creative exploration Archives

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Clown of Slipknot states that “AI is part of life” and talks about his passion for Minecraft

M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan, the percussionist and creative director for Slipknot, has launched a custom ‘Minecraft’ server called ‘Vernearth’, which he describes as a significant artistic endeavor reflecting his lifelong passion for video games. His gaming journey began with early consoles like Atari and Intellivision, and he views ‘Vernearth’ as a culmination of his creative exploration, influenced by various games including ‘Quake’, ‘Goat Simulator’, and ‘World of Warcraft’. Crahan has a personal connection to ‘Minecraft’, having introduced it to his children and used it as a means of coping with grief. He also shared his perspective on artificial intelligence, likening it to a personal assistant and suggesting its potential for enhancing creativity in music. Crahan believes that younger generations will embrace AI technology, contrasting their views with those of older generations who may be more apprehensive about its implications.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Slipknot’s Clown Calls His New Minecraft Server, “The Biggest Art Piece I’ve Made In My Entire Life”, Speaks On Embracing AI

M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan, the percussionist and creative director of Slipknot, has launched a custom Minecraft server called Vernearth, driven by a passion for creativity rather than financial gain. He has a long history with video games, starting with systems like Atari and Intellivision, and has engaged with various games that have influenced his creativity. Crahan views Vernearth as a significant artistic endeavor that combines music, coding, and community interaction. He has a deep respect for Minecraft, having followed its development since its release, and it has served as a therapeutic outlet for him. Crahan embraces artificial intelligence as a tool for enhancing his creativity, comparing it to a personal assistant that helps him express his artistic ideas. He acknowledges concerns about AI but believes it is an integral part of modern life and emphasizes the inevitability of technological progress.

AppWizard

November 19, 2025

Developer Runs Minecraft On Smart Lightbulb

Developer Vimpo has established a Minecraft server on a budget smart lightbulb using the BL602 microcontroller. The server, called Ucraft, is a lightweight system that lacks many traditional features but operates effectively. The binary size is approximately 46 KB without the authentication library and 90 KB with it. Memory consumption varies based on active players, peaking at around 70 KB with authentication for up to 10 players, or dropping to 20 KB without it.

AppWizard

November 6, 2025

‘I was single and miserable’: Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser admits that his life in New York is why GTA 4’s story was so dark

Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games, discussed the creative process behind Grand Theft Auto 4 during a conversation with Lex Fridman. He shared that his personal experiences living in New York during a tumultuous time influenced the game's dark narrative. Houser was single and unhappy, which he felt resonated with the game's themes. The development of GTA 4 was also impacted by external pressures, including the Hot Coffee controversy surrounding GTA: San Andreas, which led to significant scrutiny for Rockstar. Despite the stress, Houser's unconventional writing process involved exploring New York to capture its essence and immigrant experience. He initially worried about the story's reception but felt reassured once the motion capture and animation were completed, recognizing a balance of comedy and tragedy in the character arcs.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Dead Cells studio opted to make a new game despite ‘super strong’ pressure for a sequel because ‘we are driven by what we want to make’

Dead Cells, released in 2018, has received a 90% rating and sold over 10 million copies. The game has undergone 35 updates and is now managed by Evil Empire, a spinoff studio. Motion Twin, the original developer, is not directly involved in Dead Cells' ongoing development and has instead announced a new project called Windblown, currently in early access on Steam. Yannick Berthier, co-creative director at Motion Twin, emphasized the studio's creative freedom and commitment to pursuing projects that align with their vision. Tensions arose regarding the conclusion of Dead Cells' development, as Evil Empire planned additional DLCs extending into 2024 and 2025.

AppWizard

September 25, 2025

Google’s Mixboard brings Android users an AI boost for creativity

Mixboard is an AI mood board app by Google, currently available only in the U.S. through Google Labs as an experimental tool. Users can start from scratch or use templates, and the app generates images, layouts, text, and color palettes based on user prompts. It utilizes Google's Gemini AI and a new image engine called Nano Banana, which allows visual adjustments through simple text instructions. Users can also upload their own images for the AI to adapt. Mixboard is designed for brainstorming and is not intended to replace traditional design software like Photoshop or Canva. It aims to democratize the creative process by making it accessible to those without formal design training.

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

Edmund McMillen thinks Mewgenics is his best game yet, and after playing it myself, I can see why

Mewgenics is a game developed by Team Meat, originally envisioned as a sequel to Super Meat Boy, focusing on breeding cats with unique traits. The project was put on hold while designer Edmund McMillen worked on The Binding of Isaac, but he later revived Mewgenics with collaborator Tyler Glaiel. The game features cat breeding mechanics and turn-based combat, allowing players to send their uniquely bred cats on adventures. It aims to blend humor with commentary on pet ownership and the quirks of feline companionship.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Less than 6 years after it launched, John Wick Hex is being removed from sale on all storefronts later this week

John Wick Hex will be removed from digital storefronts on July 17, less than six years after its launch. Publisher Big Fan Games confirmed that current owners will retain access, but new purchases will not be possible. The likely reason for this decision is expiring license rights. The game received positive feedback despite its deviations from the original film series. It is currently available at full price on Steam and Epic Games Store, with an 80% discount available on the Humble Store.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

3D platformer action adventure game Big Hops announced for PC

Big Hops is a 3D platformer where players control Hop, a young frog kidnapped by a spirit named Diss. The objective is to reunite with Hop's family by gathering Airship Parts while navigating challenges such as infiltrating the Gulley Gang’s Hideout, rescuing workers from DrillCO, and sneaking past cultists. The game features self-contained narratives in each world, with dynamic gameplay mechanics centered on movement and frog-tongue interactions. Players can use various Veggies for creative problem-solving, and collectibles enhance gameplay and customization options. The game includes four main worlds—Forest, Desert, Ocean, and Mountain—offering diverse environments and challenges. Chris Wade, the creator, aimed to modernize the 3D platformer genre, drawing inspiration from various games and shows.