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Arc Raiders got a surprise cameo in South Park, and the devs learned about it just two days before the episode aired
AppWizard
November 29, 2025

Arc Raiders got a surprise cameo in South Park, and the devs learned about it just two days before the episode aired

The RPGs The Stick of Truth and The Fractured But Whole are based on the television series South Park. In a recent episode, a character made a cameo playing the extraction shooter Arc Raiders. Ashley St. Germain, the marketing lead at Embark, detailed the rapid production process for this cameo, stating that South Park inquired about it on a Monday, footage was provided on Tuesday, and it aired in the 'Turkey Trot' episode on Wednesday. The collaboration reflects South Park's commitment to engaging with contemporary gaming culture.
Live-action Far Cry TV series starring It's Always Sunny's Rob Mac will mimic the games' standalone format, with each season given 'a new setting following a new cast of characters'
AppWizard
November 25, 2025

Live-action Far Cry TV series starring It’s Always Sunny’s Rob Mac will mimic the games’ standalone format, with each season given ‘a new setting following a new cast of characters’

Ubisoft has confirmed the development of a live-action Far Cry television series, co-created by Noah Hawley and Rob McElhenney. The series will follow the structure of the games, with each season set in a different location and featuring a new cast of characters. Hawley describes the Far Cry franchise as an anthology, while McElhenney will serve as an executive producer and star in the series. The creative team has a variety of locations to draw inspiration from, including Micronesia, Central Africa, Southeast Asia, and Montana. This adaptation follows a previous film attempt in 2008 and a recent Netflix animated series that received positive feedback.
Warner Bros' A Minecraft Movie targets Best Picture, Director and Actor after impressive $957M box office haul
AppWizard
October 28, 2025

Warner Bros’ A Minecraft Movie targets Best Picture, Director and Actor after impressive $957M box office haul

Warner Bros. is developing a highly anticipated Minecraft movie, aiming for awards consideration. The film features a collaboration of experienced filmmakers and writers focused on creating an authentic narrative that appeals to both gamers and a wider audience. It will utilize advanced animation techniques to replicate the game's blocky aesthetic, providing a vibrant visual experience. The story will explore themes of creativity, adventure, and teamwork, reflecting the core elements of the Minecraft game. Warner Bros. is engaging with the Minecraft community during development and is positioning the film for recognition during award season, highlighting its artistic and storytelling merits.
How a Schedule 1 "investigation" kicked off a battle over Drug Dealer Simulator
AppWizard
October 11, 2025

How a Schedule 1 “investigation” kicked off a battle over Drug Dealer Simulator

Byterunners, the developer of the Drug Dealer Simulator series, is in a dispute with its publisher, Movie Games, regarding withheld profits from console sales and contractual obligations. Byterunners claims that Movie Games has not paid them profits from the console versions of Drug Dealer Simulator 1 and 2, while Movie Games argues that Byterunners is not entitled to these profits based on their contract. The disagreement intensified after Byterunners alleged that profits were contingent upon compliance with new production plans, which they believe deviated from their original contract. Byterunners has made attempts to resolve the dispute, including a settlement proposal and a formal demand for compensation, but communication has broken down. Additionally, Movie Games fined Byterunners 4.5 million Polish złoty for alleged failures to address bugs in Drug Dealer Simulator 2. Both parties acknowledge that clearer communication could have potentially alleviated tensions, but neither has taken steps to re-establish dialogue since the public statements were made. Legal confrontation appears likely as the situation remains unresolved.
Expedition 33 studio had to "up our game" after CEO played Lies of P for "hundreds of hours"
AppWizard
September 23, 2025

Expedition 33 studio had to “up our game” after CEO played Lies of P for “hundreds of hours”

In 2023, two notable games, Lies of P and Clair Obscur Expedition 33, emerged, both inspired by the Belle Époque era. Lies of P is a challenging game similar to Dark Souls, while Expedition 33 features strategic, turn-based gameplay. Choi Ji-won, the director of Lies of P, and Guillaume Broche, CEO of Sandfall Interactive, discussed how Lies of P's success inspired Broche's studio to elevate their ambitions for Expedition 33, which is a strong contender for Game of the Year. Broche praised Lies of P for its portrayal of the Belle Époque aesthetic, particularly the beauty of Hotel Krat, which influenced Expedition 33's design. He initially worried that similarities in their games would lead to accusations of copying. Ji-won expressed a desire for a bolder use of architectural motifs in Lies of P, noting that Broche's incorporation of iconic French landmarks was impressive. The two directors share mutual respect for each other's work and acknowledge the creative collaboration within the gaming industry.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 devs are the new popular kids on the RPG block, visiting both Hideo Kojima and Final Fantasy creators Square Enix for 'a creatively rich exchange of visions and ideas'
AppWizard
July 25, 2025

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 devs are the new popular kids on the RPG block, visiting both Hideo Kojima and Final Fantasy creators Square Enix for ‘a creatively rich exchange of visions and ideas’

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a video game developed by Sandfall Interactive, created by a team of over 30 individuals. The game's director, Guillaume Broche, along with lead programmer Tom Guillermin and co-founder Francois Meurisse, visited Square Enix to exchange ideas with notable figures such as Naoki Hamaguchi and Yoshinori Kitase. This collaboration reflects a constructive dialogue in the gaming industry, emphasizing admiration for established franchises. Additionally, Hideo Kojima has also engaged with the Sandfall team, showcasing a collaborative spirit in the industry.
Raised by Wolves writer penning Death Stranding animated film
AppWizard
June 19, 2025

Raised by Wolves writer penning Death Stranding animated film

An animated film adaptation of Death Stranding is in development, with Aaron Guzikowski writing the screenplay. The project is a collaboration between Kojima Productions and Line Mileage. Guzikowski has expressed his excitement for the project, highlighting his admiration for Hideo Kojima's work. This animated film is separate from a live-action adaptation being developed by A24. Additionally, Death Stranding 2 is set to be released on PlayStation 5 on June 26th.
Digital Domain vs. the Nether Horde: Behind the VFX of Minecraft
AppWizard
May 30, 2025

Digital Domain vs. the Nether Horde: Behind the VFX of Minecraft

VFX Supervisor Piotr Karwas and Animation Supervisor Liz Bernard discussed the visual effects of Minecraft: The Movie, which includes 187 shots completed in 25 weeks. Karwas, with experience from films like World War Z, served as Cinematic Director, merging CG storytelling with Minecraft's aesthetic. Bernard, with a background from The Lion King, was the Previs Supervisor, focusing on visual planning and comedic tone. Digital Domain assisted with the final battle sequence, and Karwas learned about Minecraft lore from his children. The team worked to balance humor and visuals, ensuring consistency across departments. They faced technical challenges in creating custom VFX shots and animating characters like Piglins and Iron Golems, navigating the constraints of their blocky designs. Karwas is also exploring generative AI to enhance creativity in visual effects workflows.
‘A Minecraft Movie’ Tops Weekly Fandango at Home Chart Through May 18
AppWizard
May 19, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Tops Weekly Fandango at Home Chart Through May 18

Plans are underway for a cinematic adaptation of Minecraft, produced by a collaboration of industry veterans and new talent. The film aims to capture the essence of the game, with a storyline focusing on characters navigating Minecraft's landscapes, incorporating elements like crafting, building, and survival. The creators are seeking community input as they prepare for production, with anticipation building around casting and release dates. The movie is seen as a significant business opportunity, targeting both loyal players and new audiences.
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