Avataryug- This week in apps and games( Edition 06)

Avataryug- Finally, a newsletter that talks about updates in the games and app industry.

We are presenting our very first newsletter - the #6th edition! Join us as we explore the thrilling highlights of the week ??

Highlights of the week ? ? ?

1. "EA Adds Classic Titles to Epic Games Store Lineup"

Electronic Arts (EA) has expanded its presence on the Epic Games Store by adding 10 older games to its lineup. This update brings beloved titles from popular franchises like Need for Speed and Battlefield to the digital storefront. Among the additions are three Battlefield games and five Need for Speed games, along with the original Dead Space and Dead Space 2. This move follows EA's previous collaborations with Epic Games Store, which included featuring new releases such as EA Sports FC 24 and EA Sports PGA Tour. This strategic move offers players access to a wider range of classic games through the convenience of the Epic Games Store platform. (Source)

2. "WhatsApp Outage Hits Thousands Globally"

WhatsApp, a messaging platform owned by Meta Platforms, faced a major outage impacting thousands of users worldwide. Downdetector recorded over 17,000 incidents, with users in India, the UK, and Brazil reporting difficulties. Despite the widespread disruptions, Meta has yet to provide any official comment or response to inquiries regarding the outage. Despite the widespread disruptions and the frustration experienced by users, Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, has remained silent on the issue. Requests for comments or updates regarding the outage have gone unanswered, leaving users without clarity on the cause or expected resolution time. (source)

3. "US Government Rejects ESRB's Facial-Age Estimation Tool"

The US government has rejected the facial-age estimation tool proposed by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), citing concerns over accuracy and privacy risks. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) criticized the lack of a detailed method for parental consent verification. Despite the setback, ESRB, along with partners Yoti and SuperAwesome, may re-file applications in the future, with added clarification on technology. As discussions continue between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies, the outcome of this rejection underscores the importance of striking a balance between innovation and consumer protection in the realm of digital age verification tools. (Source)

4. "Discord to Introduce Ads with Sponsored Quests Feature"

Discord, the popular communication platform, is set to introduce ads this week, altering the familiar user experience. A new feature called Sponsored Quests will allow advertisers to offer rewards for completing in-game tasks. Despite this change, users will reportedly have the option to disable ads through the settings, maintaining control over their platform experience. Sponsored Quests, the upcoming feature, will provide advertisers with a unique opportunity to engage with users through in-game tasks, potentially creating a more interactive advertising experience. However, with the option to disable ads available in the settings, Discord users can choose whether they want to participate in these sponsored activities or maintain an ad-free environment. This move reflects Discord's efforts to balance monetization with user preferences while continuing to evolve its platform offerings. (Source)

Person to follow in games: ?

Montgomery Singman

Montgomery Singman, based in Cupertino, California, is a seasoned gaming industry veteran with 37 years of experience, and excels in international business development, bridging Eastern and Western markets. Fluent in Mandarin and English, he's adept at forming strategic partnerships and securing licensing deals. As an entrepreneur, Monte founded successful ventures like Radiance Digital Entertainment, which later merged with iDreamSky. His specialties include the Chinese online game market, startups, project management, and navigating government regulations. Active in academia, he's a guest professor and played key roles in industry events like World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Person to follow in apps:?

Hannah Parvaz

Hannah Parvaz, is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, consultant, and award-winning growth expert, having been honored as the App Marketer of the Year twice and Business Strategy Consultant of the Year twice. With a focus on companies that positively impact society, she specializes in growing businesses by creating desirable products and brands. Her track record includes leading successful fundraisers and guiding companies from pre-launch stages to achieving millions of users. Her expertise extends beyond accolades to a profound understanding of market dynamics and consumer behavior. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for fostering positive societal impact, she has become a trusted advisor for businesses seeking sustainable growth strategies. Through her insightful keynotes, consulting services, and hands-on approach, she empowers companies to not only thrive financially but also make a meaningful difference in the world. Her ability to navigate the complexities of the business landscape while staying true to her mission sets her apart as a truly exceptional leader in the field of growth and marketing.

?

Tweet of the week

Eric Seufert, as a General Partner at Heracles Capital, plays a pivotal role in steering the pre-seed stage venture capital fund toward investments that shape the future of mobile technology. With a focus on identifying promising opportunities in the mobile sector, he leverages his expertise to drive strategic investments and support the growth of early-stage startups. Concurrently, he serves as a management consultant at Heracles Media, where he applies his insights to guide businesses in navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape. Additionally, as the author of "Freemium Economics," published by Elsevier in 2014, he has contributed significantly to the discourse on monetization strategies in the digital space. Furthermore, as the Owner and Editor of Mobile Dev Memo, he provides a platform for industry insights and analysis, consolidating his position as a thought leader in the mobile technology ecosystem. Through his multifaceted roles, he continues to shape and influence the trajectory of the mobile industry. Click here to read the full tweet.

