partnership Archives

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

These New Minecraft Skins Cost Over $300 Each

Microtransactions in gaming, particularly in titles like Fortnite and Minecraft, have become common, with some in-game items, such as a new diamond-studded skin in Minecraft, attracting attention for their high costs. Collaborations between gaming brands and luxury companies are also on the rise, with examples including Pokémon Go's partnership with Fendi and Disney Dreamlight Valley's collaboration with Loungefly. The latest collaboration features Minecraft and Swarovski, introducing collectible figures of characters like Alex, Steve, The Pig, and The Creeper, with prices ranging from to 0. Purchasing these figurines grants access to a new in-game skin, the Crystal Suit, which is only available through the purchase of the figurine.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

GTA 5 finally launches in Saudi Arabia and the UAE 12 years after its global release — will be age-rated 21+ as part of the new regulatory framework

Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online have been officially released in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, receiving a new 21+ age rating from the General Authority for Media Regulation and the UAE Media Council. This approval allows local gamers to purchase and enjoy the game legally, marking a shift towards more progressive content regulation in the region. Previously, the game was inaccessible due to its portrayal of violence, sex, and drug use. Over 90% of PC and console players in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are over the age of 21, and the gaming market in these countries is projected to grow significantly by 2029. Additionally, Take-Two Interactive has established a partnership with the Saudi-based Advanced Initiative Company for local distribution of its major franchises, including GTA V. The approval comes ahead of the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 on May 9, 2026, which is expected to launch in the region without previous regulatory delays. As of May 2025, GTA V has sold over 215 million copies worldwide.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

Swarovski has launched a collection of very exclusive Minecraft figurines

Swarovski has collaborated with Minecraft to launch a collection featuring four iconic figures: Alex, Steve, The Pig, and The Creeper, each with a crystal skin. The figures are available for pre-order at a price range of 0 to 0, allowing fans to purchase the entire set or individual characters.

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Simple Modern launches Minecraft product line

Minecraft has partnered with Simple Modern to launch a new line of themed merchandise for the back-to-school season, which includes a Minecraft-themed Fletcher backpack, Hadley lunchbox, and an insulated stainless-steel water bottle. Simple Modern has established collaborations with over 100 colleges and universities and major sports leagues, as well as brands like Disney, Marvel, and Fortnite.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

ULTIMATE GAME and SOUL M GAME Join Forces to Bring Legendary PC Game IRIS to Mobile — Launching IRIS ORIGIN SEA Exclusively in Southeast Asia in 2025

Ultimate Game Co., Ltd. has formed a strategic partnership with South Korea's Soul M Game Inc. to launch IRIS ORIGIN SEA, a mobile-optimized version of the PC game IRIS, exclusively in Southeast Asia in 2025. The collaboration aims to preserve the authenticity of the original game while enhancing it with new features and cross-platform play. The development has taken over three years using the Unity Engine. Ultimate Game plans to pursue a public listing within five years to support growth. The marketing strategy will focus on digital marketing for precise audience targeting and personalized in-game campaigns.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

UK industry vet Tom Stone founds new studio

Tom Stone has established a new gaming studio called Second Star Games in Manchester. The studio is preparing to work on its first project, which is based on a well-loved and globally-renowned intellectual property. Second Star Games has a core team of industry veterans and is looking to hire for several key positions. Tom Stone previously served as Managing Director of TT Games for nearly 18 years and was chairman at FuturLab before his current venture. He aims for the studio to become a leading developer and publisher of gaming experiences for young gamers and their families.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

Google stocks ‘featured notebooks’ on NotebookLM shelves for curated topics

Google is introducing "featured notebooks" in NotebookLM for desktop users, in partnership with publications like the Atlantic and the Economist. These notebooks provide in-depth advice and analysis, including contributions from Eric Topol and Yellowstone National Park. They are publicly accessible, allowing users to read or generate Audio Overviews. The update, announced on July 14, enhances the app's ability to curate high-quality sources for complex topics. Notable collaborations include public notebooks such as "How to Build a Life" and "The World Ahead 2025." Users can engage with AI for clarification and access AI-generated summaries. The rollout also includes various publicly available notebooks, such as longevity advice from Eric Topol and a science enthusiast’s guide to Yellowstone National Park. The feature builds on the "Public Notebooks" introduced in June, allowing users to compile and share notebooks for collaborative interaction. Discover Sources helps users find credible references by autonomously gathering pertinent information based on user-described topics.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

UAE-based Red Dune partners with Japanese studio Acquire

Red Dune Games, based in the UAE, has partnered with Japanese developer Acquire Corp to develop a series of innovative intellectual properties. Three projects are currently in development, codenamed Tremor, Umbra, and Shadowcar. Acquire has a history of notable titles and was owned by GungHo from 2011 to 2024 before being acquired by Kadokawa. Sultan Darmaki, CEO of Red Dune Games, and Takuma Endo, CEO of Acquire, both expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and its focus on global creativity and originality.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

Way of the Samurai studio Acquire Corp and Red Dunes Games announce collaboration on multiple new IPs

United Arab Emirates-based publisher and developer Red Dunes Games has formed a multi-year partnership with Japanese studio Acquire Corp. The collaboration aims to create innovative gaming experiences, with plans for three projects: Project Tremor (kaiju battles), Project Umbra (dark fantasy adventure), and Project Shadowcar (spy thriller). All titles will be global premium releases for console and PC, with premieres at major events like the Tokyo Game Show. Acquire Corp. was recently acquired by Kadokawa Corporation and is known for developing the RPG Mario & Luigi: Brothership for Nintendo Switch. Red Dunes Games, introduced in September 2024, is set to launch titles including Princess of the Water Lilies and Zozo and the Lost Dreams.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

Side inks deal with Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group

Side has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group to collaborate on the growth of the Saudi Arabian gaming sector. Side plans to establish an office in Riyadh by the fourth quarter of 2025. CEO Deborah Kirkham highlighted Saudi Arabia as a crucial market for the global gaming industry, citing eager partners, a growing audience, and government support as key advantages. Dr. Nika Nour from Savvy Games Group expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and its potential to enhance the gaming experience and support local creative professionals.