influencer Archives

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Android users warned to delete these fake apps after Google alarm

Android users are facing a threat from counterfeit VPN applications that disguise themselves as privacy-enhancing tools but contain malware capable of compromising personal information and security. These fake VPNs mimic reputable brands and use misleading advertisements to appear legitimate. Once installed, they can steal passwords, messages, and financial data, and may even lock devices with ransomware. Google advises users to download VPNs only from trusted sources, look for verification badges, review app permissions, be cautious of free offers, research developers, and avoid scare tactics in marketing. Legitimate VPNs should not request access to personal contacts or photos and should only require network-related permissions.

AppWizard

October 24, 2025

Hidden Levels Ep. 5: Press B to Touch Grass

Nature in video games has evolved from a simple backdrop to an important escape for individuals with limited access to the outdoors, exemplified by Minecraft influencer Cassie Anne, who uses the game to connect with nature due to her severe allergies. The advancement of video games has been driven by technological innovations such as procedural generation and the pursuit of photorealism, allowing for immersive environments. These technologies are also being used to create digital twins for urban planning and environmental visualization. However, the energy consumption of visually intensive games contributes approximately 50 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Despite this, video games can enhance ecological awareness and educate players about sustainability, serving as a connection to nature for those unable to experience it physically.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

“Our job is to be the studio’s advocate”: Eden Chen on why marketing is the biggest challenge in PC games

Pragma, a Los Angeles-based backend infrastructure platform, acquired FirstLook in February to enhance its discoverability and marketing tools for game studios. At Gamescom, FirstLook showcased seven studios at its inaugural consumer-facing booth, marking a shift from a strictly B2B focus. CEO Eden Chen emphasized the importance of visibility in the gaming industry, stating that Pragma aims to support studios by improving matchmaking with players through a newly launched player network. The booth featured games such as "Gods, Death & Reapers," "The Holdouts," "Cloudheim," "Last Flag," "Starlight Revolver," "The Signal," and "Dead as Disco." FirstLook plans to expand its presence at future events, aiming for a larger booth with more studios. Pragma collaborates with over 100 studios, including major companies like Bungie, Sony, and EA, to address challenges in a saturated gaming market.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows XP Crocs are now officially a thing

Microsoft has transitioned its Limited Edition Crocs from beta testing to general availability, priced at .95, and offered in various sizes. The Crocs were introduced in October during Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebrations and gained popularity through a sweepstakes. They feature a design inspired by the Windows XP “Bliss” wallpaper and include custom Jibbitz charms. A Bliss-themed drawstring backpack is also included. The Crocs can be purchased on Microsoft’s official merchandise website, with sizes ranging from women’s 4/men’s 2 to women’s 19/men’s 17.

AppWizard

October 5, 2025

Valve yoinked a new Counter-Strike 2 map out of the game after just 2 days, either for potential Disney copyright infringement, a ‘gamer word’ hidden in its data, or both

On October 2nd, Valve introduced new community maps for Counter-Strike 2, including one named Transit. However, on October 4, Valve removed Transit from official matchmaking due to potential copyright concerns and an inappropriate entity name. The term "gamer word" refers to a commentary on PewDiePie's use of a racial slur during a 2017 Twitch stream, highlighting issues of language in gaming communities. Initially, four community maps were listed in the update, but Transit was removed shortly after. An easter egg in Transit featured a cat on a zipline, but it was overshadowed by the discovery of a racial slur in an entity name. Rikuda, a co-designer of Transit, took responsibility for the oversight. Speculation also arose regarding a building in the map resembling a structure from Phineas and Ferb, raising concerns about copyright infringement. The incident illustrates the challenges developers face in managing user-generated content.

BetaBeacon

September 27, 2025

GameHub: Updated Windows game emulator for Android boosts FPS and improves Steam support

GameSir has announced a new public relations campaign to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience.

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

Discord, Steam, Twitch and Reddit bosses called to testify before US Congress

Leaders of major digital platforms, including Humam Sakhnini from Discord, Gabe Newell from Valve, Dan Clancy from Twitch, and Steve Huffman from Reddit, are scheduled to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on October 8th. This hearing follows the murder of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk, raising concerns about online radicalization. Committee chair James Comer described the incident as a "politically motivated assassination" and emphasized the need for Congress to oversee online platforms that may facilitate political violence. The inquiry will focus on the responsibility of tech leaders to ensure the safety and integrity of their platforms and the measures being taken to combat radicalization.

AppWizard

September 16, 2025

Bethesda deletes Indiana Jones and the Great Circle “fascist” clip after accusations that it mocks Charlie Kirk

Bethesda removed a post from its official X account featuring a clip of Indiana Jones petting a cat and saying, "you don't care much about those fascists, do you?" The deletion occurred shortly after the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk on September 10, leading to interpretations that the clip referenced Kirk. The game is set in 1937, during the rise of fascism, which adds context to the discussion. Despite the backlash and speculation, the timing of the post's deletion is suggested to be coincidental. Screenshots of the video have circulated on social media, and the political climate has intensified following Kirk's death, with the suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, expected to face charges soon.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

Catholic church canonises its first gamer saint, and one of his favourite games was Halo

Carlos Acutis was canonised as a saint after passing away at the age of 15 from leukaemia in 2006. His canonisation process began in 2012, and he was declared "Venerable" in 2018, "Blessed" in 2020, and formally recognised as a saint in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. Acutis created a website documenting miracles to promote the Catholic faith, earning the nickname "God's influencer." His final resting place in Assisi has become a pilgrimage site. The Catholic Church will commemorate him annually on a designated feast day.

AppWizard

August 19, 2025

Nexon investigating The First Descendant TikTok ads

Nexon is investigating advertisements for its upcoming game, The First Descendant, due to suspicions of AI-generated content. The inquiry was prompted by a Reddit post highlighting TikTok ads that appeared to use AI elements, including one featuring influencer DanieltheDemon, who claimed his likeness was used without consent. Nexon acknowledged concerns about the production of some videos and is collaborating with TikTok for a thorough investigation. They expressed regret for the delay in communication and promised updates once the review is complete.