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Xbox is crazy if it thinks making Fallout and Minecraft exclusive will work
AppWizard
October 17, 2026

Xbox is crazy if it thinks making Fallout and Minecraft exclusive will work

Microsoft is considering making major gaming titles like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout exclusive to Xbox, which has sparked concern among gamers about the brand's strategic direction. A former Xbox One owner expressed relief at not upgrading to the Xbox Series X/S due to perceived missteps and a lack of sincerity from executives. Microsoft has started polling its fanbase about the interest in exclusivity, but this may not yield objective feedback. The recent release of Gears Of War: E-Day underperformed, highlighting the challenges of exclusivity in a market leaning towards subscription services. The idea of limiting access to popular franchises raises questions about market strategy, especially with Skyrim nearing its 20th anniversary. Some gamers believe Microsoft should consider divesting its console business to foster a more competitive landscape that prioritizes franchise legacy over short-term strategies.
Google Faces £1.2bn UK Class-Action Over Android Fees
AppWizard
October 8, 2026

Google Faces £1.2bn UK Class-Action Over Android Fees

A class action lawsuit seeking £1.2 billion in damages from Google has been initiated in London on behalf of approximately 20 million consumers and businesses in the UK. The case focuses on purchases made through the Google Play store or via Android devices between October 1, 2015, and July 31, 2026, including paid applications, subscription services, upgrades, and in-game purchases. Plaintiffs argue that Google's standard fee of around 30 percent has unfairly inflated costs for consumers. Google claims it has some of the lowest fees in the industry and denies having excessive market power. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) described Google and Apple as operating an "effective duopoly" in the mobile operating systems market. In a related case, Apple was found to have abused its dominant position, resulting in potential damages of around £1.5 billion for an estimated 36 million consumers.
Amazon Luna is giving Prime members 12 free games this September, including a major FPS franchise
AppWizard
September 11, 2026

Amazon Luna is giving Prime members 12 free games this September, including a major FPS franchise

Amazon Luna's September 2026 free games lineup includes 12 titles: War Hospital, Just Die Already, Drop Duchy, DOOM, DOOM II, Botany Manor, DOOM Eternal (available September 17), Rims Racing (available September 17), Wall World 2 (available September 17), Hue (available September 24), The Da Vinci Cryptex (available September 24), and High on Life (available September 24). Additionally, Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora are currently available for streaming. All downloaded games remain in the user's library indefinitely, even if the Amazon Prime subscription is canceled.
Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Loads of Final Fantasy games, Secret of Mana, more
AppWizard
September 9, 2026

Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Loads of Final Fantasy games, Secret of Mana, more

Google Play has mid-week offerings featuring classic titles from Square Enix, including CHRONO TRIGGER, Secret of Mana, Legend of Mana, and FINAL FANTASY VII. Other notable games include Actraiser Renaissance, COLLECTION of SaGa FF LEGEND, Trials of Mana, Adventures of Mana, Romancing SaGa3, and CHAOS RINGS Ⅲ. Additionally, there is a significant price drop on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Moto Tag 2 trackers is priced at .50. Other ongoing deals include discounted rates on various apps and games, exclusive offers on in-app purchases, and promotions on subscription services.
Tired Of Google Maps? Try These Android Auto Navigation Apps Instead
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

Tired Of Google Maps? Try These Android Auto Navigation Apps Instead

Several navigation apps have emerged as alternatives to Google Maps, particularly for Android Auto users. Sygic requires a Premium+ subscription priced at .99 for three months or .99 for a year to access features like real-time traffic alerts and voice-guided navigation. The free version lacks voice guidance, which many users find limiting. Magic Earth offers Android Auto connectivity through a paid plan costing .76 annually, providing features such as offline maps and personalized voice guidance. Its free version includes basic navigation tools, but users have reported bugs and performance issues. Here WeGo is completely free and fully compatible with Android Auto, offering route options, estimated travel times, and nearby amenities. However, users have noted inconsistent GPS accuracy.
Gaming Has Never Been Better. So Why Does It Feel Like the Worst Time to Be a Gamer?
AppWizard
August 28, 2026

Gaming Has Never Been Better. So Why Does It Feel Like the Worst Time to Be a Gamer?

The gaming industry is experiencing a surge in high-profile releases, including Grand Theft Auto 6, Control Resonant, Ace Combat 8, and Modern Warfare 4. However, the cost of entry has increased significantly, with flagship consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X now priced at least 0 above their launch prices. Microsoft is reportedly losing 0 per console sold, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to see a price increase. A shortage of memory and storage, driven by AI demands, has made essential gaming hardware more expensive. Mobile gaming and PC gaming are also affected, with graphics card prices projected to rise by 20% to 30%. The term “RAMageddon” has emerged to describe the doubling of memory prices since late 2025. Major companies like Microsoft and Sony are facing disappointing hardware sales, with projections of an 11% decline in PC shipments by 2026. The traditional model of game ownership is shifting towards a rental-like system, with digital sales tying ownership to accounts and licenses. Concerns about game accessibility have grown, leading to the Stop Killing Games movement. Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for resale has raised questions about long-term access, while Sony plans to end production of physical game discs by 2028. The average cost of AAA games has risen, with new titles like Mario Kart World for the Switch 2 priced at . Cloud gaming and subscription services further complicate ownership, as game availability is contingent on licensing agreements.
Weekend PC Game Deals: Flight Simulator, Stalker 2, Persona 5, and more
AppWizard
August 23, 2026

Weekend PC Game Deals: Flight Simulator, Stalker 2, Persona 5, and more

The Epic Games Store is giving away the game Cardpocalypse, developed by Gambrinous, until August 27. The Humble Store has launched several new bundles, including the Ready Player One and Two bundle, which features games like Mimesis and Killing Floor 3, and offers a second copy of each game for sharing. The Yes Chef Cooking Bundle includes titles such as Brewmaster and Food Truck Simulator, while the Summer Island Getaway collection features Islanders and its sequel. Green Man Gaming is offering a WB Games collection with titles like Middle Earth: Shadow of War for a discounted price. The GOG store has various discounts on DRM-free games available this weekend.
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