NewApp Digest
search bot

culture

I need you to play this unbelievably tense 2 hour horror about descending into hell with a grappling hook
AppWizard
June 17, 2026

I need you to play this unbelievably tense 2 hour horror about descending into hell with a grappling hook

Idols of Ash is a low-poly first-person horror game that offers a unique climbing experience rather than a traditional descent into terror. Players control a nameless protagonist at the edge of a mysterious pit, navigating platforms reminiscent of Dark Souls. The game features a melancholic atmosphere and transforms as players descend, revealing a haunting beauty. It is available on Steam and Itch, aiming to provide an experience that goes beyond typical horror games.
If you're bored of shop sims about restocking shelves, here's one about helping someone find the album that could change their life
AppWizard
June 15, 2026

If you’re bored of shop sims about restocking shelves, here’s one about helping someone find the album that could change their life

A friend who worked in a bookstore found it challenging when customers provided vague descriptions of what they were looking for. The game Wax Heads allows players to engage in an immersive experience set in a record store that supports local bands and zines. The game is inspired by films like Empire Records and High Fidelity, featuring an artistic style similar to Scott Pilgrim. Wax Heads is available on Steam, along with a demo for players interested in the experience.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox needs to be more sustainable: "We've not been monetizing that entertainment"
AppWizard
June 14, 2026

Microsoft CEO says Xbox needs to be more sustainable: “We’ve not been monetizing that entertainment”

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella discussed the evolving landscape of Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma, who is initiating a 100-day "reset" to enhance economic sustainability amidst rising costs. Sharma's letter to employees emphasized the need for adaptation in a competitive entertainment industry and acknowledged challenges from the hardware crisis and declining revenue. Nadella highlighted the importance of innovating in both hardware and gaming content while ensuring economic viability. Xbox Chief Creative Officer Matt Booty reassured the PC gaming community that exclusivity will mainly affect Xbox consoles, with titles remaining available on multiple platforms. Nadella noted the need for a sustainable business model, pointing out that current monetization strategies have not fully leveraged Xbox's entertainment value. He acknowledged the broader trend of rising prices in tech sectors and expressed confidence in Sharma's vision for Xbox's future. Matthew Ball, the new Chief Strategy Officer, suggested ad-supported tiers for more affordable consumer access, aligning with Nadella's vision for economically relevant offerings.
Sim racing is flourishing, but what happened to the arcade racer?
AppWizard
June 13, 2026

Sim racing is flourishing, but what happened to the arcade racer?

The author began playing racing games at age five with Lego Racers on a Windows 95 PC, which sparked a passion for cars. They later played Gran Turismo 2 and invested in a Thrustmaster T150 RS racing rig during the pandemic, immersing themselves in Forza Horizon 4. The racing game landscape has shifted towards a dominance of sim racing, overshadowing traditional arcade racing games like Need for Speed and Burnout. Despite the rise of sim racing, it has alienated casual gamers, and even successful sim titles struggle to match the sales of older arcade franchises. Real-world motorsport has become more accessible, attracting new fans, and sim racing serves as an affordable entry point into motorsport. Representatives from the sim racing industry note that many newcomers may transition to real racing, exemplified by YouTubers who have moved from gaming to professional racing. The decline of traditional car games may reflect broader changes in car culture, with fewer young people obtaining driver's licenses, making sim racing a more viable option for motorsport engagement.
Dole expands Minecraft campaign with pineapple focus
AppWizard
June 13, 2026

Dole expands Minecraft campaign with pineapple focus

Dole is launching a 15-week campaign starting June 21 across North America and Europe, focusing on pineapples and targeting younger audiences. This campaign includes in-game rewards for Minecraft players, such as a branded ‘pineapple hoodie.’ The previous campaign resulted in a 20-fold increase in website visits from QR code scans, generating 2 million landing page views and significant social media impressions. Over 60% of participants expressed increased intent to purchase Dole’s fruit after engaging with the campaign. This year's campaign will feature new recipes, digital puzzles, and offline engagement activities, along with QR-enabled stickers in retail environments to connect purchases to digital rewards.
Kakao's unionized members stage first-ever strike
AppWizard
June 10, 2026

Kakao’s unionized members stage first-ever strike

Unionized members of Kakao Corp. held the company's first-ever strike on June 10, 2026, in front of the Kakao Pangyo Agit headquarters in Seongnam. The striking employees are demanding higher bonuses and a more equitable profit-sharing model, reflecting a broader trend among tech workers seeking compensation aligned with company success. The rally emphasized a shift in corporate culture at Kakao, with employees becoming more vocal about their rights and expectations. The outcome of the strike could have significant implications for labor relations in the tech industry.
Ball State IDIA Lab Launches Mesa Verde Virtual Companion App for Apple and Android Devices
AppWizard
June 9, 2026

Ball State IDIA Lab Launches Mesa Verde Virtual Companion App for Apple and Android Devices

Ball State University’s Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts (IDIA Lab) has launched the Mesa Verde Virtual Companion, an augmented reality mobile app designed to enhance public engagement with Mesa Verde National Park. The app is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play and includes features such as augmented reality experiences, 3D visualizations of ancestral structures, narrated interpretations, animated figures, and interactive learning content about the Ancestral Pueblo people. The app aims to facilitate both on-site and off-site exploration of the park, which contains nearly 5,000 archaeological sites and is recognized as a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It targets park visitors, educators, families, and remote users, incorporating accessibility features like a welcome tutorial and voiceover options. The project emphasizes immersive learning and cultural preservation, using advanced digital media to connect users with Indigenous history. The IDIA Lab, supported by Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s Digital Media Initiative, develops projects that explore virtual and augmented reality and collaborates with various organizations to enhance educational experiences.
Search