creative hub Archives

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Gemini app’s clunky UI may be getting a massive overhaul

Google is making a "huge investment" in a "UX 2.0" overhaul for the Gemini app, which includes developing a native macOS version. The upcoming changes aim to enhance the user experience with cleaner navigation, clearer entry points, and a more intuitive layout. The Android version has already introduced a refreshed homepage with a cleaner greeting banner, a darker background in dark mode, and reorganized action chips for easier navigation. Tools like “Create image,” “Deep Research,” and “Write anything” are now more accessible, and a “My Stuff” section allows users to revisit generated content. The native macOS app will improve file management and integration with system features, moving away from browser limitations.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Ubisoft vet Johannes Thimme founds new studio Quality Time

Johannes Thimme has established Quality Time, a studio focused on creating original games and providing consultation and mentoring services. He began his career in the gaming industry in 2012 at Ubisoft, contributing to titles like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Rainbow Six Siege, and Might & Magic, and previously worked at Deep Silver and Mail.ru Games. Thimme aims to promote growth in the gaming sector of Lower Saxony, believing the region has untapped potential and hopes to create a vibrant community for both experienced developers and new talent.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

Battlefield 6’s XP-farming servers were inevitable, so why make progression so sluggish?

The author has spent six hours playing Battlefield 6, finding it exhilarating and reminiscent of the franchise's best days, but is concerned about slow progression rates for unlocking weapons and attachments. XP farms have emerged due to this sluggish progression, leading to a focus on farming servers rather than genuine gameplay experiences. Battlefield Studios is working to address the issue, and the author suggests that increasing XP gain in regular modes could help reduce reliance on these farms. Players are expressing mixed feelings about the XP farms, with some appreciating their benefits while others find them frustrating. The author hopes for Portal to be a creative hub rather than a means of exploitation and expresses a desire for faster progression and more loadout options.

AppWizard

September 17, 2024

Lighthouse Games to new Leamington Spa studio

Developer Lighthouse Games is relocating to a 20,000 square foot office in Leamington Spa's Imperial Court. The studio, founded by industry veterans from Playground in 2023, is expanding following a notable investment from Tencent. The new office offers ample parking, proximity to local restaurants and bars, and room for future growth. The move reflects the resilience of Leamington's office market and the video games industry's confidence in the area.

AppWizard

August 22, 2024

Headup founds new indie studio Goon Squad

Headup has launched an indie studio named Good Squad, transforming its internal development team that contributed to titles like Tinkertown and Dr Fetus' Mean Meat Machine. Good Squad will operate independently to foster innovative gaming experiences and enhance Headup's publishing strategy. Both entities are part of Microcuts Holding, led by Dieter Schoeller, who acquired Headup from Thunderful for €500,000 in March 2023, following Thunderful's earlier purchase of Headup for €11 million three years prior.