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Valve clarifies ban on in-game advertising on Steam
AppWizard
February 10, 2025

Valve clarifies ban on in-game advertising on Steam

Valve updated its Steamworks Documentation to include a dedicated "Advertising on Steam" page, formalizing its existing policy against advertising on the platform. The new page clarifies that Steam does not support paid advertisements or referral revenue from ads for other games or products. Developers whose games rely on advertising must consider alternative monetization strategies, such as a single purchase model or a free-to-play format with microtransactions or downloadable content (DLC). Models that block customers and require payment to continue playing are prohibited, and developers are encouraged to offer free demos. Valve has also consistently banned games that utilize blockchain technologies, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs, to maintain a safe gaming environment.
Ubisoft releases new Blood Dragon game... with NFTs
AppWizard
December 20, 2024

Ubisoft releases new Blood Dragon game… with NFTs

Ubisoft is facing challenges, including game cancellations and workforce reductions, while exploring new engagement opportunities through the nostalgic universe of Far Cry 3 and the spin-off Blood Dragon. They are launching a top-down shooter called Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E., featuring Rayman as a commentator. Players must purchase an NFT, the 'Niji Warrior' card, to participate, which evolves as they progress. The game promotes familiar NFT concepts, such as shaping the world and earning exclusive rewards, but gameplay details remain vague, with minimal in-game footage available. Ubisoft's previous NFT initiatives faced backlash, but they continue to pursue this technology, partnering with blockchain platform Immutable and keeping NFT content separate from their main branding.
Hytopia pivots away from Minecraft to become independent UGC platform
AppWizard
December 12, 2024

Hytopia pivots away from Minecraft to become independent UGC platform

Hytopia has ceased development on a Minecraft-compatible client and will evolve into an independent platform with its own game client, Hytopia Proper. Originally part of NFT Worlds, which launched in October 2021, Hytopia aimed to integrate Minecraft creations with blockchain technology but had to pivot after Minecraft banned blockchain use. In late 2023, Hytopia transitioned from Polygon to Arbitrum. The team expressed that pursuing Minecraft compatibility was resource-intensive and viewed the pivot positively, noting rapid development advancements. The new platform will feature a browser-based interface with user-generated content tools and will operate independently from Minecraft servers, allowing for a faster development cycle. The decision was also influenced by concerns over scrutiny from Microsoft regarding their GitHub repositories.
Dauntless's launch on Steam has gone horribly, horribly wrong with overwhelmingly negative reviews: 'This update is easily, out of every game I've ever played, the worst one I've seen'
AppWizard
December 9, 2024

Dauntless’s launch on Steam has gone horribly, horribly wrong with overwhelmingly negative reviews: ‘This update is easily, out of every game I’ve ever played, the worst one I’ve seen’

Dauntless has debuted on Steam with an "Overwhelmingly negative" rating, accumulating nearly 1,000 negative reviews since its transition. The criticism primarily focuses on a player progress reset and a new monetization model perceived as excessive. Players are frustrated by weapons being locked behind a paywall and the removal of previously accessible weapons. The game's developer, Phoenix Labs, was recently acquired by Forte, a blockchain company, raising concerns about the influence of blockchain and NFTs on the game. In response to community backlash, Phoenix Labs issued a letter explaining the reset was necessary for players to adapt to new systems, but many players found the response inadequate. Dauntless is scheduled for a significant update on December 19, amid ongoing dissatisfaction with its monetization strategies and a decline in active players, now just over 400.
Social Media and Messaging Apps Turning to Gaming
AppWizard
December 5, 2024

Social Media and Messaging Apps Turning to Gaming

The average person spends at least two hours on social media daily, leading platforms to compete for user engagement. The gaming industry has become a significant competitor in this arena. Telegram has become a hub for blockchain gaming, particularly through TON, featuring innovative play-to-earn (P2E) games and Mini Apps that enhance the gaming experience. Casino bots on Telegram allow users to play games like blackjack and poker directly within the app. Facebook continues to integrate gaming into its platform, supporting instant games on Messenger and gaming groups, despite discontinuing its standalone gaming app in 2022. Snapchat introduced Snap Games in 2019, utilizing augmented reality to create interactive multiplayer experiences, although this feature is no longer available. Instagram incorporates gaming elements through interactive quizzes and polls in Stories, and serves as a platform for gaming content influencers. WhatsApp has unofficially integrated simple games through third-party bots, allowing users to engage in casual play within chats, despite not offering official gaming features.
Ubisoft reportedly developing Animal Crossing-style social sim with Minecraft-like building
AppWizard
November 26, 2024

Ubisoft reportedly developing Animal Crossing-style social sim with Minecraft-like building

Ubisoft Montreal is developing a new social simulation game called Alterra, inspired by Animal Crossing and featuring building mechanics similar to Minecraft. The game has been in development for approximately 18 months and evolved from a previous shelved project. Alterra will allow players to inhabit a home island with NPCs called Matterlings, which resemble Funko Pop figures. Players can build and craft items using resources from various biomes, each with unique Matterling types and materials. Fabien Lhéraud is leading the production, and the game's release is expected to be a few years away. Ubisoft's future release schedule includes delayed titles like Assassin's Creed Shadows and Anno 117: Pax Romana, as well as a new Rayman project and the long-awaited Beyond Good & Evil 2. Ubisoft has also entered the blockchain space with a game featuring NFT figurines.
FIFA confirms plan to launch new game for iOS, Android
BetaBeacon
November 22, 2024

FIFA confirms plan to launch new game for iOS, Android

FIFA has collaborated with Mythical Games to create a new mobile football video game called 'FIFA Rivals.' The game will allow players to create and manage their own football club, compete in real-time PvP gameplay, and buy and sell football stars using real money through in-game and web marketplaces.
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