GamesBeat Archives

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

“Where does Xbox fit all of a sudden?”: Former Microsoft VP says it “maybe” should have taken “full advantage of Minecraft” while it had a chance instead of getting distracted by Bethesda exclusives

Peter Moore, the former head of Xbox and Sega, believes that Microsoft has not fully utilized the potential of Minecraft since acquiring Mojang. He highlighted that Minecraft was designed for user-generated content and the integration of artificial intelligence, similar to games like Fortnite. Moore noted that Microsoft's focus has shifted to high-profile acquisitions like Activision Blizzard and Bethesda, which complicates the integration of new acquisitions with Xbox's strategy. He stated that the extensive spending on acquisitions makes it difficult to maintain exclusivity on the console. While Minecraft has an in-game store for user-generated content, it lacks the expansive platform capabilities of Roblox or Fortnite. Despite this, Minecraft remains the best-selling game of all time, indicating that Microsoft likely does not regret its investment in the franchise.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Behold Ventures has raised $59.2m

Swedish venture capital firm Behold Ventures has raised SEK 550 million (approximately .2 million) to invest in European gaming companies. Since its inception in 2021, the firm has allocated million across 18 companies. Of the raised capital, 54% came from Europe, 44% from Asia, and 2% from North America. Behold Ventures aims to invest in game studios as well as technology, tools, and infrastructure supporting the gaming ecosystem, with a focus on companies targeting a younger audience. Managing partner Karl Magnus Troedsson noted that younger developers often require less funding and can achieve significant results.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Amplitude secures $13.6m in funding

Developer Amplitude Studios has secured €12 million (.6 million) in funding from a Series A round led by Griffin Gaming Partners, which contributed €10 million. The funds will be used for developing projects like Endless Legend 2 and expanding the studio's capabilities. This funding follows Amplitude's management buyout from Sega. Amplitude CEO Romain de Waubert de Genlis emphasized the studio's commitment to its indie identity and creative vision, while Griffin partner Frankie Zhu highlighted the studio's success in creating strategy-based franchises.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

IO and Square Enix vet Flösser unveils new studio Wombo Games

Janos Flösser has founded a new game studio called Wombo Games in 2023, which is developing a strategy roguelike game titled Raiders of Blackveil, set to enter Early Access this summer. Flösser has a background in the gaming industry, having previously worked at IO Interactive and Square Enix. Wombo Games aims to remain small and agile, and has successfully raised funds three times since its inception. A playable version of the game was created within the first month and a half, garnering positive feedback from investors.

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

Thunderful Gothenberg has rebranded as Stormteller Games

Sweden's Thunderful Gothenberg has rebranded as Stormteller Games, with its first title being Lost in Random: The Eternal Die. Studio head Johan Petersson emphasized the inclusive process behind the new identity, involving all team members in brainstorming sessions. The studio aims to blend the strengths of both its predecessor studios while prioritizing sustainability and a gameplay-first approach in game development. Thunderful Gothenberg was established in 2017 through the merger of Image and Form and Zoink! Games.

AppWizard

November 18, 2024

Unity’s new CEO explains runtime fee reversal

Unity's new CEO, Matthew Bromberg, announced the company's decision to abandon its runtime fee policy, which had been introduced by his predecessor and faced strong backlash from developers. Bromberg engaged in discussions with Unity's partners, revealing that while developers appreciated the engine, they disliked the lack of consultation regarding the fee's implementation. He emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration in decision-making. The runtime fee policy, initially announced in 2023, was officially rescinded in September 2024.

AppWizard

November 13, 2024

Neowiz inks $8m publishing deal with developer Zakazane

Neowiz has entered a multi-million dollar publishing agreement with Polish developer Zakazane, acquiring global publishing rights for Zakazane's first project, an Old West RPG. Zakazane was founded in 2022 by veterans from CD Projekt Red and 11Bit Studios. Neowiz co-CEO Seung-Cheol Kim emphasized the company's commitment to narrative-driven games and the synergy with Zakazane. Zakazane's CEO, Jan Bartkowicz, noted a mutual understanding of vision between the two companies.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

Eneba signs Riot Games and Garena to its PC marketplace

Eneba has partnered with game publishers Riot Games and Garena to enhance its PC marketplace. This collaboration allows mobile game publishers to utilize Eneba’s digital marketplace for co-promotions and improved fraud protection. Eneba now offers Riot Cash digital currency in the U.S., Canada, and most of Latin America, enabling purchases of in-game content for Riot Games titles. Additionally, Eneba will start offering Garena Shells in mid-September for purchasing in-game content for titles like Garena Free Fire. Eneba has over 80,000 digital gaming products and has attracted over 15 million buyers in 2023, with a high customer return rate. Founded in 2018, Eneba has a team of over 250 professionals.

AppWizard

July 24, 2024

Humble Games says it is not shutting down

Humble Games is undergoing a restructuring process due to economic challenges, with parent company Ziff Davis enlisting a consulting team to oversee the company's portfolio. Former staff member raised concerns about lack of games signed beyond 2025. Despite the challenges, Humble Games remains committed to supporting developers and ongoing projects.

AppWizard

July 20, 2024

Google Play adds Cash App Pay to woo Gen Z gamers

Cash App has integrated with Google Play, allowing Android users to use Cash App Pay to purchase apps, games, music, movies, books, and more. This partnership is aimed at younger users, particularly gamers, and offers flexible payment options.