influence Archives

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

Who’s ‘The King in Yellow’ And Why Are People So Freaked Out By Him? The ‘Minecraft ARG’ Inspiring Memes And Fan Art Explained

The King in Yellow is a collection of short stories published in 1895 by Robert W. Chambers, featuring a fictional play that introduces elements like the "Yellow Sign," the city of Carcosa, and a mysterious entity called "the Stranger." The play serves as a source of forbidden knowledge, leading characters to madness. The work has influenced horror writers such as H.P. Lovecraft and resurfaced in popular culture, notably in HBO's True Detective. In late October 2025, YouTuber AverytheMayo shared a video about a Minecraft character exploring a mine, leading to Wifies creating a 40-minute ARG-style video titled "Searching for a World that Doesn't Exist," which gained over 15 million views within a month. This sparked a wave of fan art and engagement on social media, including a meme by X user @RachRatos that received over 40,000 likes. The ARG has inspired numerous memes and creative interpretations across platforms like TikTok.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

The world’s busiest toilet temporarily made detective sim Shadows of Doubt a murder-free zone: ‘You can’t always legislate for the fact that everyone’s going to need a wee at midnight’

A presentation by Stark Holborn at AdventureX revealed that a glitch in the detective simulation game Shadows of Doubt caused a busy toilet to deter players from committing violent actions nearby. This unexpected interaction added humor to the game and demonstrated how mundane elements can influence gameplay and contribute to crime prevention in a virtual setting.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

With elements of Fallout and Escape From Tarkov, this brutal FPS is about to signal the end of my MMO hiatus

Pioner is a post-apocalyptic MMOFPS set on a 50km² island that combines PvP and PvE combat, developed by GFA Games. It features social hubs and allows player choices to influence the game's world. The game has over half a million wishlists on Steam and is set to release in Early Access on December 16. A deluxe edition will include exclusive rewards such as a unique character skin, weapon skins, a weapon charm, a Japanese watch, premium currency, and an exclusive player title.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Lifetime Access to Microsoft’s Latest Office Software is 40% Off for Black Friday

An early Black Friday offer on the Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business lifetime license is available for .97, down from .99, valid for both Mac and PC users through the Black Friday weekend. Microsoft Office 2024 includes applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, available through a one-time purchase without subscription fees. New features include AI-powered suggestions, improved data insights in Excel, advanced storytelling tools in PowerPoint, and a modernized Fluent Design interface. Collaboration features allow real-time document editing, while Outlook offers improved accessibility checks. Security enhancements protect against malicious add-ins, and the lifetime license avoids recurring costs.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

Baldur’s Gate 3 is ‘an inspiration’ for CD Projekt, but it’s all-in on big open worlds: ‘We are definitely not going to make a game like Larian did’

CD Projekt's joint CEO Michał Nowakowski acknowledged the success of Baldur's Gate 3 and its influence on classic CRPG elements, but emphasized that CD Projekt Red (CDPR) is pursuing its own direction for future projects. He stated that while they find inspiration in Baldur's Gate 3, CDPR will not create a game similar to Larian Studios' work and intends to innovate beyond their previous titles like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. Nowakowski mentioned a strategic shift towards focusing on core pillar games rather than spinoffs, indicating that CDPR aims to prioritize the development of main titles that enhance open-world gaming.

AppWizard

November 22, 2025

The 20 Best Xbox 360 Games of All Time

Microsoft transformed the Xbox brand from a traditional gaming console into a multifaceted platform emphasizing software accessibility across various devices, with the Game Pass subscription model allowing users to access a vast library of games on mobile phones and rival consoles. The Xbox 360 was launched on November 22, 2005, a year ahead of competitors, and became the most advanced console for a year despite technical challenges like the Red Ring of Death. Strategic partnerships and a diverse range of titles, including blockbuster franchises like Halo and Gears of War, contributed to its success. The Xbox 360's architecture resembled that of a personal computer, providing a technological edge over the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. Innovations such as Xbox Live and Xbox Live Arcade distinguished the console, making it a hub for competitive and indie gaming. The Xbox 360 remains the best-selling device in the Xbox lineup, with defining titles including Perfect Dark Zero, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Dead or Alive 4, Viva Piñata, Fable II, Ninja Gaiden II, Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, Fez, and Oblivion, highlighting its lasting legacy in gaming culture.

AppWizard

November 22, 2025

Why Tandem Diabetes Care (TNDM) Is Up 14.3% After FDA Clears Android App for Mobi System and What’s Next

Tandem Diabetes Care has received FDA clearance for the Android version of the Tandem Mobi mobile app, set for limited release in December 2025 and broader availability in early 2026. This app will enhance accessibility to Tandem’s automated insulin delivery system for users with compatible Android smartphones. The company plans to launch the t:slim X2’s integration with Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus CGM sensor in October 2025, aiming to attract more continuous glucose monitoring users. Analysts project Tandem Diabetes Care could achieve .2 billion in revenue and .4 million in earnings by 2028, assuming a 7.5% annual revenue growth rate. Fair value estimates for the stock range from .64 to .57 per share, indicating a potential downside from its current market price.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Marvel Contest of Champions Makes the Jump to PC Gaming

The game "Contest of Champions" has consistently aligned its roster and events with developments in the Marvel universe across various media. The game's success is significantly attributed to its vibrant community, which the developers view as integral to the game's longevity. Community members, including those who have transitioned to the development team, provide valuable insights that influence game updates and expansions. Events like Summoners Fest allow developers to gain a deeper understanding of player experiences, which informs the creation of new Champions and the enhancement of existing ones. The community's feedback has led to formalized game rules and improved engagement with Champions.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

YouTube quietly revives in-app private messaging, six years after discontinuing it

YouTube is testing a revival of its in-app private messaging feature, nearly six years after it was discontinued due to low adoption rates. The new initiative allows users to share videos, Shorts, and live streams with friends and is currently limited to select markets and users aged 18 and older. Safeguards such as invite-only conversations, unsend options, and the ability to block or report inappropriate content are included. YouTube's initial messaging feature was launched in 2017 and discontinued in 2019. The renewed feature aims to enhance direct engagement for content creators and provide a streamlined way for regular users to converse about videos. The pilot phase is ongoing, with no timeline for a broader rollout announced yet. YouTube's move to reinstate private messaging aligns with current trends as it faces competition from platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Minecraft and Pokemon Go among winners at Golden Joystick Awards

The Golden Joystick Awards, celebrating its 43rd year, recognized standout games through public votes and an expert panel. Minecraft won the Still Playing Award for console and PC games, marking its 15th anniversary and maintaining a monthly player base of around 160 million. In the mobile gaming category, Pokemon Go received the Still Playing Award, having transformed player interaction since its 2016 launch. Donkey Kong Bonanza won the Critics' Choice Award, highlighting the character's lasting influence in gaming.