hiring Archives

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Feel less bad about firing AI agents, Minecraft creator says vibe coding will replace human developers

Markus ‘Notch’ Persson has announced a shift to "vibe coding," which involves using artificial intelligence tools for code generation. This decision is influenced by difficulties in hiring skilled programmers and a growing comfort with AI solutions. Notch expressed frustration with the job market, stating he has trouble hiring talented programmers and would feel less bad about firing a chatbot. He sold Mojang and Minecraft to Microsoft for .5 billion in 2014 and is now working on a new project, Levers and Chests, at Bitshift Entertainment, which will likely rely on AI tools. This shift occurs amid significant layoffs in the tech industry, including at major companies like Amazon, Oracle, and Microsoft. Notch's previous stance of rejecting AI contrasts with his current acceptance of its inevitability, reflecting a broader industry trend where leaders like Linus Torvalds and Ryan Dahl also acknowledge the transition towards AI-driven development.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Ramp’s billionaire CEO ignores résumés and Ivy League degrees—he’s more interested in engineers who built Minecraft servers as teens

Eric Glyman, cofounder and CEO of Ramp, advocates for a hiring philosophy that prioritizes "proof of work" and exceptional drive over traditional qualifications and résumés. He believes valuable hires often come from unexpected backgrounds, citing Ramp engineers who demonstrated dedication through their involvement in Minecraft. Ramp actively seeks talent on platforms like GitHub and through referrals from individuals who know candidates well. Glyman emphasizes the economic advantages of hiring younger talent before they accumulate extensive experience, which can inflate their market value. He also focuses on candidates' long-term motivations and alignment with the company's mission. Glyman's approach aligns with other influential CEOs, such as Elon Musk, who also prioritize tangible evidence of a candidate's abilities over résumés.

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

Obsidian game director is sick of hearing bad takes about the state of the studio: ‘The through line from KotOR2 to our current games is pretty clear’

Microsoft has restructured Xbox, resulting in significant layoffs affecting thousands of employees and the disbanding of four game studios, including Double Fine and Compulsion Games returning to indie status, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs were sold. Obsidian Entertainment, initially thought to be unaffected, also faced layoffs but is reportedly developing a new Fallout game with Josh Sawyer as director. A member of Obsidian's leadership, Adler, expressed frustration over misconceptions about the studio's evolution, emphasizing that key figures from its past successes remain. He reassured fans that the core essence of Obsidian is unchanged, despite recent challenges. Adler acknowledged the emotional toll of the layoffs and expressed support for departing employees. Anticipation for Obsidian's new Fallout title is growing.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

From Idea to Launch: Essential Steps for Building a Successful Android App

Building a successful app requires transforming a strong idea into a useful, reliable, and discoverable product. Key steps include addressing a genuine problem, developing an effective initial version, conducting thorough testing, and launching with a strategic plan. Many apps fail by neglecting essential steps, leading to confusion or lack of real need. It is important to identify specific problems the app aims to solve rather than starting with an extensive feature list. Understanding the target audience and their pain points is crucial for making informed decisions. Validation can be achieved by examining reviews of competing apps and engaging with potential users to assess interest in the solution. The initial app version should be the smallest iteration that delivers tangible results, focusing on the primary user journey. Outlining the user flow is important for a smooth experience, ensuring that permission requests are logical and intuitive. Early-stage apps should exhibit stability, integrating analytics and crash reporting from the beginning to understand user behavior. A gradual launch is recommended, starting with internal tests and moving to closed tests with target audience members. This phased approach allows for learning and adaptation, ensuring that the initial version effectively addresses a real problem and engages users.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Malaysia’s AI agent-powered messaging app Respond.io raises $62.5M, eyes acquisitions

