interactive entertainment Archives

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

How Android Apps Are Adapting To The Rise Of Cross-Platform Digital Payments

Android developers are adapting to a rapidly changing global payments landscape, driven by user demand for seamless experiences across platforms, shifting regulatory frameworks, and the rise of cross-border transactions through mobile applications. This evolution is particularly relevant for international sectors like igaming, which often utilize alternative payment methods under offshore licensing. Developers are focusing on streamlined in-app experiences by adopting payment frameworks that enhance security and expedite verification processes. Over the past two years, payment standards have diversified, leading to the implementation of unified payment layers in Android apps to accommodate various tokens, cards, mobile wallets, and region-specific methods. The number of global mobile payment users is projected to reach 5.6 billion by 2025, highlighting the need for cross-platform support. Mobile wallets, NFC, and universal payment APIs are being integrated more deeply into the Android ecosystem, allowing for instant recognition of users' preferred wallets. Streaming platforms are adopting cross-platform billing strategies, while travel apps are implementing flexible frameworks to adapt to regional regulations. In online gaming, there's a focus on diverse payment options to meet international audience expectations. By 2026, Android applications are expected to feature more cohesive payment interfaces, increased biometric verification, and dynamic updates of payment methods based on user location and device capabilities.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Former Activision CEO says the company almost bought Minecraft

In 2014, Microsoft acquired Minecraft for .5 billion. Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick revealed that Activision was close to acquiring Minecraft but the deal fell through due to Markus 'Notch' Persson and his leadership team planning to quit, raising concerns about the company's viability post-acquisition. Shortly after, Microsoft made a more appealing offer of .5 billion, which Notch accepted.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Take-Two delays Grand Theft Auto 6 by six months

Take-Two has delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 to November 19th, marking the second postponement for the game. The initial release date was set for 2025, then pushed to May 26th, 2026, before the latest adjustment. CEO Strauss Zelnick emphasized the company's commitment to delivering a high-quality gaming experience, stating that more time is sometimes needed to polish a title.

AppWizard

October 31, 2025

If you’re a fan of Blue Prince and the Golden Idol games, this spooky detective mystery has arrived just in time for Halloween

The Seance of Blake Manor is a first-person puzzle game set in the late 19th century, where players act as a detective exploring a hotel filled with suspects and clues. The game features immersive exploration and a unique puzzle-solving mechanic that involves collecting verbs and nouns to construct sentences that articulate theories. Players interact with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own secrets, and the design encourages critical thinking and a thoughtful approach to problem-solving.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

Elon Musk reveals launch window for his “great” AI game in a post featuring Grok-made garbage

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in game development is causing mixed reactions among gamers and industry professionals. While some are excited about the potential for AI-generated games, others express skepticism, particularly regarding AI's ability to replace traditional roles in game development. Elon Musk's xAI aims to create a fully AI-generated game by the end of 2026, and has posted a job listing for a 'videogames tutor' to train its AI, Grok, in game design. Musk has claimed that the inaugural game will be released next year, but details about its content remain unclear. Recent controversies, including backlash against AI-generated content in games, reflect ongoing concerns about AI's role in the industry.

AppWizard

September 27, 2025

Someone made the Metal Gear Solid 4 channel-surfing section into a game and it’s absolutely perfect

Over-the-air broadcasting allows listeners to connect with diverse global experiences through radio. The early days of television provided a similar sense of exploration through channel surfing, showcasing a variety of human stories. The advent of on-demand programming diminished this spontaneous experience until the introduction of Blippo+, a new interactive art piece available on PC. Blippo+ simulates being a subscriber to a fictional space-based cable TV package, evoking nostalgia and featuring impressive voice acting that enhances immersion. The game encourages players to rediscover the joy of unexpected discoveries in entertainment, reminiscent of the 1990s cultural landscape.

AppWizard

August 31, 2025

Lost Soul Aside is unplayable on Steam Deck and barely playable on ROG Ally

Lost Soul Aside has been launched for PlayStation 5 and PC (Steam), but performance on handheld devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally has raised concerns. The PC version includes various display options, graphics settings, and control options. On the Steam Deck, the game struggles significantly, dropping to 1-2fps during cut-scenes and crashing after the tutorial, leading to it being marked as unsupported by Valve. Attempts to play on the ROG Ally resulted in 20 to 50fps at the lowest settings, with performance varying by location. While the ROG Ally is technically playable, the experience is not optimal, and the game is not recommended for the Steam Deck until patches are released.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

PlayStation’s Hulst: We want studios to “fail early and cheapy”

Sony Interactive Entertainment is enhancing its project development processes by implementing rigorous testing protocols following the costly failure of its live-service game, Concord, which incurred 0 million in development costs before being withdrawn shortly after launch. The company has canceled several ongoing projects deemed unfit for release and is focusing on learning from past failures to ensure early and cost-effective adjustments. Herman Hulst, head of studios, emphasized the importance of diverse player experiences and vibrant gaming communities over the quantity of live-service releases. The company is now adopting a more robust testing regimen to improve future projects.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Check Out Unity Prototype of Minecraft-Style Planet Building Game

3D Artist Bowerbyte is developing a game prototype inspired by Minecraft using Unity and C#. The game features a spherical planet made from voxel blocks with procedurally generated cube-like settings, allowing for a unique player experience. The environment is fully destructible, enabling players to manipulate their surroundings by placing or removing over 20 types of blocks, including grass, leaves, water, and terrain. Bowerbyte is focused on minimizing block distortion to maintain visual integrity and enhance gameplay.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Bungie boss Pete Parsons is stepping down

Pete Parsons, CEO and chairman of Bungie, is departing after 23 years, with Justin Truman set to succeed him. Parsons joined Bungie in 2002, contributing to the development of Halo: Combat Evolved and serving in various leadership roles before becoming CEO in 2015. He emphasized the collaborative spirit at Bungie and the studio's growth, including the establishment of the Bungie Foundation and a strong independent live operations organization. Under his leadership, Bungie launched a new chapter for the Destiny franchise and joined Sony Interactive Entertainment.