publishers Archives

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.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

Fanatical – are its cheap Steam keys legit?

Fanatical is a UK-based online retailer that offers a wide selection of Steam game keys at competitive prices, often lower than those on Steam. It is safe to purchase from Fanatical, as it operates reliably and directly with publishers and developers, avoiding third-party sellers. Fanatical provides bundles, including customizable options and 'Mystery Bundles' with random Steam keys at attractive prices. The retailer frequently matches Steam sales and offers deeper discounts through time-sensitive Star Deals. Fanatical operates on a smaller profit margin, allowing it to undercut Steam's prices by purchasing keys at lower rates. Redeeming keys from Fanatical on Steam is straightforward, allowing users to enjoy their games seamlessly.

AppWizard

February 22, 2026

You’ll need an expansion pack for your brain to get all 20 questions right in our dastardly new DLC quiz

PC Gamer has released a new collection of quizzes focused on gaming trivia, including topics like health bars, currencies, and patch notes. The latest quiz centers on downloadable content (DLC) in PC gaming, featuring 20 questions that require participants to identify games associated with specific DLCs. The quiz starts easy and increases in difficulty, aiming to challenge even experienced gamers. Players can share their results and favorite DLCs after completing the quiz.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

CONVERGENCE GAMES SHOWCASES OVER 30 OF THE HOTTEST AA AND INDIE TITLES COMING TO CONSOLE AND PC IN 2026

Fourth Floor unveiled video links from the Convergence Games Showcase on February 19, 2026, which introduced over 30 AA and Indie games set for release in 2026. The event was hosted by Dodger and Jesse Cox in collaboration with IGN, featuring first gameplay reveals and exclusive content from companies like Curve Games, Gambit Digital, and Playside. Rich Keith, CEO of Fourth Floor, highlighted the showcase's growth and focus on the indie community. Fourth Floor, founded in 2017, specializes in games marketing services and works with both AAA and indie game publishers.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

New ‘Massiv’ Android banking malware poses as an IPTV app

A new strain of Android banking malware called Massiv is disguised as an IPTV application to steal digital identities and access online banking accounts. It uses screen overlays and keylogging techniques to capture sensitive information and can take remote control of compromised devices. Massiv has been observed targeting a Portuguese government application related to Chave Móvel Digital, which contains user data that could bypass know-your-customer (KYC) verifications. The malware allows fraudsters to open accounts in the victim's name at new banks and services, enabling money laundering and loan acquisition. Massiv features two remote control modes: a screen live-streaming mode and a UI-tree mode that extracts structured data from the Accessibility Service. There has been an increase in the use of IPTV applications as bait for Android malware infections, with many of these apps serving as droppers for the malware. The fake IPTV apps primarily target users in Spain, Portugal, France, and Turkey. Users are advised to download applications only from reputable sources and keep security measures active.

AppWizard

February 15, 2026

Steam wants you to share your PC specs on your reviews

Valve is testing a feature that allows Steam reviewers to include their hardware specifications in their reviews, currently available only to participants in Steam's Client Beta. This feature aims to help players diagnose performance issues and share experiences based on similar hardware setups. The latest beta patch also addresses an issue where streaming could throttle downloads after a session ends and introduces an option to provide anonymized framerate data for improving game compatibility. Additionally, the Competition Appeal Tribunal has ruled that a £656 million market rigging lawsuit against Valve can proceed, potentially allowing 14 million Steam users in the UK to seek compensation. The lawsuit, initiated by digital rights campaigner Vicki Shotbolt, accuses Valve of manipulating the PC games market and imposing price parity clauses that limit competition.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

For PC gamers: Epic Games Store launches new free game giveaways

The Epic Games Store offers free games regularly, which attracts new users and fosters community engagement. It has secured exclusive deals with developers and publishers, providing high-profile titles not available on other platforms. The store features a favorable revenue-sharing model for developers, taking a smaller cut of sales, which encourages innovation and attracts indie developers. Its user-friendly interface and support system help developers reach their audience effectively.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Hugging Face AI platform used to deliver Android malware via fake apps: don’t fall for this

Hackers are exploiting the Hugging Face AI platform to distribute Android malware through a counterfeit application. The malware, identified by cybersecurity firm Bitdefender, first appeared in an application named TrustBastion. Hugging Face lacks robust filtering mechanisms to regulate user-uploaded content, raising security concerns. Users are advised to download apps only from reputable sources, read reviews, check download numbers and ratings, avoid sideloading APK files, verify publishers and URLs, and regularly scan their devices with Play Protect and antivirus applications.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Addicted Gamer Sues Fortnite and Minecraft Over Video Game Addiction

A US gamer, Cayden Breeden, has filed a lawsuit against Epic Games, Microsoft Corporation, and Mojang Studios in New York, claiming that Fortnite and Minecraft are designed to exacerbate video game addiction. The lawsuit alleges that the companies failed to inform players about the dangers of excessive gaming and did not implement safeguards against compulsive gaming, which Breeden characterizes as negligent and fraudulent. He describes his gaming habits as compulsive, leading to withdrawal-like symptoms when not playing, and seeks compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and related costs. The case argues that the design mechanics of both games promote extended play and addictive behaviors, despite lacking traditional gambling elements. This lawsuit is part of a growing trend of legal actions against gaming companies in the US. Community reactions on Reddit have varied, with some users expressing skepticism about the lawsuit's viability and others discussing the balance between personal responsibility and corporate accountability in game design. The outcome of the case could impact future game design and regulatory compliance in the industry. No formal statements have been made by the defendants regarding the lawsuit.