#free-game
#free-game

Mobile UX

Fortnite returns to Google Play worldwide

4 weeks ago

Fortnite's New Peak Skin Costs Twice As Much As The Indie Game

Fortnite's new Peak-themed skin costs over twice the price of the actual game on Steam.

fromGadgets 360

Fortnite Returns to Google Play Store for Android Users Worldwide

Fortnite returns to Google Play Store worldwide after years of absence, ending the need for sideloading on Android devices following Epic Games' legal settlement with Google.

fromwww.bbc.com

Fortnite-maker raising in-game currency prices 'to help pay the bills'

Epic Games is increasing V-Bucks prices starting March 19 to cover rising operational costs, while reducing battle pass prices and removing bonus currency rewards.

fromGameSpot

Video games

All The Free Fortnite Cosmetics Available To Unlock Right Now

fromwww.theverge.com

10 hours ago

Fortnite developers can make AI characters now just don't try to date them

Epic Games introduces an AI conversations tool for Fortnite, allowing creators to develop unscripted, interactive NPCs for player engagement.

fromGSMArena.com

Mobile UX

Fortnite returns to Google Play worldwide

4 weeks ago

Fortnite's New Peak Skin Costs Twice As Much As The Indie Game

Fortnite's new Peak-themed skin costs over twice the price of the actual game on Steam.

fromGadgets 360

Fortnite Returns to Google Play Store for Android Users Worldwide

Fortnite returns to Google Play Store worldwide after years of absence, ending the need for sideloading on Android devices following Epic Games' legal settlement with Google.

fromwww.bbc.com

Fortnite-maker raising in-game currency prices 'to help pay the bills'

Epic Games is increasing V-Bucks prices starting March 19 to cover rising operational costs, while reducing battle pass prices and removing bonus currency rewards.

fromGameSpot

fromApp Developer Magazine

Video games

All The Free Fortnite Cosmetics Available To Unlock Right Now

Crowdfunding Campaigns of the Week - 4/20/26

A variety of crowdfunding board games are featured, including solo and co-op options, strategic gameplay, and travel-friendly designs.

Business intelligence

19 hours ago

The App Economy Is Thriving

The app economy significantly contributes to the U.S. economy, generating over $1 trillion annually and supporting 2.6 million jobs.

fromForbes

15 hours ago

How Non-Gaming Marketers Are Rewriting The Rules Of User Acquisition

Mobile advertising is evolving as e-commerce and fintech target broader audiences beyond gaming, driven by cost-effective strategies on the open internet.

Media industry

fromDigiday

23 hours ago

As upfront negotiations near, buyers chart path through complex sports market

Fragmentation of sports broadcasting complicates viewing for fans and advertising strategies for brands.

#gaming-industry

Social media marketing

The State Of Influencer Marketing In Gaming

The gaming industry is rapidly growing, with revenues expected to reach $503.14 billion by 2025, driven by mobile gaming and influencer marketing.

How the Gaming Market Continues to Expand

The gaming market is evolving into a mainstream, influential entertainment industry, driven by mobile gaming and diverse player demographics.

Video games

Games Are Losing The Attention War With Gambling And OnlyFans

Social media marketing

The State Of Influencer Marketing In Gaming

The gaming industry is rapidly growing, with revenues expected to reach $503.14 billion by 2025, driven by mobile gaming and influencer marketing.

How the Gaming Market Continues to Expand

The gaming market is evolving into a mainstream, influential entertainment industry, driven by mobile gaming and diverse player demographics.

Video games

Games Are Losing The Attention War With Gambling And OnlyFans

Slay The Spire 2 Outlines A Big Roadmap But Devs Aren't Rushing

Mega Crit reveals new content roadmap for Slay the Spire 2, including The Bestiary and new game modes, but no specific release dates.

