visions Archives

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Google Labs’ Stitch is a design canvas that turns your voice into an app

Google has launched an upgraded version of Stitch, a tool from Google Labs aimed at improving user interface (UI) design through a concept called “vibe design,” which allows users to create designs using simple text prompts. Stitch utilizes Google’s Gemini models to interpret both text and visual inputs, enabling real-time design adjustments. It can produce editable design files and front-end code, integrating into existing engineering workflows. Currently in the experimental phase, Stitch aims to democratize design, allowing individuals without extensive expertise to contribute to UI development. Concerns have been raised about the potential for uniformity in design due to its streamlined approach.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Marathon feels like the yin to my Arc Raiders yang

In Arc Raiders, players can collaborate through features like proximity chat and shared objectives, while also facing formidable foes. The game emphasizes a relaxed atmosphere with opportunities for camaraderie among players. In contrast, Marathon fosters a competitive mindset, encouraging aggressive interactions and a focus on maximizing player-versus-player effectiveness. The first-person perspective in Marathon aligns with a competitive gameplay style, while the third-person viewpoint in Arc Raiders promotes social interaction and community engagement. Both games provide safety nets for players to recover lost resources, but they offer distinctly different experiences in terms of gameplay dynamics and player interactions.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

Nightdive Studios’ Stephen Kick has 8,544 hours in Dota 2, and just clocked his 5,000th win: ‘I think it’s made me a better leader’

Stephen Kick is the co-founder of Nightdive Studios and a dedicated curator of PC gaming's golden age, leading the revival of classic games like Doom, Quake, and System Shock 2. He has a strong passion for gaming, which began with a visit to a friend's house where he played Wolfenstein 3D. Nightdive's remake of System Shock has received critical acclaim. Kick encourages collaboration with the gaming community for remastering classic games. He was inspired to enter game development by a competition for Dota 2, which ignited his passion for gaming. He has logged 8,544 hours in Dota 2 and acknowledges its significant role in his personal growth and family life. Kick also enjoys playing Plants vs. Zombies and uses Photoshop for his creative artwork. He maintains a tidy desktop and has a methodical approach to organizing his workspace.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

Digging a huge hole has never been as exciting (or terrifying) as it is in Mole

A game titled Mole is set to launch in Q2 2026, focusing on piloting a post-war drilling machine within a horror and simulation framework. The game features a nostalgic PS2 aesthetic and includes menial tasks essential for maintaining the drilling machine. A demo is currently available and will continue into Steam Next Fest. Players experience tactile controls with satisfying sound effects, creating an immersive environment. The narrative introduces surreal elements, including foreign dialogue and a grave-digging scenario that hints at deeper themes. Players are encouraged to explore the demo on Steam and can wishlist the game for its upcoming release.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

The Hundred Line has changed how I think about choice and consequences in games, and I can’t put it back in the box

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is a video game that emphasizes player choice and branching narratives, allowing for a varied storytelling experience. It begins with a linear narrative where players defend a school over a hundred days, gradually uncovering character backstories. The game features a time-rewind mechanic that enables players to explore alternative choices, leading to significant changes in the storyline and character outcomes. Each decision can result in different scenarios, evolving boss encounters, and character development based on player actions. The game has gained traction since its release and is available on Steam for .99 / £49.99, with a demo also accessible. The developers express aspirations for future expansions that could extend the narrative significantly.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Hermitcraft Hermits Speak About the New Season

Hermitcraft is a Minecraft server franchise that started in 2012 and has become a popular platform for YouTube content creators. As of November 2025, Season Eleven is underway, with members creating impressive megabases and engaging in new minigames. iJevin, a member since 2013, is building a pirate-themed base, while Welsknight, who joined in 2016, is constructing a Japanese village. Both creators aim to be more active this season, with Welsknight focusing on a feudal Japanese castle town and an industrial area for farms. They express excitement about new Minecraft updates and the community dynamics, particularly TangoTek's Decked Out 3. Jevin reflects on the growth of Hermitcraft and the collaborative experience, while Welsknight appreciates the positive atmosphere within the community. Both creators acknowledge the influence of past Minecraft figures and express pride in being part of Hermitcraft's evolution.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

