merger Archives

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Molasses Flood merges with CD Projekt Red

Boston-based developer The Molasses Flood has merged with CD Projekt Red, effective April 1st, ending its status as an independent entity. The studio will continue to support its previous games, including The Flame in the Flood and Drake Hollow. The Molasses Flood is currently working on Project Sirius, a multiplayer game set in The Witcher universe. Following the merger, founder Damian Isla announced his departure from the studio, reflecting on his decade-long journey and expressing gratitude for the experiences and relationships formed during his time there.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Xbox: New UI To Integrate Steam Games For PC Players

Microsoft hinted at a new Xbox user interface that may integrate Steam games, which could impact both PC and console gaming. An image showcasing this UI was leaked, featuring the Steam label and displaying the interface on various devices, including tablets. Microsoft removed the image, indicating it was not meant for public viewing. Sources confirmed that Microsoft is working on an update for the Xbox app to include all games installed on a PC, including those from Steam and Epic Games. There is currently no timeline for the release of this integration, but Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, mentioned the potential for Epic Games and Itch.io to join the Xbox ecosystem in the future.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Your Android phone will run Debian Linux soon (like some Pixels already can)

Qualcomm claims that its Snapdragon 8 Elite CPU outperforms Intel's Core Ultra 288V chip. Google has introduced a native Linux Terminal application in its March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop, available exclusively on the latest Pixel devices running Android 15. This Linux Terminal operates on a Debian Linux virtual machine and allows users to run desktop Linux applications directly from their devices. Users must enable Developer Mode to access the app, which requires downloading a 500MB Debian package. Graphical user interface applications are not yet supported, but enhancements in Android 16 are expected to improve compatibility with traditional PC input methods and display options. There is speculation about a potential merger between Android and Chrome OS, aiming for a seamless integration between smartphone and desktop experiences. The integration of Linux into Android devices may lead to large Android phones and tablets replacing traditional laptops for some users.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

I hate to say it, but it’s time for Google to merge Waze into Maps

The author grapples with the decision of whether to use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, noting that Google Maps is their default choice due to its user-friendly interface and extensive points of interest. However, they find that Waze often provides better real-time traffic updates and alerts about hazards. There is speculation about a potential merger between Waze and Google Maps, which could create a more effective navigation tool, but concerns exist about alienating Waze's user community. The author appreciates Waze's real-time capabilities and community contributions but finds its interface cluttered and distracting. They express a desire for Google to incorporate Waze's features into Google Maps while acknowledging that a merger may not happen immediately. Google has owned Waze for over a decade, and it continues to operate as a separate entity.

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

Thunderful Gothenberg has rebranded as Stormteller Games

Sweden's Thunderful Gothenberg has rebranded as Stormteller Games, with its first title being Lost in Random: The Eternal Die. Studio head Johan Petersson emphasized the inclusive process behind the new identity, involving all team members in brainstorming sessions. The studio aims to blend the strengths of both its predecessor studios while prioritizing sustainability and a gameplay-first approach in game development. Thunderful Gothenberg was established in 2017 through the merger of Image and Form and Zoink! Games.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Report: Unity makes further layoffs

Unity is planning another round of layoffs, as communicated by CEO Matthew Bromberg via email. The Chief Technology Officer and teams focused on Engine Product and Ads will be affected, although the exact number of layoffs is not specified. The layoffs are attributed to an overwhelming workload on the engine team and the need for restructuring following Unity's merger with Ironsource, which requires consolidating advertising teams into the Runtime business. Unity will provide support to impacted employees, including access to mental health benefits through Lyra.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Kotick: EA’s Riccitiello was “worst CEO” in games

Bobby Kotick, the former CEO of Activision Blizzard, referred to John Riccitiello, the former CEO of Electronic Arts, as the "worst CEO" in the gaming sector during an episode of the Grit show. Kotick mentioned that there had been multiple discussions about potential mergers between EA and Activision Blizzard, noting that EA had attempted to buy Activision Blizzard several times. He acknowledged that EA's business model was sometimes stronger than that of Activision Blizzard. Riccitiello joined EA in 1997 as president and COO, returned as CEO in 2007, and left in 2013 after poor financial results. He later became the CEO of Unity and departed in 2023 amid controversy. Riccitiello made provocative comments about developers in an interview, contributing to his polarizing reputation in the industry.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Android Push Notifications (2024)

A leading software company has announced its acquisition of a promising startup specializing in artificial intelligence, valued at approximately 0 million, expected to close by the end of the quarter. The acquisition aims to enhance the software company's product offerings and expand its market reach. Analysts suggest it could position the company as a frontrunner in the AI market, bolstering its capabilities in data analytics and machine learning. Investors have reacted positively, with an uptick in the software company's shares following the announcement.

AppWizard

December 10, 2024

Build A Rocket Boy acquires PlayFusion

Leslie Benzies' Build A Rocket Boy has acquired UK-based developer and publisher PlayFusion. Mark Gerhard, the CEO and CTO of PlayFusion, will become co-CEO at Build A Rocket Boy, focusing on enhancing the studio's content pipeline and user-generated content tools. The acquisition aims to reshape the gaming landscape and democratize premium game development. The collaboration is expected to deliver original online experiences and empower players to create their own high-quality games.

AppWizard

November 20, 2024

From Software owner Kadokawa acknowledges Sony acquisition offer

Kadokawa Corporation has confirmed that discussions regarding a potential acquisition by Sony Group Inc. are underway. The company acknowledged receiving an initial letter of intent to acquire its shares but stated that no decision has been made yet. Currently, Sony holds a 14 percent stake in FromSoftware and a 2 percent stake in Kadokawa.