Sign in

Ben Swithen, a person

@benjamilian.bsky.social
166 followers 102 following 235 posts

I make computer games, music, videos and pancakes. My game Trans Theft Horso won the Most Amazing Game Award at A MAZE 2026.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Miliband: "To the millions in this country.. who have been moved & outraged by the plight of the Palestinian people, we hear you. You were right" So scrap the proscription of Palestine Action. End all arms exports to Israel. Impose sanctions on the Israeli govt & economy.
34569203
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
rynther @rynther.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Just a quick reminder to go pay your once a year 3$ to Wikipedia, who curate the largest and most accurate encyclopedia on the planet, ever. This is our library of Alexandria, it's really important, and it's really cheap.
162
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
the babahuck @tylerhuckabee.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
rip annie dillard
One of the things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now. The impulse to save something good for a better place later is the signal to spend it now. Something more will arise for later, something better. These things fill from behind, from beneath, like well water. Similarly, the impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you. You open your safe and find ashes.
1134241138
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Three More Years @threemoreyears.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
This has been a most wonderful conversation about many things - puppetry, admin and also, videogames! Thanks so much to @benjamilian.bsky.social , winner of this year's @amazefest.bsky.social best game award for this conversation!
194
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
An interview with Friedrich Kirschner, a puppeteer/visual artist/game-maker who intrigued me with his talk of possible futures, milk-based media, how to read theory, why to read law and the final ends of both capitalism and the river Danube. All that and Mini Mini Golf Golf!
gfsc.community
Alternatives to Apocalypse: Friedrich Kirschner interview
An interview with visual artist, game maker and storyteller Friedrich Kirschner about possible futures, radical admin, video games, how to read theory, why to read laws, and the final end of both capi...
061
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Glad to see the Melbourne Queer Games Festival is back this year. The showcase list is out, and I look forward to delving into many of these games. (Trans Theft Horso is on the list, but I've played that already, having begotten it some while ago): mqgf.com.au/2026/showcase/
mqgf.com.au
Queer Games Showcase
Amazing LGBTIQ games from 2025-2026.
030
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I got a nice email asking if I wanted to pay $999 to have Trans Theft Horso included in an esports tournament. It's fun to see wild misinterpretations of genre and vibe.
020
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Given the negative involved, if someone says "I'm non-binary", can I respond "Neither am I"?
120
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Happy sixtieth Star Trek! Here's a fan-episode I made in the TNG style around a decade ago with @seanmorl.com and @avaavavah.bsky.social - the intention was to be authentically earnest. youtu.be/6c5x1AfwXyc
youtu.be
Star Trek: TNG | Adventure with Birthday Bread Man
YouTube video by Ben Swithen
152
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Adam Clewes-Boyne @chaosandcode.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Your games hook is "why would someone want to play this?", not (by default) its USP It's the thing that in a 6-second trailer makes people go "oooh I want to know more". If you can't articulate that, then you're going to struggle to find what makes the game interesting to the average person
2189
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Three More Years @threemoreyears.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
I had the opportunity to give a talk about post-capitalist world building at #gamescom - thanks @amazefest.bsky.social ! Here are my slides and talk notes in case you are interested: neobaltica.beehiiv.com/p/kind-stori... #worldbuilding #postcapitalism #gamedev
neobaltica.beehiiv.com
Kind stories from the ruins of capitalism
I was fortunate to give a talk on post-capitalist worldbuilding during this year's Gamescom.
02010
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Geeks for Social Change @gfsc.community · 04/09/2026
The home is the smallest unit of society. If you want to change the world, maybe take the bin out. After all, if we can't be mutually supportive in our own household, how can we dream of a workable society? gfsc.community/society-begi...
gfsc.community
Society Begins at Home: Do the Dishes, Change the World
The home is the smallest unit of society. If you want to change the world, maybe take the bin out. After all, if we can't be mutually supportive in our own household, how can we dream of a workable…
021
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
If the UK had adopted the Euro, would we be calling €5 'five quid', or would the word 'quid' have been relegated to history and period dramas?
210
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Very glad to run into @diveamydive.bsky.social at the airport after GamesCom. It is easy to grow wild and delirious waiting for a plane, and a lot better to have delirium in good company.
110
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Geeks for Social Change @gfsc.community · 29/08/2026
The games industry is a big one, and it's easy to feel like an intruder. How'd I get in? In truder window! In actuality, I got in by making the games I wished existed and meeting a community of other people in the same situation. Here's a story of impostor syndrome, and of Trans Theft Horso.
gfsc.community
Between Solitaire and Monopoly: Finding Community in the Games Industry
The games industry is a big one, and it's easy to feel like an intruder. How'd I get in? In truder window! In actuality, I got in by making the games I wished existed and meeting a community of other…
001
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Evie Devers 🎮🍂 @sinebadger.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
I’m so glad I’m not an AAA game protagonist because NPC barks would ruin my day. I’d be in the shower 2 months later thinking about the time a guy on the street was like “hey move it asshole”
0155
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Amanita Design 📣 @amanita-design.net · 28/08/2026
Phonopolis City Tour 📣 Hosted by your favorite renegade garbage man, Felix.
