AppStories Gaming Sidekicks: Videogame Companion Apps with Brendon Bigley
Jul 28, 2025
Brendon Bigley, co-host at NPC Next Portable Console and a content creator passionate about all things gaming, joins the discussion. They delve into the fascinating world of videogame companion apps, exploring tools like the ACNH Travel Guide and Ketchup that enhance gameplay by improving user experiences. They also revisit nostalgic classic mobile games and reflect on game-tracking apps that foster community engagement. The conversation is peppered with insights about new innovations in app development, including Quick Reviews for sharing opinions on media.
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Apple's Games App Evolution
- Apple's new Games app consolidates Game Center features with a focus on game libraries, events, and community challenges.
- This approach seeks to keep users engaged beyond just launching games, though adoption remains uncertain.
Backlogged Tracker Use Story
- Brendon is a diehard fan of the Backlogged web app for tracking games, influenced by his love for Letterboxd.
- He creatively uses a hidden iOS home screen with web apps to preserve home screen space while accessing Backlogged via Spotlight search.
Use Game Trackers Effectively
- Use dedicated game tracking apps like Backlogged, GameTrack or GamePal for their social and journaling features.
- Choose apps with community features and release calendars to better engage with games and track progress.
