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Epic bans indie horror game Horses just one day before launch due to 'inappropriate content', despite having approved that content weeks ago
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

Epic bans indie horror game Horses just one day before launch due to ‘inappropriate content’, despite having approved that content weeks ago

The horror game Horses has been banned from both Steam and Epic Games for violating policies on "inappropriate content" and "hateful or abusive content." Epic Games informed publisher Santa Ragione of the ban just one day before the game's scheduled launch on its platform, without specifying how the game violated guidelines. Santa Ragione's appeal was rejected within 12 hours, also without clarification. While Epic suggested the game could be updated to meet compliance standards, they did not provide specific guidance on necessary changes. Horses contains elements of nudity and adult themes, contributing to the sensitivity surrounding its release. Despite the bans, the game is still available on platforms like GOG, Itch.io, and the Humble Store, which shifted to a DRM-free distribution model.
New Albiriox MaaS Malware Targets 400+ Apps for On-Device Fraud and Screen Control
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

New Albiriox MaaS Malware Targets 400+ Apps for On-Device Fraud and Screen Control

A new Android malware named Albiriox has emerged, marketed as malware-as-a-service (MaaS). It features a hard-coded list of over 400 applications, including banking and cryptocurrency platforms, and is distributed through social engineering tactics using dropper applications. Initially advertised in late September 2025, it became a full MaaS offering by October, with Russian-speaking threat actors behind its development. Albiriox allows remote control of compromised devices via an unencrypted TCP socket connection and Virtual Network Computing (VNC), enabling attackers to extract sensitive information and perform overlay attacks for credential theft. One campaign targeted victims in Austria using German-language lures and counterfeit Google Play Store listings. Albiriox also utilizes Android's accessibility services to bypass security measures and employs a novel distribution strategy involving a counterfeit website that collects phone numbers. Additionally, another Android MaaS tool, RadzaRat, was introduced, masquerading as a file management utility while offering extensive surveillance and remote control capabilities. RadzaRat can log keystrokes and maintain persistence through specific permissions, highlighting a trend in the availability of sophisticated cybercrime tools.
Horror game maker accuses Valve of 'censorship' after its game about nude human 'Horses' is rejected by Steam: 'Lawful works should not be made unreachable by a monopolistic storefront's opaque decisions'
AppWizard
November 25, 2025

Horror game maker accuses Valve of ‘censorship’ after its game about nude human ‘Horses’ is rejected by Steam: ‘Lawful works should not be made unreachable by a monopolistic storefront’s opaque decisions’

On December 2, Santa Ragione, an Italian game development studio, will release its first-person horror adventure game, Horses, which explores themes like familial trauma and totalitarian power. The game features grotesque imagery set in a ranch environment with nude individuals wearing horse masks. Before its release, Horses received attention at events such as IndieCade and SXSW Sydney. However, Santa Ragione faces potential closure after being banned from Steam due to concerns over content perceived as depicting sexual conduct involving a minor. The studio criticized Steam's lack of clarity in content guidelines and the absence of options for resubmission or appeal. While Epic Games raised issues about visible nudity, the contentious scene in question was not included in external builds until late 2024. Santa Ragione expressed concern over the inconsistency of content standards between different platforms and lamented the loss of access to Steam, which accounts for over 75% of PC game sales. They argue that the ban reflects moralizing censorship and advocate for artistic freedom in gaming.
Google and Epic propose Android settlement modifying antitrust injunction
AppWizard
November 10, 2025

Google and Epic propose Android settlement modifying antitrust injunction

On November 4, 2025, Google and Epic Games filed a joint motion with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to modify a permanent injunction from Epic's antitrust litigation against Google. The modified injunction retains prohibitions on Google's revenue-sharing practices and mandates that app developers are not required to launch exclusively on the Google Play Store. It introduces a "Registered App Store" system for third-party app stores, allowing users to install these through a streamlined process. The settlement extends globally, promoting competition across all Android markets. Developers are granted rights to offer alternative in-app payment methods and can present various payment options side-by-side. The modified injunction caps service fees that Google can charge on transactions in Play-distributed apps using alternative payment methods, extending through 2032. A Technical Committee will oversee disputes related to the new terms. The settlement's effectiveness depends on court acceptance and coordination with a separate settlement between Google and state attorneys general. The settlement is part of ongoing antitrust scrutiny facing Google. Following court approval, Google will have eight months to implement the necessary technology for the registered app store program.
Developer of NSFW games says Valve won't let them add adult content in updates, now it has to be DLC
AppWizard
September 21, 2025

Developer of NSFW games says Valve won’t let them add adult content in updates, now it has to be DLC