Gaming trend of the week

"The Rise of Esports: From Laughingstock to Global Phenomenon"

The perception of earning from playing video games has undergone a significant transformation. Once ridiculed, it has evolved into a lucrative industry with the emergence of NFT video games and Esports. Esports, where skilled gamers compete in various video game tournaments, is now a booming global industry akin to traditional sports. Its popularity has attracted major international companies, with events like the 2022 Asian Games pioneering its inclusion. With a growing audience base, Esports is poised to gain recognition as an Olympic sport, solidifying its status as a mainstream entertainment and competitive activity.

The transition from the 90s' stigma of earning through video games to the present-day lucrative landscape has been remarkable. Initially dismissed, the concept has flourished with innovations like NFT video games and the rise of Esports. Esports, characterized by competitive gaming across a spectrum of titles, has burgeoned into a global phenomenon comparable to traditional sports. This growth has caught the attention of major corporations, as evidenced by their increasing involvement in the industry. The landmark inclusion of Esports in the 2022 Asian Games underscored its mainstream recognition and acceptance. With a burgeoning fanbase, Esports is on a trajectory toward potential recognition as an Olympic sport, further cementing its status as a mainstream form of entertainment and competitive pursuit.?

?

Game Of The Week

Time Melters

Time Melters, developed by Autoexec Games, presents a unique fusion of Tower Defense and third-person action-adventure genres, delivering an unparalleled time-traveling experience. As players confront hordes of monsters with strategic thinking and spectacular magic abilities, they are also challenged with personal stakes and high-risk decisions, all within the context of time-bending shenanigans. Set against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse, the game thrusts players into a narrative where traditional methods of saving the world prove futile.?

Instead, they must navigate through different timelines, battling the forces of darkness while grappling with newfound powers and responsibilities. With the looming threat of possession by a witch and relentless pursuit by undead adversaries, the journey to acquire an ancient artifact and alter the course of history becomes a perilous yet exhilarating adventure.?

Time Melters promises an immersive and thrilling gameplay experience, blending strategic decision-making with intense action sequences in a race against time to rewrite history and save the world from destruction.

Click here to download it on your PC.

App of the week

Bitwarden: Your Ultimate Password Management Solution

Bitwarden, an innovative password manager app conceived by Kylin Spearrin, offers a comprehensive solution for generating, syncing, managing, consolidating, and sharing passwords across various applications. Boasting top-notch security features such as AES-256 encryption and 2FA, Bitwarden undergoes regular audits by third-party firms to ensure user safety.?

Available in both free and self-hosted versions, this password manager supports synchronization across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. With its main objective being to provide end-to-end security for passwords on diverse devices, Bitwarden emerges as a top choice for individuals seeking robust password management solutions.

?Additionally, Bitwarden stands out as a fantastic password manager due to its user-friendly interface and intuitive features. Whether it's generating strong passwords, securely sharing them with trusted contacts, or accessing them seamlessly across different devices, Bitwarden offers unparalleled convenience and peace of mind. Its open-source nature ensures transparency and community-driven development, further enhancing user trust. With Bitwarden, users can rest assured that their sensitive information is well-protected, making it a must-have tool in today's digital age.

?Download Bitwarden from the Google Play Store?and Apple App Store.

?

Creative of the week?

Clash Royale

• Fast-paced Battles: Engage in real-time multiplayer battles featuring Clash of Clans characters. ?
• Build your battle deck and strategize against opponents worldwide. ?
• Choose unique cards for your deck to dominate in the Arena. ?
• Engage in fast-paced battles that require strategy and quick thinking. ?
• Join a Clan: Team up with other players, share cards, and participate in clan wars for significant rewards.

You can watch the whole creative here.

Download Clash Royale from the Google Play Store?and Apple App Store.

Tip of the week

G?khan üzmez, is a seasoned professional in the video game industry, specializing in game production, venture capital investments, marketing analytics, and fostering innovation. With expertise spanning ideation, design, and game analytics, he is dedicated to enhancing player experiences and creating captivating gaming experiences for broad audiences. Beyond his core work, he shares insights about game design, technology trends, and industry reviews, drawing from his extensive background in consulting, production, team leadership, and operations. His passion for game design, development, and user experience drives his work, and he is committed to contributing to the growth and evolution of the industry. He welcomes opportunities to connect and explore the dynamic world of game development together. In this particular LinkedIn post, he is talking about ideas on how one can create a hit game in the modern video game industry. It is a very insightful thread. Click here to read the full thread.

Upcoming sessions or events to follow

The London Games Festival,2024

April 9, 2024-April 27, 2024

London, United Kingdom

The London Games Festival is gearing up for its ninth annual edition, promising an extensive lineup of events spread across the city. This year's festival aims to attract both industry professionals and players from all corners of the country, offering a diverse range of activities tailored to their interests.

Throughout the 16-day event, attendees can expect programming centered around three key themes: industry, talent and impact, and gameplay. These strands will serve as focal points for various events, discussions, and showcases, providing participants with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and engaging experiences.