consumer engagement Archives

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Minecraft surprise dropped a Dragon Ball Z crossover

The demand for video consumption is increasing as businesses recognize its potential for engagement and communication. Video marketing has become essential for brands, leading to higher consumer engagement and conversion rates. Companies are adopting strategies such as storytelling, short-form content, live streaming, and educational videos to enhance visibility and build trust. The future of video content looks promising with advancements in technology and new platforms, allowing for innovative engagement methods like augmented reality and interactive videos. Brands that prioritize authentic storytelling and innovation are likely to lead in their industries.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Despite no GTA 6 release date for Windows, Take-Two CEO admits PC gaming is gaining popularity

Rockstar Games is actively engaging with its audience through its Spaces X account, sharing insights, teasers, and behind-the-scenes content to build anticipation for upcoming releases. The company's games often set trends in the gaming industry, and analysts are monitoring the potential impact on the broader market. Rockstar is expected to unveil new titles that could reshape the industry, supported by its strong storytelling and gameplay mechanics.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

GenAI is emerging, and it could make the phone’s form factor feel irrelevant

The consumer technology landscape is shifting towards prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI) experiences over traditional hardware specifications, redefining consumer engagement with devices. Companies are focusing on user experiences enabled by AI, such as Samsung's collaboration with Perplexity for information access through televisions. Tech giants like Google and Motorola are highlighting AI functionalities in their marketing, while Nothing is investing in AI-native devices. The introduction of GenAI into premium smartphones has brought features like real-time image editing and personalized content generation. IDC predicts that users will soon interact with personalized AI across various devices, facilitating seamless transitions between them. AI-powered devices, such as the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, offer hands-free assistance, enhancing user convenience. Consumers are looking for features that save time and improve convenience, and companies that successfully leverage AI for tangible benefits are likely to lead the market.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

‘Fixation on the holiday window’ is hurting game publishers, says industry analyst Newzoo

The recent launch of Hollow Knight: Silksong and Borderlands 4 marks the end of the summer lull in gaming, a period typically characterized by fewer high-profile releases. The 2025 Global Games Market Report from Newzoo indicates that the summer months see a decline in major titles, with significant releases clustering around February and October. The report discusses "avoidable cannibalization," where publishers compete for consumer attention during the same timeframe, and notes that excluding blockbuster titles like Elden Ring and Baldur's Gate 3, summer months resemble other times of the year. The report highlights that holiday months are often busier than they seem, with many games launching late in August and a surge in November. It also mentions that big releases in April and May are performing comparably to those in busier months. September has underperformed, likely due to players still engaged with Baldur's Gate 3, affecting Starfield's market performance. Titles released between August and November perform, on average, 34% worse than those launched from February to May, even when excluding hits like Elden Ring and Hogwarts Legacy. Newzoo's analysis divides the year into two phases: a prime release window from September to February and a period of previews and announcements from March to August. The report forecasts a 3.1% year-on-year increase in the global PC player base, reaching 936 million players in 2025, driven by Steam's growth in regions like China and Japan, and notes the rising significance of Gen Alpha in the PC gaming community.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

The Outer Worlds 2 director offers the most sympathetic answer I’ve yet heard for the $80 game question: ‘We don’t set the prices for our games,’ and ‘You’d have to honestly talk to the Xbox folks’

Brandon Adler, the director of The Outer Worlds 2, stated that game developers do not set the prices for their games, emphasizing that pricing decisions are made by corporate executives. He expressed a desire for broader accessibility to games but indicated that pricing inquiries should be directed to Xbox executives. The economic landscape has shifted, making home ownership difficult while consumer electronics have become more affordable. Gamers now have various options, including subscription services and budget-friendly hardware. The perceived normal price for games has shifted to the range of to , with being a stretch, particularly for highly anticipated titles. Pricing challenges reflect deeper issues in the gaming industry, including recent layoffs and rising development costs. Obsidian Entertainment has adopted a strategy of working on multiple smaller projects, resulting in more affordable pricing for some titles, while the upcoming Avowed is set at a full retail price. Concerns exist that The Outer Worlds 2’s price might hinder its success, especially given the unclear metrics Microsoft uses to evaluate sales performance.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

