visions Archives

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

These apps send texts at the rate of a pigeon

Roost Social and Carrier Pidge are mobile applications launched in April 2025 that allow users to send messages via carrier pigeons in a digital format. Roost features various birds and a turtle with different speeds, while Carrier Pidge focuses solely on pigeons. Roost was created by Logan Mendelsohn, who initially proposed the idea over a decade ago but revisited it in 2025, launching the app on April 30 after development. Noah Iarrobino spontaneously created Carrier Pidge within days, aided by AI tools. Both apps are free to download but include in-app purchases to cover operational costs. As of mid-August 2025, Roost has over 700,000 users, and Carrier Pidge has 76,000 users, reflecting a trend among younger demographics for simpler communication methods. Roost is available on both Apple and Google Play Stores, while Carrier Pidge is available only on the Apple App Store.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

I played the economic simulator that could ‘make a convert out of Karl Marx himself’ to see if it could convert me

An entrepreneur attempted to build a business empire starting with a department store in Jakarta that sold only laundry detergent, which led to financial losses due to a misalignment with market demand. Despite diversifying the product range to include cookies and leather shoes, losses continued. A later venture in Bombay, selling CPUs, silica, and raw tobacco, yielded a profit, albeit still negative. The entrepreneur learned valuable lessons about market demands and strategies, leading to a successful department store in Guangzhou that focused on shampoo and air conditioners, resulting in substantial profits. The game "Capitalism," which the entrepreneur engaged with, reflects the post-Cold War era and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in business.

AppWizard

August 15, 2026

Old School RuneScape began when a dev ‘found the 2007 server in their desk drawer:’ 13 years later, it’s setting subscriber records for the long-lived MMO

In June, Jagex hosted its largest live event, the Deadman All Stars, a PvP tournament for Old School RuneScape (OSRS), outside the UK. Kieren Charles, the creative director of OSRS, noted that the game has grown significantly since its launch, stating, “The game's bigger now than it was in 2007.” OSRS surpassed the original RuneScape's age in 2013 and achieved an all-time high of over one million active subscribers last August. The decision to base OSRS on the 2007 version was influenced by player preference for what they considered the "golden age," despite initial interest in the 2006 version. OSRS is recognized as a pioneering example of officially-supported 'classic' servers, balancing community engagement with official support. Regular updates, including the upcoming Varlamore expansion in 2024, aim to keep the game fresh while maintaining its nostalgic essence. New content is approved through community votes, requiring a minimum of 70% approval. Charles emphasized the importance of community feedback, preferring to reject proposals rather than invest significant development time into unpopular features. He views his role as a caretaker of the OSRS legacy, focusing on what the community wants.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Immortality creator Sam Barlow reveals his next game: A tale of visions of the future, and why they’re not always great

Sam Barlow introduced his new project, titled Precognition, during the Kinetic Publishing Showcase. The game is a sci-fi thriller developed by Barlow's Half Mermaid Productions in collaboration with horror director Brandon Cronenberg. Players will assume the role of Diana, who gains the ability to see the future through an implanted device in her brain, but this power has significant consequences. Early reviews have praised Precognition as Barlow's best game yet. The game is set to be released in spring 2028, and players can add it to their wishlist on Steam.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

A classic Giger-inspired adventure game just got a sequel

Tormentum II is a standalone sequel to the original Tormentum: Dark Sorrow, which was heavily influenced by H. R. Giger's biomechanical art. The sequel, developed over eight years, offers a fresh narrative while maintaining similar thematic elements. It is currently available on Steam with a 15% discount, and a demo is also offered. The original game is on sale with a 67% discount.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

Survival Horror RPG GRAFT Debuts Story Trailer During Convergence Games Showcase 2026

GRAFT is a survival horror RPG set in a deteriorating megastructure called the Arc. The game features a haunting world filled with challenges, where players must master forgotten technologies and navigate through various environments. Players will engage in a dark RPG story, forming alliances that can lead to danger. Combat involves facing ancient experiments and a deranged AI, requiring strategic resource management. The player's body can be transformed into a weapon through Grafts, enhancing abilities and presenting moral choices linked to fragmented memories. GRAFT is available for wishlisting on Steam and the Epic Games Store.

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

Marketplace Content July 2026

Dyed Blocks++ by DogHouse introduces 930 new blocks in 16 colors for builders and designers. The Cats and Dogs add-on by Street Studios features 12 new dog breeds and 12 cat breeds with accessories. Modern Textures by Team Vaeron provides new textures and blocks for contemporary home designs. Modern Textures World by Imagiverse includes over 800 furniture items for modern decor. Space Oneblock by Honeyfrost offers a survival challenge in space starting with a single block. Enter the Dungeon by King Cube presents a customizable dungeon adventure with bosses. Safest Treehouse! by Dodo Studios is a treetop fortress with security features. Pro Mansion by Dodo Studios is a luxury multistory mansion with automatic farms and a pool. Fruitcore by Yeggs offers fruit-themed outfits, while Crystal Core by CubeCraft Games provides gem-themed outfits. TV Heads HD Skin Pack by CupcakeBrianna features nostalgic TV-themed skins. Simple Scapes Texture Pack by Giggle Block Studios emphasizes clean design. Tranquility - Calm Textures by Pathway Studios offers soothing colors for a serene backdrop. Royal Delight - Soft Textures by Pathway Studios reimagines blocks and armor with regal hues. Organic Toon Texture Pack by Giggle Block Studios includes over 2000 cartoon-inspired textures.

AppWizard

June 26, 2026

Video Games Are Changing, And Meccha Chameleon’s Absurd Popularity Is Proof

Meccha Chameleon, a multiplayer hide-and-seek game launched on Steam, has sold seven million copies shortly after its release, achieving this milestone just two days after announcing five million sales. In comparison, Resident Evil Requiem took two months to reach the same figure. The game allows players to disguise themselves as objects in their environment, fostering quick thinking and creativity. It is priced at .99 and does not include microtransactions, offering a full experience reminiscent of earlier gaming eras. The success of Meccha Chameleon highlights a trend towards smaller, accessible games in a market increasingly dominated by larger titles.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

There’s no such thing as the Matt Mercer Effect

Tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs) have evolved significantly, with modern resources such as over 400 episodes of Critical Role and series like Dimension 20 and The Adventure Zone providing new players with engaging narratives and gameplay examples. This abundance of content contrasts with the past, where players had limited resources like rulebooks and comic ads. However, the rise of these resources has also led to challenges, including mismatched expectations between new players and the reality of gameplay, as highlighted by discussions on RPGNet about negative experiences in the gaming community. Many new players enter the hobby with high hopes for immersive storytelling but often encounter traditional gameplay that may not meet their expectations.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Thanks for the Soup is the most fun I’ve had in a horror game in a long time, and that’s owing to the broccoli

The game "Thanks for the Soup" involves delivering soup from 5 PM to 1 AM to patrons during a lockdown. Players earn money from completed orders, which can be invested in various activities, including farming. The narrator decides to start an organic broccoli farm to support their soup delivery business. The town has an eerie atmosphere, with strange resident behaviors and environmental effects like darkness and fog. During their exploration, the narrator discovers five types of mushrooms, each with unique effects: the Zuzu mushroom affects depth perception, the Tolid mushroom increases speed, and the Folor mushroom distorts surroundings. The effects of the Ulod and Cranim mushrooms are unknown. The narrator's manager warns against entering the kitchen, hinting at a potential secret involving the chefs.