#sports-betting

fromBleacher Nation

2 days ago

Chicago Cubs

Can I Live Stream Sporting Events in a Sportsbook App? Sportsbook Streaming in 2026 - Bleacher Nation

fromFuturism

More Than Half of Men Aged 18 to 49 Have Already Fallen Into Online Sports Betting

Sports betting has surged in popularity since 2018, raising concerns over addiction and financial issues among Americans.

fromBleacher Nation

2 days ago

Chicago Cubs

Can I Live Stream Sporting Events in a Sportsbook App? Sportsbook Streaming in 2026 - Bleacher Nation

fromFuturism

More Than Half of Men Aged 18 to 49 Have Already Fallen Into Online Sports Betting

Sports betting has surged in popularity since 2018, raising concerns over addiction and financial issues among Americans.

more#sports-betting

10 years in gaming: Sportfive shares lessons from its first decade in interactive media

Sportfive's gaming department, which started with just three dedicated employees in 2016, has now expanded to a robust team of 80, highlighting the agency's commitment to the gaming sector.

Marketing

Music production

Even The Lead Singer Of Imagine Dragons Can Barely Get Anyone To Play His Live-Service Game - Kotaku

Last Flag, a new 5v5 hero shooter by Dan Reynolds, struggles to attract players despite its unique concept and celebrity backing.

Vue

fromGadgets 360

GeForce Now Explained: What Is It, Features, Subscription Plans and More

Nvidia GeForce Now launches in India, enabling cloud gaming without high-end hardware through streaming from powerful remote servers.

Dallas Cowboys

fromInside The Star

What's Behind The NFL Gaming Craze? " Inside The Star

NFL gaming is expanding rapidly, driven by popular franchises like Madden and a growing global fanbase.

#epic-games

Business

Epic's Head Of HR Is Out Less Than A Month After Mass Layoffs

Epic Is Reportedly Making A Disney-Themed Extraction Shooter

Epic is developing an extraction shooter featuring Disney characters, expected to launch in November.

Business

Epic's Head Of HR Is Out Less Than A Month After Mass Layoffs

Epic Is Reportedly Making A Disney-Themed Extraction Shooter

Epic is developing an extraction shooter featuring Disney characters, expected to launch in November.

more#epic-games

fromLos Angeles Times

17 hours ago

The Dodgers of esports: How L.A.'s Liquid Guild won the attention of over 100,000 people

The Race to World First in World of Warcraft is a competitive event where teams race to complete difficult content first, requiring extensive preparation and teamwork.

Tech industry

Xbox Is Said To Be Having "very, very, very big discussions " About Exclusivity

Changes may be coming to Xbox's multiplatform approach under new leadership, with discussions on exclusivity being a significant focus.

Media industry

fromObserver

Facing A.I. Slop and Shifting Algorithms, Brands Bet on Streamers to Stay Real

MrBeast exemplifies success in the creator economy, leveraging YouTube and livestreams while expanding into various media ventures.

Steam Adding 30-Day Lowest Price Feature, According To Leak

Dataminers found code referencing 'Price History' and '30-Day Low,' suggesting Valve plans to implement a feature showing a game's lowest recent price, helping users avoid overpaying.

Games

GTA Online Is Bringing In Around Half A Billion Dollars Per Year

GTA Online generates approximately $498.8M annually, significantly outperforming Red Dead Online's $26.4M.

GTA 6's Biggest Competition Is GTA Online

GTA Online generates over $1 million daily, raising questions about its future as GTA 6 approaches release.

GTA Online Is Bringing In Around Half A Billion Dollars Per Year

GTA Online generates approximately $498.8M annually, significantly outperforming Red Dead Online's $26.4M.

GTA 6's Biggest Competition Is GTA Online

GTA Online generates over $1 million daily, raising questions about its future as GTA 6 approaches release.

It's Such A Relief To See A Cool Game Like Pragmata Succeed

Pragmata's success shows that innovative games can thrive in a challenging market, while Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 continues the franchise with new character creation.

#disney

LA Clippers

The League of Legends KeSPA cup will air globally on Disney+

Disney Removes A Bunch More Games From Steam With No Warning

Disney has removed over 29 games from Steam without warning, raising concerns about potential exclusivity with Epic Games.

