chief operating officer Archives

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

Telegram’s ad business: How the messaging app makes money

Telegram has established an advertising model that focuses on monetizing public channels, selling ads based on channel topics rather than user identity. Revenue generated from ads is split evenly between Telegram and the channel owner, with no data-mining or behavioral targeting involved. The primary ad format is Sponsored Messages, which appear in public channels with at least 1,000 subscribers and consist of a text block and optional call-to-action button. Advertisers can purchase these ads through a self-serve portal without demographic targeting, ensuring no personal data is used for placements. Public channels are treated as independent units, with 50% of ad revenue going to channel owners, paid in Toncoin. Telegram's ad system has become more accessible by lowering minimum spend requirements. In addition to Sponsored Messages, Telegram is developing Mini Apps funded by its in-app currency, Stars. Regulatory scrutiny has increased, with various countries imposing bans or restrictions on Telegram for reasons related to content moderation and compliance, such as a temporary ban in India in June 2026 due to exam fraud investigations.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

Facepunch Studios COO says he’ll buy New World for $25 million, and he might not be joking: ‘We’re always looking for new opportunities and we are open to all avenues’

Amazon is set to discontinue its New World MMO on January 31, 2027. Alistair McFarlane, COO of Facepunch Studios, has expressed interest in purchasing the game, stating that "games should never die." He humorously suggested a purchase price of "25m" on social media. Simon Collins-Laflamme, known for reviving Hytale, offered his expertise in acquiring canceled games. Popular streamer Gothalion also showed support for the idea of saving New World. McFarlane mentioned that his company is opening a publishing arm and is looking for new opportunities, emphasizing a commitment to preserving gaming experiences.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Did you upgrade to Windows 11? If not then its just not you

Microsoft is facing challenges in transitioning users to Windows 11, with a slower adoption rate compared to the shift from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Approximately 500 million PCs are capable of running Windows 11 but remain on Windows 10, while an additional 500 million computers are too old to upgrade due to hardware requirements. Microsoft executive Pavan Davuluri stated that "nearly a billion people rely on Windows 11," but this claim lacks clarity. The market is divided between users with non-upgradeable hardware and those with capable hardware who choose not to transition. This reluctance poses cybersecurity risks as mainstream support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025. Users have three options: invest in a new PC, opt for Extended Security Updates, or continue using an unsupported operating system. Microsoft is under pressure to either ease hardware restrictions or improve Windows 11's appeal to encourage upgrades.

Winsage

November 28, 2025

Is Windows 11 fighting a losing battle? Dell underlines how unpopular the OS is after support ended compared to Windows 10

Dell's Chief Operating Officer, Jeffrey Clarke, reported a 10% to 12% lag in the migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 compared to previous adoption rates. Approximately 500 million PCs are incompatible with Windows 11 due to its stringent system requirements. Dell has seen an increase in PC sales for 2025 but anticipates flat sales in 2026 due to rising component costs and supply chain issues. The slow uptake of Windows 11 may lead consumers to retain their Windows 10 machines or consider alternatives like Linux or macOS. Microsoft is providing extended support for Windows 10 until October 2026, allowing users more time to decide on upgrades. The future pace of migration to Windows 11 may be influenced by Microsoft's integration of AI functionalities.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

How Movie Adaptations Impact the Video Game Industry

Video games are becoming a significant revenue source for the film and television industry, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. Media adaptations of video games attract diverse audiences, with recent adaptations for titles like Call of Duty, Life is Strange, and Dark Deception indicating a continuing trend. Adaptations typically result in a 203% increase in players for TV shows and a 48% increase for films, encouraging collaborations between video game companies and entertainment studios. The competition among studios to partner with video game franchises is increasing, as evidenced by the success of films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and A Minecraft Movie, which appeal to family audiences. Video game adaptations are emerging as a major trend in Hollywood, potentially surpassing superhero films.

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Thunderful shareholders agree to Atari majority ownership

Shareholders of Thunderful Group approved Atari's acquisition of an 81.7 percent stake in the company, facilitated by the issuance of 333,333,334 new ordinary shares for a total investment of SEK 50 million (approximately .3 million). Atari's COO Geoffroy Châteauvieux and CTO Andreas Deptolla will join Thunderful's board following this acquisition. Atari has also acquired five game intellectual properties from Ubisoft, including Transport Tycoon and Surgeon Simulator. Thunderful has faced challenges leading to layoffs and the sale of its distribution network and subsidiaries, Headup and Jumpship, to stabilize its finances.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Bungie boss Pete Parsons is stepping down

Pete Parsons, CEO and chairman of Bungie, is departing after 23 years, with Justin Truman set to succeed him. Parsons joined Bungie in 2002, contributing to the development of Halo: Combat Evolved and serving in various leadership roles before becoming CEO in 2015. He emphasized the collaborative spirit at Bungie and the studio's growth, including the establishment of the Bungie Foundation and a strong independent live operations organization. Under his leadership, Bungie launched a new chapter for the Destiny franchise and joined Sony Interactive Entertainment.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

These Amazon Fire TV apps are being blocked for promoting piracy

Amazon has begun blocking several streaming applications on its Fire TV platform that promote unauthorized access to DRM-protected content, including Blink Streamz, Flix Vision, Live NetTV, and Ocean Streamz. Users attempting to open or sideload these apps receive a warning message indicating potential risks to device functionality and personal data, with the option to Keep the app grayed out. Although the Fire TV does not automatically delete these applications, the uncertainty about their future functionality is frustrating for users. Reports suggest that some blocked apps may harbor malware, with Flix Vision specifically exploiting device resources. Amazon has not publicly detailed the reasons for blocking these apps. Analysts have criticized Amazon for allowing piracy to proliferate, and Sky has accused the company of failing to curb illegal streaming activities, claiming that over half of the Fire TV devices sold in the UK are illegal jailbroken units.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Zugalu Entertainment acquires Crimson Herring Studios

Zugalu Entertainment has acquired Edmonton-based studio Crimson Herring, with the financial details undisclosed. The acquisition is described as a strategic move to enhance Zugalu's narrative-driven game development. Isaac Otway, CEO of Crimson Herring, will become Chief Operating Officer at Zugalu. Branden Sloane, founder and CEO of Zugalu, expressed excitement about the merger, highlighting the alignment of expertise in crafting narrative-driven games. Crimson Herring recently launched its first title, Sovereign Syndicate.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

Gemma Brown and Rob O’Farrell appointed co-CEOs of Dovetail Games

Dovetail Games has appointed Gemma Brown and Rob O’Farrell as co-CEOs. Brown has 12 years of experience with the company, previously serving as chief operating officer, while O'Farrell has 11 years of experience, having been the chief development officer. Geoffroy Sardin, deputy CEO of PullUp Entertainment, emphasized that their appointment reflects the commitment to promoting internal talent and that their expertise will be valuable for the company's future.