Concept art Archives

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Control Resonant dev Remedy didn’t use other triple-A games for inspiration, because “nobody is taking risks”

Control Resonant is a sequel that takes players from the isolated setting of the Oldest House to the reimagined streets of Manhattan, described as a "labyrinth." The game features a new protagonist, Dylan Faden, who can navigate the environment in unique ways. The developers aim for a grounded aesthetic to enhance the supernatural elements and have avoided references from other games to maintain originality. The narrative expands with multiple factions and a variety of enemy types, including a haunted bus. The Hiss remains a central threat, affecting both humans and animals. Dylan will use a radio to communicate with his handler, Zoe, and will encounter audio logs that deepen the lore. Control Resonant is set to launch in 2026.

AppWizard

April 27, 2026

FF14 Evercold release date window, jobs, trailers, and latest news

The FF14 8.0 expansion, titled "FF14 Evercold," will release in January 2027, with Patch 7.56 arriving on September 8, 2026. The level cap will increase from 100 to 110, and players will encounter a flood of ice in the Fourth reflection of the Source. The expansion will introduce two new jobs: one Tank and one Ranged Physical DPS. Evolved Mode and Reborn Mode will be available, allowing players to choose between a streamlined battle system or a traditional playstyle. The expansion will feature six new zones, approximately six dungeons, three new trials, and a series of eight-player raids. A crossover with Neon Genesis Evangelion will occur in patches 8.1, 8.3, and 8.5. Updates will also include changes to PvP, FATEs, and the Tomestone rewards system. Further details will be revealed at upcoming Fanfests in Berlin and Tokyo.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

Moving Valheim away from being an MMO was “the best decision” the team made

Valheim is a Norse-inspired survival game developed by Iron Gate Studio, which allows players to build homes and fight monsters. It is set to release its 1.0 version five years after its initial launch. The game has been compared to titles like Rust but maintains a unique charm. The development team decided against an MMO format, which they consider "the best design decision." Valheim began as a test project for networking solutions, evolving into a game focused on single-player and small group experiences. The Nordic theme was chosen for its compatibility with the gameplay, despite the CEO Richard Svensson not being a fan of Viking lore. The game's art style was developed out of necessity, allowing for easier solo production. Each biome in the game is created separately, with influences from games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, while loosely incorporating Norse mythology. Valheim has achieved financial success and critical acclaim during its early access phase, enabling Iron Gate Studio to focus on its development. The game is currently available on Steam at a 50% discount. Indie Game Works, featuring a chapter on Valheim, is available in limited and general editions.

AppWizard

April 24, 2026

FF14 Evercold will “unite the stars” in January – here’s everything Yoshi-P said in his massive Fanfest keynote

FF14 Evercold, the upcoming expansion for Final Fantasy 14, is set to launch in January 2027, marking the start of "The Godless Realms Saga." Players will explore the Fourth realm, dealing with ice-related challenges. The gameplay structure will shift to a weekly-based system, allowing more flexible engagement. New character customization options will be introduced, along with improvements in public field content and questing, including a new difficulty level for eight-player raids and same-region player matching. Two new jobs—a tank and a physical ranged DPS—will be added, along with a level cap increase to 110, new enemies, dungeons, and an eight-player raid series. There will also be a crossover alliance raid with Evangelion.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

You know it’s bad for AI when even Peter Molyneux, king of overpromising, is tepid on its use in game dev: ‘I think we have to be very, very careful’

Peter Molyneux expressed skepticism about the current capabilities of artificial intelligence in gaming, stating that "AI is not of a high enough quality for us to really use in games right now." He emphasized the need for caution and responsibility in applying AI technology. Molyneux acknowledged AI's potential for disruption but highlighted humanity's ability to adapt to emerging technologies. His views contrast with other gaming companies that have faced backlash for integrating AI into their projects. Molyneux's cautious stance serves as a reminder that AI's applications are still evolving and can lead to unintended consequences in creative processes.

