heritage Archives

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

Dark Souls narrator and prolific actor Pik-Sen Lim has died

Malaysian-born British actor Pik-Sen Lim passed away on June 9 at the age of 80. She had a diverse career in theater, film, and television, including notable voice work for the video games Dark Souls and Dark Souls 3. Lim moved to the United Kingdom in 1961 to pursue acting, appearing in various UK television shows such as Dr. Who, and more recently in The Nevers and Vampire Academy. She was remembered by fellow actor Daniel York Loh for her joyous personality, comedic talent, and the depth of her abilities. Lim was also known for her candid discussions about the challenges faced by actors of her heritage in the industry.

BetaBeacon

June 6, 2025

‘FIFA Rivals’ Game Launching Next Week on iOS, Android

FIFA Rivals, a mobile soccer game, is set to launch on iOS and Android on June 12. Adidas will be featured in the game with branded kits, jerseys, shoes, and a training facility.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

I’m hooked on this free Google app that transports me to different countries from my couch

Saeed Wazir, a daily user of Google apps, discovered the Google Arts & Culture app, which transformed his perspective on art. Initially hesitant about the Visual Arts feature, he found it engaging due to its diverse collection of artwork and user-friendly interface that allows for casual exploration. The app offers a Nature feature showcasing breathtaking locations, a Food feature highlighting unique dishes and culinary traditions, a Travel feature providing virtual visits to various landmarks, and a Design section displaying historical artifacts and inventions. Wazir appreciates the app's extensive features but notes that its cluttered interface can be challenging to navigate, and some sections may not resonate with him as much.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

What’s driving growth in the Chinese video game industry?

The Chinese game industry has experienced significant growth, with popular titles like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong driving global interest. Black Myth: Wukong sold 10 million copies within a week of its August 2024 launch and won Game of the Year at the 2024 Steam Awards. The single-player game market in China is becoming more sustainable, with a shift in focus due to the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong. Developers are adapting their strategies, although challenges such as high production costs, competition, and issues related to work culture persist. Local governments are actively supporting game development through licensing, tax breaks, and grants, with initiatives aimed at integrating cultural themes into games. Despite layoffs in the industry, a robust social safety net exists to support affected employees.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

10 reasons why PGC Barcelona is a must for PC game developers in 2025

The Pocket Gamer Connects (PGC) Barcelona is a two-day conference taking place in 2025, marking the 52nd edition of the series and the first time it is held in Spain. It aims to connect various stakeholders in the gaming industry, including indie developers, studios, and business professionals. The event will feature over 100 expert speakers across 17 themed tracks, with topics on global trends, investment strategies, and emerging technologies. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from over 500 companies, including major players like Epic Games and Ubisoft, and engage with C-level executives and senior management. The conference emphasizes networking through the MeetToMatch platform and fringe events, while also showcasing Spain's gaming ecosystem. The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower and is expected to attract over 1,000 industry professionals.

AppWizard

April 27, 2025

I miss old PopCap like you miss old BioWare

From 2000 to 2010, PopCap Games dominated the casual gaming market, influencing the design of many subsequent mobile games. The studio's notable titles included Peggle Extreme, featured in Valve's The Orange Box, and Gyromancer, a collaboration with Square Enix. PopCap's games often drew inspiration from earlier concepts, such as Zuma from Puzz Loop and Bejeweled from the Russian game Shariki. After being acquired by Electronic Arts, PopCap shifted towards mobile and free-to-play models, leading to the decline of its original PC titles. Despite this change, the spirit of PopCap's creativity persists in the indie gaming scene, with games like Donut County and Peglin reflecting its innovative approach. Bookworm Adventures remains accessible through the Internet Archive, contributing to PopCap's lasting legacy.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