You’ve got until Monday to get 80% off 2 of the best dungeon crawlers ever made

The early 2010s saw a resurgence in the gaming industry with retro revival projects, facilitated by platforms like Steam and funding models like Kickstarter. One notable title from this period is Legend of Grimrock, a first-person dungeon crawler released in 2012 that revitalizes classic game mechanics. The game and its sequel, Legend of Grimrock 2, are currently available on Steam at an 80% discount, with the original priced at £2.55 and the sequel at £4, or together for £5. Legend of Grimrock 2 expands gameplay by introducing new environments, weapons, monsters, spells, and puzzles, and features level editors for community-created content. Legend of Grimrock 2 is the final project of Almost Human Games, whose members later formed Ctrl Alt Ninja, developing the tactical RPG Druidstone: The Secret of the Menhir Forest in 2019. The status of the developer is unclear, as many members have returned to traditional roles in other studios. The discount on the games ends on Monday.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

I don’t know why everyone’s suddenly making games inspired by Spore, but this roguelike twin-stick shooter might be the best attempt yet at realising the lost potential of the cell stage

In recent months, the gaming community has shown renewed interest in unconventional titles, particularly the 2008 game Spore. A new game called Pathogenic has emerged, allowing players to control a parasite invading a human host, incorporating themes of evolution and customization. The gameplay resembles a twin-stick shooter, where players navigate their parasite while facing challenges from the host's immune system. Pathogenic currently offers a free demo and has received positive early impressions for its polished development.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

GTA 6’s ten-year development cycle would be a “very bad bet” for anyone but Rockstar, says former Bethesda dev

Concerns are rising about the release of GTA 6, with speculation that it may not launch until 2027 due to delays, ongoing leaks, and legal challenges faced by Rockstar. Former Bethesda lead artist Nate Purkeypile warns that the project's scale could be risky for any studio other than Rockstar, which has a track record of successfully managing large-scale games. The anticipated budget for GTA 6 is rumored to be around a billion dollars, with a development cycle exceeding a decade. Purkeypile emphasizes the importance of experience in handling ambitious projects, citing the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077 as a cautionary example. He suggests that Rockstar's experience allows them to take their time, but warns that many studios fail when attempting similar large projects without the necessary background. Purkeypile also expressed a desire for a potential GTA 7 set in Texas, incorporating immersive sim elements, but noted that the current development pace might delay its arrival until the 2040s.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

The PC game releases we’re most excited about in January

January typically sees a quieter period for PC gaming, with many anticipated titles debuting later in the month. Notable releases include: - January 12: Quarantine Zone: The Last Check (Steam) - Players act as a checkpoint officer in a zombie apocalypse. - January 26: Highguard (Steam) - A free-to-play hero shooter facing skepticism. - January 29: Cairn (Steam) - A mountain climbing game praised by early players. Upcoming gaming events and sales include: - CES from January 6-9. - Steam Winter Sale (December 18 - January 5). - Detective Fest (January 12 - January 19). - Board Game Fest (January 26 - February 2). - Taipei Game Show (January 29 - February 1). Early access launches in January: - January 6: StarRupture (Steam) - A sci-fi base building and defense game. - January 22: Bladesong (Steam) - Players craft blades in a dark fantasy setting. - January TBA: Echoes of Elysium (Steam) - A co-op airship survival RPG delayed from December. Major updates and events: - January 20: World of Warcraft's Midnight Pre-Expansion Content Update. - January 12: Anthem concludes its service. - January 22: Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven expansion introduces new content. Additional game releases in January include: - January 9: Pathologic 3 (Steam). - January 12: Big Hops (Steam). - January 15: Craftlings (Steam) and Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon (Steam). - January 16: BrokenLore: Unfollow (Steam). - January 20: Mio: Memories in Orbit (Steam). - January 21: Dynasty Warriors Origins: Visions of Four Heroes (Steam). - January 22: Nova Roma (Steam) and Arknights: Endfield (Epic). - January 28: The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin (Steam) and The Midnight Walkers (early access). - January 29: Don't Stop, Girlypop! (Steam).