design process Archives

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

Blocks Magazine #135: LEGO Iron Man, Minecraft, City and more – Fantha Tracks | Daily Star Wars News

The 134th edition of Blocks magazine will be available in UK stores on January 2, 2026. It features insights into the 76344 Iron Man Mark 3 Collectors’ Edition, highlights from the Minecraft series, and new sets launching in January 2026. Subscribers can win the 75419 Death Star by subscribing before December 23, 2025. The issue includes exclusive Quick Build instructions for four projects and reviews of various LEGO sets. Subscriptions in the UK are priced at £64.90 annually, offering a savings of £52.10. Each month, subscribers have the chance to win prizes, and existing subscribers are automatically entered into the prize draw.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Techland is hiring for “a new online experience in the Dying Light franchise” just three months after launching The Beast

Techland, a gaming developer known for the Dying Light series, has faced challenges this year by canceling two projects mid-development but did not lay off employees. The company is moving forward with new initiatives, including a job posting for a Lead Online Game Designer to create "a new online experience in the Dying Light franchise." This position focuses on developing engagement mechanisms, in-game economy, and progression systems. There are speculations about a fantasy RPG that was shelved and a potential new entry in the Call of Juarez series. Techland continues to support Dying Light The Beast with updates, indicating ongoing community interest.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

2025 – A year in recap

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Windows Accessibility team emphasizes their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, guided by the principle of “nothing about us without us.” They collaborate with advisory boards from the disability community to enhance product features. Fluid Dictation on Windows allows users to dictate text seamlessly, correcting grammar and punctuation in real time, and operates offline on Copilot+ PCs. Voice Access has been improved to accommodate diverse communication styles, with features like adjustable wait time, a custom word dictionary, flexible command recognition, enhanced speech pattern recognition, and support for Chinese and Japanese. Narrator and Magnifier now feature human-like voices developed with Azure AI, enhancing the user experience with natural conversation nuances. Recent updates to Narrator in Microsoft Word improve navigation and text drafting, with clearer announcements and concise feedback on spelling and grammar. Additional enhancements include a Screen Curtain for privacy, richer image descriptions, and tools for speech recap and live transcription. Users are encouraged to provide feedback to guide further development, and technical assistance is available through the Disability Answer Desk.

AppWizard

November 19, 2025

Fallout co-creator says modern games “don’t really know what they want to be,” and I don’t need to look too hard for examples

The modern gaming landscape, especially in triple-A titles, is characterized by high budgets and a strong drive for mass appeal, which can dilute quality. Tim Cain, co-creator of Fallout, critiques this trend, advocating for a focused approach reminiscent of 1980s game design. He differentiates between games that achieve mass appeal through exceptional execution, like Skyrim and Baldur's Gate 3, and those that attempt to appeal broadly but lack distinct identity, such as Concord and Killing Floor 3. Cain notes that contemporary games often suffer from confusion about their purpose, resulting from a design process aimed at satisfying publishers and broad demographics. In contrast, 1980s developers faced hardware limitations that necessitated focus and efficiency, leading to clearer game concepts. Upcoming nominees for the 2025 Game of the Year, including Expedition 33, Hades 2, Silksong, and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, exemplify the benefits of tight design and unique identities. Cain compares this principle to fine dining, where fewer ingredients can lead to a more enjoyable experience, suggesting that clarity and focus in game design can enhance player experiences.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Dressmaker is my new favourite cosy game, even if my clients give me absolutely nothing to work with

October marks the launch of various horror games for Halloween and the beginning of a more serene gaming season. The author has been playing a dress-making simulation game called Dressmaker, currently in prototype form on itch.io. In the game, players act as shop owners, creating dresses for customers with different fashion needs while managing budgets. The design process involves selecting hemlines, necklines, and sleeve styles. The author faced challenges in the sewing process, particularly with precision, but gradually improved their technique. The final product showcased their growing skills and creativity, making Dressmaker a source of enjoyment and growth during the autumn months.

