appointment Archives

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Xbox’s new chief strategy officer is still a big believer in in-game ads

Matthew Ball, a videogame analyst and chief strategy officer for Xbox, predicts a significant rise in in-game advertising within PC and console games, viewing it as an untapped revenue stream essential for the industry's growth. He highlights challenges such as escalating game development costs and rising hardware expenses, which may lead consumers to reduce their gaming spending, threatening the industry's economic framework. A Comscore report supports this trend, noting that Netflix's ad-supported subscription tiers accounted for 45% of viewing hours in 2025, with free ad-supported services seeing a 43% year-over-year increase in hours watched. Ball emphasizes the need for accessibility, sustainability, and adequate funding for development teams while acknowledging the potential benefits of in-game advertising for the gaming community.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Meta rolls out Meta Business Agent globally on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger

Meta is expanding its Meta Business Agent, a feature that enhances customer engagement using artificial intelligence. This global rollout follows a successful testing phase called "Business AI," which began in October 2024 in markets like India, Mexico, and Brazil, involving over one million active shops. The Meta Business Agent functions across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger, helping businesses with customer inquiries, lead management, appointment scheduling, and product suggestions. Initially available to select businesses on the WhatsApp Business app, Instagram Pro, Messenger, and Meta Business Suite, the service will evolve to handle daily operations such as market research and competitive analysis. Businesses can join a waitlist for early access. The Business Agent adapts to a brand's voice and facilitates customer interactions. Meta is also launching the Meta Business Agent Platform for creating and managing virtual assistants, integrating with services like Shopify and Zendesk. However, there have been security concerns, including hackers accessing Instagram accounts through the Meta AI support assistant.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

The League of Legends MMO adds another World of Warcraft vet to its team

Brian Holinka, a former lead combat designer for World of Warcraft at Blizzard Entertainment, has joined Riot Games as a principal game designer for the League of Legends MMO. His appointment was announced on LinkedIn, marking his first official day at Riot. The League of Legends MMO project has been under development since its announcement in December 2020, and Riot has also hired Raymond Bartos, a former lead producer for World of Warcraft, and Orlando Salvatore, a former lead software engineer from World of Warcraft, to enhance the development team. Greg Street, the former vice president of Riot Games who initially led the MMO project, has taken on a new role in the gaming industry that does not involve an MMO.

AppWizard

May 27, 2026

Remedy’s CEO isn’t worried about Control Resonant launching close to GTA 6: ‘It’s going to put the spotlight even more on games than maybe in past years’

The release of Grand Theft Auto 6 is generating anticipation and anxiety among game developers, particularly regarding competition for upcoming titles in 2026, including Remedy Entertainment's Control Resonant. Jean-Charles Gaudechon, the new CEO of Remedy, remains calm about the competition and emphasizes the importance of cross-media partnerships to enhance the visibility of their franchises like Alan Wake and Control. His appointment has sparked mixed reactions due to his previous experience at EA, but he is focused on the future and confident in Remedy's ability to offer unique gaming experiences.

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

Remedy’s new CEO thinks cross-media deals will help its games sell more, and for once I think I agree

Remedy Entertainment appointed Jean-Charles Gaudechon as CEO earlier this year. Gaudechon has a background in EA and the sports betting industry and emphasizes scaling operations for lasting value. He aims to maximize the potential of existing franchises like Alan Wake and Control before expanding the portfolio. Gaudechon stated that the focus is not solely on driving revenue but on making existing games shine and reaching new audiences. Remedy is also pursuing a "Remedy Connected Universe" to explore cross-media opportunities, including television and film, to broaden the reach of its narratives and characters.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

Minecraft creators want Roblox-style brand deals — and see Xbox’s new chief strategy officer as an opening

Matthew Ball has been appointed as Xbox's new chief strategy officer, generating excitement among the gaming community, particularly Minecraft creators. At UGCon, five prominent Minecraft creators expressed optimism about Ball's leadership, believing his metaverse-focused perspective could enhance support for creators. Mohamed Weheba, CEO of InPVP, highlighted the untapped potential in multiplayer Minecraft, while an anonymous creator criticized the restrictive brand integration policies that limit opportunities. There is hope that Ball will advocate for a more flexible approach to brand integration, aligning Minecraft's policies with those of competitors like Roblox and Fortnite. Ball has recognized Minecraft's value, which Microsoft acquired for .5 billion in 2014. Mojang Studios, represented by vice president Kayleen Walters, is committed to enhancing creator tools and providing opportunities for independent developers. The Minecraft community is eager to see how Ball's leadership will influence the platform's future and foster a more inclusive environment for creators.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Lies of P studio is hiring an ‘AI Creator’ for future projects but says the role will not be ‘directly involved’ in the development of the sequel

The sequel to the game Lies of P is now in "full production," as confirmed by developer Neowiz in their earnings report. Neowiz has hired an AI "artist" to assist with the game's production, intending to leverage generative AI to enhance art production efficiency and innovate visual quality. This decision has sparked disappointment among fans concerned about the potential compromise of the game's artistry. Neowiz reported Q1 2026 revenues of 101.4 billion Korean won. The gaming industry is witnessing growing enthusiasm for AI integration, with notable figures discussing its potential to revolutionize gaming experiences, while some, like Xbox's chief Asha Sharma, express caution against "soulless AI slop."

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Gemini’s biggest new features are all about controlling your phone

Google is introducing a suite of features called Gemini Intelligence to enhance user experience on Android devices. This includes task automation, which will expand from select Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models to more apps, allowing Gemini to manage tasks for users. The technology now supports multimodality, enabling it to interpret visual inputs alongside voice and text commands. A feature called "Create My Widget" allows users to generate custom widgets using natural language. Additionally, Gemini features from Chrome will be integrated into the mobile app, including a Gemini button for sharing content and an auto-browse feature for subscribers. The autofill experience will also be improved, potentially pulling information from Google Photos and Gmail. Galaxy and Pixel phones will be the first to receive these updates.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Take-Two chief is ‘deeply disappointed’ that we still don’t have a new BioShock game

The BioShock franchise has not released a new installment since BioShock Infinite in 2013. In 2018, Hangar 13 began preliminary work on a new title, but it did not progress into a full project. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, expressed disappointment over the delays but was not surprised. The franchise is currently under the management of Cloud Chamber, which has appointed a new director and is reworking fundamental elements of the series. Following restructuring, over 80 employees, about one-third of Cloud Chamber's workforce, were laid off. The development of the next BioShock installment is still in its early stages.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

007 First Light perfectly balances cinematic Bond action with Hitman’s signature sandbox freedom

The game "007 First Light" features a balance between open-world exploration and linear action, successfully merging Bond-style storytelling with gameplay mechanics. Players experience three distinct levels, including a narrative introduction, an MI6 training arena, and a museum setting that encourages strategic gameplay. The museum level allows for various approaches to objectives, such as stealth and impersonation. Combat mechanics differ from the Hitman series, with Bond engaging in stylish confrontations rather than relying solely on stealth. Players can utilize gadgets, including a laser watch, which require resource management. The game boasts impressive visuals and character portrayal, with a focus on realism and immersion. The developers aim to appeal to a broad audience of Bond fans, ensuring an engaging experience.