productions Archives

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

John Wick Hex and Tron Catalyst dev Mike Bithell thinks licensed games have evolved past ‘lunchbox tie-ins’ because ‘the people who played licensed games are now bosses in the companies that are licensing IP’

Mike Bithell, founder of Bithell Games, discussed the changing landscape of licensed games, particularly with the release of Tron: Catalyst. He noted a significant divide in the gaming industry between smaller-scale spin-offs and large triple-A titles, indicating that the mid-tier game development has diminished. Bithell highlighted a shift in how companies view their intellectual properties compared to the '90s and early 2000s, affecting game development strategies. Tron: Catalyst was released on Steam after the Summer Sale, missing a promotional price drop, while other titles from Bithell Games, such as Thomas Was Alone and John Wick Hex, are available at steep discounts.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

‘Lilo & Stitch’ Passes ‘Minecraft’ as Hollywood’s Highest-Grossing Film of 2025

Disney's live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch” has surpassed Warner Bros./Legendary’s “A Minecraft Movie” in global theatrical earnings, reaching a total of 8.5 million in the U.S. and 7.7 million worldwide. “A Minecraft Movie” concluded its run with a global tally of 4 million. “Lilo & Stitch” is on track to potentially become the first film to cross the billion-dollar mark since “Ne Zha 2.” Disney's first half of 2025 faced challenges, with “Mufasa” earning million globally, and Marvel films “Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thunderbolts” earning million and million, respectively. Pixar’s “Elio” grossed only .8 million globally over three weekends. Upcoming releases include “Zootopia 2,” “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” and “The Fantastic 4: First Steps,” which is projected to open with over 0 million.

AppWizard

July 4, 2025

Action roguelite dating simulation game HellHeart Breaker announced for PC

BattleBrew Productions is set to release HellHeart Breaker, an action roguelite and dating simulation game, on PC via Steam in the first quarter of 2027. Players will navigate the Underworld, where dating monster girls grants them abilities, while neglecting them turns them into bosses. The game features seven clans, 35 weapons, seven elemental trees, and seven unique worlds. Players can customize their character, fish, and enjoy culinary experiences at the Kappa Market.

AppWizard

July 2, 2025

Death Stranding 2 is too damn easy

The author reflects on their experience with emulation on the Steam Deck, specifically playing Death Stranding 2. They describe a delivery mission across Australia, highlighting the challenges of navigating bandit camps and BT zones while carrying a heavy load. The author notes the game's consistent difficulty level despite new gameplay enhancements and expresses hesitation about connecting to the Chiral Network, fearing it would diminish the thrill of exploration. They discuss the overwhelming assistance provided by other players, which reduces the challenge and makes them feel like a spectator. The introduction of powerful gadgets and upgrades, such as anti-grav generators and leg skeletons, is seen as diluting the core experience. The author wishes for a more challenging gameplay experience, suggesting the addition of a hardcore mode with limitations to enhance resource conservation and decision-making. They express a desire for a future Director’s Cut that could address these concerns.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

These 7 games need a remaster, and they need it now

Fallout: New Vegas, released in 2010 by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks, is a unique RPG praised for its player agency, writing, and world-building, making it a candidate for a remaster to fix technical bugs and improve visuals. Dragon Age: Origins, released in 2009 by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, is regarded as the best in its series, but a remaster seems unlikely due to a lack of familiar staff. Black & White, a 2001 game by Lionhead Studios and published by Electronic Arts, is not available on major platforms, and a remaster could enhance its AI and gameplay. Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines, released in 2004 by Troika Games and published by Activision, is a classic RPG with bugs and unfinished elements that could benefit from a remaster to fix glitches and restore content. No One Lives Forever, a 2000 game by Monolith Productions and published by Fox Interactive, is unavailable due to rights disputes, but a remaster could modernize its visuals and controls. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, released in 2004 by Obsidian Entertainment and published by LucasArts, is an unfinished narrative that could be improved with a remaster to restore missing content. Freedom Force, a 2002 game by Irrational Games and published by Electronic Arts, could benefit from a remaster to improve compatibility and support user-generated content.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Raised by Wolves writer penning Death Stranding animated film

An animated film adaptation of Death Stranding is in development, with Aaron Guzikowski writing the screenplay. The project is a collaboration between Kojima Productions and Line Mileage. Guzikowski has expressed his excitement for the project, highlighting his admiration for Hideo Kojima's work. This animated film is separate from a live-action adaptation being developed by A24. Additionally, Death Stranding 2 is set to be released on PlayStation 5 on June 26th.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Aaero2: Black Razor Edition Announced For PC & Consoles

Indie game developer Mad Fellows, in collaboration with publisher Wired Productions, has announced Aaero2: Black Razor Edition, which integrates new features, music packs, and previously released content for PC and consoles. The game offers an on-rails rhythm shooter experience where players navigate alien landscapes while tracing ribbons of light, synchronized with the soundtrack. It includes a single-player campaign, two-player co-op, and PvP modes, featuring over 20 unique levels and a redesigned combat system that encourages timing missile launches to the rhythm. The soundtrack includes tracks from Monstercat and Black Razor Records, with contributions from artists like Droptek, Muzz, Bossfight, Ivar & The Horde, Kieron Pepper, and Lania Kea. Players can engage in epic boss battles and complete achievements and daily goals throughout the game.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

Dark Souls narrator and prolific actor Pik-Sen Lim has died

Malaysian-born British actor Pik-Sen Lim passed away on June 9 at the age of 80. She had a diverse career in theater, film, and television, including notable voice work for the video games Dark Souls and Dark Souls 3. Lim moved to the United Kingdom in 1961 to pursue acting, appearing in various UK television shows such as Dr. Who, and more recently in The Nevers and Vampire Academy. She was remembered by fellow actor Daniel York Loh for her joyous personality, comedic talent, and the depth of her abilities. Lim was also known for her candid discussions about the challenges faced by actors of her heritage in the industry.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

First look at JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette in ‘American Love Story,’ ‘A Minecraft Movie’ sets streaming premiere date, and more of today’s top stories

Ryan Murphy Productions has released initial camera test photos for the limited series American Love Story, featuring actors Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon as John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. The animated film A Minecraft Movie will premiere on Warner Bros.' streaming service, Max, on June 20, with Jack Black voicing a character. The Palm Springs ShortFest will take place from June 24 to 30, featuring juries including Gold Derby's editor-in-chief, Debra Birnbaum, and offering five Oscar-qualifying awards. King Charles III has knighted Gary Oldman and awarded David Beckham honors, while Samantha Morton received a CBE. Ryan Reynolds is collaborating with Paramount Animation and director Josh Cooley for an adaptation of the children's book I Eat Poop: A Dung Beetle Story by Mark Pett. Matthew McConaughey is set to star in a new film adaptation of the private detective character Mike Hammer, created by Mickey Spillane. Juliana Canfield will star in the thriller F.A.S.T., alongside Brandon Sklenar, in a story about a former special forces commando confronting CIA-protected drug dealers.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

SAG-AFTRA calls off video games strike

The SAG-AFTRA performers union has announced the end of its strike involving video game actors, effective noon Pacific Time on June 11, 2025. This decision follows a tentative agreement with major video game companies, including Activision, EA, and Epic Games. All SAG-AFTRA members are instructed to return to work on productions under the IMA. The SAG-AFTRA National Board will meet on June 12, 2025, to discuss the tentative agreement, which will be presented for ratification by the union’s membership if approved. Details of the agreement will be disclosed at that time.