clay Archives

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

Mud bricks are not just for Minecraft – they can solve real-world refugee housing

Unverified images show a Gazan family reconstructing their home with mud bricks, following discussions about using mud bricks as a sustainable solution for the refugee crisis. Mud bricks are made from clay, sand, water, and natural binders, requiring no firing or fuel, making them environmentally friendly. Approximately 30% of the global population lives in earthen structures, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, India, and much of the Global South. In Gaza, the region faces challenges with energy and shelter, with over 12,000 rooftop solar systems established by 2022, providing vital resources despite ongoing conflict. Recent satellite assessments indicate that many solar installations have been damaged, highlighting the need for low-carbon, distributed systems in reconstruction efforts. NGOs are encouraged to focus on earthen construction techniques and training programs for local communities. Integrating solar energy with earthen building practices could lead to innovative micro-campuses that combine efficient structures with renewable energy and farming initiatives.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

25 great Steam games you probably missed in 2025⁠—from freebies to $40

2025 has seen a variety of standout gaming titles, prompting PC Gamer to compile a list for Game of the Year discussions. Individual preferences among team members varied widely, leading to a focus on lesser-known games with modest Steam reviews. A selection of 25 exceptional games was curated, arranged from the most affordable to the pricier offerings. Notable free titles include "The Children of Clay," a chilling point-and-click adventure, and "funky one," a prequel to "Lunacid." An expansion for "Echo Point Nova" has doubled its content and enhanced gameplay. In the budget range, "Cultic" offers a 10-hour shooter campaign, while "Neverwinter Nights" has been revitalized by modder Luke "Alazander" Scull. "Bloodthief" provides a unique horror experience as players take on the role of a tabloid journalist. In the mid-range, "Keep Driving" is a turn-based road trip RPG, and "Labyrinth of the Demon King" blends horror with history. "Mohrta" combines classic action elements with modern twists. In the higher price range, "PPR" is an immersive RPG featuring mech combat, and "Sword of the Sea" offers a visually stunning experience with hoverboarding mechanics.

AppWizard

September 24, 2025

LEGO is giving away free Minecraft sets that are perfect for kids – here’s how to get yours

From September 18 to September 27, customers can receive the LEGO Minecraft The Lush Cave Fight set as a complimentary gift with qualifying purchases of or more on select merchandise, including LEGO Minecraft, Animal Crossing, Fortnite, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Super Mario. The Lush Cave Fight set is a 40-piece polybag that includes minifigures of Alex and a skeleton, various build elements, and interactive play features. It is suitable for players aged 6 and up. The promotion ends on September 27 or while supplies last.

AppWizard

September 23, 2025

Yoko Taro wanted Nier: Automata to be ‘a story I’d have trouble grasping myself,’ so job done, then goes on amazing extended digression about cubes and ‘aspiring to perfect’ them

Nier: Automata features 26 possible endings and showcases complex storytelling. Director Yoko Taro expressed that the game's development was challenging, stating he had "no idea where to start" and sought a fresh perspective for each project. He reflects on his creative process as an ongoing refinement, comparing storytelling to sculpting a cube from clay, where imperfections remain. Taro acknowledges the pressure of deadlines, which leads to a bittersweet conclusion where he feels some satisfaction but also recognizes flaws. He notes that revisiting past works can evoke nostalgia, and while he never feels he has created the perfect scenario, he finds solace in the effort invested. Taro embraces the transient nature of creativity, acknowledging the need for closure despite the absence of complete satisfaction.

AppWizard

September 8, 2025

Baldur’s Gate 3’s sci-fi cousin is leaning into the best part of tabletop: improvization

The co-founders of Epic Entertainment, Richard Pillosu and Albert Jane, emphasize the importance of improvisation in tabletop gaming, which is reflected in their upcoming title, Starfinder: Afterlight. Voice actors Inel Tomlinson and Fred Tatisciore, known for their roles in various video games and shows, contribute to the game's character dynamics. The developers aim to capture the playful spirit of tabletop gaming, with improvisation influencing character dialogue. They recognize the significance of voice acting in creating engaging RPG experiences and plan to voice companions and key characters, with potential for more roles depending on Kickstarter funding. A notable actress is hinted to be involved in the project.