In 2017, Respond.io was founded to help businesses adapt to customer shifts towards messaging applications. It is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and recently raised million in a Series B funding round, following a million Series A round in 2022. The company reported an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of million, a 169% year-over-year increase, with a 30% profit margin. Co-founders include Gerardo Salandra (CEO), Hassan Ahmed (CTO), and Yaroslav Kudritskiy (COO), who initially started the company in Hong Kong before relocating to Malaysia. Respond.io's platform caters to mid- to large-sized B2C enterprises, facilitating customer interactions across various messaging channels and utilizing AI for efficiency. The target market consists of "high-consideration" businesses, with an ideal customer profile of companies having 200 to 10,000 employees. Respond processes 2 billion messages quarterly and has a unique pricing model based on conversation volume rather than per user. The company emphasizes a data flywheel effect that enhances AI capabilities through increased message volume. Plans for growth include hiring, organic expansion, and strategic acquisitions, particularly in Europe and North America, which are projected to become larger revenue segments. Currently, revenue is distributed with 30% from APAC, 30% from Latin America, and 20% from the Middle East and Africa, with the remaining 20% from North America and Western Europe. Salandra expressed a cautious approach to growth and aspirations for a future public offering on Nasdaq.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Retro Arcade Shop Simulator Brings the Neon 80s to PC

The Retro Arcade Shop Simulator, developed by Alt Tab Game, will debut on PC with a demo available on June 11. The full version is expected in 2026/2027, with a console release in 2027. The game allows players to build and manage their own retro arcade, featuring 28 types of entertainment options and interactive machines. The demo includes four progression levels, six types of attractions, and customization options for layout and decor. Players can manage a cafeteria and hire staff. The minimum system requirements for the PC demo include Windows 10 (64-bit), Intel Core i3-14100F or AMD Ryzen 5 5560U, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600, and 8 GB of available SSD space.

BetaBeacon

June 11, 2026

Dave The Diver Swims Onto iOS And Android This August

- Dave the Diver, one of the best games of 2023, will be available for mobile gamers in the US in August. - The game combines underwater exploration, roguelite gameplay, and restaurant management. - Players dive for resources during the day and manage their restaurant at night. - The game features interconnected gameplay elements and a captivating story. - Demanding controls may require the use of a Bluetooth controller for a smoother gaming experience.

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

Report: St. Petersburg State University orders staff and students to use Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max

St. Petersburg State University has mandated the use of the Max messenger for internal communications, as directed by vice rector Vladimir Starostenko. The human resources department is required to inform new employees about this policy. Sources indicate that the directive has been communicated to all departments, but staff members express discontent and reluctance to adopt the platform, with many not engaging in meaningful communication via Max. The Max messenger, developed by VK, was launched in spring 2025 and is being promoted by Russian authorities for various uses, while popular apps like WhatsApp and Telegram are blocked in Russia.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Slack Messenger helps teams centralize work, chat, and alerts

Slack Messenger is a team communication and collaboration software used primarily for workplace messaging, channels, app integrations, and internal alerts. It is produced by Slack, which is owned by Salesforce. As of May 21, 2026, Salesforce is actively hiring for proactive monitoring roles to ensure ongoing maintenance and reliability for Slack's operations. Slack organizes workplace communication into distinct channels and direct messages, featuring a searchable history, which is crucial for teams in various industries, particularly in the United States. The platform is designed for enterprise use, emphasizing structured communication over casual messaging, and it plays a significant role in customer support, software development, and project management.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Lies of P studio is hiring an ‘AI Creator’ for future projects but says the role will not be ‘directly involved’ in the development of the sequel

The sequel to the game Lies of P is now in "full production," as confirmed by developer Neowiz in their earnings report. Neowiz has hired an AI "artist" to assist with the game's production, intending to leverage generative AI to enhance art production efficiency and innovate visual quality. This decision has sparked disappointment among fans concerned about the potential compromise of the game's artistry. Neowiz reported Q1 2026 revenues of 101.4 billion Korean won. The gaming industry is witnessing growing enthusiasm for AI integration, with notable figures discussing its potential to revolutionize gaming experiences, while some, like Xbox's chief Asha Sharma, express caution against "soulless AI slop."