digital distribution platform Archives

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

One of the biggest and best game mods of all time is now a one-click install on GOG — but there’s one huge downside

The "One-Click Mod" system on GOG allows users to install and play mods with a single click, including the STALKER GAMMA modpack for STALKER Anomaly. To use this feature, players must own either STALKER: Call of Pripyat or STALKER 2 on GOG. Call of Pripyat is priced at .99, while STALKER 2 is priced at .99, both with current discounts. Players who own these titles on Steam may find it unappealing to repurchase them on GOG and can alternatively install GAMMA through Discord. Users are advised to download mods from reputable sources to ensure safety.

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

21 Years Ago Today, One of the Best Games Ever Came to PC

Half-Life 2 was released on November 16, 2004, as a sequel to the original Half-Life from 1998, developed by Valve using the Source engine. The game introduced a broader narrative and memorable characters, including Gordon Freeman, Alyx Vance, and Father Grigori, while featuring a sophisticated physics engine and the Gravity Gun. It received widespread acclaim, achieving a perfect score from Edge magazine and selling over 12 million copies within seven years across multiple platforms. Half-Life 2 was instrumental in establishing Steam as a dominant digital distribution platform and set new standards for storytelling in action games. Despite its success, there has been no formal sequel, although episodic content and a prequel, Half-Life: Alyx, have been released.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

LoveR Kiss Endless Memories PC Version Won’t Be on Steam

Dragami Games announced that the PC version of LoveR Kiss Endless Memories will not be available on Steam, as the product page has been removed. The game is scheduled to launch on November 27, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC. Details about the decision to exclude Steam were not provided, but Dragami Games confirmed that a PC version is still in development and will provide updates. Currently, there is no English eShop listing for the game. LoveR Kiss Endless Memories is an enhanced version of a previous dating and photography simulation game, featuring downloadable content, expanded photo customization options, and a new Pro Photo Session mode. It will support multiple languages, including English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese subtitles. A recent trailer has showcased the game's dating simulation and photography elements.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

Microsoft waives fees for Windows devs publishing to Microsoft Store

Microsoft has eliminated registration fees for individual Windows developers to publish applications on the Microsoft Store, allowing submissions of various application types without costs. The company will manage the hosting and signing of applications, enabling developers to package apps as MSIX and alleviating the need for their own content delivery networks. Microsoft will also sign apps for free and deliver updates automatically. Developers can implement their own in-app payment systems for non-gaming applications, retaining all revenue. To publish applications, developers must verify their identity with a government-issued ID and a selfie. This change aims to create a more inclusive platform for developers. The Microsoft Store has been redesigned to support a variety of application types and has over 250 million monthly active users.

AppWizard

September 6, 2025

I’m a gamer. The NO FAKES Act could get me in trouble.

Congress is considering the NO FAKES Act of 2025, which aims to combat AI-generated deepfakes by establishing property rights over one's "digital replica." This legislation could negatively impact the gaming community by making it illegal to create realistic representations of individuals without consent, potentially affecting games that rely on accurate likenesses. The act introduces liability for unauthorized digital replicas, which could lead to censorship and discourage developers from offering diverse customization options. Existing laws already provide protections related to publicity rights and intellectual property, but the NO FAKES Act may disproportionately affect small developers and non-commercial fan projects. Valve has announced plans to require developers to disclose AI use in games, promoting transparency.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Epic Games Store releases new PC free game of the week in latest limited time deal

The Epic Games Store offers a unique digital distribution platform that features regular free games to attract users and foster community. It has a favorable revenue-sharing model for developers, allowing them to retain more earnings, which appeals to both indie developers and major studios. The store has formed strategic partnerships with various developers and publishers, enhancing its library and providing exclusive content. Community engagement is emphasized, with user feedback actively sought to improve the gaming experience. The store's focus on innovation and support for developers positions it for future growth in the gaming industry.

BetaBeacon

June 27, 2025

Epic Games Store: New free game now available on Android and iOS for puzzle fans

The Epic Games Store offers developers a more favorable revenue split of 12% compared to Steam's 30%, attracting many developers and leading to a growing library of exclusive titles.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Malicious Game Infects Steam Users With Info-Stealing Malware

Steam removed the game Sniper: Phantom's Resolution due to a security breach involving malware designed to extract sensitive user information. The malware was disguised as a legitimate Windows process and employed tactics like executing Node.js scripts and establishing startup persistence. A month earlier, another game, PirateFi, was found to be spreading the Vidar infostealer, affecting up to 1,500 users. Both incidents highlight the risks associated with malware hosted on trusted platforms like Steam, which may exploit vulnerabilities in submission processes. Users often identified suspicious behavior before the platforms did, indicating delayed detection and response times. The lack of timely communication regarding breaches further exacerbates user concerns.

AppWizard

February 24, 2025

Top 5 Websites to Download PC Games for Free in 2024

Steam is the most extensive digital distribution platform for PC games, offering robust security measures like Steam Guard protection and two-factor authentication. The Epic Games Store is known for exclusive titles and strong security protocols. GOG specializes in DRM-free gaming experiences, appealing to retro and indie game enthusiasts. Origin is EA's platform featuring a catalog of EA games and secure transaction systems. Humble Bundle allows gamers to purchase game bundles while supporting charitable causes. For safe game downloads, gamers should enable two-factor authentication, maintain updated antivirus software, examine user reviews, and stick to official platforms with established reputations.

AppWizard

November 18, 2024

A Single Korean-Speaking Intern Saved Valve From Going Bankrupt

In 2002, Valve sued Sierra Entertainment to clarify licensing terms for Counter-Strike distribution in cyber cafes. The lawsuit escalated as Vivendi counterclaimed against Valve, attempting to financially undermine the small developer. Gabe Newell, Valve's co-founder, faced significant personal financial strain due to the legal battle. Vivendi overwhelmed Valve with legal documents, many in Korean, requiring additional resources to manage. An intern named Andrew, a native Korean speaker, discovered evidence that Vivendi was destroying pertinent evidence. This finding shifted the case in Valve's favor, leading to a court ruling that granted Valve rights to the Half-Life and Counter-Strike franchises, reimbursed their legal expenses, and terminated Vivendi's cyber cafe agreement. This outcome allowed Valve to launch Steam, which grew into the largest digital distribution platform in gaming.