inspiration Archives

AppWizard

August 20, 2026

Pretty Cool Games Launches As New Studio From “Human: Fall Flat” Devs

Sitara Shefta and Will Dudley have launched Pretty Cool Games, a remote indie studio in the UK, with funding from Coreblazer, the investment arm of HyperGryph. The studio is developing its first project, a double-A, physics-based game focused on gameplay. The game draws inspiration from Nintendo, Hazelight, Disney theme parks, and classic physical comedy films. Despite challenges in the gaming industry, Pretty Cool Games is optimistic about the demand for innovative gaming experiences. The studio aims to create highly entertaining PC and console games, emphasizing creativity and quality, with a team experienced in developing successful titles.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

This DIY Halo console runs games from physical cartridges

The creator has designed a new case that features a cartridge pocket with an eject button, allowing for easy cartridge release while maintaining compatibility with existing cartridges. The device operates with a chip at 45W TDP, has a well-engineered airflow system, and is made from carbon-fiber-reinforced PETG with decorative olive-green panels and orange buttons. The logos are laser-engraved with unique Easter eggs. The console uses distinct firmware on an ESP32 microcontroller to transmit cartridge IDs to a mini PC, launching games seamlessly. An external USB cable is required for the ESP32 connection to the mini PC, which will be addressed in a future version. The case files are available for free on Printables.

BetaBeacon

August 18, 2026

Sally Face 2 announced for consoles, PC, iOS, and Android

Sally Face 2 is a single-player, side-scrolling, narrative-driven adventure game and sequel to the original supernatural adventure, Sally Face.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Even though turn-based and real time RPGs ‘have their loud, vocal advocates,’ Fallout developer Tim Cain thinks they both have a place in the genre

Tim Cain discussed RPG combat styles on his YouTube channel, emphasizing a balanced view between turn-based and real-time gameplay. He highlighted the "real-time with pause" (RTWP) system, which allows players to queue commands while the game is paused, as a unique blend of strategy and action. James Brawley, a lead designer for the upcoming turn-based tactics game Star Wars Zero Company, acknowledged the merits of RTWP and expressed optimism about its resurgence, indicating a significant audience for this style. Both combat styles have unique strengths and can coexist, influencing the future of RPGs.

Winsage

August 17, 2026

This Microsoft Outlook replacement comes with a shot of Windows Phone nostalgia

Jeff Fritz, a former Microsoft engineer, is developing an application called DayFrame, which aims to revitalize the concept of Live Tiles. The app combines elements of Windows Phone design with Outlook's organizational features, serving as a hub for email, calendar, and contacts. It includes a tile rail on the left side with blue tiles for easy access to modules, and the main pane displays relevant tasks or information. DayFrame is not yet publicly available but is listed as "Coming soon," with a private preview expected to launch within the next week.

Winsage

August 17, 2026

DayFrame brings Windows Phone tiles to your desktop, but just in one app

Jeff Fritz, a former Microsoft engineer, is developing an app called DayFrame, which revitalizes the concept of Live Tiles. The app combines Windows Phone aesthetics with Outlook functionality, serving as a centralized hub for email, calendar, and contacts. It features a retro design with bold, square icons and a blue color scheme, and will be available on both PC and Mac. DayFrame has a modular design that allows independent development of each module, enabling continuous improvement. Currently marked as "Coming soon," a private preview is expected to launch soon, with real, running code already demonstrated.

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

BMW’s weird Minecraft-like car harvests more energy than it uses

The Deep Orange 17, an experimental solar prototype developed by graduate students at Clemson University, is named 'Luminetta' and features a boxy design inspired by the boxfish. It weighs 1,212 lb (550 kg) and incorporates over 1,700 photovoltaic cells, allowing it to generate up to 5.7 kWh of energy per day. The vehicle's solar array can potentially provide an additional 31 miles (50 km) of range from sunlight. The design focuses on extreme weight reduction and employs a skeletal chassis made from 3D-printed metal joints and lightweight composite body panels. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of an energy-positive vehicle, although its performance relies on ideal conditions and raises concerns about crash safety and comfort.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Fields of Mistria review

Fields of Mistria is a '90s anime-inspired farming simulation game developed and published by NPC Studio, priced at £11.79. It features engaging interactions with neighbors, providing players with motivation and a sense of community. The game has been reviewed on an Intel Core Ultra 7 265 with an RTX 5070 Ti and 32GB RAM, is not multiplayer, and is verified for Steam Deck.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Cozy wizard life simulation game Aether Wizard Life launches in fall 2028 for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC

Kinetic Publishing has partnered with Vonder Games to release the life simulation game, Aether Wizard Life, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC via Steam, scheduled for fall 2028. Players will take on the role of a young apprentice mage in the haunted town of Starfall, starting each day in a customizable walking castle. Gameplay includes growing magical crops, caring for exotic creatures, exploring dungeons, and engaging with townsfolk for side quests. The game features over 30 wizard skills, customization options for the player's wizard, and the ability to pursue romantic relationships with 20 dateable NPCs. Key elements include mastery of magic, exploration of the haunted town, castle personalization, and assisting townsfolk while uncovering the mystery of missing mages. A new video and screenshots have been released to showcase the game.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Saber CEO hides jab at Randy Pitchford in game trailer as payback for Pitchford dumping on Embracer: ‘Without Embracer, Randy is performing magic tricks at birthday parties for a living’

Saber Interactive's upcoming Rideshare "Stimulator" trailer features a narrator who makes a reference to "randy" passengers, which is a nod to Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford. This reference stems from a humorous incident involving Pitchford and a drive left at Medieval Times, which was explored by his colleagues. The underlying motivation for the reference relates to tensions following Embracer Group's acquisition of Gearbox in 2021 for .3 billion and subsequent downsizing, leading to Gearbox's sale to Take-Two for 0 million. Pitchford later indicated that the narrative for Borderlands 4 was inspired by the sale of Gearbox, and the game includes critiques of Embracer Group, such as a location called Embracer's Bluff. Saber Interactive CEO Matt Kartch expressed disappointment over Pitchford's shift in loyalty, highlighting the rapid change in relationships following the sale.