News May 10, 2024
Microsoft’s web-based mobile game store opens in July
In a few months, Microsoft will be launching its own mobile games store, allowing users to download and purchase games from across all devices and countries without being locked into a single ecosystem. The web-based store will feature a selection of titles, including popular ones like Candy Crush Saga and Call of Duty, as well as Microsoft’s own games, such as Minecraft. This move is seen as the first step in building a trusted app store with roots in gaming, with plans to open up to third-party publishers in the future. The company’s decision to launch a browser-based store rather than an app is aimed at making it accessible across all devices and countries. Microsoft’s new store will also offer discounts on add-ons and in-app purchases, giving users more flexibility when playing their favorite mobile games. This development comes as Apple and Google are forced to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which requires them to allow third-party app stores to operate on their platforms and offer alternative billing systems for purchases.
Garena is quietly making India-themed games even as Free Fire’s relaunch remains doubtful
Game studio Garena, publisher of the hit game Free Fire, found itself in a delicate geopolitical situation when the Indian government banned its popular title over national security concerns. Although the ban remains in effect, Garena has quietly been developing new games with local themes in India. One such game, Versus, a 1v1 fighting game set in Hindu mythology, was released on early access on Google Play last week. Despite not explicitly confirming Garena’s role, regulatory filings reveal that the studio behind Versus is led by Harold Teo, one of Garena’s directors and producer of Free Fire. The Indian team has been working on Versus for over two years and is also developing a cricket game and a Ludo game. This new development highlights India’s lengthy ban process, companies’ willingness to find workarounds, and the potential for localized services as a route back into the market.
‘AGGR0 DR1FT’ review: Harmony Korine’s latest is a blood-soaked, psychedelic assassin tale
As James Franco’s Alien once said, “Some people, they wanna do the right thing. I like doing the wrong thing.” That quote seems to have a special significance in Harmony Korine’s latest film AGGR0 DR1FT, which follows the self-proclaimed world’s greatest assassin Bo on a quest to kill the biggest villain in Miami. The film is a spiritual successor to Spring Breakers and revisits Florida with an even more violent and terror-stricken tone. With its bombastic visual choices, including thermal imaging infrared cameras and a mix of live action, gaming engines, 3D rendering, VFX, and artificial intelligence, AGGR0 DR1FT creates a pulsating pixelated city where characters move like playable protagonists.
‘House of the Dragon’ recap: Every death, ranked by gruesomeness
The anticipation for House of the Dragon’s second season is building, but first, let’s take a gruesome trip down memory lane to relive the most unsettling moments from Season 1. The Game of Thrones prequel may not have reached the same level of carnage as its parent show just yet, but it’s certainly making up for lost time. From Lord Lyman Beesbury’s fatal encounter with Ser Criston Cole’s marble-covered office to Laena Velaryon’s heart-wrenching self-immolation, we’re counting down the most gory moments in House of the Dragon’s inaugural season.
“BRING THE BLUE BACK”: WhatsApp announces app redesign, not everyone is pleased
WhatsApp is ushering in a fresh design overhaul for both iOS and Android users, and while it’s not a drastic transformation, some notable changes have taken center stage. On top of the app, you’ll find a more prominent search bar, accompanied by tabs that grant quick access to unread messages and groups. The bottom row of icons on Android has also received an upgrade, providing seamless navigation to Chats, Updates, Communities, and other features. Meanwhile, iOS users have noticed a significant visual shift: the once-blue accents have given way to a vibrant green hue across the app. While some enthusiasts have praised the change, others on X have expressed their dismay at the loss of the beloved blue color scheme. As one commenter lamented, “I still have the blue and I hope it stays like this forever.”