fan service Archives

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Edens Zero Review (PC) – I Can’t Stop Playing This Game

Edens Zero is a video game developed and published by Konami, set to be released on July 15, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, priced at .99. Players assume the role of Shiki, a boy living on the robot-run planet Granbell, who embarks on an adventure with Rebecca, a B-Cuber, after robots turn against humanity. The game features two modes: Story Mode, where players follow Shiki's journey and uncover his father's mysteries, and Exploration Mode, where players complete quests from the Adventurer’s Guild in Blue Garden. The game includes an innovative equipment system that allows for character appearance customization. Performance issues were noted on the Steam Deck, while a high-end PC setup provided a smoother experience. The art direction and character designs are praised, and the combat blends action RPG elements with beat 'em up styles. The game has both pros, such as engaging combat and extensive customization, and cons, including performance inconsistencies and repetitive quest design.

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.

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

This is what I’m buying from the Steam Summer Sale

Every summer, the Steam Summer Sale offers substantial discounts on a wide range of PC games. The sale provides an opportunity for gamers to purchase titles they may have missed or explore new ones at reduced prices. Notable titles from the Steam Summer Sale of 2025 include: 1. RoboCop: Rogue City - A first-person shooter priced at .99, capturing the essence of the original films. 2. Star Wars Battlefront 2 - Available for .99, this game has a thriving online multiplayer experience despite its rocky launch. 3. Legacy of Kain: Defiance - Priced under , this title concludes the series with rich storytelling and engaging gameplay. 4. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor - Offered at .99, it features challenging combat and a captivating storyline, along with a vibrant modding community. 5. DOOM Eternal - Available for .99, it promises thrilling gameplay with stunning visuals. The Steam Summer Sale allows gamers to expand their libraries significantly while enjoying considerable savings.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Minecraft brand boss Harry Elonen on building box-office bedlam into brand devotion

The first trailer for A Minecraft Movie received backlash, prompting the film's team to engage with fans and make significant changes. The film ultimately became the highest-grossing gaming movie, achieving 2.8 million in domestic ticket sales and surpassing the 2023 Super Mario Bros film. It generated nearly a billion dollars in global revenue for Warner Bros. Harry Elonen from Mojang Studios acknowledged the initial marketing missteps and emphasized the importance of emotional connections with fans. The team adapted their strategy based on fan feedback, leading to a successful second weekend box office hold of .6 million. The film's success was attributed to its authentic lore and emotional resonance, with Minecraft being the best-selling video game of all time, and players having spent over 68 million years in-game. The movie grossed over 0 million worldwide by early June, exceeding projections by over 30%. The marketing strategy included embedding Easter eggs and monitoring fan sentiment, resulting in a 6.3 times return on its 0 million production budget and a surge in merchandising.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

Expect more ‘Chicken Jockey’ moments in movies. At least, if traditional brands start taking advice from Minecraft

The 'Chicken Jockey' easter egg in A Minecraft Movie highlights the connections between gaming culture and film. Harry Elonen, associate brand director of Minecraft, discussed this at SXSW London, noting that many casual players struggle to explain what a chicken jockey is due to its rarity in the game. The movie has grossed 8 million worldwide, making it the second most successful video game adaptation after The Super Mario Brothers Movie from 2023. A Minecraft Movie will be available for streaming on Max starting June 20.