competitive arena Archives

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Tajikistan government launches messaging app to rival WhatsApp, Telegram – The Times of India

Tajikistan has launched its own national messaging app, ORIZ, to compete with established platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The app is aimed at enhancing connectivity for Tajik migrants in Russia, where access to popular messaging services is often restricted. ORIZ emphasizes data sovereignty, with the government ensuring that all user data is stored within the country, addressing security concerns associated with foreign networks. This initiative is part of a wider trend among post-Soviet nations to develop local digital solutions and reduce dependence on foreign technology.

AppWizard

November 8, 2025

Snag this gorgeous Greek mythology ARPG on sale before its price permanently goes up, and discover why it’s won my heart

Path of Exile, PoE 2, and Diablo 4 are leading titles in the action role-playing game (ARPG) genre, with Last Epoch and Torchlight Infinite also gaining popularity. Titan Quest 2 entered early access in August and has released its second chapter, with plans for further updates until 2026. Recent updates include keyword tooltips for build crafting and an extensive character creator. The game’s price will increase soon, but it is currently available at a 10% discount on Steam until November 10, priced at .99 / £22.49. After this date, the price will rise to .99 (or regional equivalents). The game has received positive feedback, with 84% of Steam users rating it favorably.

AppWizard

October 26, 2025

China’s ByteDance reportedly building a Steam competitor — ‘GameTop’ for overseas markets will distribute and publish games like any other store, while harboring a social space with AI-assisted creator tools

Steam's dominance in the PC gaming market is being challenged by new platforms, including the upcoming "GameTop," a gaming marketplace being developed by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. GameTop is aimed at overseas markets and is part of ByteDance's strategy to enhance its gaming division under new leadership. The initiative follows a shift from aggressive expansion to a focus on operational efficiency. There is an existing app named GameTop on the Google Play Store, which is unrelated to ByteDance. ByteDance has made progress in the Chinese gaming sector and is attempting to expand internationally, though it currently does not compete with Tencent, which has a significant stake in Epic Games.

AppWizard

October 16, 2025

Is Microsoft’s first ever handheld Xbox console worth the wait?

The ROG Xbox Ally is a handheld gaming console that integrates with Xbox's Game Pass subscription service, allowing access to a wide library of games. It operates as a portable computer running Windows, enabling users to play many digital PC games they already own, provided they do not require a keyboard and mouse. The device retails at £499, with a more powerful version available for £799. It features ergonomic controller grips, responsive thumbsticks, and functional face buttons, and it has a capable LCD display that delivers a rich visual experience. While it can run modern games well, users may face compatibility issues with some older titles. The device is designed primarily for Xbox's Game Pass, which includes classic and contemporary games, and offers cloud streaming capabilities. The ROG Xbox Ally competes in a market dominated by the Nintendo Switch and Sony's PlayStation Portal, arriving after the Valve Steam Deck. It runs on Windows 11, which may require users to navigate updates before gameplay.

AppWizard

October 10, 2025

All 2XKO Ranks – how to access ranked mode

Players must reach account level three to access the ranked mode in 2XKO, which officially launches on October 9, 2025. The ranked system consists of 11 ranks, most divided into three tiers: Aspirant, Bronze, Iron, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger. Players undergo five placement matches to determine their initial rank and must earn 100 Ranked Points (RP) to ascend the ranks. While players cannot be demoted from their overall rank, they can lose tier status with enough losses, and a loss at 0 RP results in demotion to a lower tier. Ranks reset each season, and exclusive ranked rewards exist, though details are currently undisclosed.