friendship Archives

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Blizzard vet Bill Petras has died

Bill Petras, a long-time staff member at Blizzard Entertainment, has passed away, leaving a significant impact on those who knew him. He worked at Blizzard for nearly two decades and contributed to iconic titles such as StarCraft, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch, where he served as art director. His friendship with fellow veteran Harley D. Huggins II lasted 28 years, marked by deep conversations about various topics including game development and art.

AppWizard

April 6, 2025

A Minecraft Movie Review: An Imaginative Family Fun Adventure

The recently released A Minecraft Movie is directed by Jared Hess and features a whimsical and campy aesthetic. The plot follows a quirky group of characters, including an eccentric video game store owner, two grieving siblings, and an aspiring petting zoo entrepreneur, as they embark on a classic fantasy quest in the Overworld. Jack Black voices the iconic avatar Steve, while Jason Momoa plays Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, a comedic lead. The film effectively translates the game's blocky aesthetic into a vibrant cinematic experience, with detailed environments and action sequences that reference in-game mechanics. However, it faces pacing issues, particularly in the middle act, and sometimes struggles to balance humor with emotional storytelling. The movie appeals primarily to fans of Minecraft but remains accessible to newcomers, incorporating Easter eggs without overwhelming them.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Jason Momoa, Jack Black reflect on the need of ‘Minecraft’ movie

Actors Jason Momoa and Jack Black are promoting their upcoming film, Minecraft, which will be released in theaters on April 4. Directed by Jared Hess, the film is an adventure comedy inspired by the popular video game. Both actors believe the film conveys a timely message of positivity and creativity amidst negativity in the world. Jack Black emphasized the importance of unity and friendship in the film, stating it contains themes of love and creativity, despite also addressing anger and violence. Momoa expressed the need for audiences to escape into a whimsical adventure filled with laughter. The film aims to inspire community and positivity among viewers.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Minecraft’s Jack Black and Jason Momoa Reveal Which Video Games They’ve Played the Most

Jack Black and Jason Momoa discussed their different experiences with video games in an interview. Black shared his immersive experience with Red Dead Redemption Part Two, playing it for 400 hours during the pandemic, while Momoa expressed caution about gaming due to his addictive personality. He reminisced about playing Street Fighter, favoring characters Ryu and Blanka. The development of A Minecraft Movie has been lengthy, initially announced in February 2014, facing production delays and changes in directors. Originally set for a May 2019 release with a budget of 0 million, the film's progress was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Principal photography began in January 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand, after delays from the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. The film aims to combine live-action with advanced visual effects to create a realistic representation of Minecraft. Black and Momoa have developed a strong friendship during production, with both actors promoting the film together. A Minecraft Movie is scheduled to be released on April 4, 2025.

BetaBeacon

March 20, 2025

Netflix and Spry Fox announce cozy life simulation game Spirit Crossing for iOS, Android

Netflix and Spry Fox have announced Spirit Crossing, a cooperative life simulation game for iOS and Android. The game focuses on friendship and community, allowing players to decorate their homes, build with friends, ride on a Fluffalo train, and join dance parties and jam sessions.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

Gakuen Idolm@ster Game’s PC Version Launches on March 18

The PC version of Bandai Namco Entertainment's Gakuen Idolm@ster game app will debut on the DMM Games platform on March 18, 2025. The game was initially launched in Japan in May 2024 and allows players to act as producers at the Hatsuboshi Gakuen idol training school. The game features nine initial idols and has expanded its roster over time. Additionally, the Gakuen Idolmaster Gold Rush manga was introduced in October 2024, focusing on the character Kotone Fujita.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

From Minecraft to Superman and 28 Years Later: 20 movies we can’t wait to see

- Disney's live-action musical fantasy "Snow White," featuring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, is set to release on March 20. - The Latvian animated film "Flow," which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, will also be released on March 20. - A CGI-heavy "Minecraft Movie," featuring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, is scheduled for April 3. - "Death of a Unicorn," a black comedy starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, will be released on April 10. - "The Correspondent," based on the true story of journalist Peter Greste, will premiere on April 17. - Ryan Coogler's horror film "Sinners," set in the 1930s segregated South, will also be released on April 17. - Marvel's "Thunderbolts," the 36th installment in the franchise, is set for May 1. - The musical biopic "Monsieur Aznavour," featuring Tahar Rahim, will be released on May 8. - "Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning," rumored to be one of the most expensive films ever made, will premiere on May 22. - Wes Anderson's "The Phoenician Scheme," featuring a star-studded cast, is set for June 5. - The live-action adaptation of "How To Train Your Dragon" will be released on June 12. - "28 Years Later," a sequel to "28 Days Later," will premiere on June 19. - Pixar's "Elio," about an 11-year-old boy mistaken for Earth's leader, is set for June 19. - "Jurassic World Rebirth," starring Scarlett Johansson, will be released on July 3. - James Gunn's new Superman film, featuring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, is set for July 10. - "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," a retro-futuristic origin story, will premiere on July 24. - Paul Thomas Anderson's untitled project, rumored to be based on a Thomas Pynchon novel, is set for August 7. - "The Bride!" directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, featuring Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley, will be released on September 25. - Edgar Wright's remake of "The Running Man" is scheduled for November 6. - The conclusion of "Wicked," titled "Wicked: For Good," featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, will premiere on November 20.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Split Fiction Is Available Now!

Hazelight Studios' latest game, Split Fiction, focuses on the theme of "Friendship." It is a co-op adventure available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. Players control two characters, Mio and Zoe, who are writers trapped in their own stories and must work together to escape. The game features a split-screen or online experience for two players, allowing one player to join using the Friend’s Pass without needing to purchase their own copy. The early stages of the game can be explored through the Friend’s Pass until a specific level.

AppWizard

February 24, 2025

Gakuen Idolm@ster Game Gets PC Version on DMM Games Service

Bandai Namco Entertainment announced the upcoming launch of the PC version of Gakuen Idolm@ster, set to debut on the DMM Games platform in March. The game was initially released in Japan in May 2024 and allows players to act as a producer at the Hatsuboshi Gakuen idol training school, managing nine idols and their relationships. The franchise is also expanding into manga with the Gakuen Idolmaster Gold Rush, which debuted in October 2024, focusing on the character Kotone Fujita.

AppWizard

February 23, 2025

‘These kids do not care about romance’: Game devs want to know what today’s teens want, and surveys say sex and romance isn’t it

Surveys indicate that today's youth prefer narratives focused on platonic friendships and social connections over romance and sexual themes. At the D.I.C.E. Summit, industry leaders shared that 73% of individuals aged 16 to 24 report feelings of loneliness, attributed to various factors including global events and social media. Research from UCLA shows young people value safety, kindness, acceptance, friendship, and spiritual connection, with a growing disinterest in romance. The 2024 Teens and Screens report reveals that "romance and/or sex" ranked 15th out of 21 media preferences among adolescents, while "friendships and social groups" ranked 5th. The desire for content focused on platonic relationships rose from 51.5% in 2023 to 63.5% in 2024, and the belief that sexual content is not essential to advance a plot increased from 47.5% to 62.4%. Additionally, adolescents are engaging in sexual activity less frequently than previous generations. Mainstream video games have historically featured minimal sexual and romantic content, with recent titles like Baldur's Gate 3 exploring these themes more deeply.