gaming integration Archives

AppWizard

July 6, 2025

Activision takes Call of Duty: WWII offline after hackers apparently disrupted the game with RCE exploits — malicious code wreaks havoc on PC gamers as bad actors take complete control of your computer

Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in 2023 to enhance PC and console gaming integration, focusing on the inclusion of Call of Duty in Xbox and PC Game Pass. Call of Duty: WWII, released in 2017, remained active in 2025 but faced issues when hackers exploited remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities shortly after its addition to Game Pass. Although no serious damage was reported, the potential risks were concerning, especially given the game's outdated peer-to-peer matchmaking system. Activision introduced the Ricochet anti-cheat system in 2019, but Call of Duty: WWII lacks these protections. In response to the hacking incidents, Activision temporarily removed the game from the Microsoft Store for investigation, while it remained available on Steam and PC Game Pass. Reports of hacks included a streamer experiencing a live hack that changed their desktop wallpaper and the sharing of hacking tools by users.

BetaBeacon

July 1, 2025

How Android Game Development Is Fueling the Next Generation of Mobile Entertainment

- Android gaming ecosystem has evolved significantly in the last decade, offering a wide range of gaming experiences. - Android game development has reshaped the way entertainment is consumed on mobile devices. - Android offers advantages such as device diversity, open-source flexibility, monetization freedom, robust development tools, and global reach. - Key trends shaping Android game development in 2025 include cloud gaming integration, AI-powered game design, cross-platform play, AR and VR capabilities, and the continued dominance of hyper-casual games.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft ‘Xbox PC’ branding surfaces in game dev publicity materials — Xbox App also sees big changes

Microsoft is working to unify its Windows and Xbox platforms, as indicated by the release of MIO: Memories In Orbit on both Steam and "Xbox PC." Gears of War: Reloaded will launch on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, and Steam this summer. The Xbox App has been enhanced to allow users to access Xbox console games directly on their PCs, suggesting a merger of Xbox and Windows stores. The Steam Deck, launched in 2022, has influenced the gaming market, prompting other manufacturers to create similar devices. Lenovo's Legion Go S operates on SteamOS and Windows 11, with initial reviews showing it may outperform Windows devices. Microsoft is reportedly developing a handheld console, Project Kennan, integrated with Xbox Game Pass, expected to debut in late 2025. The Xbox Series X|S has sold 33 million units, while the PlayStation 5 has sold over 75 million. Windows remains dominant in PC gaming, but the rise of SteamOS poses a competitive threat.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Social Media and Messaging Apps Turning to Gaming

The average person spends at least two hours on social media daily, leading platforms to compete for user engagement. The gaming industry has become a significant competitor in this arena. Telegram has become a hub for blockchain gaming, particularly through TON, featuring innovative play-to-earn (P2E) games and Mini Apps that enhance the gaming experience. Casino bots on Telegram allow users to play games like blackjack and poker directly within the app. Facebook continues to integrate gaming into its platform, supporting instant games on Messenger and gaming groups, despite discontinuing its standalone gaming app in 2022. Snapchat introduced Snap Games in 2019, utilizing augmented reality to create interactive multiplayer experiences, although this feature is no longer available. Instagram incorporates gaming elements through interactive quizzes and polls in Stories, and serves as a platform for gaming content influencers. WhatsApp has unofficially integrated simple games through third-party bots, allowing users to engage in casual play within chats, despite not offering official gaming features.

AppWizard

August 23, 2024

Google app expands to Windows laptops with new ‘Essentials’ tool

Google is launching a new tool called Google Essentials to enhance the integration of its applications and services with Windows laptops, initially available on HP's Spectre, Envy, Pavilion, OMEN, and Victus series, with plans to extend to OmniBook models. The app serves as a gateway to various Google services, including Google Play Games, Google Photos, and Google Messages, and is designed to improve user experiences on Windows devices. Google Essentials allows synchronization of mobile gaming progress with PC gaming, particularly for users of laptops powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 3nm chip. Users can access Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar through quick links, and Google One subscribers can enjoy a two-month trial of Google One 100GB for cloud storage. Users have the option to uninstall Google Essentials and associated services if desired, and Google plans to expand the app's availability to more laptop and desktop models in the future.

BetaBeacon

July 16, 2024

Dusk is a new mobile game multiplayer app in the works now

Dusk is a new mobile multiplayer app created by Bjarke Felbo and Sanjay Guruprasad, aiming to revolutionize the way people play games with friends on their phones. The app allows users to play custom-made games and connect with friends seamlessly, with cross-play functionality across browsers, iOS, and Android. Its success depends on the games created for it, but its straightforward approach to multiplayer gaming could make it a hit in the competitive mobile gaming market.

AppWizard

July 14, 2024

Israeli startup to bring Minecraft Education to US – ISRAEL21c

Arcademy, an Israeli startup, is expanding its gaming platform to schools in Israel and the US after a successful trial in Petah Tikva. The platform integrates with Minecraft Education to enhance classroom instruction, improve student engagement, and provide insights for educators. CEO Alex Gold aims to revolutionize education through gaming, starting with American Jewish schools.