human touch Archives

AppWizard

April 4, 2026

Warframe community director says ‘nothing in our games will be AI-generated, ever’

Digital Extremes, the studio behind Warframe and Soulframe, opposes the use of AI in game development. Community Director Megan Everett stated that the company is "very non-AI" and emphasized that all content in their games will be created by humans. She expressed frustration with AI-generated content, stating that it causes uncertainty about the authenticity of art. Despite skepticism towards AI in the industry, some developers are still using AI, as seen with Arc Raiders, which initially utilized AI voice acting but is now shifting to handcrafted assets. A survey indicated that 90% of developers want clearer AI disclosures on platforms like Steam, while some games have included AI "placeholders" in final releases. This has led to concerns among creators about the influence of AI on their work.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 translator claims they have been “replaced with AI”; Warhorse says they “deeply value the people who shape our work”

A former translator and localizer for Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, known as Max H on Reddit, was let go by Warhorse Studios on March 27, as the studio decided to shift towards AI-driven solutions for translations, deeming Max's position "obsolete." Max had worked at the studio for nearly four years and expressed feelings of betrayal regarding the abrupt dismissal. They noted that management had begun integrating AI tools across various departments, including code development, and claimed AI was used without their approval to expedite translations, resulting in some content lacking thorough review. Max indicated they were the only employee affected by this shift, although they observed an increase in departures among colleagues. Warhorse Studios stated they are a talent-driven studio and value their employees but did not comment on individual situations.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Owlcat says everything in its new Expanse RPG ‘will definitely 100 percent be human-made,’ but also that generative AI will be used for ‘vision coordination’ and ‘inspiration’

Owlcat's PR manager, Katharina Popp, clarified that generative AI is used in the development of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn only for prototyping and testing ideas, not for creating final game assets. Popp emphasized that all final content will be 100% human-made. This stance aligns with the studio's previous communications regarding AI's role in early concept generation. Other developers, like Pearl Abyss, have expressed similar views, stating that AI-generated art is intended only as prototype material. The gaming community's response has been mixed, with some expressing skepticism about the use of AI in creative processes.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

Oblivion turns 20 today, and I need Bethesda to return to its roots for Elder Scrolls 6

The author purchased The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion the day after its release, exchanging all their pocket money at Gamestation. The game came with a disc and a glossy map of Cyrodiil. Oblivion allowed players to take on various roles, showcasing the flexibility characteristic of RPGs. The author experienced the game on PC, while it also became a flagship title for the Xbox 360, broadening the appeal of RPGs to console gamers. Oblivion has influenced many contemporary games, including Elden Ring and Kingdom Come Deliverance. It is associated with the controversial horse armor DLC, which sparked discussions about microtransactions in gaming. The author reflects on the game's graphical limitations and the unnecessary nature of the Oblivion Remastered version. As Oblivion celebrates its 20th anniversary, the author considers the future of RPGs and the potential impact of The Elder Scrolls 6.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

We polled PC gamers on how much generative AI is acceptable in games, and here’s what they said

Generative AI is increasingly integrated into video game development, with applications ranging from art assets to gameplay mechanics. A poll of approximately 1,000 respondents revealed that over 40% prefer traditional game development with no AI involvement. More than half of participants are open to generative AI to varying degrees: 20% oppose its inclusion in final products but accept its use as a productivity tool, while 21% approve of some AI involvement if disclosed. Additionally, 14% would engage with heavily AI-utilized games if enjoyable. Concerns about AI-generated code have been raised by developers, particularly regarding its quality. Despite skepticism, there is agreement on the benefits of AI-accelerated rendering techniques for performance improvements.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

