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Valve clarifies ban on in-game advertising on Steam
AppWizard
February 10, 2025

Valve clarifies ban on in-game advertising on Steam

Valve updated its Steamworks Documentation to include a dedicated "Advertising on Steam" page, formalizing its existing policy against advertising on the platform. The new page clarifies that Steam does not support paid advertisements or referral revenue from ads for other games or products. Developers whose games rely on advertising must consider alternative monetization strategies, such as a single purchase model or a free-to-play format with microtransactions or downloadable content (DLC). Models that block customers and require payment to continue playing are prohibited, and developers are encouraged to offer free demos. Valve has also consistently banned games that utilize blockchain technologies, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs, to maintain a safe gaming environment.
Steam doubles down on a 5-year-old rule to make it more visible: "Developers should not utilize paid advertising as a business model in their game"
AppWizard
February 10, 2025

Steam doubles down on a 5-year-old rule to make it more visible: “Developers should not utilize paid advertising as a business model in their game”

Steam has updated the visibility of its policy regarding games that use paid advertising as a primary business model, which has been in place for at least five years. The policy targets games that rely on advertisements to provide value to players, which can negatively impact the gaming experience. By making this policy more prominent, Steam aims to discourage practices that require players to watch ads to engage with games.
Ukrainian competitor to Telegram: Bridge messenger with «panic button» and encryption
AppWizard
February 5, 2025

Ukrainian competitor to Telegram: Bridge messenger with «panic button» and encryption

Discussions about potentially blocking Telegram in Ukraine led to the development of a domestic alternative called Bridge messenger, created by a team of four IT specialists from Lviv. Bridge is designed to compete with messaging apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal, featuring efficient data compression for low Internet conditions, a recommendation feed, and a user-friendly interface tailored for Ukrainians. Notable features include a panic button for data deletion, end-to-end encryption, temporary accounts for anonymity, and advanced automation for business processes. The project has consumed over 2,000 hours and nearly 0,000 in personal funding. Bridge's concept originated in summer 2024 due to power outages and communication issues, with its beta version launched on October 29, attracting over 5,000 testers. The full release is expected in the second quarter of 2025.
Perplexity launches an assistant for Android
AppWizard
February 4, 2025

Perplexity launches an assistant for Android

AI-powered search engine Perplexity has launched a new feature called Perplexity Assistant, available for Android devices, which integrates reasoning, search capabilities, and app functionalities. The assistant can perform multi-app actions, such as hailing rides and searching for songs, and can set reminders by creating calendar entries. It utilizes the phone's camera for contextual inquiries and maintains context across various tasks, like researching restaurants and making reservations. The assistant is initially free for users in 15 languages. CEO Aravind Srinivas acknowledged that some features may not perform as expected and improvements are planned. Perplexity has also introduced Sonar, an API service for enterprises, and acquired Read.cv. Founded in 2022, Perplexity has raised over 0 million in funding and processes over 100 million queries weekly. The company faces legal challenges from publishers, including lawsuits from News Corp and a cease and desist order from The New York Times, but emphasizes its commitment to respecting publisher content through a revenue-sharing program.
Predicting the (actually very exciting) future of Xbox hardware
Winsage
December 21, 2024

Predicting the (actually very exciting) future of Xbox hardware

A game analyst predicts that the high-end console market may not support both PlayStation and Xbox, suggesting a possible exit for Xbox. However, the relevance of console exclusives is diminishing as PlayStation expands to platforms like Steam, and Valve allows manufacturers to create consoles based on its operating system. Xbox is likely to increase its device variety, with Microsoft appointing Roanne Sones to lead its hardware ecosystem. Under her leadership, Xbox is expanding beyond traditional consoles, showcasing devices like the ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming PC and mobile controllers. The upcoming CES 2025 will feature discussions on enhancing Windows for gaming handhelds. Both Xbox and PlayStation rely on x86 AMD architecture, and the industry is exploring monetization strategies amid rising costs and stagnant user growth. Microsoft aims to align Xbox more closely with Windows for easier game deployment and potential integration of third-party stores. There is speculation about eliminating the paywall for premium multiplayer gaming in the next generation. Successful execution of this vision is uncertain, as Microsoft must navigate regional marketing and distribution complexities while ensuring a smooth gaming experience and backward compatibility.
Elden Ring: Nightreign 'is not what we consider a live service game,' says FromSoftware: 'We wanted to have a game that felt like a complete package'
AppWizard
December 13, 2024

Elden Ring: Nightreign ‘is not what we consider a live service game,’ says FromSoftware: ‘We wanted to have a game that felt like a complete package’

FromSoftware has announced Elden Ring: Nightreign, a multiplayer spin-off of their RPG Elden Ring, during The Game Awards. The game features gameplay mechanics similar to free-to-play live service titles, including a battle royale-style circle and unique hero characters. However, it is not a live service game; it is a co-op roguelike that follows a traditional purchase model. Director Junya Ishizaki stated that the game is designed to be a complete package at launch, with everything unlockable and contained within the purchase, contrasting with the trend of ongoing content updates and monetization in modern games.
All-in-one SDK is exactly what your app needs for effective monetization
AppWizard
December 11, 2024

All-in-one SDK is exactly what your app needs for effective monetization

Users globally spent 1 billion on mobile app purchases in 2023. Over 95% of mobile apps in the global AdTech market utilize SDKs. Custom SDKs enable advanced features like targeted advertising, real-time bidding, and diverse ad formats. SDKs facilitate comprehensive tracking of user engagement and ad performance metrics. Partnering with a programmatic advertising company can simplify ad management processes for publishers. The integration of SDKs is expected to remain in high demand through 2025 and beyond, aligning with regulatory frameworks like GDPR and CCPA.
Dauntless's launch on Steam has gone horribly, horribly wrong with overwhelmingly negative reviews: 'This update is easily, out of every game I've ever played, the worst one I've seen'
AppWizard
December 9, 2024

Dauntless’s launch on Steam has gone horribly, horribly wrong with overwhelmingly negative reviews: ‘This update is easily, out of every game I’ve ever played, the worst one I’ve seen’

Dauntless has debuted on Steam with an "Overwhelmingly negative" rating, accumulating nearly 1,000 negative reviews since its transition. The criticism primarily focuses on a player progress reset and a new monetization model perceived as excessive. Players are frustrated by weapons being locked behind a paywall and the removal of previously accessible weapons. The game's developer, Phoenix Labs, was recently acquired by Forte, a blockchain company, raising concerns about the influence of blockchain and NFTs on the game. In response to community backlash, Phoenix Labs issued a letter explaining the reset was necessary for players to adapt to new systems, but many players found the response inadequate. Dauntless is scheduled for a significant update on December 19, amid ongoing dissatisfaction with its monetization strategies and a decline in active players, now just over 400.
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