LA Clippers

The League of Legends KeSPA cup will air globally on Disney+

Disney Removes A Bunch More Games From Steam With No Warning

Disney has removed over 29 games from Steam without warning, raising concerns about potential exclusivity with Epic Games.

Social media marketing

YouTube livestreams will now hold back ads during peak engagement to protect the vibe | TechCrunch

YouTube will hold back ads during peak chat engagement to enhance viewer experience and reward supporters with ad-free moments.

fromTNW | Next-Featured

Marketing tech

YouTube pauses livestream ads during peak engagement to protect the vibe

YouTube will pause ads during peak chat engagement in livestreams to enhance viewer experience.

Social media marketing

fromTechCrunch

YouTube livestreams will now hold back ads during peak engagement to protect the vibe | TechCrunch

YouTube will hold back ads during peak chat engagement to enhance viewer experience and reward supporters with ad-free moments.

fromTNW | Next-Featured

YouTube pauses livestream ads during peak engagement to protect the vibe

YouTube will pause ads during peak chat engagement in livestreams to enhance viewer experience.

Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online To Play Pokemon Champions?

Pokemon Champions is a free-to-start online battle game available on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, requiring only an internet connection to play.

GameStop Is Taking Pokemon Card Gambling To The Masses

GameStop will launch its digital Power Packs program for trading cards to the general public on April 15, 2026.

Clash Of Clans Confuses Players With New Feet Pic Item

Clash of Clans introduces a bizarre microtransaction featuring decorative feet for $2 each, sparking confusion and mixed reactions among players.

2 days ago

Cyberpunk platformers, gallivanting geckos and other new indie games worth checking out

Indie game showcases and events are highlighting new titles and updates in the indie gaming space this weekend.

fromEast Bay Express | Oakland, Berkeley & Alameda

Fairgames Has An Extraction Shooter Mode As Marathon Struggles

Fairgames features a new mode called 'Cargo Heist' that involves completing objectives and extracting loot in a multiplayer heist shooter format.

Digital life

4 weeks ago

How Technology Is Changing Online Gaming Culture

Online gaming culture has evolved significantly due to advanced technology while retaining classic values like challenge, fairness, and storytelling.

Players Use Epic For Freebies But Then Just Go Back To Steam

Epic Games Store is popular for free games but struggles to compete with Steam and faces criticism for rushed projects.

Video games

It's Time To Stop Treating The Epic Game Store Like A Joke

Players Use Epic For Freebies But Then Just Go Back To Steam

Epic Games Store is popular for free games but struggles to compete with Steam and faces criticism for rushed projects.

Video games

It's Time To Stop Treating The Epic Game Store Like A Joke

more#epic-games-store

fromLondon Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Cyberpunk, League Of Legends Games Suggest TCGs Are Having A Moment

PAX East 2026 featured a shift from video games to trading card games, particularly a TCG based on Cyberpunk 2077.

#gaming

Growth hacking

The efficiency economy: Why modern consumers are redefining value in the global gaming market - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Game top-ups have evolved into a strategic tool for busy professionals seeking efficiency in gaming.

fromLondon Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Video games

Why Brands Need To Pick Up The Controller And Level Up In The Gaming World

The pandemic significantly increased gaming engagement, with mobile gaming becoming a key focus for brands and content creators.

Growth hacking

The efficiency economy: Why modern consumers are redefining value in the global gaming market - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Game top-ups have evolved into a strategic tool for busy professionals seeking efficiency in gaming.

Why Brands Need To Pick Up The Controller And Level Up In The Gaming World

The pandemic significantly increased gaming engagement, with mobile gaming becoming a key focus for brands and content creators.

Crimson Desert's First Month Was Full Of Big Updates And Neat Discoveries

Crimson Desert, a massive open-world RPG, has gained popularity despite mixed reviews and initial player feedback.

Arc Raiders Death Spiral Is A Problem Other Games Would Kill For

Arc Raiders has seen a significant decline in player numbers, while the Call of Duty movie is set for release on June 30, 2028.

