game creators Archives

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

Indie Game Utsav Steam sale features 110+ Indian games with discounts up to 80% – The Times of India

Indie Game Utsav and Comic Con India are hosting their first Steam sale from April 10 to 20, 2025, featuring over 110 Indian-made and Indian-origin PC games at discounts of up to 80%. The event will be highlighted on Steam's global frontpage from April 18 to 20. Concurrently, Indie Game Utsav will debut at the Mumbai Comic Con 2025 on April 12-13, showcasing over 40 indie games for PC and console. Industry partners include Intel, Xbox, Xsolla, Specter, and Nodwin Gaming, with IGDA India as the community partner. Featured titles include Bao Bao's Cozy Laundromat, Fears to Fathom, and Raji: An Ancient Epic, along with upcoming titles for wishlisting. The Steam sale page will remain active until April 20 at 11 PM IST.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Windows 8 tiles were ahead of their time — The Xbox handheld could be the perfect place for a similar interface

Microsoft plans to launch its next-generation Xbox hardware, including an Xbox handheld device, in 2027. The handheld is expected to be more integrated with Windows, potentially using a design similar to the "Metro" interface from Windows Phone and Windows 8. This new approach aims to streamline game development by aligning Xbox consoles more closely with Windows, allowing for easier porting of PC games. The design of the handheld is still in development, with a focus on comfort and functionality, and it will need to compete with other devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. The operating system will play a crucial role in user experience, with a simpler interface being a priority to enhance accessibility for gamers.

AppWizard

April 2, 2025

Disney, Jagex, Codemasters vets found new publisher The CoLab

Three professionals from the UK gaming industry, Darren Newnham, Mark Faulkner, and John Lewis, have launched an indie publishing house called The CoLab. They have experience from companies such as United Label, Fnatic, Disney Interactive, Jagex, PlayFusion, Bossa, Codemasters, and Criterion. The CoLab has three projects in development: a cozy game called Campfire, a cyberpunk shooter named DeadWire, and a strategy game titled Counter Clash. The company has partnered with the charity Safe in Our World to support mental wellbeing in the gaming industry. The CoLab aims to support indie developers during challenging times in the sector, advocating for cooperation and collaboration while addressing issues like mass redundancies and the prioritization of shareholder value over gamers' needs. Their vision includes uniting game creators, sharing resources, and fostering a supportive environment for developers.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google introduces new developer tools and titles for games on mobile and PC

Google has introduced new features for PC and mobile gaming, coinciding with the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Key updates include the transition of Google Play Games for PC from beta to general availability, a dedicated SDK for native PC games, enhanced Play Console for managing game builds, and default availability of mobile games on PC via the Play Store. Optimized games will feature specific icons, and support for AMD-based devices is forthcoming. A new Graphics API named Vilkan will improve frame rates and visual fidelity, and the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) will be enhanced. Developers can launch user acquisition campaigns for mobile emulated and native PC titles, and port their games to Google Play for PC, potentially earning additional revenue. New PC-optimized titles announced include “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,” “Sonic Rumble,” and “ODIN: VALHALLA RISING.” Google will also bring PC titles like “DREDGE” and “TABS Mobile” to mobile, with “Disco Elysium” to follow. Customizable controls for PC games will be introduced, along with a game sidebar for quick adjustments and multi-account support. Play Points tracking on PC will be simplified, with up to 10x points boosters for purchases.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Microsoft isn’t launching its Xbox handheld this year, but Asus might be

Microsoft is developing a next-generation Xbox platform aimed at unifying its Windows and Xbox ecosystems, with a handheld gaming device codenamed Project Kennan in prototype phase, expected to launch in a few years. The goal is to create a universal library of games accessible across devices, with substantial changes anticipated by 2025. Project Kennan will offer a handheld experience powered by Windows, resembling the Xbox interface, as part of a broader strategy called Project Bayside. Microsoft is also focusing on streamlining game development for seamless operation across handhelds, consoles, and PCs. A dedicated team for game preservation and compatibility was established in early 2024, indicating a commitment to maintaining digital libraries. A premium successor to the Xbox Series X is projected for release in 2027. Microsoft is hosting a 50th anniversary event on April 4th to share updates on its Copilot AI and other innovations. Additionally, Copilot will have a new press-to-talk hotkey on Windows, and the Remote Desktop app will be replaced by a new Windows app by May 27th. Forza Horizon 5 will require a Microsoft account on PS5 for online features, and a recent Xbox Alpha update caused some consoles to reset to factory settings. A Windows 11 update has caused issues with USB printers, and Microsoft Edge on Android is receiving six new extensions. Microsoft is reportedly dropping some CoreWeave services ahead of a billion IPO, while Copilot is being integrated into GroupMe.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Xbox announces ‘a generative AI model for gameplay ideation’ called Muse, but don’t get too excited: Machines aren’t about to make games for you just yet

