character design Archives

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

They finally made an action figure of Star Wars’ most evil and nasty grandma but it’s already sold out

Hasbro has launched preorders for an exclusive action figure two-pack on Amazon featuring Darth Nihilus and Kreia from Star Wars RPG, Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords. The set sold out almost immediately. The Darth Nihilus figure includes a blend of cloth and plastic elements, while the Kreia figure showcases her character's essence with a disdainful expression and three displayable lightsabers. Despite Kreia losing a hand in the game, the figure features both hands for customization. There is potential for additional figures if demand continues.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

Former Escape From Tarkov dev says “no amount of millions of dollars can save a weak product”

The shooter game market is currently saturated with both successful and unsuccessful multiplayer titles, making it challenging for developers to stand out. Dmitri Ogorodnikov, co-head of Nomion Games, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the complexities of creating a successful shooter. He points to the failures of games like Concord and Highguard, which struggled due to lackluster character design and muddled identities. Ogorodnikov believes that many big studios lose the essence of their games by relying too heavily on marketing and formulas. In contrast, Nomion aims to focus on quality gameplay and a clear vision for their upcoming title, Rush is Real, which is still in the prototyping phase. He asserts that the game will not be just another generic shooter and will prioritize unique ideas and quality over following market trends.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

A deep dive into Wētā FX’s visual effects for ‘A Minecraft Movie’

Wētā FX is contributing to the upcoming A Minecraft Movie, with visual effects supervisor Sheldon Stopsack and animation supervisor Kevin Estey discussing the character Malgosha, known for her comedic stabbing scenes. Stopsack shares that a 'terrible' drawing made by a piglin in the film was created by his daughter. Estey highlights the importance of subtle background elements, like the Priesty-boys, which enhance the film's visual storytelling. The podcast features captivating images of Wētā FX’s work and is edited by Justin Pamenter.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Big Hops is a charming platformer with some great movement and a classic vibe, but most importantly it lets you rotate several bugs for science

The author expresses an interest in indie platformers, particularly highlighting the game Big Hops developed by Luckshot Games. In Big Hops, players control a small character named Hop, and the game is described as charming and affordable, promising a delightful experience despite some imperfections.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

Once and for all, which game has the best art?

Videogame art captivates audiences, with enthusiasts collecting special editions, design works, and vinyl soundtracks featuring concept art. The Dishonored Soundtrack Collection exemplifies the artistic talent within the franchise. Iconic artists like Viktor Antonov have created striking visuals that blend gothic architecture with futuristic elements, contributing to the lasting impact of games like Half-Life 2 and Dishonored. Character art in Dishonored includes contributions from Cedric Peyravernay, Sergey Kolesov, and Piotr Jabłoński, enhancing the game's visual narrative. In Destiny, Rory Norris highlights the captivating concept art of a post-apocalyptic Chicago and the enigmatic Vex architecture illustrated by Jesse van Dijk. Tyler Colp admires Elden Ring's concept art, which translates into stunning visuals, showcasing detailed character designs. Ted Litchfield expresses excitement for Avowed, noting its comic book-style illustrations and inventive designs that evoke nostalgia. The artistry in gaming enhances gameplay and creates emotional connections with players.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Heartopia (PC) Review

Heartopia is a life-simulation game that blends cozy simulation elements with MMO features, allowing players to cultivate a town and interact with locals. However, the MMO aspects dilute the individuality typically found in cozy games, as multiple players receive the same accolades for completing quests. Gameplay involves repetitive fetch quests to unlock activities like home decoration and fishing, which can feel tedious. The game features a community aspect, but players may find their neighbors' homes replaced or their own home relocated between sessions, undermining familiarity. Character design is uninspired, and the user interface resembles a mobile game, lacking polish. As a free-to-play title, it includes multiple currencies that create confusion, with microtransactions for premium items. Despite these issues, the game offers engaging home-building mechanics and unique hobbies like Birdwatching and Pet Care. Overall, Heartopia struggles to effectively merge MMO elements with cozy simulation, making it a less appealing option compared to established titles like Animal Crossing.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Marvel Rivals’ Deadpool is a triple-role menace, and the Merc with a Mouth’s cringe-worthy interactions don’t disappoint

Deadpool is the first triple-role hero in Marvel Rivals, presenting a challenge for game balance with three distinct versions. His character design includes upgradeable abilities and witty dialogue, featuring humorous interactions and cultural references. He will join the Marvel Rivals roster when Season 6 launches on January 16. Season 6 will also introduce a new convoy map, the Museum of Contemplation, enhance the Hero Proficiency system, and include a photo mode in Times Square and a new area called the Clobberin' Club for 1v1 duels.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

7 Greatest Blizzard Games of All Time

Blizzard Entertainment has produced several iconic games that have significantly impacted the gaming community. 1. Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness - Released a year after the original Warcraft, it refined multiplayer real-time strategy gameplay and solidified Blizzard's reputation in the genre. The expansion, Beyond the Dark Portal, enhanced the experience. 2. Hearthstone - Launched with over 100 million players by 2018, it has become a staple in digital card games despite criticisms of its monetization strategies. 3. Overwatch - Originating from the shelved Titan project, it became a phenomenon in the hero shooter genre with nearly 10 million players in the open beta, although it faced loot box controversies. 4. StarCraft - A cultural phenomenon, it established itself as a national sport in South Korea and set new standards for balance in competitive play with its innovative design. 5. Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos - Known for its compelling narrative and rich lore, it laid the groundwork for the MMO genre and inspired the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre. 6. World of Warcraft - With a peak player count of 12 million in 2010, it is the best-selling MMO of all time, generating billions in revenue and continuing to thrive with new expansions. 7. Diablo 2 - Following its Lord of Destruction expansion, it became the fastest-selling PC game and defined the action RPG genre, influencing many subsequent games.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Gone are the days of buying Minecraft clothing from supermarkets, Very Cool have released a collaboration to save us all from getting another low-quality printed tee

Videogame merchandise has evolved significantly, moving from import-heavy themed apparel to stylish, licensed collections. A recent collaboration between Very Cool and Minecraft has introduced a collection featuring knitted shirts, jeans, and joggers with subtle gaming motifs. Items like the Crafting Pants have hidden details, while overtly themed pieces include The Wolf Tee and the Axolotl tee. The collection has been well-received, with most items selling out quickly. Very Cool has implemented a voting system for restocking items, and a second wave of the collection is set to launch in January 2026, featuring new products like keycaps and a cardigan.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

It’s a shame HoYoverse’s new game is sporting offensively cheap-looking character models because everything else has me sold on its paranormal cop mystery

HoYoverse has announced a new game titled Varsapura, which follows their previous projects, Petite Planet and Nexus Anima. The game features a narrative centered around a paranormal government agency dealing with a harmful black substance. Character designs have received criticism for their plasticky look, contrasting with the game's realistic aesthetic inspired by Singapore. Varsapura includes engaging gameplay mechanics, such as a combat system similar to Zenless Zone Zero, allowing character swaps and dynamic attacks. The protagonist uses a whimsical umbrella as a weapon, while a secondary character, Sayuki, wields paperwork. The gameplay incorporates stealth elements and features a small police vehicle for transportation. Despite some concerns about character models, Varsapura offers a mix of creativity, light horror elements, and a richly designed world.