Apps Rocket Toward $25 Billion in Sales:
Nearly five years after Apple Inc. kicked off the mobile-apps craze, the industry is booming.
App stores run by Apple and Google Inc. now offer more than 700,000 apps each. With so many apps to choose from, consumers are estimated to spend on average about two hours a day with apps. Global revenue from app stores is expected to rise 62% this year to $25 billion, according to Gartner Inc.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Smartphones Expected to Outship Feature Phones for First Time in 2013, According to IDC
Smartphones Expected to Outship Feature Phones for First Time in 2013, According to IDC:
More smartphones are forecast to be shipped globally than feature phones in 2013, the first such occurrence in the mobile phone market on an annual basis. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors will ship 918.6 million smartphones this year, or 50.1% of the total mobile phone shipments worldwide.
More smartphones are forecast to be shipped globally than feature phones in 2013, the first such occurrence in the mobile phone market on an annual basis. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors will ship 918.6 million smartphones this year, or 50.1% of the total mobile phone shipments worldwide.
Korean Beta Test Announcements
- Soft Bigbang MOBA “Core Masters” holds 1st CBT from April 10 to 14.
- Nox Media action MMORPG “Pride of Soul” holds CBT in March after holding its FGT.
Mini Golf MatchUp Preview
Mini Golf MatchUp Preview:
Golf was invented in 15th century Scotland. It took a while, but the game was made significantly more majestic with the conception of miniature golf and putt-putt. Only a genius mind could have determined that the sport of gentlemen needed some plastic dinosaurs and windmills to make it cook. Mini Golf MatchUp uplifts golf to an even higher plane: It’s a mini-golf game that you can play on iOS and Android devices alongside your friends.
Golf was invented in 15th century Scotland. It took a while, but the game was made significantly more majestic with the conception of miniature golf and putt-putt. Only a genius mind could have determined that the sport of gentlemen needed some plastic dinosaurs and windmills to make it cook. Mini Golf MatchUp uplifts golf to an even higher plane: It’s a mini-golf game that you can play on iOS and Android devices alongside your friends.
Astro Shark Preview
Astro Shark Preview :
If I’ve learned anything in all my years on this Earth, it’s that there’s nothing quite like the love between a whale shark and a space dog. Seriously, it almost brings a tear to my eye. That’s why I’m so excited about Astro Shark, the next game from UNIT9, who brought us the addictive physics puzzler Nano Panda in 2011. And if the debut gameplay trailer is any indication, then Astro Shark looks to be just as fun, and just as adorable.
If I’ve learned anything in all my years on this Earth, it’s that there’s nothing quite like the love between a whale shark and a space dog. Seriously, it almost brings a tear to my eye. That’s why I’m so excited about Astro Shark, the next game from UNIT9, who brought us the addictive physics puzzler Nano Panda in 2011. And if the debut gameplay trailer is any indication, then Astro Shark looks to be just as fun, and just as adorable.
Robotoki's The Adventures of Dash may arrive earlier than Human Element
Robotoki's The Adventures of Dash may arrive earlier than Human Element: Independent studio Robotoki launched a new game today on Kickstarter called The Adventures of Dash, which needs $400,000 to...
Rumor: BioWare San Francisco shuts down
Rumor: BioWare San Francisco shuts down:
Filed under: MMO industry, News items, Mobile, Casual, Miscellaneous
According to GamesRadar's unnamed sources, BioWare San Francisco has reportedly been shut down as of today, resulting in the layoffs of 25-30 employees associated with the studio.
The studio formerly known as EA2D was responsible for the Dragon Age Legends Facebook game and the browser-based Mirror's Edge 2D. While it was focused on developing mobile and social games, Electronic Arts found that handling development in the area was too expensive and has shut down operations.
Our condolences to all those affected by this shutdown.
Rumor: BioWare San Francisco shuts down originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: MMO industry, News items, Mobile, Casual, Miscellaneous
The studio formerly known as EA2D was responsible for the Dragon Age Legends Facebook game and the browser-based Mirror's Edge 2D. While it was focused on developing mobile and social games, Electronic Arts found that handling development in the area was too expensive and has shut down operations.
Our condolences to all those affected by this shutdown.
Rumor: BioWare San Francisco shuts down originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Sonic Dash headed to the App Store soon
Sonic Dash headed to the App Store soon: Sega announced a new game today called Sonic Dash, which is hitting the App Store "soon."
From the sounds of...
From the sounds of...
