creative process Archives

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Skelly: Poseable Anatomy Model For Android

The Skelly app, developed by Proko LLC, is a poseable, anatomically correct skeleton reference tool for artists, available for USD 6.99. It has over 10,000 downloads and a rating of 4.1 stars. Key features include a simplified version called "Robo-Skelly," proportions based on Dr. Paul Richer's teachings, compatibility with the "Loomis Head" technique, complete poseability, a Pose Library, movable camera, adjustable light source, options for light or dark backgrounds, and a reset feature. The app aims to assist artists in studying human anatomy and enhancing their creative process without the need for live models.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

Nano Banana goes Pro with refined design consistency and accuracy in the Gemini app

Google has launched the Nano Banana Pro, an upgraded version of its image generation tool, now called Gemini 3 Pro Image. This new tool enhances user experience by producing more accurate and visually engaging images, featuring context-rich visuals and improved text legibility. Users can adjust angles and focus for greater control over their creations. The rollout begins on November 20 within the Gemini app. Nano Banana Pro allows seamless merging of up to 14 images and introduces "creative controls" for precise image manipulation. The original Nano Banana remains available for users seeking a simpler experience, with the Pro version accessible to consumers and students, offering a limited free quota and higher limits for subscribers. Since its launch in late August, Nano Banana has attracted 10 million new users and generated over 200 million images.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

6 of the most popular apps on Steam that aren’t games

Steam offers a variety of software tools in addition to its extensive library of games, which can enhance productivity and creativity in the workplace. Aseprite is a tool for creating high-quality pixel art with a minimalist interface and features that streamline the creative process, making it suitable for indie game developers and artists. RPG Maker MZ allows users to create their own games without extensive coding knowledge, catering to both beginners and seasoned developers, and is compatible with current operating systems. Wallpaper Engine enables users to create unique static or animated wallpapers, allowing for personalization of desktop backgrounds. Crosshair X allows users to customize crosshairs for various games, enhancing gameplay by tailoring the aiming experience. Soundpad enhances voice chats by enabling users to play sound effects and music clips during conversations, improving the social experience of gaming and online interactions.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Take-Two delays Grand Theft Auto 6 by six months

Take-Two has delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 to November 19th, marking the second postponement for the game. The initial release date was set for 2025, then pushed to May 26th, 2026, before the latest adjustment. CEO Strauss Zelnick emphasized the company's commitment to delivering a high-quality gaming experience, stating that more time is sometimes needed to polish a title.

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

November 6, 2025

Jennifer Hale did not see the twist in Knights of the Old Republic coming either: ‘I remember just being gobsmacked by this game so many times’

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a classic game that has remained popular among gamers, featuring a significant plot twist that continues to intrigue new players. The game is fully accessible and playable as of March 2025. Game developers have discussed their creative process, which sometimes involves "cold reading," and highlighted the unpredictability of game development timelines. Tools like Steam Superheater can be used to enhance the gaming experience, allowing players to enjoy the game in widescreen format.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Minecraft Goes Mini in MGA Entertainment’s New Collection

MGA Entertainment has launched the Miniverse Make It Mini Minecraft collection, featuring mystery capsules filled with miniature DIY collectibles that reflect the aesthetics and items of Minecraft. Each capsule contains blocks, tools, weapons, and accessories, allowing fans to recreate elements from the game. There are 12 unique minis to collect, aimed at enthusiasts aged 8 and older. The collection is available at retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, with each capsule priced at an MSRP of .99.

AppWizard

November 2, 2025

Google Photos hops on the viral video train with these new templates

Google has introduced "video creation templates" in the Photos app, allowing users to create Highlight videos with pre-made formats that include music, text, and beat-matching. Users can choose to let AI select content from their camera roll or manually curate their videos. The process involves navigating to Google Photos > Create > Highlight Video, where users can select templates and edit their videos by changing music tracks, reordering clips, or removing elements. The update is rolling out on Android devices. Additionally, YouTube Shorts has launched its own version of templates to assist content creators in incorporating trending music and sound clips.

AppWizard

October 26, 2025

Europa Universalis lead says design documents stifle creativity: ‘You end up with a bunch of idea guys who write all the documents and the rest are there to follow’

Creating a video game involves a collaborative effort among diverse talents, where design documents serve as guides outlining game systems and objectives. Johan Andersson, lead designer of Europa Universalis 5, argues that design documents can stifle creativity and reduce team ownership. He advocates for a flexible approach with broad outlines that allow team members the freedom to make decisions, fostering creativity and accountability. Andersson warns against a few individuals dominating the creative process, emphasizing the need for a leader to align the team with overarching goals while encouraging individual contributions. He reflects on his team's past reliance on design documents, acknowledging that it limited creativity and expressing that their earlier approach stemmed from inexperience.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Minecraft devs “want to avoid treating players in a way that feels unfair,” so Mojang’s guiding principle is that “bad things happen, but they’re technically the player’s fault”

Mojang continues to innovate Minecraft with updates guided by a philosophy of balance in game design. Lead designer Jens 'Jeb' Bergensten emphasized the importance of finding the right balance to avoid unfair treatment of players, stating that challenges should be the player's responsibility. He explained that balancing risk versus reward is crucial for making the game enjoyable. Challenges are placed later in the game and are opt-in, allowing players to choose their level of difficulty. This player-centric design contributes to Minecraft's appeal by enabling players to engage with either challenging gameplay or creative building without threats. Mojang's CEO noted that player expectations and game design have evolved, suggesting that if the Creeper were introduced today, it might face controversy.