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Report shows 90% of European gaming revenue in 2024 was digital purchases, but only 15% was on PC
AppWizard
August 31, 2025

Report shows 90% of European gaming revenue in 2024 was digital purchases, but only 15% was on PC

Recent findings indicate that digital purchases dominate the gaming market in Europe, with 90% of overall gaming revenue in 2024 coming from digital sales, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. Physical game purchases have decreased to 10% of total revenue, down from 20% in 2020, representing a 50% decline over four years. Overall gaming revenue grew by 4% in 2024. The reasons for the decline in physical sales remain unclear, whether due to consumer preference for digital formats or fewer physical game releases.
Google is loosening its hold on the way Android apps make money in Europe
AppWizard
August 19, 2025

Google is loosening its hold on the way Android apps make money in Europe

Google is allowing app developers in Europe to direct users to external websites for payments related to subscriptions and digital purchases, a change from its previous requirement to use Google's in-app payment system. This decision aligns with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to reduce excessive control by major tech companies. Developers will benefit from retaining a larger portion of their revenue, and Google is reducing its first-year acquisition fee from 10% to 3%. The DMA prohibits self-preferencing and mandates that companies like Google open their platforms to competitors, with penalties for violations reaching up to 10% of global revenue. Google has faced over €8 billion in EU antitrust penalties in the past decade.
Today's Android app deals and freebies: DREDGE, Inked, Rogue Hearts, and more
AppWizard
June 16, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: DREDGE, Inked, Rogue Hearts, and more

This afternoon, discounted games and applications are available for Android users on the Google Play Store. There are notable deals on PC notebooks, including the first discount on Microsoft's 2025 touchscreen Snapdragon Surface Laptop with 16GB of RAM, and the ASUS OLED Vivobook S 15. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a significant price reduction, and there is an early discount on the 43mm OnePlus Watch 3. Several Android app and game deals are still active, providing value for digital purchases. The game DREDGE allows players to sell their catch, complete quests, and explore a remote archipelago called 'The Marrows,' featuring over 125 deep-sea creatures and unique island regions.
Steam now confirms you're buying a license, not a game — here’s why that sucks
AppWizard
October 15, 2024

Steam now confirms you’re buying a license, not a game — here’s why that sucks

Valve's update to the Steam storefront clarifies that purchasing a game on Steam grants a license rather than ownership, stating that "The Content and Services are licensed, not sold." This change has raised concerns among Steam's 123 million active users, especially in light of California's “AB 2426,” which requires digital storefronts to inform consumers that they are acquiring a license instead of outright ownership. The law affects various digital products, and non-compliance could lead to fines. An example of the implications of this shift is seen with Ubisoft's The Crew, which was delisted from Steam, resulting in users losing access to the game. This situation has prompted some users to reconsider their purchasing habits and consider physical copies for true ownership.
Valve reminds gamers of the real cost of its epic Steam Sales
AppWizard
October 14, 2024

Valve reminds gamers of the real cost of its epic Steam Sales

Many gamers have accumulated large libraries of Steam games due to discounts, but recent discussions reveal that purchasing a game on Steam grants a license rather than ownership, resembling a rental agreement. This clarification is linked to California's AB 2426 law, which aims to improve transparency in digital purchases. In contrast, Good Old Games (GOG) offers offline installers for their games, allowing users to retain access even if the platform ceases operations. However, if GOG were to shut down, access to those games could also be lost.
Steam checkout banner clarifies you don’t own the game you buy — GOG takes a jab at Steam, saying it gives users offline installers that cannot be taken away | Tom's Hardware
AppWizard
October 12, 2024

Steam checkout banner clarifies you don’t own the game you buy — GOG takes a jab at Steam, saying it gives users offline installers that cannot be taken away | Tom’s Hardware

Steam has updated its shopping cart page to include a banner stating, “A purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam,” in response to California's AB 2426 legislation, which requires sellers of digital goods to clarify consumer rights regarding ownership. Steam operates on a licensing model, meaning users do not have outright ownership of games, and if a developer removes a title, it disappears from the user's library, although downloaded games remain accessible. In contrast, GOG allows users to retain purchased games indefinitely, regardless of developer actions, and has hinted at introducing a similar message emphasizing permanent access. The debate over licensing versus purchasing reflects broader concerns about digital ownership in the gaming industry.
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'
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.
Valve now warns Steam consumers they are buying license not game
AppWizard
October 11, 2024

Valve now warns Steam consumers they are buying license not game

Valve has implemented a new warning for Steam users stating that purchasing a game grants a license to access it, not ownership. This change is in response to California's upcoming legislation, AB 2426, effective in 2025, which aims to clarify the terms of digital purchases. The legislation addresses concerns about consumers losing access to purchased digital items and seeks to enhance consumer protections in the digital marketplace.
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