In recent months, adult game developers have faced challenges due to pressure from the anti-porn advocacy group Collective Shout on payment processors, leading to stricter policies on the distribution of erotic games (eroge). A developer from Crimson Delight reported on Reddit that they can no longer add new adult content to existing titles on Steam unless it is released as downloadable content (DLC), a shift from previous practices. Despite a positive review experience, the developer noted that Valve is under pressure from payment processors, resulting in stricter rules for adult content. This change impacts developers like those behind Summertime Saga, who rely on community feedback for new content, as it requires that additions be fully completed before release. Crimson Delight does not blame Valve for these changes, acknowledging that adult games contribute only a small fraction to Steam's overall earnings. Additionally, attempts to use cryptocurrency payments to bypass restrictions have been hindered by past fraud issues, with 50% of such transactions being fraudulent during a 2016 experiment.
Steam Will Soon Lose Support for Around 0.01% of Its Install Base
Winsage
September 18, 2025

Steam Will Soon Lose Support for Around 0.01% of Its Install Base

Valve will cease support for 32-bit Windows operating systems on January 1st of the coming year, affecting a small percentage (0.01%) of users based on their Steam Hardware Survey. Users on 32-bit Windows 10 will not receive updates or assistance after this date, although Steam will continue to function on their machines. The decision is due to incompatibility of core Steam features with 32-bit system drivers and libraries. Additionally, Steam has introduced an age verification process in the UK requiring valid credit card details to access adult content.
UK Steam users must register a credit card to unlock game titles with adult content – UK’s Online Safety Act requires blocking minors from accessing mature content
AppWizard
August 30, 2025

UK Steam users must register a credit card to unlock game titles with adult content – UK’s Online Safety Act requires blocking minors from accessing mature content

Valve has mandated that UK users must have a valid credit card on file to browse or purchase "mature" games on the Steam platform, in response to the UK's Online Safety Act. This act requires platforms to implement effective age verification measures to prevent under-18s from accessing adult content, with non-compliance potentially resulting in fines or bans. Approximately one-third of UK consumers use debit cards or alternative payment methods, which may hinder legitimate adult players from accessing parts of the store. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about the implications of mandatory financial information for browsing. The changes primarily affect niche erotic or explicit titles, while popular games classified as PEGI-18 may not see immediate impacts.
Steam games no longer purchasable with PayPal in most countries — Valve offers no timeline for a potential fix
AppWizard
August 14, 2025

Steam games no longer purchasable with PayPal in most countries — Valve offers no timeline for a potential fix

Steam's payment system has faced a significant disruption, affecting millions of players globally. The PayPal payment option is unavailable for users in many regions, except for transactions in Euros, British Pounds, Japanese Yen, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars, or U.S. Dollars. This issue began in early July 2025 and was confirmed by Valve to be due to a decision by one of PayPal's acquiring banks to stop processing Steam transactions for certain currencies. Users are now advised to use alternative payment methods or Steam Wallet codes. Valve has stated that the problem is related to currency issues and not tied to recent controversies regarding adult content. The timeline for restoring PayPal support remains uncertain.
Android on trial
AppWizard
August 12, 2025

Android on trial

Google has approached the Supreme Court regarding an antitrust case that could significantly impact India's digital economy, particularly concerning its dominance over the Android operating system and the requirement for app developers to use Google's payment systems, which can impose commissions of 15-30%. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) found Google to be a dominant entity, concluding that its practices constituted abuse of power, resulting in a penalty of ₹936 crores. Google appealed this decision, leading to a reduced penalty of ₹217 crores from the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), which did not classify Google as a "gatekeeper." Google has since filed additional appeals with the Supreme Court, which is set to hear the case in November. A study on Indian farmers revealed that extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 43°C, significantly impacts their livelihoods, leading to increased food insecurity and undernutrition. While average calorie consumption remained stable, the incidence of "strong undernutrition" rose, affecting approximately 3 million individuals. The study found that extreme heat forces families to seek non-farm employment and adapt their food sources, often leading to a decline in job retention and increased vulnerability due to limited access to credit. The findings suggest that climate change is exacerbating challenges in Indian agriculture, necessitating policy interventions to enhance resilience and support affected households. India's cabinet approved a one-time ₹300 billion payout to state-run fuel retailers to compensate for losses from selling subsidized LPG. Tata Motors reported a 63% year-on-year drop in Q1 consolidated profit, while Nayara faced scrutiny over Russian oil imports. The Supreme Court upheld a ruling classifying telecom towers as movable property, providing tax relief for telecom companies. Tesla India signed a nine-year lease for a showroom in Delhi, marking its expansion into the Indian market.
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