Soundscape

AppWizard
January 12, 2026
Minecraft's first update for 2026 will introduce baby mobs, featuring a comprehensive re-skinning of eight different mobs: cows, pigs, ocelots, cats, chickens, wolves, sheep, and rabbits. The update aims to give these baby animals a more distinctive look with single-pixel eyes and new sounds. While a specific release date is not confirmed, it is speculated to debut in spring, potentially as early as March. Additionally, the update will include craftable name tags, allowing players to name pets easily by combining a sheet of paper with a metal nugget.
AppWizard
January 9, 2026
Mojang has released the 26.1 Snapshot 2 for Minecraft, the first Java Edition snapshot of the year. This update includes significant visual upgrades, particularly for baby mobs, enhancing the game's aesthetics. It also features various audio and gameplay enhancements for a more immersive experience. Additionally, several technical improvements have been made to enhance the game's stability and performance.
AppWizard
December 3, 2025
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 22, 2025
In Arc Raiders, the most significant threat comes from stealthy raiders who can ambush players unexpectedly, while seemingly friendly encounters can lead to betrayal. The game's audio design is immersive but has shortcomings, particularly in accurately gauging the distance and direction of sounds in Night Mode, which can obscure important auditory cues. Many players may prefer standard audio settings, and understanding audio cues is crucial for survival, as distractions can lead to losing valuable items to stealthy opponents.
AppWizard
November 21, 2025
Apogee Entertainment, in collaboration with Infogrames, has released Total Chaos, a psychological horror game developed by Sam Prebble. The game features a blend of survival horror elements, including resource management, melee combat, and gunplay, set in the desolate Fort Oasis. Players will explore nine chapters filled with haunting visuals and grotesque environments, uncovering the island's dark secrets while managing resources and crafting weapons. The game includes a soundtrack by Akira Yamaoka, known for his work on Silent Hill. Total Chaos is available for .99 on Steam, Xbox Series X|S with Game Pass support, and will soon be released on GOG and the Epic Games Store, with SteamVR support expected in Q2 2026.
AppWizard
November 18, 2025
Labyrinth of the Demon King is a first-person survival horror game set in Feudal Japan, featuring a soundscape composed by Remu Daifuku. Daifuku's sound design includes unsettling noises such as gurgles and eerie biwa string solos. He recorded sounds from his old house and the town's bonshō bell to enhance authenticity. A custom daxophone was created using old nokogiri blades to align with the game's historical context. The final sound design was processed through an old tape machine for a gritty texture that complements the game's visuals. The soundtrack is available on YouTube and itch.io, and the game can be found on Steam.
AppWizard
November 17, 2025
Publisher Mythwright and developer Pixel Pea Games are set to launch Cozy Marbles, a marble run and racing simulation game, on PC via Steam in 2026. A playtest is currently available. The game allows players to build marble runs using various components, featuring a soothing lo-fi ASMR soundscape. Key features include freeform construction tools, customization options for marble runs and marbles, the ability to test different designs, set up marble races, and share creations with the community. An announcement trailer and screenshots are available for potential players.
AppWizard
October 14, 2025
Old School Runescape features a popular soundtrack, with Sea Shanty 2 being the most celebrated tune. The game has seen a resurgence in popularity, attracting former World of Warcraft players and content creators. Senior game designer Elena Nordmark expressed a desire for a sequel, Sea Shanty 3, but noted that her request may not have been taken seriously by the audio team. Design director Kieren Charles questioned how to create a sequel to such a beloved song. Nordmark hinted at upcoming exciting news, though details remain undisclosed.
AppWizard
September 22, 2025
Silent Hill f reinterprets the horror franchise for a modern audience, particularly honoring Silent Hill 2. The game features a teenage protagonist, Hinako, in a 1960s Japanese setting, dealing with personal demons. The gameplay includes exploring Ebisugaoka, a Showa-era town, and the Dark Shrine, a dream realm representing Hinako's fears. The game employs the theme of 'terror in beauty,' with evolving enemies and a focus on resilience among female characters. Combat mechanics are engaging, and the sound design by Akira Yamaoka adds authenticity. Puzzles are integral to the gameplay, though the narrative may lack subtlety compared to earlier titles. The game utilizes an autosave feature instead of traditional save points, reflecting a modernization of the series while addressing contemporary issues.
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