gaming ecosystem Archives

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

10 reasons why PGC Barcelona is a must for PC game developers in 2025

The Pocket Gamer Connects (PGC) Barcelona is a two-day conference taking place in 2025, marking the 52nd edition of the series and the first time it is held in Spain. It aims to connect various stakeholders in the gaming industry, including indie developers, studios, and business professionals. The event will feature over 100 expert speakers across 17 themed tracks, with topics on global trends, investment strategies, and emerging technologies. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from over 500 companies, including major players like Epic Games and Ubisoft, and engage with C-level executives and senior management. The conference emphasizes networking through the MeetToMatch platform and fringe events, while also showcasing Spain's gaming ecosystem. The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower and is expected to attract over 1,000 industry professionals.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Several Ubisoft games can now be purchased in the Xbox PC app, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Watch Dogs 2

Ubisoft has announced that several of its game franchises, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, are now available for purchase on the Xbox PC app. Previously, players could only access Ubisoft games through PC Game Pass without the option to buy them outright. The Xbox Play Anywhere feature does not allow cross-access between the Xbox PC app and Xbox Series X|S console. Players must link their Xbox and Ubisoft accounts to use Ubisoft Connect for these games. The launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows includes a "Stream Your Own Game" feature via Xbox Cloud Gaming for console version purchasers.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

PC gaming can’t stop getting Ws, as Microsoft shares it’s being weighed down by console and hardware revenue woes

Gaming revenue increased by 5% (6% when adjusted for currency), while Xbox content and services revenue grew by 8%. However, Xbox hardware revenue declined by 6% (5% CC) and experienced a 30% drop between early 2024 and early 2023. Microsoft has acquired game studios, including Blizzard and Bethesda, but faces challenges such as layoffs and a lack of compelling console exclusives. Current standout titles on Xbox Game Pass do not require an Xbox purchase, reflecting a trend where console exclusivity is becoming less relevant, except for Nintendo.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Discord replaces CEO Citron with Activision vet Sakhnini

Jason Citron, the CEO and co-founder of Discord, is stepping down from his leadership role, with Humam Sakhnini, the former chief strategy officer at Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty, taking over. Citron will remain involved as a board member and advisor. This leadership change is part of Discord's strategic plans to eventually go public. Sakhnini expressed enthusiasm about joining Discord and emphasized the platform's importance in the gaming community.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

PC Players Spend More On Microtransactions Than Actual Games

Newzoo's report reveals that in 2024, microtransactions account for over 58 percent of spending in the PC gaming sector, while only 28 percent is allocated to full game purchases, reflecting a 2.6 percent decline from the previous year. Players dedicated only 8 percent of their gaming time to new releases, with over 60 percent spent on titles released more than six years ago. In contrast, console gaming shows microtransactions at 32 percent of player spending, a 4.5 percent increase year-over-year, while full game purchases still dominate. Subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus Extra capture about 16 percent of the console market.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Microsoft accidently leaks Xbox UI mockup that includes PC games Steam label

Microsoft is preparing a significant update to the Xbox App that will allow users to view all games installed on their PCs, including those from Steam and Epic Games. A mockup of the new user interface, which included a dedicated Steam tab, was accidentally shared in a blog post but was quickly removed. Sources indicate that Microsoft plans to label these games accordingly, although the update is still in the early stages of development. Additionally, Microsoft is expected to launch its next-generation Xbox Series X/S successor in 2027 and may release a handheld Xbox device later this year.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Analysts reveal a vast majority of PC gamers are shying away from games released in the last few years

The PC gaming sector has surpassed consoles in popularity, with the number of PC gamers increasing from approximately 873.5 million in 2023 to 907.5 million in 2024, while console players number around 653 million. A report by Newzoo indicates that 92 percent of PC gamers prefer older titles, with 67 percent of player hours in 2024 spent on games released six years ago or more. Popular older PC titles include Counter-Strike: Global Offensive/Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Roblox, Dota 2, and Fortnite. The report highlights the growing popularity of live service and free-to-play games, which are favored for their revenue generation potential through microtransactions or subscriptions. Newzoo's findings will be presented at the Game Developers Conference, focusing on player engagement and revenue models projected for 2025.

Winsage

March 15, 2025

Rumour: Valve about to launch SteamOS for all PCs

SteamOS is set to be released for all PCs, with expanded hardware support indicated by recent rumors and code changes. Valve announced during CES 2025 that SteamOS will be available to third-party manufacturers, with the Lenovo Legion Go S being the first device to feature it, launching in May 2025. This marks a shift from Valve's previous attempts with Steam Machines. SteamOS is designed as a streamlined Linux alternative for gaming enthusiasts, aiming to compete with Windows by offering a simplified interface. Nvidia's introduction of an ARM chip raises speculation about broader hardware compatibility, potentially including ARM-based devices.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google Play Games on PC is opening the floodgates of app support

Google Play Games on PC will expand to make all Android titles accessible by default as it nears the end of its beta phase. Previously, the selection was limited, but now all games in the Play Store can be played on PCs, although developers can opt out to keep their games mobile-exclusive. A badge system will be introduced to indicate compatibility and performance: "optimized" for the best experience, "playable" for minimum standards with potential control remapping, and "untested" for variable experiences. This aims to enhance transparency and guide users in their gaming choices.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Pocket Gamer Connects offers complimentary tickets to job seekers for San Francisco 2025 conference

Pocket Gamer Connects (PGC) is offering a limited number of complimentary tickets to job seekers for its conference in San Francisco on March 17 - 18, 2025. The initiative aims to support both experienced professionals and newcomers in the gaming industry by facilitating networking and career development opportunities. The event will feature talks, panels, roundtable discussions, networking with over 750 professionals, an indie pitching competition, and other activities. Interested candidates should complete the application form promptly due to the limited availability of tickets.