Microsoft announced its latest generative AI model, Muse, developed in collaboration with Microsoft Research and Ninja Theory. Muse is described as a "world and human action model (WHAM)" trained on Ninja Theory's Bleeding Edge. Microsoft aims to enhance the gaming experience by using AI to enrich player engagement and support game developers' creative processes. The company emphasizes that AI is intended to empower human creativity rather than replace it. A report in Nature provides insights into Muse's technical aspects, highlighting the importance of human agency in the creative process and identifying key capabilities for AI development. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella envisions AI's capabilities extending to interactive environments like video games. However, some experts, like Dr. Michael Cook, caution against overhyping Muse, noting that the research focuses more on human interaction with AI tools than on generating gameplay. Despite reservations, Cook acknowledges AI's potential as a design tool. Microsoft has promised further announcements on how AI will enhance experiences for game creators and players. Muse will debut in Copilot Labs, signaling new immersive AI gaming experiences.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Valve releases Team Fortress 2 source code

Valve has released the complete client and server code for Team Fortress 2 (TF2) as part of its Source engine Software Development Kit (SDK), allowing developers to create game modifications. The SDK enables fans to "change, extend or rewrite" the TF2 experience, but all modifications must be non-commercial and offered free of charge. TF2 mods can be published on the Steam Store as new games. Valve emphasizes the importance of respecting community contributions and encourages mod creators to integrate community-driven content with the new modifications while honoring the work of Workshop contributors.

AppWizard

December 13, 2024

Big Screen Heroes coming to Pocket Gamer Connects London 2025

Big Screen Heroes will participate in Pocket Gamer Connects (PGC) London 2025 on January 20-21, 2025. The conference will expand its focus beyond mobile gaming to include PC, console, and cross-platform innovations. PGC London 2025 will feature live demonstrations of various games, keynote talks from industry leaders, networking opportunities with hardware manufacturers and publishers, and a celebration of the Top 50 UK Game Makers. Tickets are currently available for attendees.

AppWizard

December 12, 2024

Xbox PC app beefs up Steam-competing storefront with hundreds of new games

Microsoft is enhancing its Xbox PC app by adding nearly 400 new games to strengthen its position in the gaming market. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard highlights its commitment to expanding its digital presence. Xbox's content curation manager, Chris Charla, mentioned that the initiative aims to bring all PC games with Xbox features into the Xbox app, with popular titles like Shovel Knight Treasure Trove included. Over 100 of the new titles will support the Xbox Play Anywhere feature, allowing players to enjoy games across both Xbox console and PC. Plans to introduce Android games and microtransactions to the Xbox app have been delayed due to recent court rulings, but Microsoft continues to focus on expanding its offerings.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

Microsoft wants to make the Xbox app the home of PC gaming

Microsoft is enhancing the Xbox app on Windows by introducing nearly 400 previously unavailable PC games and a revamped user experience. This update includes contributions from Japanese studios like Kemco and Kairosoft, as well as notable titles such as The Invincible by Double 11. Over 100 of these games are classified as Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing seamless play across Xbox consoles and PCs. Features like universal Xbox ownership, cloud saves, and cross-play capabilities are emphasized to improve the gaming experience. Microsoft has lowered its revenue share from 30 percent to 12 percent to attract game developers to its Windows-based store. Future updates regarding the Xbox app are expected at an upcoming game developers conference in March, which will also introduce a new home UI showcasing featured content and a “jump back in” section for quick access to recent gaming sessions.