store pages

AppWizard
April 23, 2025
Video games are increasingly incorporating accessibility options to cater to a diverse audience. A new accessibility-support questionnaire has been introduced by Valve for developers on Steam, allowing them to specify various accessibility features in their games. The questionnaire includes options such as adjustable text size, narrated menus, and colorblind options. Valve plans to display these selected accessibility features on game store pages and will allow players to filter search results based on these features. While participation in the system is not mandatory, it is encouraged to enhance accessibility. The listed accessibility options cover gameplay, audio, visual, and input categories, including adjustable difficulty, custom volume controls, adjustable text size, and various input methods.
Tech Optimizer
March 11, 2025
CTM360, a cybersecurity firm in Bahrain, has reported a new threat called the PlayPraetor trojan, which is distributed through malicious websites that imitate trusted sources like the Google Play Store. Users who visit these counterfeit sites may download an app disguised as a legitimate APK file, which requests extensive permissions, including access to accessibility services and SMS messages. Once installed, PlayPraetor functions as spyware, capturing keystrokes and clipboard activity, and specifically targets banking applications by scanning for them on infected devices. It sends a list of these apps to the attacker's server to steal banking credentials. The fraudulent links are often shared via Meta Ads and SMS messages, making it crucial for users to be cautious with links from these sources. The malicious sites closely resemble legitimate ones, so users should verify the website's spelling and URL. Deceptive advertisements and messages are commonly used to entice users into clicking links that lead to these sites. Users should be skeptical of anything that creates urgency or offers unrealistic deals. Excessive permission requests during app downloads should raise red flags, especially for unnecessary accessibility services. It is recommended to use reputable antivirus software for mobile protection, enable Google Play Protect, and avoid sideloading apps from unofficial sources to prevent potential threats.
AppWizard
February 10, 2025
Valve has updated its Steamworks developer documentation to introduce new advertising guidelines. In-game advertisements as a revenue model are prohibited, but product placement is allowed if it does not disrupt gameplay and is contextually appropriate. Cross-promotional efforts are permitted, but charging developers for participation in bundles or access to store pages is forbidden. Paid advertising campaigns conducted outside of Steam that direct users to a store page are allowed. Valve has also taken a stance against NFT and crypto-derived games and requires disclosure for games that use generative AI technology.
AppWizard
February 5, 2025
Steam has introduced a new feature for early access games that displays a highlighted note on store pages when a game has not received updates for an extended period, specifically after approximately 12 months of inactivity. This notification informs users about the duration since the last update and warns that developer information may no longer be current. An example is the game Cavern Kings, which has not been updated in eight years. However, there are concerns about the accuracy of this system, as seen with Heartbound, which recently received a patch for its beta branch but is labeled as having not been updated for over 13 months. Steam does not currently recognize beta updates as valid updates.
AppWizard
December 17, 2024
Microsoft has added the PC versions of three Call of Duty titles—Call of Duty, Call of Duty 2, and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare—to the Microsoft Store. Additionally, four more Call of Duty titles—Call of Duty: Ghosts, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty: WWII, and Call of Duty: Black Ops III—have also appeared on the Microsoft Store. The pricing for these games is consistent with market rates, and the store pages indicate that cross-platform multiplayer is not supported. Xbox Achievements and cloud saves are available, but Xbox Play Anywhere is not included. There is speculation about a potential influx of Call of Duty games in the Xbox Game Pass library for 2024.
AppWizard
November 21, 2024
Valve has revised its guidelines for season pass sales on Steam, requiring developers and publishers to provide a definitive release date for upcoming content associated with season passes. If specific timelines cannot be provided, companies should not sell or allow pre-orders for such offerings. Developers can offer a broader release window, such as a quarter or season, but must commit to a launch schedule for each piece of content included in the season pass. Valve emphasizes the importance of clear communication to ensure customer expectations align with reality.
AppWizard
November 16, 2024
Half-Life 2 celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a comprehensive update on Steam, introducing free content including elements from the Lost Coast expansion and Episodes One and Two until November 18. The Orange Box bundle, which includes these titles along with Portal and Team Fortress 2, is available for .99 until November 22. Most mod support for Half-Life 2 is now integrated into the main game, and standalone store pages for expansions have been delisted. The update features a complete visual overhaul, enhancing graphics to match Lost Coast's fidelity, and introduces a new High Quality mode for improved model rendering and shadow effects. User interface improvements include compatibility with modern controllers and three and a half hours of developer commentary added to Half-Life 2.
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