publishers Archives

AppWizard

March 23, 2026

Google adds ‘Advanced Flow’ for safe APK sideloading on Android

Google has introduced a new mechanism called Advanced Flow within Android to facilitate the sideloading of APKs from unverified developers for power users while enhancing security. This system will launch in August and aims to balance user flexibility with protection against malware and scams, which caused losses of approximately billion last year. To install APKs from unverified developers, users must complete a one-time process that includes activating Developer Mode, confirming they are not influenced by threat actors, restarting the device, and verifying the legitimacy of modifications after a day. Once completed, users can install applications from unverified developers and choose to enable them for a week or indefinitely, with Android providing a warning about the unverified source. The Advanced Flow process is designed to prevent users from being coerced into installing malicious software during scam attempts. Google emphasizes that this system is a compromise between Android's openness and necessary user protections, leading to upcoming developer verification requirements. All Android app publishers will need to undergo identity verification by Google, with non-compliance resulting in blocked software installations on certified Android devices. This verification initiative is now set for rollout in August 2026.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Ultima’s Robert Garriott was worried about there being too many PC games on the market… 37 years ago

Richard Garriott, co-founder of Origin Systems and creator of the Ultima RPG series, attended the 1989 Computer Game Developers Conference as a business strategist. He discussed the decline in sales of in-depth PC RPGs and strategy games, attributing it to decreased PC hardware sales and "product proliferation," where the number of new titles increased significantly, leading to lower sales per title. Garriott noted that while the computer game industry saw a 15-25% annual sales increase, the number of new titles rose by 25-50%, causing confusion among consumers. He expressed concern about the quality of games and the need for publishers to understand these market dynamics. Garriott emphasized the importance of developing unique, high-quality products that cannot be easily replicated on consoles.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google reveals its solution for true Android sideloading: a mandatory waiting period

Google is introducing a new "advanced flow" for installing certain apps on Android, which will take effect later this year. This process includes a one-time setup that requires users to enable Developer Mode, confirm they are not being pressured into disabling security settings, restart their device, and undergo a 24-hour cooling-off period before verifying their identity through biometric authentication or a device PIN to install apps from unverified developers. Developers will soon need to provide personal information and, in some cases, a government-issued ID for verification, with mandatory requirements expected in select countries by September and globally by 2027. Google also plans to launch a "Registered App Stores" program outside the U.S. by the end of the year and is working on accommodating rival app stores within its Google Play Store in the U.S.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Green Man Gaming Partners with Regroup China to Launch and Promote PC Game Bundles in China

Green Man Gaming has partnered with Regroup China to introduce exclusive PC game bundles for the Chinese market. This collaboration will utilize Regroup China's knowledge of local digital strategies, including tailored campaigns on social media, influencer engagement, and e-commerce optimization. The promotional campaign will feature the Better Together Co-Op Fun bundle and will focus on localized messaging for platforms like Bilibili and Douyin. Regroup China will manage the digital strategy to enhance brand visibility and drive sales, aiming for both immediate sales and long-term brand equity in China's growing PC gaming market.

BetaBeacon

March 17, 2026

Epic Games Store opens up to mobile self-publishing in August

- Major publishers are interested in a new market for games - Google settlement helps on Android, but there is still friction with iOS - Epic is rolling out a social framework to connect PC, Android, and iOS store apps - Epic plans to deliver social and cross-platform features like text chat, player profiles, and private messaging - Voice chat will be added in June