5 Windows apps we couldn’t live without before the internet

Windows versions in the past provided a unique offline experience, allowing users to explore a variety of local applications that were integral to daily life. Key applications included: - Microsoft Solitaire (Windows 3.0): Introduced many to card games and mouse navigation, evolving from a tutorial to a beloved pastime with simple mechanics. - Windows Sound Recorder (Windows 3.0): Launched in 1990, it allowed users to capture audio, creating a space for creativity and basic audio editing. - Minesweeper (Windows 3.1): A grid-based game that taught patience and risk assessment through its engaging gameplay. - Paintbrush (Windows 1.0): Released in 1985, it served as a simple digital art tool, enabling users to express creativity and learn design fundamentals. - 3D Pinball: Space Cadet (Windows 95): Bundled with Microsoft Plus! 95, it transformed computer classes into enjoyable experiences with engaging gameplay. These applications were valued for their presence and ability to provide comfort and entertainment without the complexities of modern technology.

AppWizard

December 31, 2025

You’re “dead wrong” if you think AI can make a good game, says ex Gears of War director, but he’s still bopping to Soviet post-punk Britney

Larian Studios confirmed its use of AI to "explore references," while Expedition 33's Sandfall faces allegations regarding its AI applications. Black Ops 7 was criticized for using generative AI art assets, and Arc Raiders utilized AI to generate additional voice lines. Adrian Chmielarz, founder of The Astronauts, expressed skepticism about AI's ability to create compelling games, stating that quality games cannot be made solely through AI. He acknowledged the impressive capabilities of AI but emphasized the need for human creativity in game development. Chmielarz mentioned Revolution Software's use of AI to upscale imagery for Broken Sword, which he considers a fair application of the technology. He maintains a strict policy against AI-generated content in his projects, emphasizing the importance of human connection in gaming. Chmielarz noted that AI might be more accepted as a tool rather than a creative force and speculated that the gaming landscape will shift dramatically by 2026 with major titles on the horizon.

Winsage

December 22, 2025

This week in Windows news— Saving RAM, testing Insider features, and the “fake” record lows of holiday shopping

In 2025, there has been a surge in news activity related to Windows 11, including updates for Windows Insiders and enhancements to the Link to Windows app, which now allows remote locking of PCs from Android devices. As Christmas approaches, discounts on Windows laptops and gaming handhelds are significant, with the Surface Pro 11 available at reduced prices. Finding the best deals is challenging due to complicated sales processes, with specific retailers like Newegg, Walmart, and Amazon offering various models at competitive prices. Automated tools often fail to identify the best prices across similar models, leading to labor-intensive searches for consumers. A recent flash sale for the Surface Laptop 7 has ended, but a variant with increased storage capacity remains available.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

Qobuz: I tested the Android TV app and I was impressed! – Son-Vidéo.com: blog

Qobuz has launched its app on Android Smart TVs, providing high-quality music streaming with lossless sound and high-definition masters. The app features a user-friendly interface optimized for larger screens, allowing easy navigation and access to curated playlists, personalized recommendations, and synchronized library data across devices. It supports Hi-Res audio streaming and includes Qobuz Connect, enabling users to control playback from smartphones or tablets. The app is compatible with Qobuz's Studio and Sublime subscription packages, offering access to over one hundred million titles in Hi-Res quality. Qobuz emphasizes editorial content, including album reviews and artist interviews, enhancing the listening experience with a human touch.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Over 500 Steam Next Fest demos used generative AI, and I’ve never felt more disappointed

Over 500 demos at the October 2025 Steam Next Fest disclosed the use of generative AI in their development processes, accounting for 17% of the offerings. Developers primarily used AI for marketing and Steam store page assets, but it also extended to art, audio, coding, writing, and in-game interactions. The demo Cloudheim was the most popular, indicating AI was used for "internal communication." Concerns have arisen regarding job security for professionals in the industry, as reliance on AI increases. Some games, like Arc Raiders, have vague disclosures about AI's role, leading to noticeable issues such as awkward dialogue. The lack of transparency about AI-generated assets is also troubling, with some games not disclosing AI usage until players notice discrepancies.