community engagement Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

Snowflake to acquire Crunchy Data to enhance Postgres for AI

Snowflake plans to acquire Crunchy Data, a provider of open-source Postgres technology, to enhance its AI Data Cloud with a new database platform called Snowflake Postgres. This platform will offer PostgreSQL compatibility while ensuring governance, security, and operational standards for enterprise-grade AI applications. The demand for secure, enterprise-ready PostgreSQL solutions has increased, and the integration of Crunchy Data is expected to meet these needs, particularly in regulated environments like FedRAMP. PostgreSQL is widely adopted, with 49% of developers using it, and Snowflake's Postgres offering aims to streamline the development and scaling of AI applications. Crunchy Data will bring features such as access to performance metrics, scalable architecture, and a user-friendly interface. Organizations using PostgreSQL, including Snowflake partners like Blue Yonder and LandingAI, are expected to benefit from improved development and operational efficiency. Snowflake will support Crunchy Data's existing customers post-acquisition and engage with the PostgreSQL community. Snowflake Postgres will be available in private preview, pending regulatory approvals.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

Expect more ‘Chicken Jockey’ moments in movies. At least, if traditional brands start taking advice from Minecraft

The 'Chicken Jockey' easter egg in A Minecraft Movie highlights the connections between gaming culture and film. Harry Elonen, associate brand director of Minecraft, discussed this at SXSW London, noting that many casual players struggle to explain what a chicken jockey is due to its rarity in the game. The movie has grossed 8 million worldwide, making it the second most successful video game adaptation after The Super Mario Brothers Movie from 2023. A Minecraft Movie will be available for streaming on Max starting June 20.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

GTA-style action meets Minecraft-style creation: Everything we know about Everywhere

Leslie Benzies, the former lead developer of the Grand Theft Auto series, is set to release his first game, MindsEye, on June 10, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. MindsEye is an action-adventure game set in the world of Everywhere, an upcoming open-world, massively multiplayer online game developed by Benzies' studio, Build a Rocket Boy. Everywhere features a futuristic city called Utropia and allows players to create their own experiences using a system called Arcadia. MindsEye follows the story of Jacob Diaz, a former soldier in a desert metropolis, and incorporates elements reminiscent of GTA gameplay, including driving, shooting, and exploration. The release of Everywhere is dependent on the success of MindsEye, which is currently in its testing phase.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Minebrowse Propels Minecraft Servers to New Heights with Marketing and Advertising Services

Minebrowse is a platform designed to help Minecraft server owners effectively market their servers and connect with players. It offers tools for creating detailed server listings, including descriptions, banners, IP addresses, and player counts. The platform benefits from strong Search Engine Optimization (SEO), enhancing the visibility of listed servers in search results. Minebrowse provides both basic and premium listing options, allowing server owners to choose features that suit their needs and budgets. The user experience is optimized for both server owners and players, with a searchable interface that allows players to filter servers by various criteria. Additionally, Minebrowse encourages community engagement through server voting, which boosts server rankings and fosters player loyalty.

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

‘The journey was long’: two years later than planned, boomer shooter Project Warlock 2 blasts out of early access with a 50% discount and a request to submit your own loading screen tips

Project Warlock 2, a sequel to the nostalgic first-person shooter Project Warlock, was unveiled at the PC Gaming Show in 2021 and has recently re-emerged from early access. The game features three distinct campaigns, 36 levels, 54 unique weapons, various perks and spells, over 50 monsters, and a "realmshift mode." It is currently available at a 50% discount, priced at £6.74, until June 11. Additionally, players can submit game tips to be featured on the loading screens, fostering community engagement.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

NYC students use Minecraft to reimagine inclusive, sustainable spaces in citywide challenge

The all-girl team from P.S. 86 participated in the Minecraft Education Challenge for the second year, focusing on designing a sustainable and inclusive space at Orchard Beach. The challenge, part of the Battle of the Boroughs, had 3,259 applicants, with 175 students in the semi-finals. The team, consisting of sixth graders Yoselin, Zeynabou, Pearl, Emily, and Sadika, was guided by their teacher Kim Judin. They proposed features like solar panels, wheelchair accessibility, and bilingual signage. Although they did not advance to the finals, the experience was valuable for team bonding. The Mayor’s Cup Finals are scheduled for May 31.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Warner’s ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Debuts No. 1 Atop Weekly U.K. Home Entertainment Sales Chart Through May 28

The upcoming Minecraft Movie aims to translate the popular block-building game into a cinematic experience, focusing on themes of friendship, exploration, and resilience. It features a talented cast of actors voicing iconic characters and is directed by a skilled team experienced in animation and live-action films. The filmmakers are using innovative animation techniques to replicate and enhance the game's distinctive visuals, creating an immersive experience. The production team is engaging the Minecraft community for input and inspiration, fostering a sense of ownership among fans. The film is generating significant anticipation as its release date approaches.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Is adding SteamOS enough to ‘fix’ the Legion Go S?

A leading tech company plans to expand its operations into emerging markets to enhance its global footprint and tap into a growing consumer base. Key factors driving this expansion include increased internet penetration and smartphone usage, a young tech-savvy population, and the competitive advantage of early market entry. The company will invest in local partnerships and talent development to tailor its offerings to each market. Industry analysts are optimistic about potential revenue and market share growth from this initiative.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

A Roblox farming game made by a teenager ‘in like three days’ had 8.9 million players online at the same time—Steam peaked at 11.5 million across all games on the same day

In 2025, the Roblox game "Grow a Garden" experienced a peak of nearly 9 million concurrent players, surpassing the previous record held by Player Unknown's Battlegrounds on Steam by almost threefold. The game reached a peak of 5 million concurrent users just a weekend prior to this achievement. It was developed by a teenage creator in three days and has gained significant popularity, with a player count that surpassed the population of New York City. Despite initial skepticism about player counts, investigations confirmed the game's genuine popularity, driven by strong user retention and community engagement. A Roblox spokesperson noted that the growth is attributed to an authentic community rather than artificial inflation.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Great moments in PC gaming: Getting so badly stuck on an adventure game puzzle I called the developer for a hint

PC gaming has evolved significantly, with advancements in technology leading to improved graphics and processing power, enabling developers to create stunning visuals and complex worlds. Modern games often feature intricate narratives that engage players emotionally, and online platforms have fostered vibrant communities for gamers to connect and share experiences. Despite nostalgia for the past, the current gaming landscape offers richness and depth that were often lacking in earlier generations.