Blizzard just made Overwatch's best mode much worse

The developers say they modified Mystery Heroes "to help keep the mode's casual pace intact while mitigating some of the more extreme pain points it's had in the past." Removing perks helps players clock what's going on a bit faster, but it diminishes the fun.

Video games

Ex-PlayStation Exec Calls The Outlook For Xbox Game Pass 'Grim'

Game Pass faces scrutiny over its sustainability and pricing amid mixed industry opinions on its impact on game development.

Xbox Boss Admits Game Has Become "too expensive", Hints At Big Changes To The Service

Asha Sharma plans to make Game Pass more flexible and potentially cheaper, addressing concerns about its current pricing model.

Ex-PlayStation Exec Calls The Outlook For Xbox Game Pass 'Grim'

Game Pass faces scrutiny over its sustainability and pricing amid mixed industry opinions on its impact on game development.

Xbox Boss Admits Game Has Become "too expensive", Hints At Big Changes To The Service

Asha Sharma plans to make Game Pass more flexible and potentially cheaper, addressing concerns about its current pricing model.

Video games

Roblox is turning its product roadmap into advertising inventory

Video games

Roblox is working to pull in adult players

Video games

Roblox is turning its product roadmap into advertising inventory

Video games

Roblox is working to pull in adult players

How Crash-Style Gaming Platforms Are Driving Digital Revenue

Crash-style games generate substantial revenue through rapid game cycles, minimal operating costs, and high player engagement driven by simple mechanics and fast-paced gameplay.

fromGameSpot

The Biggest New Game Releases Of April 2026

April 2026 features highly anticipated game releases including Starfield, Darwin's Paradox, and Pokemon Champions.

Peak Devs Call Out Entitled Gamers Who Want Endless Free Updates

Endless support for games is not guaranteed; updates are considered a bonus, not a right.

The Technology Stack Behind Modern Gaming: Payment Infrastructure as Competitive Moat

Modern gaming platforms no longer win purely on content libraries, bonuses, or marketing spend. Competitive advantage is increasingly determined by the quality of the underlying technology stack, particularly payment infrastructure. This article examines how payment systems have evolved into a decisive moat for gaming operators, driven by massive investment, API-led architecture, advanced security engineering, cloud scalability, and the measurable financial cost of legacy platforms. Each section below explores a distinct technical pillar shaping competitive outcomes across the modern gaming ecosystem.

Tech industry

Marketing

How Digital Gaming Trends Are Reshaping Modern Entertainment Businesses

Crypto-enabled digital gaming transforms audience behavior, monetization, and engagement strategies for entertainment businesses by enabling transparency, speed, personalization, and new payment models.

fromReadWrite

Valve disputes claims loot boxes violate gambling laws

Valve defends loot boxes as collectible products rather than gambling, arguing cosmetic-only items provide no competitive advantage while claiming to have blocked over one million accounts linked to gambling activity.

Inside Clix Gaming's creator-powered business strategy

Cody 'Clix' Conrod is launching Clix Gaming, a brand and business centered on his success as a top Fortnite player.

Marketing

fromThe Drum

How brands can align their interests with the interests of gamers

Brands can increase engagement and reach diverse audiences by integrating ads into interactive gaming experiences and aligning brand goals with player interests.

Brand integrations have surpassed owned worlds on Roblox and Fortnite | exclusive

Brand integrations on UGC platforms outpaced brand-owned virtual worlds in 2025 as advertisers favor measurable, lower-maintenance integrations over costly owned experiences.

Epic is increasing the price of Fortnite's V-Bucks currency

Epic Games is reducing V-Bucks value across all Fortnite purchase tiers starting March 19, effectively increasing real-world costs for in-game items despite maintaining the same dollar prices.

V-bucks are getting more X-pensive

Fortnite V-bucks packs will provide less currency at the same prices starting March 19th, with the Battle Pass cost reduced to 800 V-bucks but no longer rewarding V-bucks upon completion.

