gaming sector Archives

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Epic Games lays off more than 1,000 employees: ‘We’re spending significantly more than we’re making,’ CEO Tim Sweeney says

Epic Games has announced layoffs affecting more than 1,000 employees due to financial challenges, with CEO Tim Sweeney stating the company is spending significantly more than it generates in revenue. This situation is linked to a decline in engagement with Fortnite, which has been ongoing since 2025. Sweeney noted broader industry trends, such as a downturn in console sales, and highlighted unique challenges faced by Epic, including difficulties in maintaining player engagement with Fortnite. The company has also been involved in legal disputes with Apple and Google, which have incurred significant costs. This round of layoffs follows a previous reduction in September 2023, where over 800 employees were let go for similar reasons. Following the layoffs, Epic will have just over 4,000 employees and has raised the price of Fortnite V-Bucks due to increased operational costs.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Google Play Launches “Buy Once, Play Anywhere” Feature Across PC and Mobile Games

Google Play has introduced a new feature called "buy once, play anywhere," allowing players to purchase select PC and mobile games and play them across both platforms. This feature was announced at GDC 2026. Additionally, Google Play has launched Game Trials, enabling players to try paid games before buying them. The platform currently has a larger selection of free-to-play games but plans to expand its catalog with more premium titles. While not all games will support the 'play anywhere' model, it has the potential to benefit the 160 million users of Google Play games. This initiative is part of Google’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the gaming sector, particularly in PC gaming.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Africa’s monetisation debate: founders weigh in on mobile, PC, and the realities of game revenue

African founders view the continent's mobile gaming market as facing significant constraints, including challenges related to payments, purchasing power, and infrastructure, rather than being fundamentally broken. Industry leaders like Hugo Obi and Abdallah Elshabrawy highlight that while monetization is a global challenge, it is particularly exacerbated in Africa due to economic realities. Advertising, especially rewarded video ads, is currently the most reliable revenue model, though lower advertising rates necessitate a larger user base for sustainable revenue. Mobile gaming accounts for about 87% of African gamers and 90% of gaming revenue, emphasizing its reach despite higher spending in PC gaming. Founders stress the importance of targeting global audiences and adapting monetization strategies to the diverse payment ecosystems and cultural dynamics across the continent. A hybrid approach to monetization, combining mobile and PC gaming, is seen as a potential future direction for the industry.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Microsoft’s answer to SteamOS will begin rolling out to all Windows 11 PC form factors starting soon

Xbox Mode will roll out on Windows 11 devices in April in select markets, with timing varying by region. Advanced Shader Delivery will be available to third-party game developers starting in May.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Windows 12 Rumors Spark Shift Toward Linux

The anticipated arrival of Windows 12 may drive many PC users to consider switching to Linux due to its deeper integration of artificial intelligence, increased monetization strategies, and higher hardware requirements. Microsoft has indicated a shift towards an AI-centric operating system, which could alienate users who prefer a stable desktop experience. As Windows 10 nears the end of its support in 2025, users face the choice of paying for Extended Security Updates, upgrading to Windows 12, or exploring alternatives like Linux, which has reached a 4% global market share in 2024. Recent developments in Windows 11, such as the introduction of ads and telemetry, have caused dissatisfaction among users, while Linux distributions remain ad-free and focus on security and functionality. Windows 11's new hardware requirements may leave many older PCs behind, whereas Linux is compatible with less powerful hardware. The Linux desktop has matured, with improved app distribution and gaming capabilities, and offers extensive support options. If Windows 12 emphasizes AI, advertising, and hardware restrictions, it could lead to a significant migration towards Linux as users seek a more user-friendly and controllable operating system.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

4 reasons why SteamOS is quietly winning over PC gamers — and why Windows won’t be dethroned any time soon

Windows 11 is versatile and meets user demands across various tasks, but it faces challenges in PC gaming due to its bloat and background processes. SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system, is gaining popularity among gamers, especially with the upcoming release of a new console-like Steam Machine in early 2026 and a variant of the Legion Go 2 gaming handheld in June 2026. SteamOS offers superior performance and efficiency, with less system overhead compared to Windows, although it still faces issues like anti-cheat compatibility. Community sentiment is shifting away from Windows due to dissatisfaction with Microsoft's updates and AI integration, leading many gamers to consider SteamOS as an alternative. Microsoft is aware of the need to improve Windows 11's gaming experience and has announced updates for 2026. Steam has a large user base, with 35 to 40 million users online at any time, providing a strong platform for promoting SteamOS. Despite the rise of SteamOS, Windows remains the most popular operating system and continues to manage a wide range of tasks effectively.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

This Unlikely Microsoft Prediction Might Just Hit The Mark

A segment of the community critiques Microsoft Windows for its user experience, particularly with Windows 11 facing criticism for sluggishness and user-unfriendliness. There is speculation that Microsoft could pivot towards a Windows-themed Linux distribution, especially as traditional PCs decline and alternatives like Valve’s Steam OS gain popularity. Microsoft has previously engaged with Linux through its cloud offerings, and while a Microsoft desktop Linux is not confirmed, the possibility exists. Users interested in Linux can explore options like a Windows skin, WINE for compatibility, or the .NET runtime on Linux systems.

AppWizard

January 22, 2026

You voted on the best Android apps and games of 2025, and it wasn’t even close

In 2025, the best Android app, according to a poll, was Androidify, which received 40% of the votes. Other contenders included Google Journal and Banana Browser, which did not reach double digits. The best mobile game was Red Dead Redemption, garnering just under 30% of the votes, followed by Subnautica with around 14% and Persona 5: The Phantom X with approximately 11%.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

After Expedition 33’s success, Split Fiction’s Josef Fares warns publishers not to “only do” double-A

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has received critical acclaim and commercial success, winning Game of the Year at the previous year’s Game Awards. Josef Fares, founder of Hazelight Studios, warns the triple-A gaming sector against merely replicating trends from Expedition 33's success, emphasizing the need for innovation rather than imitation. He highlights the importance of diversity in gaming, asserting that both triple-A and double-A titles have their place in the industry. Fares points out that while high-budget games face pressure to avoid risks, innovation is still possible, citing examples from studios like Naughty Dog, Rockstar, and Nintendo. He also mentions that other major studios, such as Capcom, are exploring unconventional ideas.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

One of the Most Popular PC Games of All Time Just Got Steam Deck Verified 7 Years After Release

Satisfactory has achieved Steam Deck Verified status after being categorized as “Playable” for a period. The game has sold 5.5 million copies as of 2024 and reached a peak of 184,171 concurrent users on Steam. It holds a score of 91 on Metacritic and a 97% approval rating on Steam, earning the “Overwhelmingly Positive” designation. Players take on the role of a pioneer on an alien planet, tasked with constructing factories to utilize natural resources, and the game is available for .99 on Steam.