NewApp Digest
search bot

game publishers

Google Announces Registered App Stores For Android
AppWizard
March 4, 2026

Google Announces Registered App Stores For Android

Google is launching a Registered App Stores program for Android, allowing third-party app stores to officially register if they meet specific quality and safety criteria. This program aims to provide a better installation experience for users and will be rolled out in a major Android release later this year, initially targeting markets outside the US. Registration is optional, and stores can continue using the existing sideloading process. Alongside this, Google is unbundling its fee structure, reducing service fees for developers to between 15% and 20%, with an additional 5% fee for using Google Play billing in certain regions. The rollout of the new billing structure is expected by the end of June in the US, UK, and Europe, with global completion by September 30, 2027. The initiative is part of a broader settlement with Epic Games and reflects ongoing legal pressures for greater competition in app distribution.
CONVERGENCE GAMES SHOWCASES OVER 30 OF THE HOTTEST AA AND INDIE TITLES COMING TO CONSOLE AND PC IN 2026
AppWizard
February 21, 2026

CONVERGENCE GAMES SHOWCASES OVER 30 OF THE HOTTEST AA AND INDIE TITLES COMING TO CONSOLE AND PC IN 2026

Fourth Floor unveiled video links from the Convergence Games Showcase on February 19, 2026, which introduced over 30 AA and Indie games set for release in 2026. The event was hosted by Dodger and Jesse Cox in collaboration with IGN, featuring first gameplay reveals and exclusive content from companies like Curve Games, Gambit Digital, and Playside. Rich Keith, CEO of Fourth Floor, highlighted the showcase's growth and focus on the indie community. Fourth Floor, founded in 2017, specializes in games marketing services and works with both AAA and indie game publishers.
UK legal action against Valve over Steam prices gets go ahead
AppWizard
January 27, 2026

UK legal action against Valve over Steam prices gets go ahead

Valve Corporation is facing a £656 million lawsuit in the UK over allegations of unfair pricing practices related to its online store, Steam. The lawsuit, initiated by Vicki Shotbolt in 2024, claims Valve uses its market dominance to impose restrictive terms on game publishers, preventing them from offering lower prices on competing platforms. The legal documents allege Valve charges an excessive commission of up to 30%, resulting in inflated costs for UK consumers. This case is a collective action that could affect up to 14 million Steam users in the UK. Additionally, Valve is facing a separate consumer action case in the United States filed in August 2024. Steam, launched in 2003, has become the largest distribution platform for PC gaming, with over 19,000 games released in 2025, generating £8.6 billion in revenue. Valve has also introduced hardware like the Steam Deck and announced plans for the Steam Machine console.
How well do you know classic videogame cheats? See if you can answer these 10 tricky questions
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

How well do you know classic videogame cheats? See if you can answer these 10 tricky questions

A variety of gaming quizzes are available, covering topics such as health bars, in-game currencies, and patch notes. The author reflects on their experience as an intern at a website focused on cheat codes and tips in the mid-2000s, where they verified user submissions for genuine cheats. During that time, they relied on GameFAQs, official guides, and hearsay, occasionally contacting game publishers for hidden cheats. Although the website has become less relevant and cheat codes are not as prominent today, the author expresses nostalgia for that era and introduces a quiz about classic cheats and secrets from the '90s to the 2010s.
Android 17 Retrofits Alternative App Store Installs
AppWizard
November 14, 2025

Android 17 Retrofits Alternative App Store Installs

Android 17 will introduce a system for "Registered App Stores," allowing third-party app stores that meet Google's certification standards to benefit from a unified installation interface. Users will see a straightforward prompt when installing a certified app store, with clear explanations and links to essential information. Certified stores will automatically gain permission to install and manage other applications, simplifying the installation process and improving user experience. The initiative will reduce barriers imposed by OEMs, ensuring a consistent installation process across devices. Security measures will remain intact, with Google Play Protect continuing to scan apps from all sources. The new system will be integrated into Android 17, with potential support in the initial release or by Android 17 QPR2. Competing app stores will not be able to promote themselves through Google Play, but users can still access certain titles directly through their respective apps.
"Of course, you must be on Steam. But Steam isn't the entire world": CEO of game distribution company says yes, some PC gamers prefer "local" stores to Valve's mega-shop, and China is a huge factor
AppWizard
November 7, 2025

“Of course, you must be on Steam. But Steam isn’t the entire world”: CEO of game distribution company says yes, some PC gamers prefer “local” stores to Valve’s mega-shop, and China is a huge factor

Steam is a dominant platform in digital PC gaming, but there are emerging local platforms in regions like China, Eastern Europe, and Latin America that are gaining trust and loyalty among gamers. Vadim Andreev, CEO of Rokky, highlights that while Steam is essential, it does not encompass the entire gaming market. A survey shows that 72% of game developers view Steam as a monopoly, sparking discussions about its classification. Andreev emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative distribution channels for global revenue. Meanwhile, Microsoft and Xbox aim to expand their presence in the gaming market, indicating a shift towards a more inclusive distribution approach.
Humble's October Warhammer bundle is offering $344 worth of Steam Deck games for only $12
AppWizard
October 18, 2025

Humble’s October Warhammer bundle is offering $344 worth of Steam Deck games for only $12

The WAAAGHTOBER Humble Bundle offers ten games from the Warhammer franchise, including Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine and two DLCs for Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector. The bundle is divided into two tiers: the first tier includes six games for a lower price, while the second tier, priced higher, includes all ten games and two DLCs. The games included are: 1. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Anniversary Edition - Playable - .99 2. Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector - Verified - .99 3. Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector – Blood Angels Elite (DLC) - .99 4. Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector – Tyranid Elites (DLC) - .99 5. Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr - Playable - .99 6. Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef - Verified - .99 7. Warhammer: Vermintide 2 - Unsupported but reportedly runs fine after tweaks - .99 8. Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Prophecy - Playable - .99 9. Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide - Playable - .99 10. Warhammer 40,000: Dakka Squadron – Flyboyz Edition - Playable - .99 11. Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus - Verified - .99 12. Warhammer: Chaosbane - Unsupported but reportedly runs fine after tweaks - .99 Additionally, there are significant discounts on various tech products during Prime Day, including savings on AMD processors and gaming PCs.
Unity Patches Android Game Vulnerability that Threatened Crypto Users
BetaBeacon
October 6, 2025

Unity Patches Android Game Vulnerability that Threatened Crypto Users

Unity responded to a vulnerability by providing updated editor builds and a patching tool for developers. Valve added protections in its client to detect exploit attempts. Microsoft updated Defender to flag potential attacks. Users are advised to update their Android games, remove untrusted apps, and avoid installing unknown APKs. The incident highlights the potential ripple effect of vulnerabilities in widely used software.
Search