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LinkShift Is a New Colourful Puzzle Game for Tinkerers and Pixel Junkies
LinkShift is a new tech puzzle action game developed by Tim Overvliet, a seasoned AAA game developer. The game combines classic puzzle mechanics with roguelike elements, featuring randomized boosters, upgrades, and special Relics that can alter gameplay rules. It offers multiple game modes, including casual options and an Exploration Mode, along with global leaderboards. Inspired by Japanese puzzle classics like Lumines and Meteos, LinkShift features handcrafted psychedelic graphics and a custom soundtrack, and is available on the Google Play Store for $1.99 with no in-game purchases or ads.
Analyst reckons the Epic Games Store can't "recover" in duel with Steam, Epic GM says "the data…
An analyst from Newzoo believes the Epic Games Store cannot compete with Steam due to Steam's established dominance and Epic's strategy of giving away free games. However, Epic Games' VP and GM, Martin Keely, stated that data shows significant growth in player hours and spending on third-party games on the Epic Games Store in 2025, with further acceleration expected.
Google Play now takes Venmo payments
Google Play now accepts Venmo as a payment option, allowing users to utilize their Venmo balance or linked accounts for purchases. This integration expands the payment choices available to Google Play users.
Google Play is expanding age confirmation tools for app developers
Google Play is expanding its age confirmation tools for app developers globally with the upcoming release of the Age Signals API. This feature aims to enhance age verification processes for applications before the end of the year.
Wizard of Maths Is a JRPG-Inspired Arithmetic Adventure, Out Now
Wizard of Maths, a JRPG-inspired mobile game focused on improving arithmetic skills, is now available on the Google Play Store for $5.99. The game features 72 arithmetic tricks and challenges designed to build confidence and calculation speed, with a PC version planned for Q4 2026. It also includes a game editor and has been localized into nine languages.
Farming Simulator 26 Drops on Mobile with New Machines and Maps
GIANTS Software has released Farming Simulator 26 on the Google Play Store for Android devices. The new installment introduces new machines, maps, crops, and a challenge system that integrates logistics and production chains. The game is available for $7.99 and features over 120 authentic machines from various global manufacturers.
What would happen if League of Legends' Faker and aespa's Karina met? The best K-drama of the year, apparently
League of Legends star Faker and K-pop idol Karina have teamed up for a humorous advertising campaign for Google Play Korea. The series playfully imagines a K-drama scenario where the two celebrities repeatedly cross paths, incorporating numerous references to Faker's career and aespa's music. This campaign effectively blends the worlds of esports, K-pop, and advertising, creating an enjoyable experience for fans of both celebrities and casual viewers.
"You can't buy a BAFTA." Why commercial influence is a red line for the BAFTA Games Awards
BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip discussed the new headline sponsorship of the BAFTA Games Awards by Google Play, emphasizing that revenue is crucial for delivering the ceremony while maintaining editorial independence and a peer-voted judging process free from commercial influence. The conversation also touched upon BAFTA's efforts to increase representation within the games industry, particularly for women in technical roles, and the growing interest in transmedia adaptations of video game IP.
Never too late for censorship: Doki Doki Literature Club gets deplatformed by Google Play a decade after release
Doki Doki Literature Club has been removed from Google Play approximately a decade after its initial release due to its depiction of sensitive themes like suicide and self-harm. Creator Dan Salvato and publisher Serenity Forge are working to have the game reinstated, noting its availability on other platforms and its artistic merit in addressing dark subject matter.
Morning Esports and Competitions
Voting is now open for the MCV/DEVELOP Awards Player's Choice category. Google Play has been announced as the new headline partner for the BAFTA Games Awards, signaling a significant collaboration in the esports and gaming awards landscape.
New ways to try, buy and master paid games with Google Play
Google Play is introducing new pricing models for paid games, including game trials and a 'buy once, play anywhere' option. These initiatives aim to provide users with more flexible ways to access and master premium gaming experiences on the platform.