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PowerWash Simulator reaches 17m players
AppWizard
March 27, 2025

PowerWash Simulator reaches 17m players

PowerWash Simulator has surpassed 17 million players since its launch, with 12 million reported by April 2024. The game saw a growth of five million players in 11 months. A sequel is in development, and FuturLab, now acquired by Miniclip, is set to self-publish it.
Epic Games Store has more PC players than ever - 295 million, in fact
AppWizard
February 14, 2025

Epic Games Store has more PC players than ever – 295 million, in fact

Epic Games Store attracted 295 million PC players over the past year, an increase of 25 million since 2023. The platform has 898 million Epic cross-platform accounts, up by 94 million, with a collective playtime of 2.68 billion hours. The game catalog expanded by 1,100 new titles, supported by Self-Publishing Tools allowing developers to retain 100 percent of their revenue. The Free Games Program has provided over ,000 worth of premium PC titles through 89 giveaways, continuing into 2025. Daily Active Users (DAU) peaked at 37.2 million, while Monthly Active Users (MAU) declined slightly from 75 million to 74 million. DAU increased by 6 percent to 31.5 million, and MAU grew by 6 percent to 67.2 million. Popular titles include Genshin Impact, Rocket League, Honkai Star Rail, GTA 5, and Fortnite. The Now on Epic program will extend until January 31, 2026, including mobile games. Third-party gametime rose from 2.41 billion hours in 2023 to 2.68 billion in 2024, an 11 percent year-over-year growth. The Walt Disney Company acquired a .5 billion stake in Epic Games, initiating a multi-year partnership for a games and entertainment universe linked to Fortnite.
Epic Games Store Year in Review Released - Players Spend 2.68 Billion Hours Playing Third-Party PC Titles
AppWizard
February 14, 2025

Epic Games Store Year in Review Released – Players Spend 2.68 Billion Hours Playing Third-Party PC Titles

The Epic Games Store reported over 295 million PC users in 2024, an increase of 25 million from the previous year, and a total of 898 million Epic cross-platform accounts, up by 94 million since 2023. Players logged 2.68 billion hours in third-party games, and 1,100 new titles were added to the catalog due to Self-Publishing Tools. In December, there were 74 million Monthly Active Users, with 89 free games offered throughout the year, resulting in 595 million claims. Players spent .09 billion on the platform, with 5 million on exclusive third-party titles. Future plans include expanding the Free Games Program to mobile platforms and enhancing the Epic Games Store Mobile App, along with supporting AAB file types and mobile self-publishing tools. Upcoming titles include Splitgate 2, 33 Immortals, Killing Floor 3, Borderlands 4, and Cronos: The New Dawn.
People Can Fly cuts over 120 more jobs
AppWizard
December 11, 2024

People Can Fly cuts over 120 more jobs

Polish developer People Can Fly has announced a workforce reduction of over 120 positions, marking the second round of layoffs this year. This decision was prompted by the cancellation and downsizing of several projects, including the complete shelving of Project Victoria and a reduction in the team for Project Bifrost. CEO Sebastian Wojciechowski expressed regret over the layoffs and emphasized the need to reevaluate the company's direction due to ongoing challenges in the video game market. The company is shifting focus towards new work-for-hire engagements and the development of a single independent game. Earlier in January, the company had already laid off 30 staff members.
The Big Indie Interviews: Message Photon on their award-winning roguelike Painted Peril
AppWizard
November 17, 2024

The Big Indie Interviews: Message Photon on their award-winning roguelike Painted Peril

Painted Peril secured second place in The Very Big Indie Pitch at Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki. The game is a roguelike experience developed by a team from Finland, where players explore a world of color magic and combine hues to create spells. The project originated about 1.5 years ago as a university course initiative at Chalmers University of Technology, where a group of six students developed the initial prototype and won the Jury Spotlight Award at the Gotland Game Conference. Players control Sylvia the squirrel, navigating a cave system and using color effects and spellcasting mechanics. The game includes various bottles that affect spell behavior, promoting experimentation with color combinations. Emil Ekroth, a developer, discussed the challenges of indie development, emphasizing the need for versatility and motivation. The pitching experience highlighted the importance of clear communication. The team is exploring publishing options for Painted Peril, including potential self-publishing on Steam.
Remedy revenue more than doubles year-on-year
AppWizard
November 4, 2024

Remedy revenue more than doubles year-on-year

Finnish gaming company Remedy Entertainment reported a 128.6% increase in revenue for the quarter ending September 30th, reaching €17.9 million, up from €7.8 million the previous year. EBITDA improved to €6.6 million from a loss of €4.2 million. The growth is attributed to strategic partnerships, including a deal with Annapurna to co-finance Control 2 and funding from Rockstar for remakes of Max Payne. Remedy also announced a €15 million convertible loan agreement with Tencent to strengthen its financial position.
IO inks publishing deal for Build A Rocket Boy's MindsEye
AppWizard
October 17, 2024

IO inks publishing deal for Build A Rocket Boy’s MindsEye

IO Interactive is transitioning into third-party publishing after self-publishing its Hitman franchise since 2017. The company will publish MindsEye, an action thriller developed by Build A Rocket Boy, founded by Leslie Benzies, a former Rockstar executive. CEO Hakan Abrak indicated that the company has been considering this move for some time and sees it as a natural progression. Abrak highlighted the shared values and ambitions between IO Interactive and Build A Rocket Boy, suggesting a strong partnership for future projects.
WhatsApp novelists use messaging app to write and sell books in Zimbabwe
AppWizard
August 31, 2024

WhatsApp novelists use messaging app to write and sell books in Zimbabwe

Kingston Dhewa is a fruit and vegetable vendor in Budiriro 5, Zimbabwe, who has published 43 novels, primarily in Shona, inspired by African rural life. He began writing in high school but pursued it seriously during the COVID-19 pandemic after joining a WhatsApp community of writers. Dhewa releases his stories in serialized form. Pamela Ngirazi, another author, has over 21,000 followers and uses WhatsApp Channels to broadcast her romance novels. The trend of digital publishing in Zimbabwe has been driven by economic challenges, making WhatsApp a crucial platform for authors to reach readers. The e-books market in Africa is expected to grow, but data costs pose a barrier. Traditional publishing faces challenges, including piracy and declining sales. Concerns about copyright and intellectual property rights are prevalent, with emphasis on the importance of registering works. Despite the limitations of self-publishing, Dhewa remains hopeful for literary recognition.
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