# Living Worlds - Mark Ferrari — Classic dynamic pixel art

> Dynamic pixel art scenes with real-time environmental changes and original stories. (iPhone/iPad app by Pixfabrik.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/living-worlds-mark-ferrari/id1371140984 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Pixfabrik](https://appshunter.io/developer/1371140983)
- Category: Entertainment
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 88 App Store ratings · 45 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 108 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-02-01
- Data updated: 2026-08-21
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/living-worlds-mark-ferrari/id1371140984/reviews.md

## What is Living Worlds?

This Living Worlds app is a modern recreation of a set of dynamic pixel art scenes first published in the early 90s as part of an "illustrated personal organizer" named Seize the Day, and seen as screenshots across the Internet since then. These scenes were created by Mark Ferrari, legendary artist from such classic games as Loom and The Secret of Monkey Island as well as the recent Thimbleweed Park. Now, 25 years later, Ian Gilman, the original software developer, has resurrected the Living Worlds, with Mark's support and additional code from Joseph Huckaby. There may be copycats, but this is the only authentic version from the original creators! 

This release of the app contains all twelve of the original scenes in their full glory. The sun rises and falls in real time, storms pass through, flowers bloom, the moon and stars cross the sky. Smaller details like chimney smoke and animal footprints come and go. The image "lives" throughout the day, drawing you in, suggesting stories, and rewarding quiet observation.

In addition to the classic graphics, each scene includes a new "Logbook" story written by Mark Ferrari and ambient soundscapes designed by Ian Gilman.

Join us for this 25th anniversary celebration of these unique artworks!

## Key features

- Dynamic pixel art scenes
- Real-time sunrises and sunsets
- Weather effects
- Blooming flowers
- Ambient soundscapes
- Original Logbook stories

## Chart rankings

- #199 in Top Paid · Entertainment (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 45)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/living-worlds-mark-ferrari/id1371140984/reviews.md

### 5/5 — relaxing and inspiring

*2026-03-05, version 2.12.73*

i bought this app years ago and have never regretted it - I love to delve into these living worlds now and then when I remember they're here. The pixel art is so incredible, and the world-building so beautiful

### 5/5 — Wonderful Reprise of 1993 Seize The Day

*2025-10-22*

It is really wonderful to be able to see Mark Ferrari’s original changing calendar art again! I am just thrilled with it! I especially like being able to “reverse time” or “speed up time” by swiping the screen. One thing I miss from the original: one could enter a date of the month, and the graphic would jump to that view (hour of day remained the same). The audio addition is also terrific! Thank you!

### 5/5 — Fantastic Nostalgia

*2025-08-30*

I remember seeing this on Magic The Gathering: Battlemage

Mark Ferrari is simply fantastic.

### 5/5 — So pretty

*2025-07-20, version 2.12.73*

This is freaking awesome! The dynamic pixel art is so beautiful. I've never seen anything like it before.

### 1/5 — not for wallpaper

*2025-07-06*

so you can’t even put these as wallpapers? i thought that was the point :(
(art is beautiful though)

### 5/5 — Nostalgia

*2025-05-28*

Wunderschöne Erinnerung an Welten die einen als Kind schon verzaubert haben. Der Charme dieser Pixelgrafiken plus die Ambient Sounds verbunden mit dem Logbook und den kleinen Geschichten sind wirklich hinreißend schön.

### 5/5 — The all-time greatest app for clock-watchers, fascinators, and kinetic art fans, this.

*2025-04-30*

In the early 1990’s, I got my hands on the original “Seize the Day” calendar program that the description describes. It was amazing. I don’t think I ever made an actual calendar entry, but thoroughly enjoyed watch the scenes change throughout the day. I’d set up my computer with the program running in the back and take breaks watching the sunrises and sunsets change the scene’s palette, the clouds pass, the watchmen carrying their lanterns over the bridges, the desert fireworks, the eerie glows in the ruins and the caves, and the spectral sword above the mountain lake. The scenes themselves evoke such rich stories that have just happened or are just about to, and the art has just enough fantasy elements that the wordlessness lends itself to wonder. The ability to scroll through and fast forward for rewind the scene’s day is a wonderful feature; it can occupy me for longer than I ought to admit. I loved that program and when system softwares made it obsolete, I mourned (just as I did the demise of After Dark and the Far Side screensavers). Such creativity and beauty gone forever, I thought. And then this app came online and I snapped it up (and gifted it to many, many people). It is a fine adaptation; not quite as high in resolution and more narrow in scope, but it uses its platform to the best and I’m sincerely grateful it’s here to enjoy longer. I look forward to any innovation that these fine developers can devise, because I’m here to pay for them. Can’t wait!

### 5/5 — A Cultural Gem, A Portal

*2024-11-28*

Living Worlds is more than a pixel art showcase. It's a layered composition- it's labor originating decades ago and now thoughtfully brought to life.

Mark Ferrari, a brilliant artist/writer, and Ian Gilman, a innovative developer, have transformed the classic pixel art techniques into something fresh and contemporary. 

I hope young folks stumble across this to experience how thoughtful art and engineering can inspire.

### 4/5 — Very close to being perfect

*2024-11-05, version 2.12.73*

I’m f these could be IOS wallpapers this would be perfect. 

I love having this on my desk at work. Very calming.

### 1/5 — This Is Not Wallpaper On IOS

*2024-06-07, version 2.12.73*

This is merely an app you can leave open and on to simulate a live wallpaper. You can not use it to set as your wallpaper.

## Frequently asked questions about Living Worlds

### What is Living Worlds?

Living Worlds is a modern recreation of dynamic pixel art scenes originally created in the early 90s. These scenes feature real-time environmental changes like day/night cycles, weather, and blooming flora, offering an immersive visual experience.

### What are the key features of this app?

The app includes twelve original dynamic pixel art scenes with real-time environmental animations. It also features ambient soundscapes designed by the original developer and new 'Logbook' stories written by the artist.

### How much does Living Worlds cost?

Based on the provided information, this app is a paid application. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, suggesting a one-time purchase for access to all content.

### What platforms is Living Worlds available on?

The provided description does not specify the exact platforms for this app. However, it is presented as a mobile application, implying availability on common mobile operating systems like iOS and Android.

### What are the use cases for Living Worlds?

This app is ideal for users who appreciate classic pixel art and want to experience dynamic, living artworks. It can be used for relaxation, inspiration, or simply to enjoy the evolving visual narratives presented in each scene.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.12.73 — 2022-12-01

* December sounds!

### 2.11.72 — 2022-11-01

* November sounds!

### 2.10.71 — 2022-10-01

* October sounds!

### 2.9.70 — 2022-09-01

* September sounds!

### 2.8.69 — 2022-08-01

* August sounds!

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-21.*
