Apple recognizes the winners of the 2022 Apple Design Awards
In the ever-evolving world of technology, a plethora of new apps and games continue to push boundaries, offering unique experiences that cater to various aspects of our lives. Here's a roundup of some of the most noteworthy offerings across multiple categories, each showcasing innovation, inclusivity, and social impact.
Innovation
MARVEL Future Revolution, developed by Netmarble Corp. (South Korea), brings the Marvel Cinematic Universe to life through an open-world action RPG and a Metal-powered blend of fluid combat, lavish cut scenes, and a multiverse's worth of magnificently detailed character models.
Another contender in the innovation category is Odio, with its developer yet to be specified. It delivers incredibly lifelike ambient sounds with Spatial Audio and head tracking, providing an immersive audio experience.
Townscaper, developed by Oskar Stålberg, offers a unique city-building simulation game with a focus on creativity and expression. Meanwhile, Focus Noodles by ideaTiny Co., Ltd. offers a fresh take on productivity and focus with its innovative design and features. Lastly, Halide Mark II, developed by Lux Optics (United States), is a camera app with an uncluttered, smartly organized interface mimicking a film camera.
Inclusivity
Wylde Flowers, developed by Studio Drydock (Australia), features a refreshingly diverse storyline and cast of LGBTQIA+ representative characters. Procreate, developed by Savage Interactive (Australia), is also making strides in inclusivity with new accessibility features for diverse users.
Social Impact
Gibbon: Beyond the Trees, developed by Broken Rules (Austria), is an ecological adventure that teaches a crucial lesson through its environmentally conscious storyline. Wylde Flowers (developed by Studio Drydock) and Gibbon: Beyond the Trees are both finalists in the Social Impact category.
Empathy, developed by The Empathy Project, aims to foster empathy and understanding through its innovative design. Headspace (Headspace Health) offers mindfulness and meditation services to improve mental health and well-being. Alien: Isolation (Feral Interactive) is a finalist in the Visuals and Graphics category, with its visually stunning game offering a gripping narrative and atmospheric environments.
Rebel Girls (Rebel Girls Inc.) shares the stories of influential women through rich audio and gorgeous original art. Overboard!, developed by inkle (United Kingdom), is a whodunit game with a twist, where players take on the guilty party's role, engaging in quick-witted conversations with unsuspecting crewmates and navigating an intriguing narrative design.
Lastly, Active Arcade (Nex) is a developer known for creating apps with a focus on social impact and multiple categories. MD Clock (Hangzhou Midi Technology Co., Ltd.) offers a minimalist yet visually appealing clock app design, while A Musical Story (Glee-Cheese Studio) remixes the idea of a mobile game with a harmonious mix of song, story, and artistic creation.
In the category of Delight and Fun, LEGO® Star WarsTM: Castaways (Gameloft, Canada) features a cinematic feel, sizzling visual effects, and tactile gameplay. Slopes (Breakpoint Studio, United States) offers an intuitive ski-tracking app experience, with GPS on iPhone or Apple Watch to track distance and speed, best-in-class social features, and easy navigation. Lastly, (Not Boring) Habits (Andy Works LLC) offers a delightful and fun life hack adventure with sensational designs and playful haptics.
Behind the Frame (Silver Lining Studio under Akatsuki Taiwan) is a finalist in the Visuals and Graphics category, offering a unique puzzle game with beautiful visuals and immersive storytelling.
These apps and games demonstrate the power of technology in shaping our experiences, fostering empathy, and promoting inclusivity and social impact. Each offers a unique blend of innovation, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
