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Thunderful Gothenberg has rebranded as Stormteller Games
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.
Report: Unity makes further layoffs
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.
Kotick: EA's Riccitiello was "worst CEO" in games
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.
Android Push Notifications (2024)
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.
Build A Rocket Boy acquires PlayFusion
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.
From Software owner Kadokawa acknowledges Sony acquisition offer
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.
Microsoft settles Activision Blizzard gamer antitrust suit
AppWizard
October 15, 2024

Microsoft settles Activision Blizzard gamer antitrust suit

Microsoft has reached a settlement regarding an antitrust lawsuit initiated by gamers over its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, with both parties requesting the dismissal of the case with prejudice. The lawsuit began in 2022 due to concerns about the merger's impact on consumer choice and competition in the gaming sector. The case was initially dismissed without prejudice in March 2023 and refiled the following month. The specific terms of the settlement are undisclosed, but both Microsoft and the plaintiffs will bear their own legal expenses. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission also attempted to challenge the acquisition but was unsuccessful.
"The court's ruling to open up Google´s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility." Xbox president Sarah Bond confirms you'll be able to buy and play games on Android from November.
AppWizard
October 11, 2024

“The court’s ruling to open up Google´s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility.” Xbox president Sarah Bond confirms you’ll be able to buy and play games on Android from November.

Microsoft has merged the Xbox App with the Xbox Game Pass app, allowing users to purchase games directly and access Xbox Cloud Gaming on Android devices starting November 1, 2024. This change follows a court ruling requiring Google to open its U.S. mobile storefront. The Xbox App will serve as the central hub for gaming on mobile, while users can access cloud gaming at Xbox.com/play. Microsoft also plans to launch an Xbox Mobile Store, expected in July 2024, featuring first-party titles and eventually third-party games.
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