iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 23h

Thank you to everyone who saw this project and followed along, supported me and cheered me on! That meant more to me than you'll ever realize, and I'm not going to stop cheering y'all on either! Thank you for reading, I'll see you guys around ☺️❤️ 9/9

020

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 23h

I don't think this will be a goodbye forever, and I'll still keep this account up just in case. If any of the wonderful friends I've made on here wish to follow me to a new account, please feel free to DM me and I'll happily share ☺️ 8/9

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 23h

But, it's time for me to rest, and rethink my next steps. I've got a semblance of a plan to go forward in, the love and support of my closest friends and my partner, and the feeling of myself coming back, slowly. 7/9

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 23h

I felt like a failure, maybe a part of me still does, and I knew this wasn't sustainable for me. I still love video games, love the stories and the way it makes people feel a bit of joy in this stressful world. That won't ever change! 6/9

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 23h

I couldn't make myself try new things, would instead spend the time holed up in my bed, just trying to not feel exhausted anymore. Feeling like a shell of myself. I wasn't present for my loved ones, or for myself... 5/9

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 23h

Any artist/dev knows the feeling of low motivation during a project. That, I can and have dealt with many times, because I loved the process so much. I loved learning, had fun with it! This year, I couldn't find the joy in the process anymore. 4/9

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 23h

There's a few reasons why, mostly though, they all stem from extreme burn out. I've chased this dream, worked with amazing people for almost 7 years, and this year it came to a breaking point. 3/9

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 23h

For the foreseeable future, I'll be pausing development on Tales of Amythria, and my other game dev related projects. This is a very hard decision for me to make, and not one I make lightly either. 2/9

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 23h

So, I've been a bit MIA lately and figured it was finally time to make a short thread on why... 1/9 • • • • #gamedev #indiedev #solodev

1154

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I also swapped to Ellipsus! I've been using it for about a year I think, and I've loved working on it so much

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Everytime I get a good routine going, productivity is increasing, I GET SICK It's just rude at this point

010

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Made progress the past couple weeks on writing the final demo chapter 16 new branching paths added for a SINGLE character's perspective. There's 6 playable characters all together, and I'm maybe only half way to finishing one... #indiedev #gamedev #visualnovels #vndev #indiegames

0103

Reposted by Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲

Casey S. Pumpkins 🎃 @caseyexplosion.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

"Indies will save us" No! YOU WILL SAVE INDIES! Go leave a review for that neat indie game you like, share the trailer for an upcoming game you're anticipating, tell your fave developer they did a good job, go tell people about such and such game that's just come out, you can make a difference!

174116005086

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

I have not been feeling any super strong motivation to work on my game lately, I'm trying to combat this by writing a short to do list the day before and finishing those small tasks bare minimum. I finished them all, and even did some extra script editing. I guess it works?? #gamedev #indiedev

2102

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Guessed perfectly! It's a species of wyvern in the game known for having four wings! Thank you for your sweet words!

010

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Excuse the bad photo, but I'm so excited to be getting closer to a steam capsule look I couldn't stop to export a better quality! I think I've got some more fine tuning to do still, testing text logos and whatnot, but it's almost there! #screenshotsaturday #indiedev #indiegames #solodev

A top down view of a grove of birch trees, a shadow of a four winged dragon casting onto the green and gold grass below. Pages of a journal fluttering down.

1175

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Anyone else really struggle with drafting the Steam page write ups?? I feel like I've never thought of my game once trying to phrase this in a way people would be interested in 😅 #gamedev #indiedev #solodev

Photo of a laptop with a draft of my game's steam page, "About the Game" section, where I anguish over describing and pitching my game to players.

0112

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Had a bug in my settings menu that has been there for MONTHS. I've avoided touching it because I absolutely dreaded the process to fixing it. Took me less than 5 minutes. Completely threw off the rest of my day #gamedev #indidedev #solodev #gamedevthings

0102

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

I just got mine working, made new pretty assets for the buttons, and somehow in the importing process broke it again. So I guess I get to make the options screen TWICE now...

000

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Back from a camping trip today! Realized I had a medical problem going on the whole time, so getting back into the game dev swing might be a bit of a slow endeavor while recovering But, I showed off my game to family and got so much encouragement it really was a big boost 😭💕 #gamedev #indiedev

091

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Don't really know what I'm trying to say I guess, but my heart goes out to all the amazing devs who've spent years pouring their hearts into their craft. I wish them luck and all the best in their next steps.

000

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Ya know, I started Tales of Amythria initially because I landed in a rough spot for hiring juniors in the games industry. If it was going to be unstable, I may as well learn new skills and make something I was proud of. I'm so sad and angry the industry is still at that point today.

100

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

After so much work, I actually finished all the in game UI elements this month! Now all that's left is the main menu, and LOTS of importing and fiddling in engine.... Sneak peak of main menu progress! It's so rough still but I'm excited anyway #gamedev #indiegames #solodev #visualnovel #gameart

Heavy work in progress photo of the main menu/title card screen for Tales of Amythria. Including a green banner housing the button selections, overlooking a valley with jagged mountain ranges, a large oak tree in the foreground. Remnants of a campsite sit below it.

