acquired the client µTorrent in 2006. The company launched the BitTorrent Entertainment Network in 2007, but it closed in 2008 due to competition from free pirated content. BitTorrent Inc. later explored various technologies but struggled to establish a sustainable business model. The protocol evolved with decentralization features like the distributed hash table (DHT) and magnet links. In 2018, BitTorrent was acquired by the blockchain project TRON for an estimated 0 million. BitTorrent Inc. claims around 54 million active users per month, with additional users on independent clients. Despite a decline in torrent traffic from its peak, the network has been experiencing growth, attributed to rising streaming costs and fragmented content availability.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Feel less bad about firing AI agents, Minecraft creator says vibe coding will replace human developers

Markus ‘Notch’ Persson has announced a shift to "vibe coding," which involves using artificial intelligence tools for code generation. This decision is influenced by difficulties in hiring skilled programmers and a growing comfort with AI solutions. Notch expressed frustration with the job market, stating he has trouble hiring talented programmers and would feel less bad about firing a chatbot. He sold Mojang and Minecraft to Microsoft for .5 billion in 2014 and is now working on a new project, Levers and Chests, at Bitshift Entertainment, which will likely rely on AI tools. This shift occurs amid significant layoffs in the tech industry, including at major companies like Amazon, Oracle, and Microsoft. Notch's previous stance of rejecting AI contrasts with his current acceptance of its inevitability, reflecting a broader industry trend where leaders like Linus Torvalds and Ryan Dahl also acknowledge the transition towards AI-driven development.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Promising Time-Loop Metroidvania Echo Weaver Arrives On Consoles And PC This October

Echo Weaver is set to launch on consoles and PC on October 8. The game features a time-loop mechanic and is described as "Metroidbrainia" by developer Moonlight Kids. Players take on the role of the last Weaver in a desolate world, navigating an expansive 2D map filled with puzzles and enemy encounters. Progression in the game relies on mastering specific mechanics rather than simply unlocking abilities. A digital preview is available for Game Informer subscribers. The game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC.

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

X Announces Completion Of Year-Long Android App Rebuild

X has completed a year-long rebuild of its Android app, described by head of product Nikita Bier as one of the largest engineering projects since Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter in 2022. The app was developed from scratch to improve the user experience for Android mobile users, with plans to roll out new features more quickly. The engineering team is still working on features like hosting Spaces and optimizing performance for older devices. The rebuild was prompted by a surge in Android app downloads last year and aligns with Musk's vision of transforming X into an "everything app." The launch comes amid challenges such as reduced content moderation, an advertiser boycott, and user attrition. X has also introduced X Chat, a private messaging service, and X Money, a digital payments platform, while implementing measures to promote original content. The rebuilt Android app is now available for download on the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

X launches ground-up rebuilt Android app after year-long development

The digital entertainment landscape is rapidly evolving, particularly in India, where mobile-first consumption and value for money are critical. Insights from Amazon MX Player's leadership reveal that the integration of MX Player into Amazon's ecosystem has advanced technology, data utilization, and content distribution. Karan Bedi noted the swift integration process and highlighted the benefits in monetization through Amazon's ad technology, including the “Personas” feature for targeted advertising. MX Player has expanded its distribution across various Amazon platforms, transitioning to a multi-device approach. The platform emphasizes brand safety and has increased its content diversity, focusing on advertiser-friendly shows. Bedi introduced the concept of “micro-genres” with the upcoming MX Fatafat product, featuring short episodes to cater to varying viewer time constraints. MX Player utilizes a robust analytics framework to create content that resonates with diverse audiences, including regional offerings in multiple languages. Girish Prabhu discussed innovative advertising opportunities, emphasizing the integration of brands into content narratives and interactive formats for immediate consumer engagement. MX Player is positioned on major connected TV platforms, aligning with the trend for high-quality, free entertainment. The platform enables direct-to-consumer brands to access larger video formats, leveraging Amazon's consumer insights for personalized advertising and focusing on outcomes rather than impressions. Advertisers are increasingly seeking targeted messages that drive brand growth, highlighting the importance of platforms like MX Player.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

I’m not worried about Fallout: New Vegas 2, because Obsidian knows how to make the best out of a bad situation

Obsidian Entertainment, founded in 2004, is known for titles like Knights of the Old Republic 2, Fallout: New Vegas, and Pillars of Eternity. The studio was acquired by Microsoft in late 2018, leading to a cautious approach in its development, as seen in The Outer Worlds and the reimagined Avowed. Despite recent challenges, including layoffs, Obsidian has produced successful titles outside its traditional RPG genre, such as Grounded and Pentiment. The studio is currently working on New Vegas 2, generating optimism among fans and industry observers.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

After 15 years, I’ve got Microsoft’s shunned Fable 3 port to work on PC – and it feels like a new RPG

The author reflects on their experience with Fable 3, suggesting it feels fresh despite being a 16-year-old RPG. They express concerns about the future of the Fable series, particularly Fable 4, in light of rising console prices and recent layoffs at Microsoft. The author highlights the visual appeal of Fable 3 when played on a modern PC setup, noting the game's charm and the enhanced graphics at 4K resolution. They emphasize the importance of preserving gaming experiences and worry that new players may not access the superior PC version of Fable 3. The author questions whether Microsoft might release an updated version of the game in the future.