creative direction Archives

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May 31, 2026

The Minecraft Sequel Officially Has A New Title

The official title for the sequel to the Minecraft film is A Minecraft Movie Squared. New cast members include Kirsten Dunst as Alex and Matt Berry, while returning cast members are Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and Danielle Brooks. Director Jared Hess will return for the sequel, which is set for release on July 23, 2027. The original film grossed 7 million globally, prompting discussions for a sequel, which was officially greenlit in October 2025.

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May 27, 2026

Cozy city builder Papaya Plaza announced for PC

Publisher Weekend Games, in collaboration with developer Biscuit Factory Games, has announced the village builder game Papaya Plaza, set to launch on PC via Steam, with a demo currently available. Players will take on the role of Mayor to revitalize a neglected tourist town into a vibrant destination, aiming for a 5-Star status. The game features customization options and art by Stef Bollen. Players will assist uniquely designed villagers and establish shops to generate income for town improvements. Key features include a low-stress gameplay environment, pixel art style, and a progression system to enhance the town's rank.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

This Subnautica 2 mod lets you kill all the fish you want

Discussions about Subnautica 2 have centered on whether players should be able to engage in combat with aquatic enemies. Many players want to defend themselves against hostile creatures like Nibbler Mangos and Hammerheads, recalling the original game's survival knife. However, developers have stated that Subnautica 2 is "not a killing game" and encouraged players interested in combat to seek other titles. This has led to mixed reactions from the community. In response to the demand for combat, modder jibotron created the "Killable Creatures" mod, which enhances existing tools to allow players to defend against oceanic nuisances without traditional weapons. With this mod, the survival multitool inflicts 20 damage, and the sonic resonator delivers 50 damage to various creatures. While the mod functions as intended, the effort required to track down creatures can detract from gameplay enjoyment. Players can also eliminate smaller fish, but their remains do not provide resources. The mod is available on Nexus Mods, requiring the installation of the UE4SS mod for functionality.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Lies of P studio is hiring an ‘AI Creator’ for future projects but says the role will not be ‘directly involved’ in the development of the sequel

The sequel to the game Lies of P is now in "full production," as confirmed by developer Neowiz in their earnings report. Neowiz has hired an AI "artist" to assist with the game's production, intending to leverage generative AI to enhance art production efficiency and innovate visual quality. This decision has sparked disappointment among fans concerned about the potential compromise of the game's artistry. Neowiz reported Q1 2026 revenues of 101.4 billion Korean won. The gaming industry is witnessing growing enthusiasm for AI integration, with notable figures discussing its potential to revolutionize gaming experiences, while some, like Xbox's chief Asha Sharma, express caution against "soulless AI slop."

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Transport Fever 3 dev’s new deal with Cities Skylines 2 publisher Paradox “will have nothing but positive effects”

Urban Games has formed a publishing partnership with Paradox Interactive for the upcoming city-building game Transport Fever 3, set to release in 2026. The collaboration aims to enhance the game's infrastructure focus while maintaining Urban Games' original vision and creative control. Urban Games reassures fans that the game will honor community promises and is on track for release later this year, with closed beta tests and an early access program for modders already in progress. Despite concerns about Paradox's past challenges, Urban Games is committed to delivering a complete experience at launch. Paradox's Chief Business Officer expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the game's alignment with their portfolio.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Too Many F*cking Nazis is the name of a new Steam FPS, and coincidentally an accurate description of its Steam community forums

The game "Nekome: Nazi Hunter" features a storyline where time-traveling Nazis have taken over the world, and players must use inventive weapons and unique builds to eliminate them. It combines elements of hand-to-hand combat and stealth mechanics, while offering visceral action against World War II-era Nazis. The game reflects a current trend in gaming that targets Nazis for virtual extermination, resonating with players and cultural sentiments. An official trailer is available to showcase the gameplay and narrative.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

High on Life 2 is absolutely hilarious gaming with some awkward mic drops — and it’s on Xbox Game Pass, too

Squanch Games has released High on Life 2, a sequel to its successful 2022 game. The narrative follows the Bounty Hunter facing a cosmic crisis. The sequel features refined humor, attributed to the absence of former voice actor Justin Roiland, and includes a mix of chaotic gunplay and fluid combat. Players will encounter returning weapons and new tools, along with quirky environments that enhance the comedic experience. The game prioritizes accessibility and fun over complexity, allowing players to enjoy the gameplay without tedious tasks. However, performance issues have been noted, particularly for PC players with lower-end hardware, leading to stuttering and frame drops. Console versions generally maintain a steady frame rate, but optimization is needed for the PC version. Despite these challenges, the game delivers humor and engaging gameplay.

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February 14, 2026

Scars of Honor assures MMORPG fans that it’s a PC game first while defending its stylistic art choice

Beast Burst Entertainment has confirmed that Scars of Honor is primarily a PC game, with a focus on delivering a polished experience on this platform before developing mobile adaptations. The studio emphasizes that the stylized graphics are a deliberate artistic choice, not a result of mobile design constraints. The mobile version will be developed after the PC release is completed and stable.

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January 15, 2026

Monster Train 2’s first DLC is transforming the game with a giant new mode and the hammer-swinging Railforged clan

A significant update for Monster Train 2, titled Destiny of the Railforged, will be released in early February as the game's first paid DLC. It introduces a new clan, the Railforged, and a gameplay mode called Soul Savior. In Soul Savior, players battle to reclaim souls from a final boss named the Lifemother, with unique mechanics that enhance gameplay. Players can unlock and upgrade over 30 souls, each providing powerful enhancements and strategic options. The Railforged clan specializes in boosting the pyre's attack power and features new units and mechanics. Additionally, the Wurmkin clan will receive a free update with new designs and balance adjustments. Pricing details for the DLC have not been disclosed.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

Anthem is finally, officially dead

At approximately 2:05 PM EST today, players of Anthem were unexpectedly disconnected from EA's servers, marking the official end of the game after nearly seven years since its launch. The game had struggled with live service management and received a lukewarm reception, with a review rating of 55 in February 2019. Development issues and a lack of creative direction plagued Anthem, leading to abandoned plans for reinvention in February 2021. EA announced the game's closure in July, and in its final hours, the community engaged in a nostalgic farewell. Players expressed mixed feelings about the game's experience, highlighting both the thrill of combat and frustrations with its design.