publishing Archives

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Embracer is spinning off Coffee Stain

Embracer Group will spin off the newly rebranded Coffee Stain Group by the end of 2025, establishing it as an independent entity focused on community-driven game development and publishing. The Coffee Stain Group includes studios like Coffee Stain, Ghost Ship Games, and Tuxedo Labs, and is associated with popular titles such as Goat Simulator, Deep Rock Galactic, Satisfactory, and Valheim. CEO Anton Westbergh expressed pride and anticipation for the transition, believing it will allow Coffee Stain to thrive independently. Embracer Group's CEO Lars Wingefors supported this move, emphasizing the talent and IPs within Coffee Stain Group. This announcement follows Embracer Group's decision to spin off its subsidiary Asmodee and rebrand Middle Earth and Friends to Fellowship Entertainment.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Developers can finally pull that buggy app update from the Play Store

Google has announced that app developers will soon be able to pause the release of their apps and updates through the Play Console and publishing API. This new functionality allows developers to stop the distribution of problematic versions to new users, addressing a significant gap in the current system. Previously, developers had no official means to halt the rollout of updates after a major bug was discovered, complicating the release process. The upcoming feature aims to streamline developers' workflows and enhance user safety by preventing users from unknowingly downloading problematic app versions.

BetaBeacon

May 20, 2025

These iOS & Android Apps Won’t be Free for Much Longer

There are free Android games available for a limited time, including "Monster Killer Pro," which is a top-down shooter game where the player shoots monsters.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Windows 10 and 11: Microsoft removes Store fees for individual app developers

Microsoft announced that starting June 2015, individual developers will no longer incur fees to register and submit their apps to the Microsoft Store. This makes the Microsoft Store the first global digital store to offer free app publishing. Corporate developers will still face charges. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing enhancements such as improved hosting for privacy policies, expanded support resources, a policy update for Win32 app installations, promotional campaign capabilities for developers, enhanced health reports, and visibility on when apps were last updated. Microsoft has previously allowed developers to retain all revenue from non-game apps using their billing system, while charging a 12 percent fee for games and a 15 percent fee for apps using Microsoft's retail platform. In 2021, Microsoft expanded the types of applications that can be submitted to the store.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

India’s Nazara has acquired Curve Games

Nazara Technologies has acquired UK-based indie publisher Curve for ₹2.47 billion (approximately million). Curve is known for titles like Human Fall Flat and For the King and will continue operations in London with its current management team. The acquisition includes Curve's first-party studios, such as Runner Duck and IronOak Games. This move follows Nazara's acquisition of Fusebox Games in 2024. Stuart Dinsey, executive chair of Curve Games, expressed enthusiasm about joining Nazara, emphasizing the potential for growth in mobile gaming while maintaining their indie spirit. Nitish Mittersain, CEO of Nazara Technologies, highlighted the alignment of Curve’s capabilities with Nazara’s vision for premium gaming and the acquisition's role in enhancing their portfolio and supporting indie creators.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft Makes Individual Developer Accounts Free Next Month

Microsoft is removing all onboarding fees for individual developers to publish applications on the Microsoft Store, effective next month. This change allows developers to publish without a credit card, making the platform more accessible. Company accounts will still incur a fee, but individual developers can utilize the built-in developer mode on Windows 10, 11, and Xbox consoles to create unsigned applications. The Microsoft Store will also see improvements in discovery, delivery, and user acquisition processes. While developer mode is popular for running emulation software, it remains limited by the deprecated UWP application platform, affecting Xbox console applications.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Nazara Technologies acquires UK’s console gaming publisher Curve Games for Rs 247 crore

Nazara Technologies has acquired UK-based PC and console game publisher Curve Games for Rs 247 crore (£21.7 million), marking its largest international acquisition to date. This acquisition gives Nazara complete ownership of Curve, which has a portfolio of indie games with over 100 million downloads worldwide, including titles like Human Fall Flat and Lawn Mowing Simulator. The move aims to diversify Nazara's offerings beyond mobile gaming into the PC and console markets, valued at over 0 billion globally. Curve Games reported revenues of Rs 263.5 crore and EBITDA of Rs 114.4 crore in 2024. Nazara plans to allocate Rs 800–1,000 crore for further acquisitions targeting global gaming studios. Other notable acquisitions by Nazara include Fusebox Games, Moonshine Technology, Comic Con India, and others. As of 2:29 pm, Nazara shares were trading at Rs 1,292.8 on the BSE.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

10 reasons why PGC Barcelona is a must for PC game developers in 2025

The Pocket Gamer Connects (PGC) Barcelona is a two-day conference taking place in 2025, marking the 52nd edition of the series and the first time it is held in Spain. It aims to connect various stakeholders in the gaming industry, including indie developers, studios, and business professionals. The event will feature over 100 expert speakers across 17 themed tracks, with topics on global trends, investment strategies, and emerging technologies. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from over 500 companies, including major players like Epic Games and Ubisoft, and engage with C-level executives and senior management. The conference emphasizes networking through the MeetToMatch platform and fringe events, while also showcasing Spain's gaming ecosystem. The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower and is expected to attract over 1,000 industry professionals.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Xbox Game Pass Subscribers Have Less Than Two Weeks With These Five Games

Five titles are set to leave Xbox Game Pass after May 31, requiring subscribers to purchase them individually to continue playing. Subscribers can receive a 20 percent discount on these games while they are still available. The departing games include: 1. Remnant 2 (Metacritic Score: 85) - A sequel where players face new creatures and bosses. 2. Humanity (Metacritic Score: 86) - A puzzle-action game where players command crowds as a dog. 3. Cassette Beasts (Metacritic Score: 83) - An indie RPG focused on collecting monster forms for battles. 4. Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath (Metacritic Score: 80) - A chaotic battle against evil forces in a survival setting. 5. Firework (Metacritic Score: N/A) - A horror puzzle game involving a police investigation in a mountain village. Once these titles leave, their return to the service is uncertain.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

DMM Games and Too Kyo Games announce Shuten Order for Switch, PC

Publisher DMM Games and developer Too Kyo Games are collaborating on a new project titled Shuten Order, led by Kazutaka Kodaka, known for the Danganronpa series. The game will be available on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, with Spike Chunsoft publishing it in Western markets. Details about the genre and release date are not yet available. A teaser trailer has been released in both English and Japanese versions.