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Despite another big delay, Devolver is still hell-bent on releasing a game on the same day as Grand Theft Auto 6: 'you can't escape us'
AppWizard
November 7, 2025

Despite another big delay, Devolver is still hell-bent on releasing a game on the same day as Grand Theft Auto 6: ‘you can’t escape us’

GTA 6 has experienced multiple delays, leading to frustration and disappointment among fans, while also prompting reflection on the negative implications for the gaming industry. Devolver Digital has humorously threatened to release a game on the same day as GTA 6, announcing a new target date of November 19, 2026, in response to each delay from Rockstar. Devolver Digital describes GTA 6 as having a monumental scale and cultural significance, emphasizing the contrasting positions of major and indie titles in the gaming landscape.
'Skinballs,' a Saints Row test NPC that looks like four floating scoops of ice cream, has been preserved as part of a museum collection
AppWizard
November 2, 2025

‘Skinballs,’ a Saints Row test NPC that looks like four floating scoops of ice cream, has been preserved as part of a museum collection

Elizabeth Zelle, a former developer at Volition, discussed the character Skinballs from the Saints Row franchise with preservationists Andrew Borman and Phil Salvadore on Bluesky. Skinballs, a surreal NPC made of four spheres in different flesh tones, was created to help artists light scenes for diverse skin colors in Saints Row: The Third. It has gained popularity in modding communities and is now part of the Strong Museum of Play's collection, which includes various materials donated by former Volition staff. Skinballs is recognized for its quirky charm and cultural significance, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Gen-Z has no nostalgia for the big screen—unless it's the 'Minecraft Movie'
AppWizard
September 25, 2025

Gen-Z has no nostalgia for the big screen—unless it’s the ‘Minecraft Movie’

Approximately three-quarters of U.S. adults have streamed newly released films at least once over the past year, with around 30% doing so at least once a month. About two-thirds of Americans visited a theater to watch a recently released film in the same timeframe, but only 16% attended a theater at least once a month. The average movie ticket price in the U.S. is now .17, up from .76 in 2022. Nearly half of adults under 30 reported watching a newly released film on streaming platforms at least once a month, compared to 20% who visited theaters with the same frequency. The AP-NORC poll surveyed 1,182 adults from August 21-25, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
On This Day in 1995, Microsoft Debuted Windows 95, Complete With Music Composed by Brian Eno
Winsage
August 24, 2025

On This Day in 1995, Microsoft Debuted Windows 95, Complete With Music Composed by Brian Eno

On August 24, 1995, Microsoft unveiled Windows 95, a significant operating system in the Windows 9x family. The startup sound for Windows 95, known as “The Microsoft Sound,” was created by musician Brian Eno, who was approached by Microsoft in 1994. Eno produced a six-second audio clip that replaced the previous Windows 3.1 sound and also served as the shutdown audio. He created eighty-four variations before finalizing the sound, which was designed to be inspiring and universally appealing. The sound's cultural significance led to its preservation by the Library of Congress in 2025.
Minecraft vs. Roblox: Which Video Game is #1 in 2025?
AppWizard
July 10, 2025

Minecraft vs. Roblox: Which Video Game is #1 in 2025?

Roblox reported 79.5 million daily active users (DAUs) in Q1 2025, while Minecraft had 140 million monthly active users (MAUs) in 2023. Roblox generated .8 million in revenue in Q1 2025, compared to Minecraft's million for the entirety of 2023. 54% of Roblox users are under 13 years old, while Minecraft appeals to a broader demographic, including adults. Roblox focuses on user-generated content and social interaction, while Minecraft emphasizes creativity and nostalgia.
'A Minecraft Movie' made a beloved video game mainstream. YouTubers had already turned it into an empire.
AppWizard
July 1, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ made a beloved video game mainstream. YouTubers had already turned it into an empire.

A Minecraft Movie was released in 2025, becoming the top film at the U.S. box office and generating excitement among audiences. The game Minecraft had nearly 170 million monthly active players in 2025 and is known for its sandbox experience, allowing players to mine, build, and customize their gameplay. Dream, a prominent content creator with 32 million YouTube subscribers, highlighted the game's creativity at VidCon. The community around Minecraft thrives on collaboration and humor, with cultural references like the “chicken jockey” glitch and the song “Steve’s Lava Chicken” performed by Jack Black in the film. The movie, which had been in development since 2014, aimed to balance fan service with broader accessibility and was directed by Jared Hess. Dream expressed satisfaction with the film's humor and its potential to attract more attention to Minecraft. Additionally, Dream showcased a project at VidCon allowing users to upload 3D avatars into Minecraft. Other creators, like Aidan Weiss, have also contributed to the game's community, with viral content that resonates with fans.
I'm hooked on this free Google app that transports me to different countries from my couch
AppWizard
June 5, 2025

I’m hooked on this free Google app that transports me to different countries from my couch

Saeed Wazir, a daily user of Google apps, discovered the Google Arts & Culture app, which transformed his perspective on art. Initially hesitant about the Visual Arts feature, he found it engaging due to its diverse collection of artwork and user-friendly interface that allows for casual exploration. The app offers a Nature feature showcasing breathtaking locations, a Food feature highlighting unique dishes and culinary traditions, a Travel feature providing virtual visits to various landmarks, and a Design section displaying historical artifacts and inventions. Wazir appreciates the app's extensive features but notes that its cluttered interface can be challenging to navigate, and some sections may not resonate with him as much.
Bernard O'Shea: Five things I learned from the Minecraft movie
AppWizard
May 1, 2025

Bernard O’Shea: Five things I learned from the Minecraft movie

Many parents, especially those with children under 12, have not experienced solo trips to the cinema in over a decade. Family cinema outings are often driven by necessity, such as rainy days, and involve extensive preparation, including snacks and supplies. The cost of these trips can be high, sometimes reaching €57 before the film starts. Inside the theater, children frequently ask about the film's start time and need bathroom breaks, creating a chaotic environment. However, moments of genuine joy can emerge, as seen during a screening of A Minecraft Movie, where a group of boys expressed their enthusiasm through applause and cheers. This shared joy among children, regardless of gender, highlights the cultural significance of Minecraft in their lives. The experience emphasizes that cinema can serve as a valuable shared time, fostering connections and creativity, even if adults may not fully understand the content.
I miss old PopCap like you miss old BioWare
AppWizard
April 27, 2025

I miss old PopCap like you miss old BioWare

From 2000 to 2010, PopCap Games dominated the casual gaming market, influencing the design of many subsequent mobile games. The studio's notable titles included Peggle Extreme, featured in Valve's The Orange Box, and Gyromancer, a collaboration with Square Enix. PopCap's games often drew inspiration from earlier concepts, such as Zuma from Puzz Loop and Bejeweled from the Russian game Shariki. After being acquired by Electronic Arts, PopCap shifted towards mobile and free-to-play models, leading to the decline of its original PC titles. Despite this change, the spirit of PopCap's creativity persists in the indie gaming scene, with games like Donut County and Peglin reflecting its innovative approach. Bookworm Adventures remains accessible through the Internet Archive, contributing to PopCap's lasting legacy.
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