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Google Announces Registered App Stores For Android
AppWizard
March 4, 2026

Google Announces Registered App Stores For Android

Google is launching a Registered App Stores program for Android, allowing third-party app stores to officially register if they meet specific quality and safety criteria. This program aims to provide a better installation experience for users and will be rolled out in a major Android release later this year, initially targeting markets outside the US. Registration is optional, and stores can continue using the existing sideloading process. Alongside this, Google is unbundling its fee structure, reducing service fees for developers to between 15% and 20%, with an additional 5% fee for using Google Play billing in certain regions. The rollout of the new billing structure is expected by the end of June in the US, UK, and Europe, with global completion by September 30, 2027. The initiative is part of a broader settlement with Epic Games and reflects ongoing legal pressures for greater competition in app distribution.
Why Microsoft’s Revoked DMCA Over A Minecraft-Style Game Is Such A Big Deal
AppWizard
February 15, 2026

Why Microsoft’s Revoked DMCA Over A Minecraft-Style Game Is Such A Big Deal

Microsoft withdrew a DMCA takedown notice against the indie game Allumeria, allowing its demo to return to digital platforms. The initial takedown was likely triggered by an automated system that flagged Allumeria for similarities to Minecraft. Microsoft's legal team recognized distinct differences that complicated potential legal action. This decision may encourage creativity among indie developers and reflects a nuanced understanding of the gaming industry's dynamics. The case highlights ongoing challenges in defining ownership over game concepts and suggests a potential shift towards a more collaborative environment in game development.
Google is Making it Harder to Sideload Apps on Google TV & Android
AppWizard
January 19, 2026

Google is Making it Harder to Sideload Apps on Google TV & Android

Google plans to modify the sideloading process for apps on Android devices to enhance user safety and address app security concerns. The new process will introduce additional steps and warnings, emphasizing the benefits of apps verified through Google Play and requiring an active internet connection for certain verification checks. Users can still sideload apps without verification, but this option will come with extra prompts to inform them of the risks. Critics worry that these changes may inconvenience power users, while supporters believe they will promote safer habits among average consumers. The rollout of this updated sideloading process is expected to begin in select markets and may coincide with the next major Android release.
Here are the top 20 most wishlisted games on Steam as we charge headfirst into 2026
AppWizard
December 9, 2025

Here are the top 20 most wishlisted games on Steam as we charge headfirst into 2026

The 20 most wishlisted games on Steam include: 20. Vindictus: Defying Fate - A spinoff of the 2012 MMO, set to attract Souls enthusiasts with its focus on dodges and counterattacks. 18. Reanimal - A co-op horror adventure from the creators of Little Nightmares, releasing on February 13, 2026. 17. Mouse: PI for Hire - A visually captivating title combining boomer shooter energy with rubberhose animation, set to release on March 19, 2026. 14. Chrono Odyssey - A photorealistic MMORPG featuring time manipulation mechanics, expected to launch in Q4 2026. 13. Quarantine Zone: The Last Check - A base management simulator set in a zombie apocalypse, releasing in 2025 with a demo available on Steam. 12. Witchbrook - A cooperative life simulation game with pixel art, anticipated to release in 2026. 11. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era - A tactical RPG aiming to return to the franchise's roots, expected in 2026 with a demo available. 10. Half Sword - A physics-based swordfighting dueling simulator entering early access in Q1 2026. 9. Unrecord - A police officer simulation game with realistic visuals and moral dilemmas, with no announced release date. 8. Ark 2 - A sequel featuring survival crafting mechanics, currently without a clear release date. 7. Blight: Survival - A co-op survival horror game set in a medieval landscape, with no release window yet. 6. Slay the Spire 2 - A sequel to the acclaimed deckbuilding game, expected to launch in March 2026. 5. Kingmakers - A game where players use modern weaponry in medieval England, delayed indefinitely. 4. Resident Evil Requiem - The latest installment in the Resident Evil franchise, scheduled for release on February 27, 2026. 3. Light No Fire - A fantasy survival adventure from Hello Games, with no release date announced after seven years of development. 2. Deadlock - A MOBA in invite-only testing, with no clear release date available. 1. Subnautica 2 - Set to enter early access in 2026, continuing the underwater exploration theme of its predecessors.
It's 2025's most notorious flop, but you can now try this would-be GTA rival for free, and it really can only get better
AppWizard
November 30, 2025

It’s 2025’s most notorious flop, but you can now try this would-be GTA rival for free, and it really can only get better

Mindseye, launched in June 2025 by Build a Rocket Boy, is an action game that received poor reviews and faced significant issues at launch, leading to employee layoffs. Founder Leslie Benzies attributed the game's failure to external sabotage. Despite ongoing turmoil, the team is working on updates, including a free demo released with Update 6, which offers a portion of the campaign and player-created content. The free starter pack weighs under 50GB and includes a 15-minute main quest and 14 additional challenges, although the free-roam feature has been removed. The complete game is currently available at a 50% discount, priced at .99 / £27.49.
As Krafton evolves into an 'AI-first company', the boss of the recently acquired Last Epoch studio says he doesn't think the 'doom and gloom' is warranted
AppWizard
November 14, 2025

As Krafton evolves into an ‘AI-first company’, the boss of the recently acquired Last Epoch studio says he doesn’t think the ‘doom and gloom’ is warranted

Krafton has announced its intention to become an "AI-first company" with an investment of over 130 billion won. The company has implemented a hiring freeze and a voluntary resignation program for its South Korean workforce. Krafton acquired Eleventh Hour Games (EHG), the studio behind Last Epoch, in July. EHG has maintained a commitment to providing players with free content since its Kickstarter launch in 2018, but recent communications suggest that the pricing for upcoming expansions is uncertain. EHG co-founder Cobler outlined limited options during the acquisition process, including pursuing other intellectual properties, seeking unfavorable funding, joining Krafton, or facing bankruptcy. Cobler expressed optimism about the acquisition's long-term benefits, despite skepticism from others. There is currently no evidence that Last Epoch is declining, but Krafton's strategic decisions may impact the studio. EHG recently launched its third season and plans additional content leading up to an expansion.
Google Agrees to Make Major Play Store Changes to Settle Epic Games Antitrust Lawsuit
BetaBeacon
November 6, 2025

Google Agrees to Make Major Play Store Changes to Settle Epic Games Antitrust Lawsuit

Google has proposed changes to its Play Store and Android in order to settle an antitrust dispute with Epic Games. The changes include allowing alternative payment methods for app developers, supporting Registered App Stores like Epic Games, and implementing new fee structures for transactions. The settlement could impact the ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, as Google's case is not directly applicable to Apple's situation.
Google wants to reduce Play Store fees and improve third-party app store support in Android 17
AppWizard
November 5, 2025

Google wants to reduce Play Store fees and improve third-party app store support in Android 17

Google has proposed modifications to the Play Store following its legal defeat against Epic Games. The proposal includes easier access to third-party app stores, a new tiered service fee structure (9% for general purchases and 20% for certain transactions), reduced Google Play Billing fees (5% for the first million in annual revenue, reverting to 30% thereafter), permission for apps to display alternative payment options, and the ability to install a Registered App Store directly from a website. These changes will be discussed in court on November 6. Certain restrictions remain, such as prohibiting exclusive deals for Play Store access and allowing developers to communicate pricing options outside the Play Store.
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