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

KARRI Generation 2 Messenger is a screen-free device for safe kids’ communication

The KARRI messenger is designed for children aged five to thirteen, focusing on voice communication without the complexities of smartphones. It connects a parent's phone app to the child's handheld device and other KARRI units, using its own data SIM with 99% population coverage and GPS tracking. The device features a simple "slide to talk" button for easy operation and is developed with input from families to ensure usability. Enhanced features include geo-fencing for safety, a companion app for monitoring, a built-in flashlight, and a colorful design appealing to children. KARRI, founded in 2023 in London and Berlin, aims to empower children's independence before they engage with more complex digital environments. The messenger will launch in early 2026, with presales available, and has received positive feedback for its user-friendly design and safety features.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

HOW DISGUISE BUILT OUT THE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR A MINECRAFT MOVIE

A Minecraft Movie, directed by Jared Hess, utilizes 3D voxel art to create its unique visual style, moving away from photorealistic graphics. The production involved a collaboration with Disguise, led by Dan Lemmon, and features a cast including Jason Momoa and Jack Black. Talia Finlayson, a Senior Unreal Artist at Disguise, emphasized the integration of the Virtual Art Department (VAD) throughout production, allowing for real-time live-compositing of the Minecraft world using Simulcam. Set designs were created in Rhinoceros 3D and transformed into interactive environments with Unreal Engine, incorporating assets from talented artists and the game itself. Flexibility was crucial, enabling rapid iteration based on feedback, with adjustments made to accommodate filming needs, such as removing a second story from a building. The design process considered practical aspects like camera movements and stunt choreography, ensuring cohesion with the Minecraft aesthetic. The use of Simulcam allowed for the merging of physical and virtual environments, enhancing production efficiency and creativity.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Peak devs say the hit comedy climber was pitched in a Swedish hot tub and developed in a frantic 4-week Korean game jam: ‘We brought our computers to an Airbnb in Hongdae and locked tf in for a month’

Peak is a new indie game developed by Aggro Crab and Landfall, inspired by the rapid development of Content Warning during a game jam. The game's design process was playful, focusing on humorous moments. Peak has sold over 1 million copies and is available on Steam.

AppWizard

April 26, 2025

The Secret Weapon Behind the VFX of ‘A Minecraft Movie’

Director Jared Hess helmed "A Minecraft Movie," which emphasizes creativity and the struggle between freedom and oppression. The film features a villain named Malgosha, a Piglin ruler from the Nether, voiced by Rachel House, with motion capture by Allan Henry. Production VFX supervisor Dan Lemmon discussed the challenges of integrating live-action actors like Jason Momoa and Jack Black with animated characters while maintaining the game's aesthetic. The team developed a tool called "Bloktz" for achieving the distinctive "Minecraft" look, and twelve variants of the Piglin army were designed. The Creeper character, initially a coding error, underwent numerous design iterations to maintain its pixelated essence. Malgosha's design was inspired by characters like Emperor Palpatine and Mama Fratelli, with adjustments made for expressiveness. The film's conclusion features an improvised moment between Jack Black's character and Malgosha, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the production.

AppWizard

March 8, 2025

The sickest gun from Doom: The Dark Ages’ trailer is called the ‘Skullcrusher’ and does such horrible things to demons, the game’s lead dev boasts id has ‘the best gore in the industry’

Hugo Martin, the game director, and Marty Stratton, the producer of Doom: The Dark Ages, discussed the game's standout weapon, the Skullcrusher, which evolved from its initial name, Bonecrusher. The Skullcrusher is a spread minigun effective at both close and long range, designed for rapid fire and enhanced movement speed. It resembles the classic chaingun but offers a unique gameplay twist. The team has improved their demonic dismemberment technology, claiming to have the best gore effects in the industry. Another weapon, the Railspike, allows players to pin enemies to walls. Doom: The Dark Ages is set to be released on May 15.