digital games Archives

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.

BetaBeacon

February 10, 2025

Catagrams Releases on iOS and Android with a Mission to Help Real Cats –

Catagrams, a game developed by Ponderosa Games, is now available on iOS and Android platforms. The game aims to raise awareness and support for cat rescue organizations through in-app purchases and donations.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

2024 was the year gamers really started pushing back on the erosion of game ownership

The landscape of digital game ownership has come under scrutiny as digital distribution increases, leading gamers to question their true ownership of purchased titles. Many high-profile games have disappeared from digital platforms, including Sony's Concord, which was discontinued just 11 days after launch. The Stop Killing Games campaign, initiated by YouTuber Ross Scott, gained traction after Ubisoft shut down The Crew, a decade-old racing game, making it unplayable due to server and licensing issues. The campaign advocates for classifying video games as "goods" rather than "services," arguing that purchased games should not be rendered inoperable. The petition has over 400,000 signatures, aiming for a million by July 2025 to prompt the EU to consider a ban on making multiplayer games unplayable. Steam has updated its disclaimers regarding ownership in response to these issues, influenced by a new Californian law requiring retailers to inform consumers about the revocability of digital games. GOG has positioned itself as a champion of consumer rights, ensuring that purchased games remain with the buyer indefinitely and allowing users to bequeath their game libraries. Industry leaders, including Michael Douse from Larian Studios, have expressed concerns about the implications of losing ownership for developers. While some publishers recognize the value of preserving older titles, others remain less attuned to this importance. The conversation around ownership and preservation is intensifying, highlighting that players do not truly own their games on platforms like Steam, where access can be revoked at any time.

AppWizard

December 14, 2024

Save big on last-minute gifts with Microsoft Store’s Countdown Sale, featuring discounts on Surface Copilot+ PCs, Xbox and PC games, and more

The Microsoft Store is hosting a Countdown Sale with significant discounts on gaming and entertainment products, offering fast and free 2-3-day shipping and flexible payment options. Discounts include up to 50% on PC games, up to 60% on Xbox games, up to 65% on select movies and TV shows, and up to 50% on select apps. Xbox Wireless controllers are discounted until December 22. Customers purchasing the Xbox Series X – 1TB Digital Edition will receive a bonus console wrap until January 1, 2025. Surface devices are also discounted, with offers valid until December 24. A limited-time trade-in offer provides up to 0 cash back for eligible devices until December 31. The Microsoft Store offers free extended returns, 24/7 online support, and price protection through January 31, 2025. An AI-powered Store Assistant is available to help customers find gifts.

AppWizard

October 12, 2024

Steam’s new disclaimer reminds everyone that you don’t actually own your games, GOG moves in for the killshot: Its offline installers ‘cannot be taken away from you’

Steam has added a message on its shopping cart page stating that a purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam, clarifying that users do not acquire ownership of a game. This update follows Valve's revision of its subscriber agreement and comes amid ongoing discussions about digital ownership and consumer rights. The message likely responds to consumer backlash against game publishers who have discontinued support for online titles, as seen in incidents like Ubisoft's discontinuation of services for The Crew. Additionally, a new California law requires retailers to inform consumers that digital games can be revoked at any time, prompting Valve's proactive measure to ensure compliance. GOG is also reviewing its checkout messaging in light of these developments.

AppWizard

September 27, 2024

As California forces stores to admit you don’t own digital games, GOG reminds PC gamers you can keep DRM-free games: “Your gaming legacy is always in your hands”

California has enacted a law requiring digital storefronts to use transparent language, prohibiting terms like "buy" for digital goods. This law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, will take effect next year. GOG, a digital storefront known for its DRM-free offerings, emphasizes user autonomy by allowing offline installers for games, enabling players to retain access regardless of licensing issues or server shutdowns. GOG reassured customers that they can still play their games even in adverse circumstances. Unlike platforms like Steam, GOG allows users to download and back up game installers, although it retains the right to revoke access to re-download titles. The gaming community recently gathered 23,000 data dumps to preserve digital content before Nintendo's shutdown of the 3DS and Wii U servers.

BetaBeacon

September 27, 2024

How to gameshare on PS5

- Console sharing and offline play on PS5 allow you to share games and some PlayStation Plus benefits with another player. - You can only gameshare with one other person at a time on PS5. - Gamesharing allows access to each other's game libraries, but only one person can play the other's games at a time. - Gamesharing is possible between PS4 and PS5. - You can gameshare disc games on PS5 by lending the physical disc to your friend. - Gameshare on PS5 only allows sharing with one person at a time. - Share Play and gameshare are not the same thing.

AppWizard

September 18, 2024

GOG is delisting 29 games this September—you have 12 days to grab the ones you care about and 2 days to grab the ones you probably don’t

A total of 29 games will be leaving GOG.com in September. Four titles from Adult Swim will exit on September 30, while 25 games from publisher Meridian4 will depart on September 20 at 6 am PDT / 9 am EDT / 1 pm UTC / 2 pm BST. Among the departing games are Creepy Tale 3 and Viruz. GOG expressed disappointment regarding the delistings and hopes to bring the titles back in the future. The complete list of games facing delisting includes four from Adult Swim and 25 from Meridian4.