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Microsoft put Weezer’s Buddy Holly on Windows 95 just for "fun" — but only after a legal battle no one talks about
Winsage
February 15, 2026

Microsoft put Weezer’s Buddy Holly on Windows 95 just for “fun” — but only after a legal battle no one talks about

Raymond Chen, a software engineer at Microsoft, shared a narrative about the multimedia content on the Windows 95 CD, highlighting the creative vision and copyright negotiations involved. Microsoft initially secured rights for audio content but faced challenges with visual media, particularly a recreation of the TV show Happy Days. This required obtaining consent from original cast members, including Henry Winkler. The legal team, tasked with this, enjoyed the process of navigating permissions.
Everyone's arguing about whether Divinity will be turn-based or an ARPG, and I'm not sure why because the answer seems obvious
AppWizard
December 12, 2025

Everyone’s arguing about whether Divinity will be turn-based or an ARPG, and I’m not sure why because the answer seems obvious

Larian Studios has confirmed that their next project will be a new entry in the Divinity series, titled Divinity. The gaming community is divided over whether this installment will adopt a turn-based format, like its predecessors, or revert to real-time mechanics from earlier titles. The Divinity: Original Sin subreddit is actively discussing these contrasting opinions, with some fans advocating for developer freedom in gameplay choices. Historically, the Divinity series has included both real-time and turn-based gameplay, with the Original Sin games establishing a turn-based style. Larian's announcement references Original Sin 1 and 2, suggesting a continuation of this gameplay style. The studio's successful transition of the Baldur's Gate series to turn-based gameplay further supports the likelihood of a similar approach for Divinity. However, there is potential for unexpected creative directions under the leadership of Swen Vincke.
How the ‘Minecraft Movie’ VFX team created that viral ‘chicken jockey’ moment
AppWizard
November 30, 2025

How the ‘Minecraft Movie’ VFX team created that viral ‘chicken jockey’ moment

Video game adaptations are gaining popularity in cinema, with Jared Hess’s A Minecraft Movie becoming the second game adaptation in three years to top the global box office, following The Super Mario Bros. Movie. A sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, is set for release next year. Prime Video’s Fallout has also received acclaim and will premiere its second season next month. The adaptations have varied in their approach to source material; The Super Mario Bros. Movie is fully animated, while Fallout uses practical sets, and A Minecraft Movie combines live-action performances with digital landscapes. The film's visual effects team faced challenges in adapting Minecraft due to its open-world nature and lack of a definitive storyline. Warner Bros. acquired the rights to Minecraft over a decade ago, and after years of development, the project found direction under Hess's leadership, framing the story as a “fish-out-of-water” narrative. Initial reactions to the film's trailer were mixed, leading to skepticism about the adaptation. Jack Black's character, Steve, showcases enthusiasm for the game, and he actively participated in building set pieces within Minecraft. A notable scene, the “chicken jockey,” references an obscure game element and resonated with fans, becoming a highlight of the film. The scene's success was attributed to Hess's humor and creative vision, ultimately connecting with the audience and proving skeptics wrong.
Nano Banana goes Pro with refined design consistency and accuracy in the Gemini app
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.
Europa Universalis V (PC) Review
AppWizard
November 1, 2025

Europa Universalis V (PC) Review

In 1993, French game designer Philippe Thibaut released the tabletop game Europa Universalis, which focused on the geopolitical dynamics of European powers from the late 15th century to 1792. The game was complex, featuring nearly 1500 counters and extensive manuals, with some sessions lasting over 60 hours. Thibaut collaborated with Paradox Development Studio to adapt the game for PC, launching the video game version in late 2000, which introduced real-time gameplay with a pause feature and an open-ended structure. As of 2025, the franchise has evolved to include four mainline titles and a spin-off, culminating in Europa Universalis V, which introduces a new starting date of April 1, 1337, and ends on December 31, 1836. The game features a detailed world map with 28,570 locations and 1,523 playable nations. New features include a revamped military system, balancing estates, and scripted situations that reflect real-world events. Despite advancements, Europa Universalis V has a high barrier to entry, particularly for newcomers, and may require additional content to reach its full potential. The game has shown stability on mid-range systems, though performance on handheld devices may be lacking.
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'
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.
Don't count on Arc Raiders ever getting a first-person mode: 'Once you start being able to put your face right up against an asset, it kind of falls apart'
AppWizard
October 18, 2025

Don’t count on Arc Raiders ever getting a first-person mode: ‘Once you start being able to put your face right up against an asset, it kind of falls apart’

Arc Raiders is a third-person shooter that has gained significant attention in the extraction genre, with strong participation in its server slam playtest. Developer Watkins has stated that the likelihood of introducing a first-person mode is slim due to the need for a fundamental reevaluation of the game's design and the technical challenges involved. The game's geometry and asset quality are designed for an over-the-shoulder view, making a first-person perspective impractical. Watkins concluded that implementing a first-person mode is "very, very implausible."
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