0112

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Of course! You did such a wonderful job with the demo I had to share the love 💖

010

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Honorable mention as just a demo I tried and LOVED, we have Witchlight Woods! A stunning visual novel with excellent witchy vibes and enchanting mythology, this game truly rewards you playing it over and over with new content after completing the demo! @delphincasado.bsky.social

141

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

And I just had to try out Sovereign Tower, after seeing it all over my feeds lately! Delightful characters, wonderful agency and impactful decisions, and flirting with statues, what more could you want! And gave me some great inspo for Tales of Amythria with great UI hehe @wildwits.games

Header image for Sovereign Tower, showcasing the Sovereign with some of roundtable of knights. Including a gothic woman, a very shiny golden knight, an unsure redheaded woman, and a mysterious silver haired duelist.

152

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Next, Cozy Cleaner! A take at your own pace cleaning game, it was very satisfying to tidy up and clean every room. With the adorable cats and relaxing tone, it scratches that "Unpacking" itch so nicely! store.steampowered.com/app/2742710/...

Header image for Cozy Cleaner, showcasing a calico cat looking very proud of herself in front of a messy, chaotic room that will become your job to fix.

100

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

First up, Songs of Glimmerwick! This was a magical delight to play, from the character building to the excellent voice acting, beautiful music, and delightful tone, I'm SO excited to see this as a full game! store.steampowered.com/app/1706510/...

Header page for Songs of Glimmerwick, showing a red haired witch playing her lute by a potion, a frog, and a bone-xylophone?

100

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Alright, last day of Next Fest, as per usual here's my small 🧵 on the demos I tried out and absolutely loved! • • • • • #indiegaming #indiegames #steam #nextfest

131

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

A wide collection of my stuff through the years 😅 Went from being an environment artist and VFX apprentice, to working fully 2D for my current visual novel project!

The most current work, a woman in blue mourning robes, a loose updo holding her grey-streaked black hair.

A skull with elongated features and missing teeth. Made for an environment project for my portfolio that never got finished.

A craggly rock. Done as a quick 15 minute study

One of my procedural materials made in Substance Painter. A wooden floor with a roughly carved in reverse pentagram and element symbols adorning each of the points.

010

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Totally get that! I'm glad there's better support for stuff like that where you are, where I am it ended up being barely worth getting the official diagnosis at all lol I hope you can get that, tho something my therapist told me was that if loved ones didn't want to support you, they wouldn't ❤️

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Hey and if you don't, and a professional is THAT sure you have it, then there's no harm in not chasing the official diagnosis I had to delay my own "official" diagnosis despite multiple Drs agreeing I am autistic, there's so many reasons to not be able to get it, but that never invalidates you

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

I'm glad the testing should happen soon for you! Hopefully your dad is willing to go with you, even just for your sake to have the official diagnosis

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Found a couple great game demos from #Nextfest, super excited to play them, and I'll be sharing what I play obviously! I don't love that I now have to dig through every steam page for genAI usage, but it does make the genuine ones stand out so much more to me at least... #indiegames #indiegaming

041

Reposted by Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲

JB @jaybeeretro.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Reminder from Shigesato Itoi: Touch grass.

Itoi: "If you don't experience things outside of gaming, your ability to truly engage with games will fade..."

423785658

Reposted by Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲

Playtester ↗ @playtester.io · 14/06/2026

An indie game where you loot, fight, and extract in the Gyldenmist. - Combine class skills, talents, and gear - Fight creatures and rival Gyldhunters - Extract to return with your haul Try the demo: playtester.io/mistfall-hunter #gamedev #indiedev #indiegame

0124

Reposted by Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲

Cup Dragon Games @cupdragongames.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Dream Hollow is a hand-drawn cozy horror game about a little girl trapped in a haunted storybook forest. Here's 25 seconds of gameplay from our upcoming demo!! #indiedev #indiegame Follow our Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/cup...

0163

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

So my bf got me Paralives because I had been basically drooling over how fun it looked for almost a week, and I have now given up any hope of being productive this weekend lol Sorry life, but I simply must build a little seaside cottage for 9 hours

020

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

She's doing remarkably! Her teeth had hurt so bad so she's like a new cat now! ❤️ Thank you for the kind words! I normally am quite fast with my illustrations so I do feel very confident I'd finish if the month was normal lol. Plus my job slows down for me next month, so even better for the game!

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

I had about 19 planned, and got through about 9, so about half? This is also with the big asterisk of due to a bit of a traumatic event and my cat needing major dental surgery, I basically didn't work on anything for about half the month lol

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Next month, we move into UI assets, and the main menu is the biggest prize at the end of it! I'll also be refining logos, header typography, and maybe even getting to a custom font?? Did I learn my lesson for making over ambitious goals? Nope! Have a sneak peak at the messy sketch for the menu!

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

An end of month update on my progress! So, I didn't end up reaching my (very lofty) goal of finishing all the intro illustrations. And that's ok! It's been a big and stressful month, and I still made progress regardless, a lot of it! Small 🧵👇 #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegames

183

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Hawt damn girl, way to go! Muscle definition is so hard to get dialed in!!

110

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

In a turbulent time in general, little things like a book I've been waiting on for ✨MONTHS✨ to come out is probably the best feeling! If you haven't read the first book, "When The Moon Hatched", I definitely recommend! Made me cry so obviously it's great 😂 #books

000

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

I just love this, the song is so broody and ethereal!

120

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

"keeping up" with the world implies that it isn't my wildest dream to become a local forest witch who lives in a moss covered hut lol. But the technique is shutting my brain off for a few hours and regaining consciousness to whatever I did and going "oooh" (positive) or "oooh" (negative)

000

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Thank you! Line art has always been my favorite part of the process

010

Erin | Boscirus Studios ✨🐲 @boscirusstudios.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Bonus real-time video just to really capture how long this took me. My poor wrist.....

010