franchises Archives

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.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Once an arcade company, Capcom now sells most of its games on PC

Capcom has experienced a significant increase in PC game sales, surpassing console sales for the first time, with PC games accounting for 54% of total sales. In the last fiscal year, Capcom sold over 51 million software units, a 13% increase from the previous year, with 28 million being digital PC games and 18 million digital console games. Monster Hunter Wilds sold over 10 million units shortly after its release, while Monster Hunter World has lifetime sales of over 21 million, making it Capcom's most successful title. The Resident Evil 4 remake has surpassed 10 million in sales. Capcom plans to leverage its back catalog for growth, with recent releases including Onimusha 2 and the Capcom Fighting Collection 2, and Street Fighter 6 set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2. Despite the growth in PC sales, Capcom expects console revenue to remain slightly higher through 2027, with mobile revenue projected to outpace both PC and console earnings in the future.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

Capcom reveals its PC game sales overshadow console, and it’s only growing

Capcom's fiscal results for 2024 show that digital sales on PC have surpassed those on consoles, with PC sales at 60% and console sales at 40%. Capcom sold approximately 28.2 million games on PC and 19.5 million on consoles, marking an increase from the previous year when PC sales were 52%. The success of titles like Monster Hunter Wilds contributed to this growth. Additionally, the Resident Evil series has sold 170 million units, and the Monster Hunter series has reached 120 million units. Capcom aims for a 10% growth in operating profit for fiscal year 2026, focusing on digital sales and PC platforms.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

3D platformer action adventure game Big Hops announced for PC

Big Hops is a 3D platformer where players control Hop, a young frog kidnapped by a spirit named Diss. The objective is to reunite with Hop's family by gathering Airship Parts while navigating challenges such as infiltrating the Gulley Gang’s Hideout, rescuing workers from DrillCO, and sneaking past cultists. The game features self-contained narratives in each world, with dynamic gameplay mechanics centered on movement and frog-tongue interactions. Players can use various Veggies for creative problem-solving, and collectibles enhance gameplay and customization options. The game includes four main worlds—Forest, Desert, Ocean, and Mountain—offering diverse environments and challenges. Chris Wade, the creator, aimed to modernize the 3D platformer genre, drawing inspiration from various games and shows.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

‘They’re very determined, suddenly, to see your game fail’: Former Dragon Age writer calls out ‘anti-fans’ who bet on games failing before launch

Former BioWare writer David Gaider discussed the concept of "anti-fans," referring to players and content creators who focus on negative aspects of games, leading to campaigns of negativity before a game's release. This behavior is observed in a vocal minority that critiques upcoming titles, such as Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Assassin's Creed Shadows. The influence of these "anti-fans" extends beyond individual games, affecting the industry, as seen with the genre shift of Marathon and criticisms directed at Bungie. Gaider notes that this group seems to take pleasure in the potential financial failure of projects, which he describes as mean-spirited.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

A MINECRAFT MOVIE Levels Up to Another Major Milestone

A MINECRAFT MOVIE has become one of the top 75 highest-grossing films of all time, currently ranking 75th with a global total of 0,696,673, surpassing BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. It is also the highest-grossing domestic release of the year and the second highest-grossing film worldwide. The film has received praise for its uplifting worldview and themes of friendship, courage, and redemption, though it includes action violence, mild foul language, and frightening imagery. It has been nominated for the Kid’s Choice Awards, with stars Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Emma Myers receiving individual nominations. The success of A MINECRAFT MOVIE indicates a growing trend in Hollywood towards video game adaptations, potentially leading to films based on franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Roblox.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Games Inbox: Are video games too expensive on console and PC?

Bethesda's latest game, Doom: The Dark Ages, is priced at £70 for both PC and console and can be completed in about 13 hours. This pricing strategy has raised concerns among gamers, especially since PC games typically have lower price points. Some gamers believe this may be an attempt by Microsoft to promote its subscription service, Game Pass, while others plan to wait for sales. Additionally, there are concerns about Bungie's management following its acquisition by Sony, with critics questioning the effectiveness of such corporate acquisitions in revitalizing franchises. In contrast, Nintendo is innovating with its upcoming Mario Kart World for the Switch 2, moving the series to an open-world format, which has generated excitement among fans. The gaming community remains engaged in discussions about pricing, management, and innovation as the industry evolves.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Remedy director says that FBC: Firebreak ‘respects player time’ instead of relying on FOMO, which has ‘infected modern games’

Remedy Entertainment's upcoming title, FBC: Firebreak, is a co-op shooter and a spin-off from the Control series. Director Mike Kayatta emphasized a philosophy of maintaining a responsible team size, budget, and development time, while respecting player time and avoiding industry greed. He noted the importance of delivering a product that meets player expectations without overcharging. Kayatta criticized the concept of FOMO in modern games, stating it does not align with FBC: Firebreak's vision, which aims to provide value without daily check-ins or timed battle passes. The game is designed to encourage player return and foster a sense of accomplishment over time.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Two Warhammer 40,000 games will be delisted from Steam on Monday, and one of them is currently on a 90% discount

UK-based publisher Slitherine Software announced that Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon and Warhammer 40,000: Sanctus Reach will be delisted from Steam on May 19. The games and their downloadable content will no longer be available for purchase on these platforms, but players who already own them can still download and play. Armageddon features 2D, top-down gameplay, while Sanctus Reach offers 3D, grid-based battlefields. Both titles have a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam, with Armageddon having nearly 900 reviews and Sanctus Reach over 1,100. In a PC Gamer ranking, Sanctus Reach was placed 36 out of 51, while Armageddon ranked 17. Currently, Armageddon and its DLCs are available at a 90% discount on Steam, with the base game priced at £3.35 and the total including all DLCs at £8.43.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Gamer-Approved Soap Products

Dr. Squatch and Minecraft have collaborated to create a limited-edition product line featuring four unique items, including the Diamond Scrub Bar Soap and Diamond Sticc Deodorant. The Diamond Scrub Bar Soap is infused with diamond powder and pumice for deep cleansing and exfoliation. The Diamond Sticc Deodorant offers long-lasting fragrance and protection against wetness. The product range is priced between £8 and £37 and includes individual soap bars and a four-pack set, all featuring Minecraft-themed branding.