App stores to disappear, mobile industry’s GDPR woes, and Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery tops charts
Harry Potter is one of the most well known franchises across the globe, so when Jam City released Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, all eyes were on how it might adapt wizarding world to mobile.
It got off to a controversial start thanks to its monetisation design, but our top story of the week showed that it was that business model that has spurred it into the upper echelons of the App Store top grossing charts.
Next up on our Hot Five is the four letters you’ll have heard most this week. No, not that. GDPR. Apparently 72 per cent of Android apps are at risk of violating these new privacy laws in Europe, which could lead to mass problems for the mobile sector.
Forecasts, fiction and AI
Third up on our Hot Five is Newzoo CEO Peter Warman’s prediction that in just a few decades app stores as we know them today will disappear entirely.
Lastly, we spoke to head of studio for Episode about how the hit interactive fiction game is fending off new competition, and Kixeye tells us all about its investments in machine learning.
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#1: Despite strong criticism Jam City's Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery is a top grosser
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Despite strong criticism Jam City's Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery is a top grosser »Having typically been known for more casual fare like Cookie Jam and Panda Pop, Jam City raised a few eyebrows when it nabbed the Harry Potter licence for a mobile RPG.
The recent release of Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery received a mix reception from critics, with most unhappy by the game’s use of paywalls for its monetisation, which can happen at inopportune times.
Players seem to be putting up with it for now though, as the title is hitting the top grossing charts across Western markets.
In fact, in the US it’s been a regular top 20 title, while it’s spent much of its time in the UK in the top 10.
#2: More than 72% of Android apps are at risk of European GDPR violations
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More than 72% of Android apps are at risk of European GDPR violations »If you’re in Europe and you haven’t heard of GDPR, you must not have an online presence so probably won’t be reading this.
Europe’s new privacy policies came into effect on May 25th and it’s caused a headache for many businesses who, despite having a lengthy warning period, have all rushed at once to notify users of the new rules.
According to SafeDK in the days leading up to the deadline, more than 72 per cent of Android apps were still unprepared for the new policies.
Such unreadiness could lead to legal trouble for companies infringing on the new rules.
#3: "In 2050 there will be no app stores"
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"In 2050 there will be no app stores" »During Facebook’s Gaming Marketing Summit in London last week, Newzoo CEO Peter Warman took to the stage to make a bold prediction: In 2050 there will be no app stores.
Sure, it’s a crystal ball prediction, but it’s interesting to think that an app store-based industry worth tens of billions of dollars might be completely turned on its head within just a few decades.
Warman believes games will most likely be embedded within communication platforms and offer more instant experiences.
Things already seem to be shifting that way with the launch of Facebook Instant Games, WeChat (Weixin) Mini Games and new games launching on SnapChat. The mobile industry already looks to be changing shape - though Apple and Google may not let things happen quite so quickly without their cut.
#4: 125 million downloads later narrative game Episode is ready to fend off new competition
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125 million downloads later narrative game Episode is ready to fend off new competition »Right now everyone’s talking about battle royale, but interactive fiction is the other hot genre on mobile to really emerge over the last year.
Nexon bought out Choices developer Pixelberry, while Ubisoft acquired Is It Love? Maker 1492 Studio.
One company already in the space that’s not too worried about other big players entering the space is Pocket Gems, the company behind hit title Episode.
We sat down with head of studio for Episode Michael Dawson to discuss how it plans to remain a leader in the genre and what makes for a good narrative on mobile.
#5: Why games developer Kixeye raised $20 million for machine learning
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Why games developer Kixeye raised $20 million for machine learning »The tech industry is full of hot trending buzzwords right now, and machine learning is one of those right at the top of the list.
One games developer keen to take advantage of the technology is Kixeye.
To that end, it’s raised $20 million to invest into it as it looks to maximise both player monetisation and engagement.
We spoke with company’s CMO John Getze to ask why it’s pumping so much money into the technology and how exactly it can help make games better.