Winsage

March 14, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (KB 5079458) has been released to the Beta Channel, introducing various changes and improvements. 1. Policy-Based Removal of Preinstalled Microsoft Apps: IT administrators can now use a dynamic app removal list to remove MSIX/APPX apps by adding their package family names through Group Policy. The dynamic list is not yet available in Intune CSP. 2. Windows Setup Experience: Users can select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process, which must adhere to standard naming conventions. 3. Windows Driver Policy Update: A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default. The feature will initially operate in audit mode for at least 100 hours. 4. Point-in-Time Restore Updates: Local administrators will see a settings dialog to view or modify default restore settings, including a list of available restore points. Updated messaging has been added to the restore experience. 5. Drag Tray Rebranding: The Drag Tray has been rebranded as Drop Tray, with settings relocated to System > Multitasking. 6. Pen Settings: Refinements have been made to the Pen settings page, including an option for the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key. 7. File Explorer and Other Enhancements: Improvements have been made to the reliability of setting the preferred display language, and unexpected errors from the sfc/scannow command have been removed. Updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who opt in via Settings > Windows Update, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (KB 5079464) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key changes include: - Enhanced policy for removing preinstalled Microsoft Store apps for Windows ENT/EDU, allowing IT administrators to use a dynamic app removal list via Group Policy. - Users can now select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process. - A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default, initially operating in audit mode. - Point-in-time restore now includes a settings dialog for local administrators and displays available restore points. - Microsoft 365 Family subscribers can upgrade their plan directly from the Accounts page in Settings. - The Drag Tray feature has been rebranded to Drop Tray, with settings relocated. - Updates to Pen settings include a new option for the pen tail button. - Enhanced reliability for preferred display language settings and removal of an unexpected error from sfc/scannow. Updates are gradually rolled out to users who opt in through the Settings menu under Windows Update.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Why are PC developers removing Denuvo from their games?

Denuvo is a widely recognized digital rights management (DRM) solution used by major publishers like Square Enix, Sega, and EA to prevent unauthorized copying and modification of games. A study indicated that a game could lose up to 20% of revenue if cracked within its first week. Concerns about Denuvo's impact on game performance have been raised, with reports suggesting that games without it may perform better. Issues with titles like Resident Evil Village and Tekken 7 were attributed to improper implementation of additional protection measures. Tekken 7 eventually removed Denuvo, while Resident Evil Village retained it until April 2023. Amplitude Studios launched its game Humankind without Denuvo due to performance issues found during beta testing. Michał Kiciński, CEO of GOG, argued that DRM complicates the experience for legitimate customers and fails to effectively prevent piracy. Saber Interactive decided not to use Denuvo for Space Marine 2, highlighting the nuanced nature of the anti-DRM movement. Denuvo costs around ,000 per month plus fees for each game activation, making its financial justification less compelling as sales decline post-launch. Square Enix has removed Denuvo from titles like Dragon Quest 1 & 2 Remake and Final Fantasy 16 within six months of release, while Capcom has retained it for longer periods. The decision to remove or avoid Denuvo is influenced by performance issues, financial implications, and operational efficiency considerations.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Google Announces Registered App Stores For Android

Google is launching a Registered App Stores program for Android, allowing third-party app stores to officially register if they meet specific quality and safety criteria. This program aims to provide a better installation experience for users and will be rolled out in a major Android release later this year, initially targeting markets outside the US. Registration is optional, and stores can continue using the existing sideloading process. Alongside this, Google is unbundling its fee structure, reducing service fees for developers to between 15% and 20%, with an additional 5% fee for using Google Play billing in certain regions. The rollout of the new billing structure is expected by the end of June in the US, UK, and Europe, with global completion by September 30, 2027. The initiative is part of a broader settlement with Epic Games and reflects ongoing legal pressures for greater competition in app distribution.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

Mobile revenue remained flat across 2025, but PC gaming “sees another record year” | Sensor Tower State of Gaming 2026

Digital intelligence and analytics firm Sensor Tower's State of Gaming 2026 report reveals that mobile game revenue has remained flat, while PC and console gaming revenues have surged by 13%. In 2025, there were 52 billion downloads across all platforms, with mobile games downloaded at a rate of 95,000 per minute, although this represents a decline from 2024. Mobile game revenue increased by only 1%, indicating a shift towards retaining and monetizing existing players. In contrast, PC gaming, particularly on Steam, achieved record gains in units sold and revenue, driven by AA and AAA publishers. The shooter genre performed strongly, with Battlefield 6 as the best-selling game, followed by EA Sports FC 25 and 26. In the free-to-play category, Skate was the most downloaded title. Indie games like R.E.P.O. and Peak were recognized as top sellers. Data trends indicate that PC gamers are generally younger, while hypercasual gamers tend to be female. The strategy genre gained traction in mobile gaming, led by Last War: Survival and Whiteout Survival.