purchases Archives

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

Microtransactions Made Up 58% of PC Video Game Revenue in 2024, Research Shows

Microtransactions account for 58% of total revenue for game companies, with a 1.4% increase in 2024, contributing .4 billion to overall PC gaming sales of .3 billion. Downloadable content (DLC) generated .8 billion in revenue last year, while microtransactions represent 32% of console revenue, amounting to .9 billion out of .8 billion in console sales. Subscription services have risen by 14.1%. PC gaming sales grew by 0.1%, but console gaming revenue declined by 3.9%. Major franchises like Fortnite, Roblox, and Call of Duty exemplify the popularity of microtransactions. The report also notes the trend of "recursive nostalgia," where established franchises reintroduce vintage content to engage players.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

How Gaming Is Regulated On Android’s App Store

The Google Play Store offers millions of mobile games and enforces strict regulations to ensure user safety and legal compliance. These regulations cover content policies, monetization practices, data protection, technical requirements, and regional compliance. Games must adhere to content policies that prohibit hate speech, excessive violence, and misrepresentation, and must be rated by the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC). Monetization strategies require developers to use Google’s payment system for in-app purchases and disclose pricing and refund policies. Gambling games must have the necessary licenses and disclose odds for loot boxes. Data privacy guidelines mandate clear communication about data collection and user consent. Technical standards require games to function well across devices and be free from security threats. Google employs automated and manual reviews to enforce compliance, with consequences for violations ranging from warnings to permanent bans. Regional compliance is necessary, particularly in areas with strict regulations like China and the EU.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

What’s on at Vue Bromley this weekend including ‘A Minecraft Movie’ and more

"A Minecraft Movie" features characters Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison, Henry, Natalie, and Dawn, and is scheduled for showings on Friday, April 11, at 1:30 PM, 4:05 PM, and 6:45 PM in Screen 6. The film has a star-studded cast including Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and others. "SIX The Musical Live!" will be shown on the same day at 4:15 PM and 7:00 PM in Screen 5, running for 1 hour and 31 minutes, with strobe effects. "Good Bad Ugly (Tamil)" will screen on Friday at 7:40 PM and 11:10 PM in Screen 8. On Saturday, April 12, "A Minecraft Movie" will have showings at 1:30 PM, 4:05 PM, and 6:45 PM in Screen 6, while "SIX The Musical Live!" will be at 1:00 PM and 3:45 PM in Screen 5. On Sunday, April 13, "A Minecraft Movie" will be available at 1:30 PM, 4:05 PM, and 6:45 PM in Screen 7, and "SIX The Musical Live!" will have a special showing at 2:30 PM in Screen 5. Vue Bromley encourages online ticket purchases for discounted prices.

BetaBeacon

April 9, 2025

Download Goose Goose Duck (free) for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS

Goose Goose Duck is a free game available on multiple platforms, including mobile devices and PCs. Optional in-game purchases offer visual accessories and skins, but do not affect gameplay.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Windows 10: Computer recycling at the end of support

Microsoft has issued guidance advising users to consider disposing of computers that cannot upgrade to Windows 11, as support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. The document suggests recycling old devices responsibly and mentions that Microsoft Surface devices can be sent in for recycling in certain states. The trade-in program is limited to specific countries and applies only when purchasing certain new Surface PCs. The document does not explicitly instruct customers to discard outdated devices but promotes new hardware sales. It also notes that alternatives like installing a Linux distribution on older hardware exist. The lack of security updates for unsupported systems will increase vulnerability to cyber threats.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Newzoo: PC revenue flat for 2024 at $37.3bn

The PC games market generated .3 billion in revenue in 2024, with a forecasted increase to .4 billion by 2027, reflecting a growth of 2.6 percent. Microtransactions accounted for 58 percent of total spending, totaling .4 billion, with a year-on-year increase of 1.4 percent. Premium purchases contributed .7 billion, representing 28 percent of the market, but saw a decline of 2.6 percent. Downloadable content (DLC) generated .3 billion, accounting for 14 percent of overall revenue, with a slight increase of 0.8 percent. Gamers' playtime decreased by 1 percent in 2024 after a 12 percent increase the previous year.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft’s miniature Windows 365 Link PC is available to buy now

Microsoft has launched the Windows 365 Link, a mini-desktop PC that connects to the Windows 365 cloud service, priced at .99. It is available for purchase in the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, Germany, Japan, and New Zealand. The device is designed for businesses, minimizing the need for IT support and allowing users to work from anywhere. It features a fast boot time and has undergone testing with over 100 organizations. Individual consumers may face challenges in purchasing it, as bulk purchases might be required.

BetaBeacon

April 2, 2025

Hurry! These Smartphone Games and Apps Are Free Right Now

The fact described in the text is that there are limited-time free Android apps and games available, including an Offline Password Manager app that securely stores passwords without unnecessary features.

BetaBeacon

March 31, 2025

Eight of the best Android games available to play on your cellphone

Among Us is a game set aboard an abandoned spaceship where players are part of a crew with some impostors among them. The goal is for the crew to successfully eject the impostors.

BetaBeacon

March 31, 2025

Eight of the best cell phone games available for you to play on Android

- Among Us is a multiplayer game set on a deserted spaceship where players are part of a crew and some are impostors trying to sabotage the mission or kill off crewmates. Players must vote to eject suspected impostors.