Tempest Rising review

Tempest Rising is a real-time strategy game developed by Slipgate Ironworks, set for release on April 24, 2025, priced at in the U.S. and £35 in the U.K. The game pays homage to the Command and Conquer series, featuring familiar mechanics and a synth metal soundtrack. Notable tracks include "Death Squad" and "Aegis," with additional contributions from Adam Skorupa. The game lacks a third playable faction and more engaging characters between missions but aims to reinforce the RTS genre amidst a shift towards turn-based tactics and 4X games.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Albums from Miles Davis, Mary J. Blige, Elton John and ‘Minecraft’ enter National Recording Registry

The National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress has announced its latest inductees for the class of 2025, which includes 25 recordings that reflect America's cultural heritage. Notable albums recognized include: - "Bitches Brew" (1970) by Miles Davis - "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (1973) by Elton John - "Tracy Chapman" (1988) featuring "Fast Car" - "My Life" (1994) by Mary J. Blige - The original Broadway cast album of "Hamilton" (2015) Significant singles added include: - "I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar" (1972) by Helen Reddy - "My Heart Will Go On" (1997) by Celine Dion Other unique selections include the original music for the video game Minecraft (2011) and the Windows 95 reboot sound by Brian Eno. The radio broadcast of the 1960 World Series narrated by Chuck Thompson is also included. The oldest recording in this year's class is the 1913 rendition of "Aloha ’Oe" by the Hawaiian Quintette, while the most recent is the 2015 "Hamilton" album. Additional albums making their debut include: - "Hello Dummy" (1968) by Don Rickles - "Chicago Transit Authority" (1969) by Chicago - "I've Got the Music in Me" (1975) by Thelma Houston & Pressure Cooker - "Fly Like an Eagle" (1976) by the Steve Miller Band - "Back to Black" (2006) by Amy Winehouse Career-defining singles also joining the registry include: - "Happy Trails" (1952) by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans - "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" (1975) by Freddy Fender - "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’" (1971) by Charley Pride.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Albums from Miles Davis, Mary J. Blige, Elton John and ‘Minecraft’ enter National Recording Registry

The Library of Congress has announced the latest additions to the National Recording Registry for 2025, including 25 recordings that reflect America's musical heritage. Notable albums include: - Miles Davis’ “Bitches Brew” (1970) - Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (1973) - Tracy Chapman’s self-titled album (1988) - Mary J. Blige’s “My Life” (1994) - “Hamilton” Original Broadway Cast Album (2015) Honored singles include: - Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar” (1972) - Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” (1997) Other entries include the music from the video game “Minecraft” (2011) and the Windows 95 reboot sound by Brian Eno. Additional highlights are: - Don Rickles’ “Hello Dummy” (1968) - Chicago’s “Chicago Transit Authority” (1969) - Thelma Houston & Pressure Cooker’s “I’ve Got the Music in Me” (1975) - Steve Miller Band’s “Fly Like an Eagle” (1976) - Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” (2006) Career-defining singles from artists include: - “Happy Trails” by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans (1952) - “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” by Freddy Fender (1975) - “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” by Charley Pride (1971)

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Koto crafts bold 50th anniversary identity for Microsoft, celebrating its past and future

Global design studio Koto has created a new identity for Microsoft's 50th anniversary, celebrating the company's influence and legacy while recognizing current innovators. The campaign is centered around the phrase "Change Needs Makers," emphasizing the contributions of individuals behind Microsoft's software and cultural innovations, especially in the context of AI. Koto's design strategy includes three storytelling structures: "Worlds," which showcases technology's potential; "Iconic Moments," highlighting significant achievements; and "Then & Now," contrasting different eras of the company. The visual identity features a 50th-anniversary logo inspired by the original Windows design, modernized with 3D elements, and uses Segoe Sans Display typography along with a vibrant palette of gradients. The campaign aims to connect Microsoft's past, present, and future, focusing on continuous innovation and inviting the next generation to shape what comes next. Koto has previously developed identities for brands like Google Gemini, Netflix, and Venmo.