Ghibli Archives

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Cozy wizard life simulation game Aether Wizard Life launches in fall 2028 for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC

Kinetic Publishing has partnered with Vonder Games to release the life simulation game, Aether Wizard Life, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC via Steam, scheduled for fall 2028. Players will take on the role of a young apprentice mage in the haunted town of Starfall, starting each day in a customizable walking castle. Gameplay includes growing magical crops, caring for exotic creatures, exploring dungeons, and engaging with townsfolk for side quests. The game features over 30 wizard skills, customization options for the player's wizard, and the ability to pursue romantic relationships with 20 dateable NPCs. Key elements include mastery of magic, exploration of the haunted town, castle personalization, and assisting townsfolk while uncovering the mystery of missing mages. A new video and screenshots have been released to showcase the game.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Voidwood, a Fantasy Co-Op Survival Horror Game, Announced for PC

Santa Barbara Games has announced its first project, Voidwood, developed by a team from studios like Bethesda, Riot, and EA. The game combines fantasy and horror with an art style similar to Studio Ghibli. Players can team up with up to three friends to explore a cursed forest, focusing on strategy and stealth. During the day, players gather supplies and craft tools, while at night, they must evade The Beast. Communication is crucial, as players can use proximity chat to whisper, but shouting can attract danger. Players can regroup at a camp for safety, but The Beast can still attack if it detects them. Each session lasts 20 to 30 minutes, and the game features meta progression for character development. Voidwood is currently in development for PC and is expected to release in 2027.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

Hidden code in ChatGPT’s Android app suggests OpenAI is building a direct WhatsApp sticker export

OpenAI is developing a feature in ChatGPT's Android app that would allow users to create stickers and export them directly to WhatsApp via an "Add to WhatsApp" button. This feature is not yet officially announced but aims to simplify the current multi-step process of creating custom WhatsApp stickers from ChatGPT. The anticipated functionality would enable users to convert text prompts into WhatsApp stickers easily. OpenAI has removed usage limits for free ChatGPT users, and image generation has become a popular feature. The integration with WhatsApp could enhance user engagement and streamline the sharing of AI-generated images as stickers.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

What’s the plan with Halo, Xbox?

This year's Xbox Showcase featured several highlights, including Marcus in casual attire, a preview of the new Gears of War installment titled E-Day, and the introduction of Clockwork Revolution, a steampunk RPG. Vivarium, a life simulation game with Ghibli-like aesthetics, also garnered attention. However, there was disappointment regarding the Halo franchise, particularly with the new Campaign Evolved, which includes Operation Meteorite—three missions set before the main story. While gameplay remains enjoyable, concerns about innovation within the Halo series were noted amidst the showcase's overall excitement and advancements in gaming.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Studio Ghibli-inspired cozy adventure game Into the Wind announced for PC

Publisher Three Friends, in collaboration with developer Bloom & Gloom, has announced the cozy adventure game "Into the Wind," inspired by Studio Ghibli, set to launch in Early Access for PC on Steam. Players will assume the role of a delivery driver with a sentient motorcycle-plane named Ermes, exploring the Adriatic islands of Santa Rosa while completing deliveries, upgrading their bike, and uncovering a mystery related to the disappearance of their uncle. The game emphasizes driving and flying mechanics, resource management, character customization, and building relationships with the inhabitants of Santa Rosa.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Into the Wind is a gorgeous, Ghibli-esque adventure about taking over your missing uncle’s delivery service, but with more dogfighting in your aeroplane bike

Into the Wind is an action-adventure and delivery simulation game developed by Bloom & Bloom Games, which debuted at the PC Gaming Show. It features an open-world environment filled with exploration and delivery opportunities, inspired by the artistry of Studio Ghibli films. The game is published by Three Friends, a new publisher with a team that includes talent from games like Minecraft, Deep Rock Galactic, and Valheim. Players can wishlist Into the Wind on Steam in anticipation of its upcoming release.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

There’s an extreme lack of good quality, easy-to-find video game figures, and after seeing people make their own I’m tempted to try it myself

The author is new to figure collecting and enjoys searching for figures, particularly Hatsune Miku, at shops like Surugaya and Book Off. They highlight the creativity in customizing figures, mentioning a transformation of a Mizuhara Chizuru figure into Mari from Omori by yumenikkis, which involved detailed alterations. Another creator, Fallen Petal Studios, makes clay figures from scratch, including characters from various video games and shows, showcasing intricate details and craftsmanship. The author considers the possibility of customizing some of their own figures, particularly those that are less visible in their collection.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Free PC Game Offering Is a Cozy Animal Crossing Competitor

The ongoing Steam Next Fest runs until 2 March and features a variety of game demos. One highlighted game is Collector’s Cove, a free demo developed by VoodooDuck, where players manage a floating farm aboard a ship, exploring islands and gathering crops and fish. The demo allows players to grow crops, fish, craft items, and personalize their ship, with the goal of becoming a Named-Collector. Progress made in the demo will carry over to the full game, which includes access to the first seven in-game days. Collector’s Cove is compatible with the Steam Deck. Other demos featured in the event include Romestead, The Witch’s Bakery, and Witchspire.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

Witchspire is the League of Legends Star Guardian survival game of my dreams, even if it needs a little more polish

Witchspire is a survival game developed by Envar Studio, known for its League of Legends splash arts. It features a Sailor Moon-inspired anime trailer and Ghibli-esque visuals. The game includes a captivating narrative voiced by actors like Victoria Atkin and Matthew Mercer. Players assume the role of a witch in a mysterious realm, combating corruption while utilizing familiar survival mechanics such as crafting and upgrading weapons. Unique to Witchspire are the Familiars, companion creatures that assist players in combat. The game allows players to gather resources easily and features a magical sickle for cutting down trees. The combat mechanics have some flaws, particularly with AI behavior during encounters. Witchspire's gameplay is accessible, lacking hunger and stamina meters, and includes an Astral Projection system for strategic advantages. The game offers lore drops and voice lines that enhance storytelling. The demo is available on Steam, featuring the first island, Vyr's Landing, and supports multiplayer for up to four players.

AppWizard

January 1, 2026

Designing a more magical survival game: a first look at Witchspire

Witchspire is a co-op open-world survival game developed by the Swedish team Envar, targeting Early Access in 2026. Players assume the roles of witches or wizards who reactivate an ancient monument, the Witchspire, and embark on a quest to return home. The game features an expansive environment with floating islands and diverse biomes, utilizing witchcraft as a gameplay mechanic. Players can build structures through astral projection, gather resources with magical tools, and use collectible familiars for combat and crafting. The game emphasizes a non-punitive progression system, allowing players to explore various biomes and engage in combat with spells and upgradeable gear. The world includes "corruption events" with darker elements, and the narrative unfolds through exploration of ruins and dungeons. Witchspire marks Envar's shift from outsourcing to developing original IPs, with plans to self-publish the game.