user-generated content Archives

AppWizard

February 24, 2025

23 year-old Dungeons & Dragons RPG Neverwinter Nights just got a new, official expansion that continues its original story in a ‘love letter’ to the game and its community

Neverwinter Nights has received a new expansion titled Doom of Icewind Dale, created by Luke Scull with approval from Wizards of the Coast. This expansion takes place several years after the original campaign and offers 10 to 15 hours of mid to high-level quests in Icewind Dale, introducing new monsters, portraits, music, and a narrated introduction. Scull began his career by modding Neverwinter Nights and has since developed a reputation in the gaming industry. Doom of Icewind Dale was initially intended as a free mod but became a larger project with support from Patreon and Wizards of the Coast, leading to a multipart campaign called The Blades of Netheril. The expansion is available on platforms like Steam and GOG, alongside the Enhanced Edition of Neverwinter Nights.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

New study shows 30% of Minecraft players still have their first save

Minecraft is the second-best-selling game of all time. A study by Liquid Web in December 2024 surveyed 1,000 players and found that approximately 30% of Minecraft players still cherish their first save file. Four out of five Gen Z players believe Minecraft will remain popular for at least another decade. A quarter of respondents are willing to pay for new features. Nearly half of those surveyed attribute their ongoing enjoyment to player creativity and user-generated content, while two out of five consider mods and custom servers essential to their experience. The data suggests a vibrant and engaged community, making a Minecraft 2 unlikely in the near future.

AppWizard

December 16, 2024

Minecraft and Roblox: The digital playground of today’s gen

Platforms like Minecraft and Roblox enable users to express creativity and engage socially. Minecraft, launched in 2011, allows players to explore a cube-based world and create various structures. Roblox, introduced in 2006, focuses on user-generated content, enabling players to create and share games. Both platforms foster critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. They also teach coding and spatial concepts, enhancing computational thinking and foundational math skills. Additionally, they serve as creative outlets, allowing users to design diverse projects. Approximately 40% of children using these platforms express interest in pursuing STEM or creative fields.

AppWizard

December 12, 2024

Hytopia pivots away from Minecraft to become independent UGC platform

Hytopia has ceased development on a Minecraft-compatible client and will evolve into an independent platform with its own game client, Hytopia Proper. Originally part of NFT Worlds, which launched in October 2021, Hytopia aimed to integrate Minecraft creations with blockchain technology but had to pivot after Minecraft banned blockchain use. In late 2023, Hytopia transitioned from Polygon to Arbitrum. The team expressed that pursuing Minecraft compatibility was resource-intensive and viewed the pivot positively, noting rapid development advancements. The new platform will feature a browser-based interface with user-generated content tools and will operate independently from Minecraft servers, allowing for a faster development cycle. The decision was also influenced by concerns over scrutiny from Microsoft regarding their GitHub repositories.

AppWizard

December 10, 2024

Build A Rocket Boy acquires PlayFusion

Leslie Benzies' Build A Rocket Boy has acquired UK-based developer and publisher PlayFusion. Mark Gerhard, the CEO and CTO of PlayFusion, will become co-CEO at Build A Rocket Boy, focusing on enhancing the studio's content pipeline and user-generated content tools. The acquisition aims to reshape the gaming landscape and democratize premium game development. The collaboration is expected to deliver original online experiences and empower players to create their own high-quality games.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

AI-generated Minecraft unveiled, showcasing AI’s unlimited ability to copy things but worse

Decart has unveiled Oasis, which it claims to be "the world's first real-time AI world model." The company envisions a future where foundation models integrate with entertainment platforms to generate content in real time based on user preferences. Current demonstrations of Oasis resemble a prototype version of Minecraft, lacking the polish of the original game. The technology was developed using Nvidia H100 graphics cards but struggles to perform at 360p and 20 frames per second. Future iterations may utilize Etched ASICs for improved performance up to 4K resolution. Additionally, AI-powered Frame Generation could enhance gaming performance on standard hardware. The author attempted to access the Oasis platform but was unable to load the site.

AppWizard

October 21, 2024

Nintendo’s secret game playtest has begun and it looks like a Minecraft mash-up

Nintendo announced a playtest for a new game exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, which filled all 10,000 spots within seconds. The game features blocky building similar to Minecraft and social interactions akin to Roblox. Players will explore a large planet, gather resources, and encounter enemies. Central to gameplay are beacons that create building zones for individual players. There will be a social hub called the “Dev Core” for community engagement, and two types of currency: Dev Points and Connex Points. Nintendo is implementing measures to ensure respectful communication among players, requiring participants to pass a test on communication standards. The game appears to be a new intellectual property for Nintendo, with no gameplay footage released yet.

AppWizard

October 21, 2024

Nintendo Switch Online Playtest Leaks Emerge: Reveal Upcoming Minecraft Style MMO

Nintendo's playtest for a new MMO game will begin on October 23 at 6:00 PM PT and end on November 5 at 5:00 PM PT, exclusively for 10,000 registered participants. Leaked details suggest the game involves players collaborating to develop a planet through resource management, with challenges from emerging enemies. Key features include 'Beacons' that enhance the land, a social space called “Dev Core,” and user-generated content tools. The game requires 2.2GB of free space for download, and while there is no non-disclosure agreement, Nintendo has requested participants not to share details, leading to leaks and copyright strikes.

AppWizard

October 21, 2024

Nintendo’s New Online Game Is A Social World Building Sim Like Minecraft

Nintendo will unveil a new game through an online playtest later this week. The game, currently untitled, focuses on players collaborating to develop a vast, ever-expanding planet using creativity and resources. Players will face diverse terrains, enemies, and resources, utilizing a beacon tool to purify and cultivate the land. The strategic placement of the beacon is essential for maximizing its influence. The game includes a social hub called ‘The Dev Core’ for leveling up characters and interacting with other players. It also features a user-generated content component that requires players to pass a UGC License Test. The release date and official title are not yet announced, but players outside Australia will soon have access to the game.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

How To Publish Android App on Google Play Store?

To publish an Android app on the Google Play Store, one must create a Google Developer Account by signing up on the Google Play Console, providing personal details, and paying a one-time fee. Approval may take up to 48 hours. A Google Merchant Account is needed for financial transactions if selling or offering in-app purchases. The app setup involves filling out essential information, uploading the APK or App Bundle, and configuring the store listing. The app title should be concise and include high-traffic keywords, while descriptions should incorporate relevant keywords to enhance discoverability. The APK or App Bundle must not exceed 100MB and should be digitally signed. Store listings should include high-quality screenshots, a marketing image, and a promo video link. Pricing and distribution settings can be configured, and a content rating questionnaire must be completed accurately. The app review process typically takes up to 7 days but can be completed in as little as 2 days. Post-publication, regular updates and marketing strategies, including App Store Optimization (ASO) and social media engagement, are essential for maintaining visibility and attracting users.