NewApp Digest
search bot

financial backing

silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
November 23, 2025

The biggest-budget, most notorious space game around is holding a huge free trial, with over 200 ships you can try

Star Citizen has surpassed 0 million in crowdfunding and sales. The Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE) 2955 is currently taking place in Orison, showcasing a collection of spacecraft and vehicles, allowing players to test nearly 200 ships for free. The event runs from November 20 to December 3. Star Citizen alpha 4.4 has been released, introducing the new star system Nyx, along with new missions, weapons, and a revamped injury system. The expo will feature a rotating list of ships from various manufacturers, with the community-voted Ship Showdown finalists available for testing on November 29. CIG has improved accessibility through enhanced tutorials and guides. The event includes recruit-a-friend bonuses, offering rewards for both referrers and newcomers.
Game Pass gets major price hike 'to offer more flexibility, choice, and value,' Microsoft says with a completely straight face
AppWizard
October 1, 2025

Game Pass gets major price hike ‘to offer more flexibility, choice, and value,’ Microsoft says with a completely straight face

Microsoft has announced a significant price increase for its Game Pass program, which has led to backlash from users. The Xbox team reported high creator participation and player engagement but acknowledged the need for further connection between players and creators. The Elder Scrolls Franchise bundle is priced significantly lower than the annual cost of Game Pass Ultimate, and popular games like Silksong can be purchased or rented for less than the subscription fee. A YouTube video explaining the changes received more dislikes than likes, and a Circana survey indicated that cost, value perception, and content availability are primary reasons for cancellations. Critics, including industry analysts and former executives, have raised concerns about the sustainability of the Game Pass model and its impact on traditional game sales. Microsoft faces a dilemma between raising prices for sustainability and risking user alienation.
Bithell Games laying off 11 staff
AppWizard
August 11, 2025

Bithell Games laying off 11 staff

Bithell Games is reducing its workforce by parting ways with 11 employees due to difficulties in securing new projects. This decision follows the launch of their title, Tron: Catalyst, in June. Founder Mike Bithell highlighted the challenges faced by smaller studios in finding financial backing for future projects. He emphasized communication with affected staff and offered severance packages to ease the impact of the layoffs. Bithell praised the skills of his team and encouraged other developers to consider the laid-off employees for future opportunities. Despite the layoffs, the studio's existing self-published games will remain available, and ongoing support for them will continue.
Epic boss Sweeney refutes reported Disney complaints
AppWizard
August 6, 2025

Epic boss Sweeney refutes reported Disney complaints

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, dismissed rumors of tensions with Disney, calling reports of frustration within Epic's management "bullshit." He emphasized the efficiency of their collaboration, particularly noting the rapid progress on projects like the integration of Darth Vader. Sweeney mentioned that Epic had previously provided a statement to a journalist that was not included in an article, which may have led to misunderstandings. Earlier this year, Epic received a .5 billion investment from Disney, indicating a strong partnership and commitment to future collaboration.
'Maybe I’ve directed my last game,' Dead Space creator Glen Schofield says after being unable to secure funding for his new project: 'With the industry on pause, AAA feels like it's a long ways away'
AppWizard
July 29, 2025

‘Maybe I’ve directed my last game,’ Dead Space creator Glen Schofield says after being unable to secure funding for his new project: ‘With the industry on pause, AAA feels like it’s a long ways away’

Glen Schofield, a veteran in the video game industry, has announced his decision to step away from game direction after struggling to secure funding for a new horror project he had been developing for eight months. Despite assembling a talented team and setting a budget, he faced challenges due to the industry's shift towards higher share prices and artificial intelligence solutions. Schofield's previous title, The Callisto Protocol, did not meet expectations, leading to financial repercussions for its publisher and layoffs at his studio. He expressed a desire to return to his artistic roots while reflecting on the stagnant state of the industry. His daughter, Nicole, who contributed the original idea for the halted project, was also part of the team.
Arkane co-founder calls Xbox Game Pass "unsustainable"
AppWizard
July 8, 2025

Arkane co-founder calls Xbox Game Pass “unsustainable”

Raphael Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios, expressed concerns about the sustainability of Xbox Game Pass, calling it "unsustainable" and "actively damaging" to the gaming industry. He believes the model, supported by Microsoft's financial resources, is not viable long-term and cannot coexist with traditional sales models. Colantonio stated that "the maths don't work for Game Pass" and highlighted that the service's current success is due to Microsoft's significant investment. Game Pass has 34 million subscribers, but recent layoffs in Microsoft's gaming division raise questions about the future of the company's gaming strategy.
Publisher pulls funding for Romero Games project
AppWizard
July 4, 2025

Publisher pulls funding for Romero Games project

Romero Games has lost funding for its in-development project, leading to potential layoffs or significant changes within the organization. The studio was developing a first-person shooter using Unreal Engine 5, which had received backing from an undisclosed major publisher, speculated to be Microsoft. Studio head Brenda Romero announced the funding cancellation in a message, emphasizing that the team's dedication and performance were not at fault, as they consistently met all milestones and received positive feedback. The news has had an emotional impact on the team, many of whom have long-standing relationships.
Amplitude secures $13.6m in funding
AppWizard
May 29, 2025

Amplitude secures $13.6m in funding

Developer Amplitude Studios has secured €12 million (.6 million) in funding from a Series A round led by Griffin Gaming Partners, which contributed €10 million. The funds will be used for developing projects like Endless Legend 2 and expanding the studio's capabilities. This funding follows Amplitude's management buyout from Sega. Amplitude CEO Romain de Waubert de Genlis emphasized the studio's commitment to its indie identity and creative vision, while Griffin partner Frankie Zhu highlighted the studio's success in creating strategy-based franchises.
'Just stick to your guns': Neil Druckmann isn't phased by all the hate Intergalactic got, 'There's stuff happening with media right now that you just have to ignore'
AppWizard
May 22, 2025

‘Just stick to your guns’: Neil Druckmann isn’t phased by all the hate Intergalactic got, ‘There’s stuff happening with media right now that you just have to ignore’

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet debuted at The Game Awards, where Naughty Dog showcased the game towards the end of the event. The trailer received mixed reactions, with viewers criticizing it as a "DEI game" and expressing discontent over its "woke" agenda due to the protagonist being a Black woman. Doug Cockle, voice actor for Geralt in The Witcher series, defended diversity in storytelling, while Neil Druckmann, co-president of Naughty Dog, expressed excitement for the game, describing it as having the "deepest gameplay" the studio has produced. The trailer featured a retro spaceship and introduced a new bounty hunter protagonist, with a nod to classic anime.
Search