business models Archives

AppWizard

February 10, 2025

Steam doubles down on a 5-year-old rule to make it more visible: “Developers should not utilize paid advertising as a business model in their game”

Steam has updated the visibility of its policy regarding games that use paid advertising as a primary business model, which has been in place for at least five years. The policy targets games that rely on advertisements to provide value to players, which can negatively impact the gaming experience. By making this policy more prominent, Steam aims to discourage practices that require players to watch ads to engage with games.

AppWizard

December 12, 2024

Gearbox, Id and Warner vets found new publisher Cooldown

A group of former industry veterans has launched Cooldown Games, a new publishing venture led by CEO Steve Gibson, who was previously president at Gearbox Publishing. The founding team includes Matt Charles (Chief Product Officer), Erick Cobbs (Chief Business Officer), Jackson Hardesty (Chief Operating Officer), Brad Schliesser (Chief Revenue Officer), Jimmy Sieben (Chief Technology Officer), and Jeff Skal (Chief Marketing Officer). Collectively, they have generated over a billion in revenue and contributed to the success of eight titles that have sold over one million copies each. Gibson expressed confidence in the company's rational business models and commitment to supporting game developers. The team aims to discover and promote games that fit into the busy lives of gamers, influenced by their own gaming preferences over the past five years.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Can your old PC handle the upgrade to Windows 11? Here’s how to tell

As of October 2025, Microsoft will cease monthly security updates for Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 if their hardware allows. The eligibility for Windows 11 is largely determined by the age and specifications of the CPU rather than the purchase date. - PCs designed in 2019 or later typically support Windows 11, provided they have TPM version 2.0. - PCs designed between 2016 and 2019 may still be eligible for an upgrade through a registry edit, even if their CPUs are not on the supported list. - PCs from 2010 to 2015 can potentially upgrade if they have a TPM and compatible Intel CPUs, though AMD processors may face challenges. - PCs from 2009 and earlier generally lack the necessary components for Windows 11 and may require alternative operating systems like Linux.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Ubisoft quietly launches blockchain RPG with playable NFTs priced up to $63K

Ubisoft has launched its first player-versus-player blockchain RPG, Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, featuring characters that can be purchased as NFTs using in-game currency or cryptocurrency. The most expensive character, Inquisitor Swift Zealot, is priced at ,372.19, while another character, Glowing Beast, costs ,100, with the majority priced at ,000 or less. Despite a 95% decline in the NFT market last year, Ubisoft is promoting this game as part of its NFT initiative announced in July. The game is part of a growing trend of blockchain and web3 games that include NFTs. Traditional free-to-play games attract larger audiences compared to blockchain titles, which may appeal mainly to NFT enthusiasts.

AppWizard

October 8, 2024

Federal Judge Orders Google to Open Android App Store Amid Antitrust Pressure | PYMNTS.com

U.S. District Judge James Donato has ruled that Google must open its Android app store to competition, stemming from a case initiated by Epic Games, which claims Google's Play Store operates as an illegal monopoly. Epic Games seeks changes that would allow businesses to bypass Google’s app store and manage in-app purchases independently. While some requests have been granted, not all have been approved, and Google is expected to appeal. This ruling could significantly alter the Android ecosystem and foster innovation in app development. Additionally, Google faces other antitrust challenges, including a finding that its search engine operations violate anti-monopoly laws and a lawsuit regarding competition suppression in online advertising. These legal pressures could profoundly impact Google's business model and the technology sector as a whole.

AppWizard

August 16, 2024

Businesses are increasingly turning to technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. Companies across various sectors are embracing digital transformation to drive efficiency and improve service delivery. They are leveraging automation to reduce manual workloads, utilizing data analytics for insights into customer behavior, and adopting cloud computing for remote work and collaboration. Cybersecurity has become a critical priority as organizations invest in robust security measures to protect sensitive information. The focus on customer experience is heightened, with businesses using technology to create seamless interactions and foster loyalty. Agility and responsiveness to changing market conditions and customer preferences are essential for long-term success, necessitating a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Winsage

July 22, 2024

Microsoft pins Windows outage on EU-enforced ‘interoperability’ deal

Software makers have been granted access to Microsoft's PC productivity applications, SharePoint, Outlook, Exchange, and the .NET framework, in addition to Windows Client and Server operating systems. The EU has not been able to secure similar terms with Apple or Google, leaving macOS and ChromeOS free from any inclusivity obligations.

AppWizard

July 10, 2024

FTC Bans Popular Anonymous Messaging App NGL From Serving Minors In First-Of-Its-Kind Move

The lawsuit from the FTC and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office revealed that NGL Labs marketed the NGL app to children and teens, misled users into purchasing premium accounts, and made false claims about their AI moderation tool. The app sent fake messages to users to encourage them to pay for premium services, but no names were revealed after purchase. The FTC banned NGL from serving minors, the first of its kind, potentially leading to further regulations. The app claims to have at least 200 million global downloads. FTC chair Lina Khan aims to regulate companies using AI without mass exploitation of users. Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón emphasized the severe consequences of cyberbullying among teens facilitated by the app.

Winsage

May 15, 2024

Microsoft’s quest for short-term $$$ is doing long-term damage to Windows, Surface, Xbox, and beyond

- Microsoft under CEO Satya Nadella has experienced a remarkable turnaround, focusing on artificial intelligence tools like Microsoft Copilot. - Despite the success in AI, there have been missed opportunities and strategic missteps, including the demise of Windows Phone and underinvestment in security measures. - Microsoft's hardware ventures like Surface and Windows Phone have faced setbacks, leading to skepticism about the future of these products. - The Xbox division at Microsoft is facing challenges due to corporate strategies focused on short-term financial gains, which could potentially undermine its momentum. - Microsoft's pattern of behavior, including rapid acquisitions and layoffs, has created a legacy of distrust among customers and industry insiders.