Online multiplayer and new platforms announced for Mercenary Kings
Online multiplayer and new platforms announced for Mercenary Kings: Canadian developer Tribute Games revealed new details today about its upcoming game Mercenary Kings, which earned more than...
Colin McKee on Aeria Mobile’s efforts to bring Japanese card-battling games to Western markets
Colin McKee on Aeria Mobile’s efforts to bring Japanese card-battling games to Western markets:
It’s no secret that card-battling games are some of the best-monetizing titles currently available for mobile devices. Aeria Mobile’s been making a name for itself in this genre since June 2012, when the company debuted with Monster Paradise for iOS (which then arrived on Android in August). Aeria’s strategy has been to take popular card-battling games from Japan and adapt them for Western audiences. Aeria Mobile General Manager Colin McKee recently took some time to talk to Inside Social Games about the company’s strategy and how it’s paying off so far.
It’s no secret that card-battling games are some of the best-monetizing titles currently available for mobile devices. Aeria Mobile’s been making a name for itself in this genre since June 2012, when the company debuted with Monster Paradise for iOS (which then arrived on Android in August). Aeria’s strategy has been to take popular card-battling games from Japan and adapt them for Western audiences. Aeria Mobile General Manager Colin McKee recently took some time to talk to Inside Social Games about the company’s strategy and how it’s paying off so far.
What's really going on with Banner Saga
What's really going on with Banner Saga:
In a new blog, Stoic's Alex Thomas explains what the team's been up to since its Kickstarter windfall, outlining the complicated decisions having a bunch of money -- and a bunch of backers -- brings. ...
In a new blog, Stoic's Alex Thomas explains what the team's been up to since its Kickstarter windfall, outlining the complicated decisions having a bunch of money -- and a bunch of backers -- brings. ...
Mechwarrior Online has big plans for March
Mechwarrior Online has big plans for March:
Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, in-game, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, MMOFPS, Dev Diaries, MechWarrior Online
Mechwarrior Online has big plans for March originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, in-game, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, MMOFPS, Dev Diaries, MechWarrior Online
March is upon us! March has actually been upon us for a handful of days, but those days were lame. Now is the time of awesome days, and those days will be full of updates and new features for MechWarrior Online. Creative Director Bryan Ekman has laid out the team's plan for the coming month.
Training grounds, an offline game mode that loads a player into a random map with eight enemy targets to test out their current 'Mech, will be made available. This game mode is "just the beginning" of an incoming wealth of training options. Consumables will extend the module system and will be available for C-Bill and MC purchase. A host of UI, user controls, and statistics-tracking improvements are coming in, as is Tourmaline Desert, MWO's largest map to date.
The ability to acquire fuzzy dice for one's cockpit has been hinted at. You know what to do, soldiers.
Training grounds, an offline game mode that loads a player into a random map with eight enemy targets to test out their current 'Mech, will be made available. This game mode is "just the beginning" of an incoming wealth of training options. Consumables will extend the module system and will be available for C-Bill and MC purchase. A host of UI, user controls, and statistics-tracking improvements are coming in, as is Tourmaline Desert, MWO's largest map to date.
The ability to acquire fuzzy dice for one's cockpit has been hinted at. You know what to do, soldiers.
Mechwarrior Online has big plans for March originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Source: 2013 March update
Tick Tock Toys (iOS) review
Tick Tock Toys (iOS) review:
Tick Tock Toys is a new iOS game from Scottish developer Swallowtail Games. The game was recognized during development with awards from both BAFTA “Ones to Watch” and Dare to be Digital, and is now available as a free download from the App Store. The game has five sets of three levels available for free, after which the player must pay $2.99 to unlock the rest of the game. Consumable “pay to win” in-app purchases are also available for players struggling to complete tricky levels. The game is presently featured in the New & Noteworthy section of the App Store front page.
Tick Tock Toys is a new iOS game from Scottish developer Swallowtail Games. The game was recognized during development with awards from both BAFTA “Ones to Watch” and Dare to be Digital, and is now available as a free download from the App Store. The game has five sets of three levels available for free, after which the player must pay $2.99 to unlock the rest of the game. Consumable “pay to win” in-app purchases are also available for players struggling to complete tricky levels. The game is presently featured in the New & Noteworthy section of the App Store front page.
Getting physical with multiplayer
Getting physical with multiplayer:
Johann Sebastian Joust isn't the only option -- indie dev Alistair Aitcheson takes a look at the ways tablet game developers are encouraging meaningful in-person play. ...
Johann Sebastian Joust isn't the only option -- indie dev Alistair Aitcheson takes a look at the ways tablet game developers are encouraging meaningful in-person play. ...
