design team Archives

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

I thought I was crazy for thinking Fallout 4 feels like a perfectly crisp fall day, but that’s exactly what Bethesda was aiming for after a ‘field trip’ to a national park: ‘I was like, this is what our world needs to look like’

Fallout 4 features a more vibrant and cheerful atmosphere compared to its predecessor, set in a post-apocalyptic world. The Commonwealth is designed to evoke a sense of hope and the possibility of rebuilding, contrasting with the grim Capital Wasteland. The game's autumnal aesthetic, characterized by a bright sun against a clear blue sky and grey landscapes, was a deliberate choice by art director Istvan Pely. He emphasized themes of hope and rebuilding while maintaining a sense of melancholy, stating that the world should still feel lifeless despite humanity's efforts to recover. The design team drew inspiration from the late fall season, reflecting the devastation of the nuclear fallout on nature. Pely and studio design director Emil Pagliarulo found the creative process of reimagining cities transformed by catastrophe enjoyable.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

FM 26 Steam Deck support hinted at, as Miles Jacobson name drops the gaming handheld

The "Advanced Access Beta" for FM 26 has raised questions about its compatibility with handheld devices, particularly the Steam Deck. Miles Jacobson, head of Sports Interactive, indicated that while the system requirements for FM 26 have increased, they are still manageable for the Steam Deck. The game will feature a 2D match engine, which is beneficial for handheld users. During an interview, Jacobson discussed the challenges of adapting the game for various screen sizes, specifically mentioning the Steam Deck. He highlighted the need to accommodate screens ranging from 9 inches to 60 inches. Although Jacobson's mention of the Steam Deck does not guarantee compatibility, it is the first explicit reference to the handheld in relation to FM 26, generating interest among fans regarding its potential support.

AppWizard

October 7, 2025

Google Japan turns typing into dialing with its wild Gboard rotary keyboard

Google Japan has introduced the Gboard Dial Version, a keyboard that uses nine spinning dials instead of traditional keys, allowing users to "dial" each letter. This device is part of a series of unconventional Gboard concepts and is completely open-source, with all design files, schematics, and firmware available on GitHub under the Apache 2.0 license. Users can construct their own version of the keyboard, which promotes a deliberate typing method that may reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries. While it may not be practical for everyday use, it serves as a playful exploration of engineering and a commentary on digital interactions. The design includes options for various aesthetics and features a small accessory stand that acts as a control for video calls.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

Owlcat’s new Warhammer RPG has “crazy romances” and “kinky stuff,” but not because of Baldur’s Gate 3

Anatoly Shestov, the executive producer of Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy, discussed the influence of Baldur's Gate 3 on game development, emphasizing its extensive role-playing elements and the capacity for self-expressive roleplay. He noted that the game's diverse party dynamics and character interactions contribute to a rich gameplay experience, which was previously considered too costly to implement. Shestov acknowledged that while Owlcat's Rogue Trader had a simpler romance system, Dark Heresy aims to evolve this aspect, integrating romance thoughtfully into character development rather than as a superficial addition. He hinted at the potential for "crazy romances" in Dark Heresy, thanks to their narrative design team's talent, promising unique character interactions.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Google Maps for Android has some UI changes you should know about

Google is updating its Google Maps app for Android, which has 154 million daily active users. Users spend an average of 23 minutes daily on the app, which offers features like restaurant recommendations and historical insights. The latest changes focus on two buttons: the Floating Action Button (FAB) has been redesigned to be smaller, teal, and diamond-shaped, directing users to a journey planning screen where they can add stops and customize routes. The current location indicator has changed from a blue arrow to a squircle shape with a compass icon, turning into a blue dot when the user's position is not displayed. The layers button has also been updated to include a small dot, allowing users to choose map views and access transit details. These updates are rolling out for users with version 25.39 of Google Maps, with those on version 25.40 already experiencing the new design. The changes reflect careful consideration of user interactions, particularly in the design of the location button's blue dot icon.

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.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Ready to ditch Windows? ‘End of 10’ makes converting your PC to Linux easier than ever

Support for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025. Microsoft's strategy encourages users to buy new computers. Linux is recognized for its speed and security. The End of 10 campaign provides resources and support for users transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux, offering links to local PC shops and user groups. The campaign outlines five reasons to consider upgrading to Linux: cost-effectiveness, lack of intrusive ads or privacy concerns, environmentally friendly options, community support, and enhanced user control. End of 10 maintains a calendar of events for user support across various countries and is supported by a group of contributors. Public communication channels are available, and the initiative encourages collaboration with Free and Open Source Software communities.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

‘End of 10’ offers hope and support to Windows 10 users who can’t upgrade their PCs

Support for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025. Microsoft encourages users to purchase new hardware, while the End of 10 campaign proposes transitioning to Linux as an alternative. The campaign provides resources for users, including links to local PC shops and user groups, a guide on installing Linux, and a calendar of events for assistance. The initiative emphasizes cost-effective solutions, lack of intrusive ads or data tracking, environmental friendliness, community support, and user control. It is supported by a collaborative group dedicated to helping Windows 10 users navigate their options.

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

Elden Ring Nightreign artist wanted part of the game to feel ‘more cozy, more welcoming, more at home,’ so naturally she drew on Dark Souls for inspiration

Saori Mizuno, an Environmental Artist at FromSoftware, discussed the world design of Elden Ring Nightreign, highlighting the intention to create an environment that starts off familiar but gradually shifts into the unknown. The design team focused on themes of light and dark to enhance the atmosphere, with Limveld initially appearing beautiful but revealing a haunting quality. Mizuno drew inspiration from the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away to evoke a sense of longing for home. The Round Table Hold is designed as a cozy and welcoming hub, reminiscent of the Firelink Shrine in Dark Souls. Despite the game's challenges, Mizuno's design encourages players to explore the beauty of Limveld.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Former BioWare lead writer says the best level in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines gave him ‘ammunition’ to argue that story can be just as engaging as combat

David Gaider, former lead writer at BioWare, expressed concerns about the overuse of "trashmob fights" in gaming, advocating for a balance between combat and narrative. He was influenced by the combat-free level in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, which emphasized tension through storytelling rather than action. Gaider argued against the necessity of frequent combat encounters, believing that narrative depth and political intrigue could engage players just as effectively. Despite his vision for a combat-free masquerade ball in Dragon Age: Inquisition, the design team opted to include combat, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing player engagement with narrative flow. Gaider emphasized that storytelling can keep players interested without relying solely on fighting.