game purchases Archives

AppWizard

February 23, 2025

GTA 6 fans disappointed with latest Grand Theft Auto news for PC

Rockstar Games announced a free update for the PC version of Grand Theft Auto 5, set to launch on March 4. This update will include new vehicles and performance upgrades, increased animal encounters with daily Wildlife Photography Challenges, and improved graphics and loading times. Players will need to complete a one-time Character Migration process to transfer their progress. New players will receive a GTA ,000,000 bonus for in-game purchases. The update will feature a revamped Landing Page for easier access to gameplay. Additionally, Take-Two hinted at potential future ports for GTA 6 on PC, which will take place in the fictional state of Leonida, inspired by Florida, and will include locations reminiscent of Vice City and the Florida Keys. The game is described as the biggest evolution of the series yet, with a trailer showcasing an expansive map and new gameplay features.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon app store for Android to discontinue operations this year

Amazon will close its Android app store on August 20, 2025. Developers can submit updates for existing apps until the closure but cannot introduce new applications. The app store will remain functional on Amazon's Fire tablets and Fire TV. In Japan, in-app purchases will be discontinued, and users are advised to seek alternative marketplaces. Amazon will also end its Amazon Coins program, refunding any unused Coins by the closure date, with the last purchase opportunity on February 20, 2025. Additionally, Amazon's app store support for Windows devices will cease on March 5, 2025.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

Minecraft’s Top 5 Tips for Safer Gaming

Minecraft is promoting "Top 5 Tips for Safe Gaming" in recognition of Safer Internet Day on February 11, aimed at supporting families in Australia and New Zealand. Recent statistics show that 89% of individuals aged 8-17 in Australia engage in online gaming, with 40% having interacted with strangers and over half of teen gamers encountering harmful content. In New Zealand, 80% of children aged 8-17 are involved in online gaming, with half of teenagers reporting conflicts with friends due to gaming. The tips include: 1. Understand Online Interactions: Teach children not to share personal information, use reporting tools, and maintain open dialogue about interactions. 2. Set Up A Child Account: Use the Xbox Family Settings App for age-appropriate accounts and content settings. 3. Recognise In-Game Purchases: Differentiate between virtual currency and real money, set spending limits, and review purchase requests. 4. Balance Screen Time: Create a balanced schedule for gaming and other activities, set playtime limits, and encourage breaks. 5. Build a Safe Online World: Help set up private servers, use moderation tools, and organize supervised activities within the game.

BetaBeacon

December 19, 2024

Level Up Your Playtime: The Best Android Games You Need to Play Right Now

- Mobile gaming offers unique and immersive experiences for gamers on Google Play. - Popular titles like Minecraft and indie gems like Balatro are thriving in 2024. - There is a wide variety of Android games available, from RPGs to shooters to sandbox adventures. - Players can vote for the best Android games to help shape the gaming landscape for fellow mobile gamers.

BetaBeacon

December 12, 2024

Epic Games will come preinstalled on “millions” of Telefónica Android devices

Epic Games Store has been preinstalled on Telefónica devices, allowing users to access the store without sideloading. This partnership aims to expand Epic's user base and offer an alternative to traditional app marketplaces.

BetaBeacon

December 12, 2024

Epic’s dream is starting to come true — its store will be preinstalled on ‘millions’ of Android phones

Telefónica has partnered with the Epic Games Store to preinstall it on all new compatible Android phones, including Samsung devices, in an effort to challenge Google's app store dominance.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

Microsoft accuses Google of blocking direct game purchases on Xbox Android app

Microsoft has delayed the launch of its Android app portal for purchasing and playing Xbox games following a court ruling against Google's policies on Android applications. The Xbox app aims to allow users to purchase games for streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming, taking advantage of a recent court order requiring Google to stop blocking third-party storefronts on Android. Xbox President Sarah Bond stated the company's commitment to providing players with more options, initially through the Google Play Store in the U.S. Microsoft has also enhanced the experience for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, allowing them to stream games outside of the subscription service, while currently directing mobile users to purchase titles via a web interface to avoid commissions from app stores. The announcement came after a U.S. judge ruled against Google in an antitrust case, although Google received a temporary stay on the enforcement of the ruling. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, criticized Google's 30 percent commission as detrimental to game streaming profits. The situation has attracted regulatory scrutiny, with Apple beginning to allow mobile cloud gaming apps on its app store due to legislative changes in the EU. Microsoft's app represents a strategic effort to expand the Xbox brand beyond traditional console gaming, supported by a new advertising campaign.

AppWizard

November 28, 2024

Xbox Vs Android: Can Games Be Sold Through The Xbox App

Microsoft and Google are in conflict over the sale of Xbox games via the Xbox Games app on Android devices. Sarah Bond from Xbox confirmed that the functionality for in-app purchases is developed but stalled due to a court-issued administrative stay. Microsoft wants Google to allow direct game sales through the app, while Google claims such capabilities have always existed. Currently, game purchases go through the Google Play Store, which incurs fees that Microsoft wants to avoid. The court ruling prevents Google from requiring developers to use Google Play Billing but does not stop them from directing users to other payment methods. Google argues that its restrictions are to maintain a secure environment for users, although this concern may be less relevant for established companies like Xbox and Microsoft.

AppWizard

November 28, 2024

Xbox says it’s still blocked from selling and launching games from its Android app, Google says it isn’t

Xbox and Google are in a legal dispute regarding Xbox's ability to sell and launch games through its Android app. A US judge ruled in October that Google must open its Android marketplace to competitors, which was set to take effect this month. Xbox's head of gaming, Phil Spencer, initially expressed optimism about enabling game purchases directly from the Xbox App on Android devices, but indicated that an emergency stay requested by Google is currently blocking these features. Google claims that Xbox has always had the option to enable these features but has chosen not to. The October ruling includes several restrictions on Google's practices over the next three years, such as prohibiting exclusive app launches through the Play Store and allowing developers to direct users to external payment options. Xbox is also exploring the establishment of a mobile app store.

BetaBeacon

November 28, 2024

Microsoft says it’s ready to let you buy and play games directly via Xbox app on Android, but court ruling now blocking launch

Microsoft's plans to allow users to buy and play games directly via the Xbox app on Android have been delayed due to a legal issue stemming from Google's appeal against changes to Android and its Google Play store following the Google vs Epic Games lawsuit.