What brands can learn from Minecraft’s Chicken Jockey

Brands are increasingly required to engage with customers in digital spaces, with platforms like Roblox attracting 90 million daily active users. 56% of Gen Z prioritize styling their avatars over their own appearance, highlighting the need for brands to adapt to virtual environments. The gaming sector provides opportunities for product testing using digital twin technology, allowing brands to simulate scenarios and analyze data for trend forecasting. Retailers like Temu, Shein, and TikTok are rapidly creating products in response to trends, necessitating a shift from traditional six-month development cycles to real-time supply chains. Demand spikes can arise from various sources, and without a robust Order Management System (OMS), businesses risk losing sales. Accurate, real-time inventory visibility is crucial for managing demand spikes and anticipating future needs. Nike has launched Nikeland on Roblox for product testing and consumer engagement, while Snapchat offers AR features for virtual try-ons, allowing brands to gauge interest before physical launches. The intersection of gaming and commerce presents unique opportunities for innovative consumer engagement.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Would you spend $5,000 on an app? Google just made that a real possibility

Google Play has increased its pricing limit to just under ,000, up from the previous cap of ,000 established a year ago. This change is aimed at established developers with a minimum of million in annual app sales, who must formally request the pricing adjustment. The new limit applies to apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions. Pricing limits will be adapted to local currencies, except in South Korea, which will maintain the previous maximum of ,000.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft App Assure helps Nord Security build for Windows on Arm

Developers are focusing on optimizing applications for the newly launched Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced system architecture, all-day battery life, and the ability to run AI models directly on the device. The initial Copilot+ PCs are powered by Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus silicon, with AMD and Intel also introducing compatible processors. Microsoft’s App Assure Program provides guidance and technical support to help developers optimize applications for these devices, particularly for Arm-based Snapdragon X Series devices. NordVPN is a notable example of a company that successfully utilized the App Assure program to develop an Arm-optimized version of their application. The program includes the Arm Advisory Service, which allows developers to consult with Microsoft engineers for a smoother development process. Other companies, such as Proton VPN and F-Secure, have also benefited from the App Assure team in optimizing their applications for the Windows on Arm platform.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Games revenue dipped 53% at Warner Bros during 2024

Warner Bros reported a 53% drop in revenue for its gaming division in 2024, as disclosed in its 10-K filing with the SEC. The overall content revenue declined by eight percent, primarily due to the decrease in gaming revenue, which saw a 29% year-on-year drop in the final quarter of 2024. The decline is attributed to underperforming titles in 2024, following the success of previous releases like Hogwarts Legacy and Mortal Kombat 1. The company plans to close several studios, including Monolith, Player First, and its San Diego studio, and will focus on four key franchises: Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, and DC Comics. Warner Bros aims to restore profitability to its Games division by 2025 and enhance its contribution to the company's growth.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Low PC penetration, Windows 10 upgrade to fuel Snapdragon X growth in India: Qualcomm SVP

Low penetration of personal computers in India is around 10 percent. Qualcomm anticipates a significant shift in consumer mindset with the upgrade to Windows 10, which will end support in October 2025. The company has partnered with manufacturers like Asus, Acer, Lenovo, HP, and Dell to introduce Snapdragon X platform-based PCs in India. Asus plans to launch its Snapdragon X-based Zenbook A14 and Vivobook 16 on March 10, priced at Rs 65,990 and Rs 99,990, respectively. Qualcomm held a 26 percent share of the Indian smartphone market in 2024, with its chipsets in one in three premium smartphones priced above Rs 25,000. The Snapdragon X platform is reported to deliver performance up to 163 percent faster than competitors while consuming 168 percent less power. Qualcomm has opened its first experience center in collaboration with Croma and plans to establish more stores to extend its reach into smaller towns across India.