NewApp Digest
search bot

gaming industry

Why Ustwo Games shifted from mobile to PC and the "mind-boggling" discovery problem
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

Why Ustwo Games shifted from mobile to PC and the “mind-boggling” discovery problem

Ustwo Games, known for Monument Valley, is transitioning from mobile to PC gaming due to challenges in profitability and creative limitations imposed by mobile platforms. CEO Maria Sayans acknowledged that the studio's reliance on mobile subscriptions, which she termed a “honeypot trap,” hindered their ability to create desired games without the support of larger companies like Apple and Netflix. The studio faces issues with discoverability in the gaming industry, criticizing platform holders for inadequate audience engagement. In response, Ustwo is launching the ‘Beautiful Games Club,’ a community initiative aimed at fostering direct relationships with players and enhancing engagement.
The Washington Post selects Doom as one of the 25 'most influential works of American culture'
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

The Washington Post selects Doom as one of the 25 ‘most influential works of American culture’

The Washington Post has included the 1993 shooter game Doom in its list of the 25 most influential works of American culture, recognizing its significant impact on digital entertainment. Doom is noted for introducing a 3D first-person perspective and pioneering self-publishing, allowing for user-generated content. This acknowledgment highlights Doom's role in shaping the future of video games and digital culture.
As Sony prepares to end game disc production, GOG jumps up to remind PC gamers that you can just make your own
AppWizard
July 15, 2026

As Sony prepares to end game disc production, GOG jumps up to remind PC gamers that you can just make your own

GOG specializes in reviving classic games for modern PCs and promoting DRM-free gaming. The company recently commented on Sony's plan to stop producing game discs by 2028, highlighting that users can download offline installers of their games from GOG, save them to a disc, and own them permanently without needing permission from a storefront. Although many modern PCs lack optical drives, GOG's installers provide a solution for users. The process of creating personal game discs involves downloading backup installers from GOG's game pages and burning them onto a disc. Users can also combine multiple games onto a single disc. YouTuber Archades Games offers a guide on advanced techniques for this DIY approach.
The devil works hard but AI ripoffs work harder as Meccha Chameleon falls victim to hordes of copycats coming out of the woodwork
AppWizard
July 15, 2026

The devil works hard but AI ripoffs work harder as Meccha Chameleon falls victim to hordes of copycats coming out of the woodwork

Meccha Chameleon has experienced concept appropriation, with its unique gameplay mechanics being imitated by various games, including Scribble Hunt, which features a hide-and-seek format similar to Meccha Chameleon's chameleon-inspired gameplay. Other games, such as REPO, have also faced similar challenges with ripoffs on platforms like the Nintendo eShop. Developers from Peak have expressed frustration, preferring players to pirate their original game rather than engage with what they consider inferior imitations. The indie game community is increasingly concerned about the difficulty of standing out in a saturated market, where successful games attract opportunistic imitators. Meccha Chameleon has over 15 million players, highlighting the importance of supporting original creators in the gaming industry.
After Google Vs Epic Games, Xbox Finally Gets Its Shot On Android
BetaBeacon
July 15, 2026

After Google Vs Epic Games, Xbox Finally Gets Its Shot On Android

Google's grip over the Play Store was ruled as an illegal monopoly, leading to the opening up of Android to approved third-party app stores. This change allows developers to use their own payment systems and skip Google's cut in many cases, making it easier for other app stores to compete. This is significant news for Xbox, as it now has the opportunity to launch its own mobile game store on Android, which has been a goal for the company for years. The loosening of rules on Android provides Xbox with a chance to bring its mobile store to life and potentially increase revenue by selling games directly, running promotions, and offering better prices without Google taking a cut. The history of Xbox's fight against Google and Apple in the mobile app store market is also highlighted, with Xbox having faced obstacles in launching its mobile store features on Android in the past. With the recent changes, Xbox now has fewer roadblocks in its way and a real opportunity to establish a mobile storefront on Android.
Fighting game developer previously accused of sexual harassment confirmed to be working on Avatar Legends a week before release
AppWizard
July 15, 2026

Fighting game developer previously accused of sexual harassment confirmed to be working on Avatar Legends a week before release

Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game is set to be released on July 23, developed by Gameplay Group International. Mike Zaimont, known for his work on Skullgirls and Indivisible, is involved in the game's development, which has sparked controversy due to past allegations of sexual misconduct. The game's publisher, Paramount, confirmed Zaimont's participation, leading to disappointment among fans of the Avatar franchise. Koh, a contributor to the Korra comics, expressed his dismay over Zaimont's involvement. The development team faces the challenge of addressing public perception while aiming to meet high expectations for the game.
GOG dunks on Sony and reminds everyone why PC gaming is so beloved: "You don't need a storefront's permission to play what you bought"
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

GOG dunks on Sony and reminds everyone why PC gaming is so beloved: “You don’t need a storefront’s permission to play what you bought”

Sony will stop producing physical discs by 2028. GOG, a digital games retailer, allows users to purchase games and create their own physical backups, promoting consumer autonomy. Unlike Steam, GOG provides downloadable installers for every game, enabling offline access and management without regional restrictions. GOG offers resources for users to create physical copies of their digital purchases. The UK retail association has raised concerns that PlayStation's decision could eliminate a 2 million market and undermine consumer freedoms.
Survival is Optional, Death is Inevitable: Celestial Return Launches Today on PC
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

Survival is Optional, Death is Inevitable: Celestial Return Launches Today on PC

Metaphor Games and Shoreline Games have released a dice-based narrative RPG titled Celestial Return, now available on PC via Steam. The game features players as Detective Howard in the neon-lit Netherveil City, with plans to expand to PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles by Q1 2027, including support for three new languages. Players use dice as a currency to navigate the game's narrative, which is influenced by their choices and character attributes. The game includes features like a gameplay loop focused on dice management, a branching narrative, and a unique visual style combining manga and American comics.
I reckon Assassin's Creed Unity is one of the series' best, and a former Ubisoft director agrees it's 'One of the most underestimated games in the series'
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

I reckon Assassin’s Creed Unity is one of the series’ best, and a former Ubisoft director agrees it’s ‘One of the most underestimated games in the series’

Assassin's Creed Unity was initially positioned as Ubisoft's flagship title for the new generation of consoles but faced significant issues at launch, including numerous bugs and a shift towards cooperative gameplay. The game's creative director, Guesdon, described it as "one of the most underestimated games in the series," attributing launch challenges to ambitious technological advancements. The game focused solely on Paris, aiming to provide an immersive experience of the French Revolution. Guesdon acknowledged that while the introduction of new systems could have been more gradual, the complexity was manageable for players. Unity is noted for its atmospheric depiction of Paris and unique stealth mechanics, with hopes that Ubisoft might revisit this format in future titles.
Search