Concept art Archives

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.

AppWizard

March 15, 2026

Can you identify these iconic PC games from just a piece of concept art?

A new quiz featuring 20 pieces of video game concept art challenges participants to identify the games for which the artworks were created. Testers report that scoring above 5 out of 20 is commendable, while a perfect score of 20 is considered exceptional. The quiz encourages a deeper appreciation for game design and invites participants to share their scores in the comments.

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

December 2, 2025

1997 PC Game ‘Blood’ Has Been Remastered By Nightdive Studios, And It Hits Xbox This Week

Nightdive Studios will release Blood: Refreshed Supply on December 4th, 2025, exclusively for Xbox. This remastered edition features 42 levels with a Lovecraftian atmosphere, following an undead gunslinger on a quest for vengeance. The game includes various weapons and enhancements such as rebuilt source code, new playable cut-content levels, remastered cutscenes, improved enemy behavior, bug fixes, high-resolution support, customizable controls, and multiplayer options. The projected price is around £20, and it will be available for download on the Xbox Store.

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

New co-op FPS combines the open-world hordes of Dying Light and the style of Borderlands, with a demo you can try first

Skopje '83 is a first-person shooter developed by the indie studio Dark-1 over six years, inspired by cel shading and concept art. The game is set in Skopje, North Macedonia, where players navigate a hostile environment using a mobile base called DOM, an armored bus for storing gear, crafting weapons, and recuperating. It features an open-world design, encouraging exploration and experimentation, with a dynamic world where death alters the landscape. Players can team up to combat mutated creatures and gather blueprints. A demo update has been released, and the full version is available on Steam for .99, with a 10% discount until November 14.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

‘This is suspect’: Scarface game modder claims surprise PC ‘remaster’ was listed without the film IP owner’s knowledge

An HD remaster of Scarface: The World is Yours has been released, but concerns about its legitimacy have arisen, prompting the publisher to temporarily hide the store page and enter discussions regarding licensing and technical issues. The original game, released in 2006, appeared unexpectedly on the Epic Games Store and Steam, with claims of an "optional HD graphics upgrade." However, it was discovered that the version sold on Epic Games is essentially the existing PC version with fan-made patches. The developer of one of the patches expressed surprise at the lack of communication about their work's inclusion and speculated that the rights holder for the Scarface movie may be unaware of the release. Players are advised to avoid purchasing the game until further clarification is provided. Additionally, a sequel to Scarface: The World is Yours was once in development but was ultimately shelved, with concept art and footage surfacing online in 2022.