game distribution Archives

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Google Expands Payment Choices and Alternative App Stores on Android

Android is introducing updates to enhance app and game distribution, focusing on three areas: expanded payment options, easier installation of alternative app stores, and reduced fees for developers. Developers can now implement their own payment systems alongside Google Play’s billing framework and direct users to their websites for purchases. A Registered App Stores program will streamline the installation of approved alternative app stores. The fee structure is revised to include a 5% billing fee for using Google Play’s payment system, a 20% service fee for in-app purchases on new installs, a 20% service fee for developers in new incentive programs (reduced to 15% on new installs), and a 10% fee for subscription payments. The updates are expected to reach the US, UK, and European Economic Area by the end of June, with plans to extend to Australia by September and to South Korea and Japan before the year ends. The remaining global markets may see these updates by September 2027, and the Registered App Stores program will launch with Android 17 later this year.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

PC Ports of PlayStation Games Aren’t Selling Well, Sony Pulls the Plug

Sony has decided to stop porting PlayStation games to PC, maintaining exclusivity for upcoming titles like "Marvel's Wolverine" and "Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet." This decision follows underwhelming sales of previous PC ports and is influenced by challenges in the PC industry. Existing titles confirmed for PC, such as "Death Stranding 2: On the Beach," will not be affected. Additionally, the anticipated launch of the PS6 has been delayed to 2028 or 2029, and Sony has closed BluePoint Games, resulting in layoffs.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Report: Sony Is Turning Its Back on Porting PlayStation Games to PC

Sony Corp. has revised its strategy and will no longer pursue the release of major PS5 titles on PC. This change means that highly sought-after single-player experiences from Sony's first-party studios, such as Ghost of Yotei and Saros, will remain exclusive to the PlayStation ecosystem. While online titles like Marathon and Marvel Tokon will still be available on multiple platforms, games developed by external studios but published by PlayStation, like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Kena: Scars of Kosmora, are still planned for PC release later this year. Reports indicate that PlayStation titles have not performed as well on PC as expected, leading to concerns about the impact of releasing console-exclusive games on PC on PS5 sales and future console iterations.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

Epic Games Store locks in two well-rated PC free games to close February 2026

The Epic Games Store has introduced updates to enhance its digital marketplace for both developers and gamers. Key changes include a revamped user interface for easier navigation, improved search functionality, and better tools for game publishing and analytics for developers. The store is expanding its library of exclusive titles through partnerships with game developers and is launching promotional events featuring discounts, free game giveaways, and exclusive content. Additionally, Epic Games is emphasizing community feedback to ensure the platform evolves according to user needs.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

For PC gamers: Epic Games Store launches new free game giveaways

The Epic Games Store offers free games regularly, which attracts new users and fosters community engagement. It has secured exclusive deals with developers and publishers, providing high-profile titles not available on other platforms. The store features a favorable revenue-sharing model for developers, taking a smaller cut of sales, which encourages innovation and attracts indie developers. Its user-friendly interface and support system help developers reach their audience effectively.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Epic Games Store quietly offers two PC free games ahead of usual gieaway schedule

The Epic Games Store has established itself as a strong competitor in digital distribution by securing exclusive deals with developers, enhancing its library with titles like Fortnite and Control. The platform engages users through regular giveaways of popular titles and seasonal events, fostering community interaction. It continues to grow its user base and library while investing in technology and user experience to maintain its market position.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Square Enix says a ‘new version’ of Final Fantasy 7 is coming to Steam, but doesn’t say what’s actually new or when it’s coming

A new version of Final Fantasy 7 will debut on Steam, replacing the 2013 iteration. Owners of the original game will receive the new version at no additional cost while retaining access to the classic edition. Enhancements for the new release are hinted at, with further details available on Steam. The original PC version was released in 1998, followed by a reintroduction in 2012 and its arrival on Steam in 2013. The porting studio, Dotemu, added features like achievements and cloud saving. The game is currently available on Steam for .79 / £5 / €5.19.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Valve faces lawsuit over developer commissions on Steam

Valve is facing a legal battle over allegations of imposing excessive commissions on publishers using its Steam platform, with potential damages reaching £656 million. The lawsuit, initiated in June 2024, represents the interests of up to 14 million UK consumers who purchased games via Steam since 2018. Vicki Shotbolt leads the case, claiming Valve restricts publishers from offering lower prices on competing platforms and locks customers into its ecosystem. Valve's commission is reportedly as high as 30 percent. The London Competition Appeal Tribunal has allowed the case to proceed, despite Valve's objections. This is not the first scrutiny Valve has faced; a previous antitrust lawsuit from Wolfire Games was dismissed in late 2021 but was refiled and merged with another claim in 2022, gaining class action status by November 2024.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

PC Games Class Action Certified

The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has granted certification for opt-out proceedings against Valve Corporation, alleging that approximately 14 million consumers have been overcharged for games and additional content on Steam, potentially amounting to £656 million. The claim accuses Valve of abusing market dominance through practices such as Platform Parity Obligations, Anti-steering and Tying Provisions, and excessive commission charges. Valve contested the certification, questioning the methodologies for establishing liability and loss, but the CAT dismissed these objections. The Tribunal examined the Class Representative’s funding arrangements and concluded that the claim is representative of a large group of consumers with moderate losses, aligning with the Supreme Court's description of a 'paradigm' case for opt-out certification. Legal representation for the Class Representative was provided by Milberg London LLP and the claim is financially supported by Bench Walk Advisors.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

New GOG owner reckons it doesn’t have to beat Steam outright, just do a few things better: “If there’s a version of the game that’s clearly better on GOG, and it has the promise that it will run forever… people will come”

Michał Kiciński, co-founder of CD Projekt and owner of GOG, is adopting a nuanced strategy for digital game distribution, avoiding direct competition with Steam. GOG's managing director, Maciej Gołębiewski, emphasizes leveraging their strengths, while Kiciński believes in the quality of GOG's offerings and user loyalty. He envisions that as gamers recognize GOG's curated selection, they will naturally choose the platform. Additionally, recent reports indicate that games using generative AI, like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Stellaris, have generated significant revenue. Kiciński focuses on building a community around quality content and user experience for GOG's future.