Aliens: Colonial Marines co-developer cuts employees in "reinvention"
Aliens: Colonial Marines co-developer cuts employees in "reinvention": Timegate lays off 25 employees as it transitions to next-gen
Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes: Why It's Closing
Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes: Why It's Closing:
Last week's announcement that Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes came as a shock to some. We managed to catch up to Producer James Casey to find out more about the reasons behind the closure. See what he had to say before heading to the comments to discuss the interview.
How Kickstarter should work for game development
How Kickstarter should work for game development:
Kickstarter's weaknesses have become apparent, but there are also potential fixes, and in this blog -- touched off by Mike Rose's opinion piece -- indie dev Martin Pichlmair proposes some. ...
Kickstarter's weaknesses have become apparent, but there are also potential fixes, and in this blog -- touched off by Mike Rose's opinion piece -- indie dev Martin Pichlmair proposes some. ...
Age of Wushu: Launch Date Announced
Age of Wushu: Launch Date Announced:
Snail Games has announced that Age of Wushu will officially launch on April 10, 2013. The April 10th date marks the release of the digital download version of the game with a boxed version coming later in the month.
QuizCross Review (iPhone, iPad, Android)
QuizCross Review (iPhone, iPad, Android):
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Survey results: Which mobile platforms are developers making games for?
Survey results: Which mobile platforms are developers making games for?:
Over 2,500 game developers were recently asked which smartphone platforms they are currently developing games for. As you might imagine, iOS and Android were the dominant platforms, but how did the others fair? ...
Over 2,500 game developers were recently asked which smartphone platforms they are currently developing games for. As you might imagine, iOS and Android were the dominant platforms, but how did the others fair? ...
Pet Rescue Saga back on top of this week’s fastest-growing Facebook games by MAU
Pet Rescue Saga back on top of this week’s fastest-growing Facebook games by MAU:
King.com’s Pet Rescue Saga managed to dominate this week’s list of the fastest-growing Facebook games by monthly active users, bringing in nearly 3.3 million MAU for a 17 percent gain.
Playdemic’s Village Life is continuing to grow, taking the No. 2 spot with a 44 percent gain of nearly 1.5 million MAU. Pretty Simple’s Criminal Case still seems to be on a winning streak, coming in at No. 3 with 910,486 MAU for a 12 percent gain. MiniClip.com’s 8 Ball Pool snagged the No. 4 position with a 5 percent growth of 519,095 MAU. Zynga’s CastleVille rounded out the top five with 501,632 MAU, a 7 percent traffic increase.
Even though it’s early in the month, only two games on this week’s list had traffic percentage gains in the double digits. Plarium’s Total Domination was up by 39 percent with 468,902 MAU, most likely due to how the developer’s other core game Stormfall: Age of War is continuing to grow on Facebook. PopCap’s hidden object game Hidden Agenda took in 300,906 MAU, a 56 percent gain.
All data in this post comes from our traffic tracking service, AppData. Come back for our look at the fastest-growing Facebook games by daily active users on Wednesday and top emerging apps on Friday. You can learn more about Facebook’s new ranking system here.
Read our reviews of…
King.com’s Pet Rescue Saga managed to dominate this week’s list of the fastest-growing Facebook games by monthly active users, bringing in nearly 3.3 million MAU for a 17 percent gain.Playdemic’s Village Life is continuing to grow, taking the No. 2 spot with a 44 percent gain of nearly 1.5 million MAU. Pretty Simple’s Criminal Case still seems to be on a winning streak, coming in at No. 3 with 910,486 MAU for a 12 percent gain. MiniClip.com’s 8 Ball Pool snagged the No. 4 position with a 5 percent growth of 519,095 MAU. Zynga’s CastleVille rounded out the top five with 501,632 MAU, a 7 percent traffic increase.
Even though it’s early in the month, only two games on this week’s list had traffic percentage gains in the double digits. Plarium’s Total Domination was up by 39 percent with 468,902 MAU, most likely due to how the developer’s other core game Stormfall: Age of War is continuing to grow on Facebook. PopCap’s hidden object game Hidden Agenda took in 300,906 MAU, a 56 percent gain.
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Read our reviews of…
- Criminal Case
- Pet Rescue Saga
- Village Life
- Family Farm
- Disney City Girl
- Hidden Agenda
- FarmVille 2
- UberStrike
- Panda Jam
- Royal Story
- Dungeon Rampage
- Solitaire Blitz
What's the Phrase Review (iPhone, iPad)
What's the Phrase Review (iPhone, iPad):
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