Epic is increasing the price of Fortnite's V-Bucks currency

Epic Games is reducing V-Bucks value across all Fortnite purchase tiers starting March 19, effectively increasing real-world costs for in-game items despite maintaining the same dollar prices.

V-bucks are getting more X-pensive

Fortnite V-bucks packs will provide less currency at the same prices starting March 19th, with the Battle Pass cost reduced to 800 V-bucks but no longer rewarding V-bucks upon completion.

more#fortnite-pricing

fromTechCrunch

Google Play is adding new paid and PC games, game trials, community posts, and more | TechCrunch

Google Play expands gaming offerings with paid indie games, game trials, cross-platform play, wishlists, and community features to create a comprehensive gaming hub.

fromThe Drum

The in-game advertising landscape: It isn't child's play

In-game advertising integrates branded placements into game environments to reach a large, mature gaming audience, but requires data-driven strategy for effectiveness.

#live-service-games

3 weeks ago

Video games

PUBG: Blindspot Is Shutting Down After Only Two Months

Video games

Live-service games are a mess

3 weeks ago

PUBG: Blindspot Is Shutting Down After Only Two Months

Concord's failure sets a benchmark for live-service game failures, overshadowing the brief existence of PUBG: Blindspot.

Live-service games are a mess

Live-service games represent a new entertainment model focused on continuous content delivery, with Fortnite as the dominant success story, while most competitors have failed despite industry-wide pursuit of similar profitability.

more#live-service-games

Marketing

fromThe Drum

Why gaming is a such a key communications channel for retail marketers

Gaming is a mainstream, high-value channel retailers must engage, especially Gen Z gamers, via community-driven experiences on platforms like Twitch and Discord.

fromAndroid Police

I played 50 terrible games to find the only way to make mobile ads work

During my week-long binge, I played games that paused their own tutorials to run ads. I saw endless fake X icons and banners that hid the close button under the iPhone's Dynamic Island. Now, I'm not against ads, but I hate it when they feel like a penalty. I'm a gamer, and from what I've seen, PC and console games integrate ads much better. If mobile devs followed suit, mobile games might finally climb out of the mess they're in.

Marketing tech

Fortnite Raising Prices, Cutting Bonus Rewards To Help 'Pay Bills'

Epic Games is increasing V-Bucks prices and reducing monthly rewards while lowering some battle pass costs to cover rising operational expenses.

3 weeks ago

Marathon Sales Look Soft So Far - PC By Far The Favoured Platform

Marathon has sold 1.2 million copies, generating approximately $48 million in revenue, with PC sales dominating the market.

fromwww.theguardian.com

In the killer world of online gaming, there are no hits any more just survivors

Highguard's rapid failure demonstrates that modern online games face extreme pressure to deliver immediate returns, leaving no room for player learning curves or developer iteration.

Fortnite will return to Google's Play Store globally on March 19

Epic Games and Google settled their legal dispute, allowing Fortnite to return to the Google Play Store globally on March 19, with Google reducing its in-app purchase commission from 30 percent to 10-20 percent.

Game Devs React To Valve's Boast Of How Few Profit On Steam

Steam's chart was designed to communicate that more games than ever are seeing revenue of over $100,000 per year. This, were it so clear cut, would be splendid news. According to the chart, in 2020 just 3,000 games "earned" $100k, but by 2025 that number had reached 5,863. Let's call it 6,000 for ease. That means twice as many games are hitting this figure compared to five years ago.

Video games

NBA 2K26 Coming To GTA+ Soon As Rockstar's Subscription Service Expands

NBA 2K26 is being added to GTA+ subscription for a limited time from March 10 to April 20, with a bonus content pack and 20-percent discount for subscribers who want to keep it.

Fortnite is about to get a lot more gaming crossovers

Epic will expand Fortnite crossovers tied to Epic Games Store purchases, aiming for over 100 developer partnerships annually while boosting store sales and platform growth.

fromArs Technica