sexuality Archives

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

The most important PC gaming news stories in 2026

In 2026, the gaming industry is experiencing a push for unionization among developers, highlighted by a legal dispute involving Rockstar Games and former developers of GTA 6. The proposed billion-dollar acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA) could reshape North American gaming, potentially leading to significant cuts and debt for EA. A healthier dialogue about the portrayal of sex in gaming is emerging amid a crackdown on adult-themed games. Microsoft faces job cuts and project cancellations while announcing record profits, raising ethical concerns about its partnerships and creative stagnation. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine presents challenges for developers, influencing future game narratives. Additionally, the generative AI boom is disrupting RAM availability and pricing, potentially increasing costs for gaming hardware.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Horses review

Santa Ragione's game, Horses, explores the unsettling relationship between media and the human experience, drawing inspiration from Eadweard Muybridge's motion photography. The game critiques the commodification of bodies through media technologies, set against a historical backdrop involving Muybridge's work commissioned by industrialist Leland Stanford. Players navigate a 3D farm as a young man under the watchful eye of a grotesque farmer, engaging in gameplay that combines farming simulation with cinematic elements. The "horses" in the game are depicted as human figures in masks, symbolizing the dehumanization of marginalized bodies. The farmer character represents power dynamics, assigning menial tasks that reveal themes of dominance and complicity. The narrative challenges players to confront their actions and societal norms, particularly regarding sexuality and control. Horses faced backlash from Steam for perceived obscenity, sparking discussions about censorship and artistic expression in gaming. The game invites reflection on media representation and the power dynamics in human relationships.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

After the EA buyout, The Sims “must remain a faithful canvas” for player expression,” former creative director says

EA's acquisition is expected to significantly impact its portfolio, particularly The Sims franchise, which is facing community concerns about potential changes in values related to diversity and representation. Several prominent creators have left EA's Creator Network for The Sims 4 due to worries about the involvement of controversial stakeholders. Charles London, former creative director for The Sims 2, highlighted the importance of maintaining the series' commitment to representation and self-expression, particularly regarding sexuality. He emphasized that The Sims serves as a medium for players to express their identities and that its inclusive ethos should encompass various aspects of life. Maxis has reassured the community that its missions and values will remain unchanged, affirming that The Sims will continue to be a space for authentic self-expression.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

DVD/Blu-Ray Guide July 2025: “A Minecraft Movie,” “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” “The Legend of Ochi,” More | DVD/Blu-Ray

Netflix has added a selection of films to its library, including classics like “Anchorman,” “Born on the Fourth of July,” and “Donnie Darko,” as well as crowd-pleasers such as “Happy Gilmore” and thrillers like “Jaws.” Action films include “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Mission: Impossible,” while romantic dramas feature “A Star is Born” and “V For Vendetta.” The film “Wanted” is also included. New Blu-ray and VOD releases include “All We Imagine as Light,” directed by Payal Kapadia, which features an interview with the director. Stanley Kubrick’s “Barry Lyndon” has received a 4K restoration for its 50th anniversary, along with special features. Fritz Lang’s “The Big Heat” has been restored in 4K, featuring new audio commentary and a video essay. Mike Nichols’ “Carnal Knowledge” makes its Criterion debut in 4K with new commentary and discussions on Nichols’ impact. “Death of a Unicorn,” starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, has been released on Blu-ray with commentary and deleted scenes. “Eephus,” a film about baseball, includes multiple audio commentaries and behind-the-scenes content in its Blu-ray release. The horror film “Final Destination Bloodlines” features insightful commentaries and behind-the-scenes features on Blu-ray. Studio Ghibli's “Grave of the Fireflies” has a special edition with interviews and storyboards. “The Legend of Ochi” stands out for its craftsmanship, with filmmaker commentary included in its Blu-ray release. “A Minecraft Movie” has been successful at the box office, and its Blu-ray release hints at future editions. Marvel's “Thunderbolts” and Alex Garland’s “Warfare” are also available on Blu-ray with special features.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ is fun but disappointing

Sean Mandell, a writer for the New York Post, described “A Minecraft Movie” as “Gen Z, Alpha’s ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show.’” The film follows Steve, voiced by Jack Black, who becomes disenchanted with adult life and journeys into the “Overworld,” encountering individuals who rely on creativity and resourcefulness. However, character development is lacking, with characters introducing themselves through exposition and showing no growth. The main child protagonist, Henry, constructs a jetpack at both the beginning and end of the story without real challenges. The film attempts to convey themes of creativity and imagination but falls short, leaning heavily on comedic performances. Despite moments of humor, the film is considered superficial and unlikely to resonate with future audiences. The reviewer rates “A Minecraft Movie” a modest 5/10.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

Zerat Games removes controversial visual novel from Steam

Developer Zerat Games has withdrawn its visual novel from the Steam platform to avoid complications with Valve, while defending the game's themes of incest and sexual violence as fetishes. The studio expressed understanding that some may find these themes disgusting but advocated for the exploration of desires without harm. The game's removal followed actions taken by Valve in the UK, Canada, and Australia, where UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the content as illegal and mentioned new regulatory measures being implemented. Zerat Games aims to promote dialogue on diverse expressions of human sexuality despite societal challenges.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

A Minecraft Movie (Christian Movie Review)

A Minecraft Movie is a family adventure film that emphasizes creativity and features over 300 million copies sold of the Minecraft video game, making it the best-selling game of all time. The film includes human characters, diverging from the game's core appeal, and takes inspiration from Jumanji. The narrative improves once characters enter The Overworld, with Jason Momoa's performance being entertaining and Jack Black contributing three songs. However, the film lacks significant building moments, which are central to Minecraft's essence. Directed by Jared Hess, it maintains a lighthearted tone with mild profanity and some quasi-sexual humor. The film's central theme is about nurturing individual creativity and its positive impact on the world, with characters seeking to reignite their creative sparks in a vibrant world.

AppWizard

June 13, 2024

Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s romanceable companions won’t just wait around for you to woo them—also, they’re all canonically pansexual

Developers approach romances and sexuality in RPGs in various ways, such as assigning specific orientations to characters or having "playersexual" companion characters. Busche, creator of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, considers the cast to be implicitly pansexual, allowing for diverse romantic interactions within the game. Dragon Age: The Veilguard will feature sex scenes with nudity to further characterize the companions.