05112
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
I love the amount of scrambled egg at this hotel's breakfasts. What a great form of egg!
000
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
A MAZE. @amazefest.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Only 2 days left until A MAZE. Digital PlayGround #3 at @gamescom at hall 10.2 E30. Check the website: gamescom.a-maze.net for the selection of #arthousegames and #playfulmedia including the open screens and our daily programme. #AMaze2026 #gamescom2026 #mbbfunded
071
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I'm going to be at GamesCom in Cologne showing off Trans Theft Horso in Hall 10.2 and giving a talk on queer joy. Will I see any of you there?
051
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚏𝚕𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚙🚀 @starfleetunionrep.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
image of beverly crusher from star trek: the next generation S1E12 "the big goodbye" looking ravishing in a 1940s fit featuring a light pink blouse and black hat. 
text allegedly from an 1899 newspaper: “It must be hard for a man to express his feelings, having no bosoms to rise and fall with emotion.”
light purple and pink floral background by @josiesagitprop
493
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Theropods - OUT NOW @losttoken.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Theropods just hit Very Positive on Steam! 🦖 Thank you to everyone who's played so far — if you haven't yet, now's a great time to jump in with the 20% launch discount!
514233
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Might start referring to the airport as 'the port' to make my voyages sound more romantic. I must away to the port at Mamucium where a berth awaits me. It will carry me o'er the waves to Colonia Agrippina. No, I don't know which era I'm aiming for, but I feel like it'll annoy everyone.
010
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Last night as I was drifting off to sleep I set myself a challenge of thinking of five fictional rivers, and I found this surprisingly challenging. I got Styx, Song and Tam and then fell asleep feeling I was missing lots of obvious ones.
020
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Bill McKibben @billmckibben.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Mamdani is succeeding in part by projecting joy Ossoff is succeeding in part by projecting steely ferocity We’re in a moment when attitude is nearly as powerful as ideology, because we all need courage. And these are two ways of summoning it
10371221249
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
I'm off to Köln next week for GamesCom, which I expect to be overwhelming in its bigness. Will any of you be there, mysterious Internet strangers, and what do you recommend at the event?
110
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Without downloading any new pics, where are you at mentally?
A fried egg in the shape of a chicken
150
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Eike @eikebentley.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Because We're Here is exhibiting at the Leftfield Collection at MCM Comic Con Birmingham this weekend! Leftfield is very DIY and we've had a lot of fun with the stall. Come by and say hello! Take a fridge magnet.
A congenial independent computer game developer sits beside an expo display for the game Because We're Here. A demo is onscreen, and there are various pieces of vintage and/or WW1 miscellanea scattered around. A doily is used as a mousemat. A crocheted poppy and blue rose are displayed in a glass.
1225
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
sean morley @seanmorl.com · 08/08/2026
If anyones up in ed and fancies a free ticket to my show drop me a dm. Ive got some code orange scrutinisers in today and would love to pack the place out with some wellwishers.
056
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Dan / mono @deadair.co.uk · 07/08/2026
Down at MCM Birmingham this weekend supporting @benjamilian.bsky.social & @eikebentley.bsky.social with Trans Theft Horso and Because We’re Here! Pop by the ever-excellent Leftfield Collection to say hi and play many wonderful games 🩵
031
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
I woke up sure that it was morning, but it turned out to be 1 a.m. I hope my body eventually realises it's sleep time again.
010
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
I wrote a piece about a no-pressure way of finding motivation and energy when executive dysfunction is against you. Behold, the Mega Meeting! gfsc.community/mega-meeting...
gfsc.community
Mega Meetings: a no-pressure model of time management
When the world has left you weary, what are your top tips for doing something and not nothing? How can you summon the oomph for your creative or community projects? And how can you do that without fal...
010
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
This weekend, I'm taking Trans Theft Horso to MCM Birmingham, for to peddle my wares. You'll find us in the Leftfield Collection near our friend-game, @eikebentley.bsky.social's excellent Because We're Here!
062
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
I finally got to see The Sheep Detectives, and it was all I had dreamed, and more!
010
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
kc 💀 play TRUE LOVE'S CURSE! @npckc.net · 18/07/2026
It's still #NonbinaryAwarenessWeek so it's still #NonbinaryCodedGames time!!! check out all these cool games made by nonbinary devs! have you found some games to enjoy yet? 💛🤍💜🖤
013474
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Geeks for Social Change @gfsc.community · 15/07/2026
Before you release your game to the world, ask yourself this: if you perish tonight, would this be sufficient as your only legacy? It doesn't need to be perfect. I doesn't even need to be all that good! But it does need to have *your* vibe, or at least a vibe which stirs your heart.
gfsc.community
Sell the Sizzle not the Sausage: How to Release Your Game
Making a video game is easier than ever, but how do you release it into the world, put it up for sale and get it noticed? A guide on how to get your game out there, by an award-winning solo game…
021
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
It's St Swithin's Day, the first anniversary of Trans Theft Horso's release! It's on discount all week for the Nonbinary-Coded Games sale: store.steampowered.com/app/2268550/...
store.steampowered.com
Save 30% on Trans Theft Horso on Steam
A colourful western fantasy adventure, to save trans joy! Adric Belfonte embarks on a happy nightmare into the wild and bewaffling West. Explore the maddening desert, defy the admirals, ride the anima...
