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Lead dev of one of 2025's best games goes on a wild ramble about pricing, but hold up, let him cook — it actually makes perfect sense, and he's right
AppWizard
January 14, 2026

Lead dev of one of 2025’s best games goes on a wild ramble about pricing, but hold up, let him cook — it actually makes perfect sense, and he’s right

Publishers in the gaming industry face challenges in pricing games, balancing profitability with fair deals for players. Kaman, a lead developer of Another Crab's Treasure, discussed the psychological perception of pricing, noting that consumers often round prices to more appealing figures. He highlighted that pricing their previous game, PEAK, at .99 instead of .00 was a strategic choice, as it aligns with consumer perception of value. PEAK sold over 10 million copies in its first year, with significant sales during promotional periods when it was discounted to .95, demonstrating the impact of pricing strategies on consumer behavior.
From Minecraft to The Last of Us Season 2, the best gaming adaptations of 2025 weren't lacking in variety
AppWizard
December 21, 2025

From Minecraft to The Last of Us Season 2, the best gaming adaptations of 2025 weren’t lacking in variety

Continuity and iteration are prevalent in the gaming industry, particularly in 2025, where many video game adaptations are second seasons of successful prior adaptations. This year's adaptations include notable theatrical releases with creative interpretations. Adaptation involves translating elements of the original game into a different medium, which can spark debate among fans. The diversity of adaptations this year spans various genres, including family-friendly, horror, and post-apocalyptic narratives. The adaptation of Supermassive's game Until Dawn into a film has managed to maintain its essence while providing a fresh perspective. The Minecraft Movie, directed by Jared Hess and featuring Jack Black, distinguishes itself from typical CGI fantasy adventures and resonates with both young fans and newcomers, leading to enthusiastic audience reactions and 'meme-a-long' screenings. Fallout Season 2 has surprised audiences with its quick turnaround, shifting the narrative to New Vegas and featuring beloved elements from the series. The adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2 on HBO Max has received mixed reactions, particularly regarding the timing of plot revelations, though it includes emotionally intense moments and strong chemistry between characters.
Arc Raiders dev says Marathon alpha was "good A/B test"
AppWizard
October 21, 2025

Arc Raiders dev says Marathon alpha was “good A/B test”

Virgil Watkins, design director at Embark Studios, discussed the similarities between their upcoming game Arc Raiders and Bungie's Marathon during a conversation with PC Gamer. Both games are in the extraction shooter genre and had coinciding alpha tests, which allowed Embark Studios to conduct an informal A/B test comparing design choices. Arc Raiders is set to launch on October 30th, while Marathon's release has been delayed from its initial September schedule. Embark Studios was founded by Patrick Soderlund, a veteran from DICE and Electronic Arts, and is also known for the free-to-play team shooter, The Finals.
Codev Airship Interactive assets acquired by Airmergent
AppWizard
July 15, 2025

Codev Airship Interactive assets acquired by Airmergent

UK-based co-development firm Airship Interactive has entered administration, and its assets have been acquired by a newly established studio named Airmergent. Airmergent has retained all 78 employees from Airship Interactive, in compliance with UK TUPE regulations, ensuring ongoing contracts remain unaffected. Airship Interactive officially entered administration on July 1st.
We Love Every Game wants to solve Steam's discoverability problem
AppWizard
June 30, 2025

We Love Every Game wants to solve Steam’s discoverability problem

We Love Every Game is a platform created by Boston-based Totally Human Media to help players discover quality PC games on Steam, which sees nearly 20,000 new titles each year. The initiative is led by Ichiro Lambe, a game developer with 30 years of experience, including founding Sony Online Entertainment Denver and Dejobaan Games. The platform recommends games that have at least an 80% positive review rating on Steam with a minimum of 30 reviews. It aims to connect gamers with titles that match their preferences and is exploring the use of generative AI to summarize game content. The founders plan to expand the platform to include other forms of entertainment media and are seeking a sustainable business model that respects user experience.
Microsoft is trying to get antivirus software away from the Windows kernel
Tech Optimizer
June 27, 2025

Microsoft is trying to get antivirus software away from the Windows kernel

Microsoft is engaging with third-party companies to establish new standards for collaboration and address concerns. The company is implementing security enhancements for Windows, including a redesign of the "blue screen of death," now called the "unexpected restart screen," which will change from blue to black. This redesign aims to improve readability and align with Windows 11 aesthetics. A new feature, "quick machine recovery" (QMR), will help users recover from multiple unexpected restarts or boot loops by transitioning to Windows Recovery Environment (RE). QMR will be enabled by default on Windows 11 Home, with configuration options for Pro and Enterprise versions. Both QMR and the redesigned screen will be included in the Windows 11 24H2 update, set to launch later this summer, with additional customization options planned for later in the year.
HOW DISGUISE BUILT OUT THE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR A MINECRAFT MOVIE
AppWizard
June 25, 2025

HOW DISGUISE BUILT OUT THE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR A MINECRAFT MOVIE

A Minecraft Movie, directed by Jared Hess, utilizes 3D voxel art to create its unique visual style, moving away from photorealistic graphics. The production involved a collaboration with Disguise, led by Dan Lemmon, and features a cast including Jason Momoa and Jack Black. Talia Finlayson, a Senior Unreal Artist at Disguise, emphasized the integration of the Virtual Art Department (VAD) throughout production, allowing for real-time live-compositing of the Minecraft world using Simulcam. Set designs were created in Rhinoceros 3D and transformed into interactive environments with Unreal Engine, incorporating assets from talented artists and the game itself. Flexibility was crucial, enabling rapid iteration based on feedback, with adjustments made to accommodate filming needs, such as removing a second story from a building. The design process considered practical aspects like camera movements and stunt choreography, ensuring cohesion with the Minecraft aesthetic. The use of Simulcam allowed for the merging of physical and virtual environments, enhancing production efficiency and creativity.
Linux users are finally realizing what it takes to help others make the switch
Winsage
June 23, 2025

Linux users are finally realizing what it takes to help others make the switch

Microsoft will cease all support for Windows 10 on October 14, including software and security updates. In response, advocates have launched the End of 10 website to assist users transitioning to Linux, highlighting advantages such as no new hardware costs, enhanced privacy, environmental benefits, community support, and greater user control. The Linux community, including organizations like GNOME and Debian, supports this initiative, emphasizing local community resources for users. Despite its appeal, Linux remains intimidating for many, but distributions like Ubuntu and Pop!_OS aim to create user-friendly environments. Valve's Proton has improved gaming on Linux, allowing users to play thousands of games easily. Linux powers a wide range of devices beyond desktops, and while not every user may switch, the community's efforts are increasing its adoption as an alternative to Windows 10.
Parries and timed blocks are the future of action games—and they've got a place in turn-based RPGs like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, too
AppWizard
May 27, 2025

Parries and timed blocks are the future of action games—and they’ve got a place in turn-based RPGs like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, too

Nine Sols is a standout gaming experience of 2023, noted for its stunning art direction, compelling narrative, and finely tuned combat mechanics. It represents a shift within the "soulslike" genre, leaning towards the intricate design seen in Sekiro, which redefined combat expectations by focusing on breaking an enemy's posture rather than just depleting health. The game emphasizes timing and precision in blocking, enhancing player engagement.
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