AppWizard

September 5, 2025

Caput Mortem review

- Genre: Medieval horror game - Release date: August 27, 2025 - Price: £9.99 / .99 - Developer: WildArts Games - Publisher: Black Lantern Collective - Reviewed on: RX 9070 XT, Intel Core i5 12600K, 32GB RAM - Multiplayer: No - Steam Deck: Not verified - Game features quirky controls reminiscent of early first-person gameplay. - Inspired by literary classics like The Name of The Rose, incorporating puzzles and Renaissance culture. - Creatures include homunculi, eight feet tall with clay-like forms, serving as unofficial mascots. - Employs tension through techniques similar to Amnesia, using screen blurring and audio cues. - Combat mechanics involve strategic melee engagement and tactical retreats. - Introduces formidable foes requiring clever puzzles for escape. - Puzzles generally enjoyable, focusing on connecting environmental cues to alchemical devices. - Absence of a guiding sidekick encourages independent exploration. - Rich atmosphere set in a surreal, renaissance-inspired world.

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

I played this free, 15-minute claymation horror game about examining an ancient idol in the morning while the birds were chirping, and it still scared me more than anything I’ve played in years

The Children of Clay is a free horror game available on Steam, where players assume the role of an unnamed protagonist who receives a mysterious prehistoric idol from a colleague. The game is set in a dimly lit office and features visuals inspired by iconic artifacts and modern indie titles. It combines horror and puzzle-solving elements, offering a unique experience that lasts about 15 minutes.

AppWizard

July 4, 2025

Valve conquered PC gaming. What comes next?

Valve Corporation, founded in 1996 by Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington, is known for its influential role in the gaming industry, particularly with its groundbreaking title Half-Life, released in 1998. The company has a unique corporate structure and impressive revenue-per-employee metrics, reportedly exceeding .9 million. Valve's Steam platform, launched in 2003, dominates the PC gaming market, accounting for approximately 70% of sales in a sector valued at around billion, with over 100,000 titles available. Steam had an estimated 170 million active monthly users by May 2023. Financially, estimates suggest Steam may have handled around .3 billion in game sales in 2021, yielding a profit of approximately .6 billion from commissions. Valve's employee culture emphasizes self-organization and innovation, though it faces scrutiny regarding content moderation and legal challenges related to market competition.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

‘They told me to destroy’ my backups, Fallout creator Tim Cain says: ‘People high up at companies take authority but no responsibility’ for game preservation

The evolution of RPG visuals began in the late '90s with titles like Fallout, which featured clay heads and marked a shift from sprites to 3D models. Tim Cain, co-creator of Fallout, discussed the creation of these visuals, noting that while the game used sprites, the graphics were made with advanced 3D modeling software. He expressed concern over the fate of the original source art files, which were backed up on DAT tape but may have been lost due to the tape's limited lifespan. Cain also highlighted challenges in preserving historic games like Fallout due to corporate ownership, emphasizing the broader issue of gaming history preservation. He voiced frustration over companies losing important assets and the responsibility they have to maintain these cultural artifacts.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Free PC Games This Week: Epic Games Is Offering Cat Quest II, While Amazon Prime Gaming Has 5 Titles Available for Grabs

Gamers can access offers from the Epic Games Store and Amazon Prime Gaming. The Epic Games Store is offering Cat Quest II for free, an open-world action-RPG where players control a cat and a dog on a quest to reclaim their thrones. Amazon Prime Gaming subscribers can access five titles: Mafia III: Definitive Edition, Minecraft Legends (PC), Minecraft Legends (Xbox), Gravity Circuit, Paleo Pines, and Clouds & Sheep 2, with an active subscription costing ₹1,499 annually. Mafia III: Definitive Edition is set in 1968 New Bordeaux, featuring Lincoln Clay in an open-world environment with enhanced gameplay and additional DLC.