free-to-play Archives

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

Revolutionizing Android Casino Apps with Hybrid Monetization

In 2025, Android casino apps are adopting a hybrid monetization model that combines free play, in-app purchases, advertising, and subscription services, moving away from traditional revenue streams like paid downloads. This model allows for free downloads and offers players various options, such as watching ads for rewards or subscribing for premium features. Developers are utilizing online casino content aggregators to access a wide range of games without the need for in-house development, which streamlines licensing and updates. The success of this model relies on selecting the right content aggregator, which can vary in terms of game library size, certification coverage, API integration, analytics capabilities, and revenue share structures. Continuous analysis of player behavior is essential to optimize monetization strategies, allowing developers to adjust ad frequency, subscription pricing, and game offerings based on user feedback.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

This freaky Lovecraftian horror FPS is coming to Xbox and PS5, with a demo on Steam now — the devs said “you never know” about Game Pass, too

Beneath is an upcoming survival horror first-person shooter set to launch in 2025 on Xbox, PS5, and PC, developed by Camel 101 and published by Wired Productions. The game combines stealth mechanics and ammunition scarcity similar to Metro with intense combat and supernatural elements akin to F.E.A.R. It features Lovecraftian themes and is set primarily near, on, or beneath the ocean. Players will assume the role of Noah Quinn, an experienced diver facing nightmarish creatures and an ancient evil while trying to protect his daughter and humanity. The game includes adaptive AI enemies and limited ammunition, requiring players to strategize and use stealth. A free-to-play demo is available on Steam until August 4, 2025.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

GeForce NOW on Samsung TV: The Easiest Way to Play PC Games Without a Console or PC

Cloud gaming allows users to play games on various devices without the need for expensive gaming PCs or graphics cards. It streams high-quality video from powerful data center computers, providing smooth gameplay as long as the internet connection is stable. The Samsung Gaming Hub, exclusive to Samsung TVs, features a user-friendly interface and includes the GeForce Now app, which utilizes Nvidia GPUs for enhanced graphics and performance. Users can access the GeForce Now app without downloading or installing anything, and they can create or log into an Nvidia account directly on their TV. GeForce Now offers free and paid membership options, with the free tier allowing access to free-to-play titles, while paid memberships provide additional features like 4K resolution and extended session times. Users can link their game libraries from platforms like Steam, Epic, and Origin securely through QR codes. The app is compatible with most game controllers, and performance may vary based on the TV’s resolution and internet speed. Players can start new save files or continue existing ones with synced statistics across platforms.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Two Brand New PC Games Are Free on Steam

Steam has added two new games to its library that are currently available for free. One game, Oil Sheik, was released on July 24 and has an 88 percent approval rating, described as a turn-based strategic puzzle game about creating and expanding companies and trading stocks. The other game, Inverta, entered Early Access on July 18 and is a 2.5D puzzle-platformer with a focus on gravity manipulation, but has received only three positive user reviews. One game is marked as “Unsupported” on the Steam Deck, while the other has an “Unknown” compatibility status.

BetaBeacon

July 24, 2025

It Took Me 10 Minutes To Hit A Paywall In The New Free-To-Play Pokémon Puzzle Game

The game Pokémon Friends combines puzzles and plush collecting, with beloved Pokémon characters featured in engaging puzzles. The free version of the game has a paywall that limits gameplay, but making a one-time purchase unlocks more content and makes the game more enjoyable. The game avoids excessive microtransactions and offers periodic updates to introduce new plushies, providing a lighthearted and engaging experience for fans of Pokémon.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Call of Duty is firmly in its slop era, and now it’s Battlefield 6’s game to lose

Many players have expressed discontent with the introduction of cartoonish skins in recent Call of Duty titles, marking a departure from the franchise's established identity. This has sparked discussions about the future of the series and a desire for a return to a more grounded military shooter experience, potentially benefiting Battlefield 6. Recent playtests for Battlefield 6 have shown promising results with gritty urban maps and enhanced destruction mechanics, while avoiding whimsical elements. EA aims for 100 million players with a full-priced game and a free battle royale mode, raising sustainability concerns. Additionally, the decision to allow all classes to access the same weapons in Battlefield 6 faced backlash, leading to an open beta announcement to address player feedback. The gaming community is watching to see if Battlefield can reclaim its status in the military shooter genre.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

2XKO adds Vi, PC closed beta begins September 9

Vi, the Piltover Enforcer, will be a playable character in the upcoming free-to-play tag fighting game, 2XKO, inspired by League of Legends. A closed beta test for PC users will start on September 9, with sign-ups available through a designated link. The game is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC in 2025.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

CHARTS: Edge of Fate expansion bumps Destiny 2 to No.3 on Steam

Destiny 2 climbed five positions to secure the No. 3 spot on Steam following the launch of its expansion, The Edge of Fate, on July 15th. Counter-Strike 2 is the highest-grossing title on Steam, followed by PUBG: Battlegrounds in second place. Umamusume: Pretty Derby rose 11 spots to No. 4 due to a 60 percent discount. Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond climbed 74 positions to No. 9 after releasing new content. Marvel Rivals rose to No. 5, while Steam Deck dropped to No. 6. Peak remained at No. 7, and Apex Legends climbed to No. 8 after a mid-season patch. RimWorld dropped to No. 10. The Steam Top Ten for the week ending July 22nd includes: Counter-Strike 2, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Destiny 2, Umamusume: Pretty Derby, Marvel Rivals, Steam Deck, Peak, Apex Legends, Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond, and RimWorld.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

Ubisoft’s annual financial report includes claim that monetizing games with microtransactions ‘makes the player experience more fun’

Ubisoft's annual financial report, filed on June 19, emphasizes post-purchase monetization in its games and outlines the company's commitment to monetization policies that respect player experience. The report states that the "golden rule" for premium games is to allow players to enjoy the full experience without additional costs, while also claiming that monetization options enhance the gaming experience through personalization and progress acceleration. There is a notable distinction between microtransactions in free-to-play games and those in premium titles, with gamers expecting substantial content rather than superficial enhancements after already investing upfront. Ubisoft's attempt to distance itself from the "pay to win" model is met with skepticism, as many view microtransactions as a necessary evil rather than enjoyable features.

AppWizard

July 20, 2025

Free Steam RPG Is Only Available for 5 Days Before It’s Gone Forever

A free RPG, Seraph: In the Darkness, will be removed from Steam on July 24, leaving PC users with a limited time to claim it for free. The game, launched on March 6, has received a “Mixed” rating on Steam based on 739 user reviews and is speculated to be exiting the marketplace due to financial challenges. The developer, Seraph Studio, and publisher, Cherry Credits, have not provided reasons for the shutdown or information on refunds, offline mode, or the future of the game. Compatibility with the Steam Deck is currently marked as “Unknown.”