150
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Gender Gladness Alert! There's a Nonbinary Games Sale all week, and Trans Theft Horso is included in it! store.steampowered.com/curator/46105077/sale/NonbinaryCodedGames #NonbinaryCodedGames
store.steampowered.com
Nonbinary Coded Games
hosted by NomnomNami and npckc, this event is a big showcase for games made by nonbinary developers!
0114
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
tonic & ikiru 💙 angel clicker is $2.59 @oldflowergames.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
💛🤍NONBINARY CODED GAMES💜🖤 is live! Check out 150+ games by devs who are nonbinary, genderqueer, & outside the gender binary! our Biblical Yuri about pizza & dragons 😇💥😈 s.team/a/4247760 our Battle-Throuple roguelite hybrid VN (in the void) ⚔️🔮🪴 s.team/a/2406810 #NonbinaryCodedGames #indiegames
a promo post for the nonbinary coded games steam festival, featuring a variety of nonbinary characters from npckc and nomnomnami in the design. the particpating games are by oldflowerGames: Angel Clicker and Emblems: Sunless Vow
1146
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Jordan Magnuson @jordanmagnuson.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Have you played any of these games? If not, you should. ComputerJames is a master of crafting short, unexpected experiences that are just a delight to play. I wish more games were like this. Worth a study.
22711
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
An excellent weekend at Glasgow Indie Games Fest. I met a lot of players and makers of games -- though most of us are both. Games I got engrossed in include Grease Trap 99 (fish & chips & a creature), JumpBaby (jumping gleefully), and the deeply uncomfortable GAME (sport and maternal pressure)
190
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
sean morley @seanmorl.com · 10/07/2026
"Whoever the figure that gets hoisted to the top of the heap, their individual plans and desires will always be wrapped in a death shroud of institutional rot. To some degree, it doesn't matter what Andy's schemes entail – they still need to manoeuvre through a madcap panorama of haunted corridors."
0102
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Ann Widdecombe wholeheartedly backed cruel policies. I always imagined she'd be quite friendly if she wasn't so strongly and vocally opposed to people like me, and against immigration, and against many other minorities. In light of her death I will no longer be describing her as my 'hear me out'.
000
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
I'm going to Glasgow Indie Games Fest tomorrow to make merry, meet games people and play people's games (and put Trans Theft Horso about, of course!). Anyone else off to @glasgowindiegamesfest.org? (I'll take the low road)
140
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
I wrote a piece on how to release your first video game: gfsc.community/sell-the-siz... (Fair warning: the first third is visible but the site requests a free sign-up before revealing the remainder).
gfsc.community
Sell the Sizzle not the Sausage: How to Release Your Game
Making a video game is easier than ever, but how do you release it into the world, put it up for sale and get it noticed? A guide on how to get your game out there, by an award-winning solo game devel...
020
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
julien | rundisc @rundisc.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
PHONOPOLIS by @amanita-design.net is an absolutely wonderful game. Art direction and animation, music and sound, gameplay and story: everything is a handcrafted masterpiece, and Amanita at it's peak. Play it, everyone. store.steampowered.com/app/1206070/...
store.steampowered.com
Save 10% on Phonopolis on Steam
Phonopolis is a story-driven puzzle adventure set in a hand-painted 3D world made of cardboard. Solve a wide variety of playful puzzles and help Felix end the Leader's oppressive influence in a resona...
0396
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Douglas Cheape @douglascheape.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
They tell me I’m uncultured, but I’ll always recognise a bit of Beethoven.
9785491742
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg @theradr.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Dear Media. Vatican II wasn’t just about praying or not in Latin. *Vatican II decided to be less antisemitic. By a lot. * And now Pope Leo (like Francis) is reading the Bible HARD, all that “love immigrants” & “care for others” “🖕 Empire” stuff?! This story is not complicated.
472534643
Ben Swithen, a person @benjamilian.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
More idle speculation on GTA6: I feel in my eaters that it'll contain adventures in prison and in Cuba. Stupid GTA6 speculation: with such a high the budget and a production length of a decade, it could plausibly have Sean Connery and Roger Moore playing all the police.
000
Reposted by Ben Swithen, a person
Athena! @gsv-athena.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
This is all, of course, me making the mistake of accepting the premise of the utility function. My actual take is just that it matters a lot more to build a world where people care morally about helping people right now instead of what their spreadsheets say.
0101