AppWizard

April 4, 2026

‘Minecraft World’ theme park set to open in 2027

Chessington World of Adventures Resort announced plans for a "Minecraft"-themed amusement park called Minecraft World, set to open in 2027 in Chessington, UK. The park will feature a "world first" roller coaster, block-built playscapes, and various "Minecraft"-themed retail and dining options. The project involves "iconic 'Minecraft' creators" to ensure authenticity. The announcement follows the success of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios, which has generated excitement among fans. The park aims to attract both amusement park enthusiasts and the video game community, coinciding with the 20-year anniversary of Minecraft's original release in 2009.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

Nightdive’s Larry Kuperman retires after 25-year career in games: ‘We never looked at games as products’

Larry Kuperman, Vice President of Business Development at Nightdive Studios, has announced his retirement from full-time work after a 25-year career in the gaming industry. He has held various roles, including publisher at Stardock and retailer at GameStop, but is notably recognized for his contributions to game preservation at Nightdive. Kuperman discussed the complexities of reviving classic games, citing challenges such as intellectual property rights, with specific examples like the rights to "No One Lives Forever" and "System Shock." He joined Nightdive during a crucial period and highlighted the studio's commitment to its community by honoring promises made to Kickstarter backers for the remaster of "System Shock 2." Kuperman emphasized the importance of viewing games as art and has introduced innovative features in remastered games. He plans to remain active in the industry, particularly with the International Game Developers Association, to support newcomers.

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

In defense of placeholder assets: why generative AI accidentally appears in so many games

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn has acknowledged the use of generative AI in its development, while Pearl Abyss apologized for unintentionally including AI-generated assets in Crimson Desert. Other games like The Alters and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have faced similar issues with AI elements. Developers are increasingly cautious about AI integration, with some, like Arc Raiders, moving away from AI-generated voice actors. When AI-generated art appears, developers often claim these were placeholders, which raises concerns about their inclusion in final products. Josh Sawyer highlighted the importance of distinguishing between temporary and final assets in his project Pentiment. The creative process relies on human vision and artistry, which generative AI cannot replicate. Additionally, the environmental impact of AI technology is a concern due to the energy demands of data centers. Developers' claims of unintended AI assets raise questions about transparency, contrasting with Owlcat's open acknowledgment. Players react negatively to AI-generated artwork, leading to swift apologies from developers, highlighting the tension between AI use and artistic integrity.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2, Minecraft World And More Announced During Minecraft LIVE 2026

Minecraft LIVE 2026 announced several developments in the Minecraft universe. 1. Minecraft Dungeons 2: The sequel to the action RPG series will expand the franchise with new locations, enemies, and encounters. It is scheduled for release in Fall 2026, available for wishlisting, and will be accessible through Xbox Game Pass on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. 2. Minecraft World: A theme park experience called Minecraft World will debut at Chessington World of Adventures in Greater London in 2027, featuring attractions inspired by the game’s biomes, mobs, and items. 3. Minecraft Experience: Moonlight Trail: An outdoor nighttime adventure launching in Buenos Aires, Argentina, will allow players to explore real-world forest trails, crafting gear, mining resources, and battling mobs. 4. New Drops: - Tiny Takeover Mob Drop: Scheduled for March 24, this drop will revamp baby mobs with unique designs and introduce new items like the Golden Dandelion and craftable nametags. - Chaos Cubed Drop: Expected later in 2026, this drop will feature new sulfur caves that induce a dizzying effect and introduce mechanics allowing mobs to absorb blocks and alter their attributes.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

Yes, Minecraft Is Getting a Real Theme Park Land in 2027

The first Minecraft theme park, named Minecraft World, is set to open in 2025 at Chessington World of Adventures in Greater London. The park will feature attractions such as a roller coaster, block-built playscapes, interactive adventures, and themed retail and dining experiences. It is a collaborative project between Mojang Studios and Merlin Entertainments, with a budget of millions. Concept art includes designs of wooden houses, TNT blocks, and Creepers. The park aims to be a family-friendly destination, located just a 35-minute train ride from London Waterloo. A live-action Minecraft film featuring Jack Black was released in 2025, with a sequel planned for 2027, starring Kirsten Dunst.