artistic vision Archives

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

DLSS 5 can be jammed into almost any PC game, and here’s how

Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission when purchases are made through links in their articles. The Control mod has led to experimentation with DLSS 5 .dll files among gamers, resulting in varied visual outcomes. For example, integrating DLSS 5 into The Blood of Dawnwalker caused visual distortions in characters. The early access version of NBA 2K27 has prompted modders to create game-agnostic versions of DLSS 5, allowing integration into various titles. DLSS 5 can produce impressive visual effects when used correctly, but it significantly impacts performance, potentially reducing frame rates by 50-60%. For instance, using DLSS 5 on an RTX 5090 dropped frame rates from 110 fps to below 50 fps. In Football Manager 26, DLSS 5 improves environmental lighting, pitch details, and player profile pictures. The installation of DLSS 5 can be done through the ReShade HDR Installer from GitHub, simplifying the process. Players can customize DLSS 5 settings in-game using the RenoDX tab. However, there are concerns about how such modifications may affect the original artistic vision of the games.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2: Expanding Exploration and Co-op Action

Minecraft Dungeons 2 was showcased at a private Xbox event in Los Angeles. The game features an interconnected world for exploration, allowing players to pursue objectives in larger environments. It introduces verticality, enabling players to jump and execute jump attacks. The art style has been refined, with concept art used during loading screens. Multiplayer gameplay supports solo play or teaming up with up to three others, both online and locally. The combat system retains exhilarating action while introducing new items and effects, with no distinct character classes. Players can equip four armor slots and utilize new equipment types like artifacts and talismans. A mini-inventory system has been implemented for quick equipment management. The demo took place in the Deep Dark biome, featuring familiar and new mobs, and included a challenging boss fight that emphasized teamwork. Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to launch on September 29 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

Story-driven Japanese-inspired RPG Full Circle announced for consoles, PC

Publisher Deck13 Spotlight, in collaboration with 2nd Player Games, has announced a new pixel art RPG titled Full Circle, which is inspired by classic PlayStation games. The game will be available on PC via Steam, with more details to be revealed at Gamescom 2026 in August. Full Circle is set in a post-apocalyptic universe where humanity lives in the skies, and players will navigate a world filled with mutated beasts and rival cities. The game features strategic turn-based combat, a diverse cast of characters, and a narrative that explores themes of hope and melancholy. Players can customize their party, engage in various activities, and explore distinct landscapes.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Take-Two CEO says the original Borderlands’ art style overhaul cost a year of dev time and $50 million: ‘Had we not done that, Borderlands wouldn’t have been a hit’

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, discussed the development of Borderlands in a conversation with podcaster David Senra. The game, initially revealed nearly two decades ago, started with a muted palette and somber tone, contrasting sharply with its final vibrant aesthetic. Transforming Borderlands required an investment of millions and an additional year of development, as the team realized the original art style was not differentiated enough. Randy Pitchford, a key developer, noted that early testers found the initial design reminiscent of other titles like Rage and Fallout 3, which felt dated. Ultimately, Borderlands' unique style has become a defining characteristic, distinguishing it from other shooters.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

Ken Levine says Steam Machine shows we’re hitting ‘diminishing returns’ with bleeding-edge graphics tech—just look at BioShock to see why art is more important

Ken Levine, the creative force behind Irrational Games, stated that his team has never prioritized cutting-edge graphics technology in their game design, focusing instead on artistic expression. This philosophy is reflected in the recent release of ReFantazio, which, while not technologically groundbreaking, showcases a unique artistic vision.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Blood pressure too low? Try our quiz about the most freakishly out-of-touch things tech CEOs have ever said

- "Innovation is not just about technology; it’s about creating experiences." - "We’re not just building games; we’re crafting worlds." - "Data is the new oil, but creativity is the engine." - "The future is not something we enter; the future is something we create." - "Every setback is a setup for a comeback." - "We’re not just in the business of gaming; we’re in the business of joy." - "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - "Our competitors are not just other companies; they’re the limits of imagination." - "In a world of noise, clarity is the ultimate luxury." - "The best ideas come from the most unexpected places."

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Titanium Court review

Titanium Court is a game that combines match-three puzzles, autobattlers, and visual novels, developed by AP Thomson and published by Fellow Traveller, set to release on April 23, 2026. It features a narrative where the protagonist ascends to the throne of the Titanium Court amidst a war between two factions. Players engage in match-three mechanics to gather resources and eliminate enemy blocks, with gameplay transitioning to an autobattle phase where resource management affects soldier deployment. The game includes whimsical elements and random complications that influence strategy, while its writing and presentation offer humor and a surreal atmosphere. Despite the potential frustration from the match-three mechanics, the game is noted for its artistic vision and charm.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

12 years after the original and with its themes more relevant than ever, anti-war game This War of Mine is getting a full remake

11 Bit Studios is developing two new games: a new installment in the Frostpunk series and a reimagining of This War of Mine. The Alters has sold 545,000 copies, and Frostpunk 2 has sold nearly 880,000 copies. CEO Przemysław Marszał stated that the upcoming titles will not be remasters but will offer modern takes on the narratives. Creative director Michał Drozdowski emphasized the studio's commitment to unique artistic vision in its games. The reimagining of This War of Mine is particularly significant given its themes in the current global climate. 11 Bit Studios plans to launch Moonlighter 2 in 2026, with new downloadable content for Frostpunk and The Alters, while Frostpunk 1886 is expected to release around 2027 or 2028.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Ex-Escape From Tarkov devs will “ride the wave” of AI, but stress “the finishing touch must always come from a human hand”

Nomion Games was founded by Dmitri Ogorodnikov and German Terekhov, former contributors to Battlestate Games. They believe that "creative potential, accumulated experience, and ambition should not be put on hold." Their upcoming title, Rush is Real, will incorporate AI as a crucial tool in game development. Ogorodnikov views AI as essential, comparing it to a sculptor's chisel, and emphasizes its role in speeding up the ideation process. He acknowledges AI's ability to alleviate tedious tasks in game development but insists that final decisions must come from humans. He warns against over-reliance on AI, particularly in critical areas like level design and gameplay mechanics, to avoid losing creativity and identity. The gaming community has raised concerns about AI-generated content, and Ogorodnikov recognizes the need for vigilance in maintaining unique artistic vision while using AI to enhance efficiency.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Owlcat says everything in its new Expanse RPG ‘will definitely 100 percent be human-made,’ but also that generative AI will be used for ‘vision coordination’ and ‘inspiration’

Owlcat's PR manager, Katharina Popp, clarified that generative AI is used in the development of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn only for prototyping and testing ideas, not for creating final game assets. Popp emphasized that all final content will be 100% human-made. This stance aligns with the studio's previous communications regarding AI's role in early concept generation. Other developers, like Pearl Abyss, have expressed similar views, stating that AI-generated art is intended only as prototype material. The gaming community's response has been mixed, with some expressing skepticism about the use of AI in creative processes.