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Unreal Engine 5.7 Venice Next-Gen Tech Demo Released
AppWizard
November 30, 2025

Unreal Engine 5.7 Venice Next-Gen Tech Demo Released

Scans Factory has released a tech demo using Unreal Engine 5.7, featuring the city of Venice, which is available for download. The demo includes over 500 assets, allowing players to explore various aspects of Venetian life. Performance testing on a high-end gaming rig showed 40FPS at Native 4K resolution with Cinematic Settings, and over 65FPS at Ultra settings. A walkthrough video and performance comparison between UE5.4 and UE5.7 are also provided. Additionally, various free fan-made projects in Unreal Engine 5 include remakes of popular games and other tech demos.
As players flood back to my survival game of choice, its director is planning new updates "for years to come" after 1.0
AppWizard
November 16, 2025

As players flood back to my survival game of choice, its director is planning new updates “for years to come” after 1.0

The recent update, Enshrouded: Wake of the Water, has attracted players back to the survival game, which has over four and a half million players since its launch two years ago. The development team has grown from around 40 to approximately 80 members. The 1.0 release is targeted for 2026, with ongoing plans for a console version and various enhancements. Player engagement has increased, with active counts between 30,000 to 50,000, and a stable base of around 10,000 during quieter periods. Keen Games has implemented a 'feature wish' board for players to suggest and vote on ideas. The team plans to continue supporting the game with new content after the 1.0 release. Enshrouded is currently available at a 20% discount on Steam until November 24, priced at .99 / £19.99.
The Psychology of Blocks: Why Building in Minecraft Feels So Therapeutic
AppWizard
November 8, 2025

The Psychology of Blocks: Why Building in Minecraft Feels So Therapeutic

Minecraft serves as a therapeutic escape for many players, offering stress relief through its block-based universe. The game combines structure and freedom, allowing players to engage creatively without the pressure of quick reflexes or constant victories. It facilitates a flow state, where players become fully absorbed in building, providing immediate feedback and a sense of progress. The simplicity of the game encourages personal expression, and the repetitive tasks within it offer comfort and a sense of control. Additionally, the social aspects of Minecraft foster community and collaboration, enhancing the therapeutic experience. Therapists and educators are increasingly incorporating Minecraft into stress management and educational settings, highlighting its potential for promoting mindfulness and connection.
Airbnb adds direct messaging, new social features after app overhaul
AppWizard
October 21, 2025

Airbnb adds direct messaging, new social features after app overhaul

Airbnb has introduced new social features that allow attendees of experiences to communicate via direct messaging, fostering community among guests. Users can opt into these features for each experience and can unsubscribe at any time. This update follows a significant app redesign that began in May, which included new services like catering and personal training, and marked a shift for Airbnb to diversify beyond home rentals. The company plans to invest between 0 million and billion into new business opportunities. Additionally, the app now includes an enhanced AI chatbot for personalized customer support, flexible carousels for alternative listings, and maps showcasing nearby landmarks and attractions.
My dreams of playing this magical Stardew Valley rival have been put on hold, but there is some good news
AppWizard
October 15, 2025

My dreams of playing this magical Stardew Valley rival have been put on hold, but there is some good news

Chucklefish has announced that the release date for Witchbrook has been shifted from late 2025 to 2026. The developers stated that despite the delay, they are committed to creating a rich and immersive experience. An interactive map of Witchbrook's world has been revealed, featuring the main town of Mossport and various landmarks. The game is noted for its pixel-art aesthetic and engaging graphics. The delay may allow for enhancements, including support for additional platforms and languages.
Rust developer is fed up with survivors cowering in their homes, so it's reworking progression to 'get players back out of their bases'
AppWizard
October 5, 2025

Rust developer is fed up with survivors cowering in their homes, so it’s reworking progression to ‘get players back out of their bases’

Facepunch Studios is introducing an update to Rust that encourages players to leave their virtual homes and engage with abandoned monuments, which are key locations for intense combat. The update includes a new progression system for workbenches, requiring players to find blueprint fragments within these monuments, which are tied to puzzles and high-end loot. Monuments have been revamped for increased interactivity, with expanded keycard puzzles and upgraded challenges. The update aims to promote player engagement in territorial battles and slow down clan dominance. Additional changes include shuffled loot crates, drones with storage capabilities, rebalanced primitive mode weapons, and new resource crates for beginners. This update is the last significant patch before the upcoming Naval update in November, which will introduce nautical gameplay elements.
Google Maps for Android has some UI changes you should know about
AppWizard
October 3, 2025

Google Maps for Android has some UI changes you should know about

Google is updating its Google Maps app for Android, which has 154 million daily active users. Users spend an average of 23 minutes daily on the app, which offers features like restaurant recommendations and historical insights. The latest changes focus on two buttons: the Floating Action Button (FAB) has been redesigned to be smaller, teal, and diamond-shaped, directing users to a journey planning screen where they can add stops and customize routes. The current location indicator has changed from a blue arrow to a squircle shape with a compass icon, turning into a blue dot when the user's position is not displayed. The layers button has also been updated to include a small dot, allowing users to choose map views and access transit details. These updates are rolling out for users with version 25.39 of Google Maps, with those on version 25.40 already experiencing the new design. The changes reflect careful consideration of user interactions, particularly in the design of the location button's blue dot icon.
Expedition 33 studio had to "up our game" after CEO played Lies of P for "hundreds of hours"
AppWizard
September 23, 2025

Expedition 33 studio had to “up our game” after CEO played Lies of P for “hundreds of hours”

In 2023, two notable games, Lies of P and Clair Obscur Expedition 33, emerged, both inspired by the Belle Époque era. Lies of P is a challenging game similar to Dark Souls, while Expedition 33 features strategic, turn-based gameplay. Choi Ji-won, the director of Lies of P, and Guillaume Broche, CEO of Sandfall Interactive, discussed how Lies of P's success inspired Broche's studio to elevate their ambitions for Expedition 33, which is a strong contender for Game of the Year. Broche praised Lies of P for its portrayal of the Belle Époque aesthetic, particularly the beauty of Hotel Krat, which influenced Expedition 33's design. He initially worried that similarities in their games would lead to accusations of copying. Ji-won expressed a desire for a bolder use of architectural motifs in Lies of P, noting that Broche's incorporation of iconic French landmarks was impressive. The two directors share mutual respect for each other's work and acknowledge the creative collaboration within the gaming industry.
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