CultureMobile games haven't led app revenue since 2016 — and the gap keeps growing
A decade of AppMagic data says the money moved out of games and into everything else on your phone.
Culture
Culture covers everything players build around games: mods and total conversions, speedrunning, streaming economies, cosplay, fan translations, archival projects and community disputes. Reporting takes participants seriously and explains the history behind a recurring argument. For readers who treat the community as part of the hobby.
The scene around the games: modding projects, streamer economies, cosplay, speedrunning, fan preservation work and arguments a community keeps having.
CultureEsports merch grew from team jerseys to fashion collaborations
Esports merch has moved from basic team jerseys to documented fashion collaborations, from Louis Vuitton's 2019 League of Legends assets to Ralph Lauren outfitting G2 Esports in 2023.
CultureCollegiate esports grew into the scene's quiet talent pipeline
College esports moved from the first varsity scholarships in 2014 to pro signings and an LCS promotion run by 2026.
CultureCulture pop soda: Why retro gaming culture keeps growing, cartridge by cartridge
Old games are not fading out. Collecting, emulation debates and nostalgia economics are keeping them at the center of gaming life.
CultureInternational esports rosters: International rosters changed what nationality means on an esports stage
FaZe Clan's Antwerp 2022 Major win and Doinb's LPL career show how international rosters turned nationality into backstory on esports stages.
CultureCulture kings — Behind the scenes of gaming conventions: who builds the floor you walk on
Expo halls look effortless for three days a year. The rest of the calendar is a slow, unglamorous build.