Sign in

Chris Gardiner

@chrisgardiner.bsky.social
1.2K followers 504 following 866 posts

Narrative Director at Failbetter Games. He/him. Our titles include: Fallen London, Sunless Sea/Skies, and Mask of the Rose. Opinions are mine, so there.

PostsRepliesMedia
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I am, at this point, entirely committed to my bit about bringing up Leigh Brackett at any opportunity, but she really was as good as the best. As Bryn says, she could write sharp pulp adventure, but also poetic elegy and – when she wanted to – frankly and bleakly. And weave those things together.
0112
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Morgan Davie @fromthemorgue.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Spooky season has begun... so here are FIVE MORE REASONS why your Halloween game night #TTRPG should be FiveEvil: Fiendish 5E Horror from @handiworkgames.bsky.social with INCREDIBLE art by Jon and @purdyart.bsky.social
A photo of FiveEvil and its supplements.
1158
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Failbetter Games | Wishlist Mandrake on Steam! @failbettergames.com · 30/09/2026
We're hiring! We're looking for a Writer and Narrative Designer to join the Fallen London team at a senior or mid level. This position is permanent, remote, and full time, which for us means 35 hours a week. #GamesJobs
Night. The House of Chimes - a tower which you might immediately think of as Big Ben - is adrift in the River Thames. It still seems to be keeping time. In the background, a large, alien building looms over the city of London.
3816881087
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Failbetter Games | Wishlist Mandrake on Steam! @failbettergames.com · 30/09/2026
as your failbetter games bluesky correspondent, it is unsurprising that i am overly invested in a topic that boils down to the creative application of words (Many thanks Samuel for this fun discussion!)
15211
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Samuel Roberts @samuelwroberts.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Why do so many video games have silly names? I wrote about it for PC Gamer. www.pcgamer.com/games/why-so...
pcgamer.com
Why so many Steam games have weirdly similar (and forgettable) names
"Suddenly everything's called Rise of the Bonelord: Origins of Dust."
910828
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Indie Game Reading Club @indiegamereadingclub.com · 29/09/2026
Lavender Hack is such a charming game! Ran it for some visiting friends a few months back as a lark/dare. Wrote about it too. This new print of the core rules is like $20. Go check it out.
indiegamereadingclub.com
Two Great Tastes etc: Lavender Hack + Trilemma Adventures
IGRC Global Operations had gamer visitors from California recently. We knew we’d be playing something while they were here, but we never quite nailed down what it’d be. So over beers, Phil Lewis’ L…
078
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Jon at Handiwork Games @handiworkgames.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Tyrant Philosophers RPG playtest sign up is now open! If you'd like to be among the first to play, then please sign up! We're building on the Cold City Hot War framework to create your meaningful and moving adventures in @aptshadow.bsky.social's Ilmar, City of Last Chances.
docs.google.com
The Tyrant Philosophers Roleplaying Game Playtest Sign Up
Thanks for your interest in the Tyrant Philosophers Roleplaying Game!
13318
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
New Edge Sword & Sorcery Magazine @newedgeswordmag.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
⚔️ Holy cow, at breakfast we needed a little over $1000 to unlock the zine and already you've got it to under $500! ⁉️ Are we gonna unlock the 'zine TODAY? Will we press on to custom dinkuses? WILL I GET TO EXPLAIN "DINKUSES"??? 👉 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
"We need $357 more to reach this goal"
067
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
New Edge Sword & Sorcery Magazine @newedgeswordmag.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
🪓 THE END DRAWS NEAR...📜 ...but so does unlocking that badass risograph zine by @minillajovovich.bsky.social, with cover art by @gorangligovic.bsky.social, as a free bonus for all New Edge Sword & Sorcery Novella backers! Are YOU a barbarous booklover? 👉️ www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
A crowdfund call to action graphic which says that there's 48 hours left and encourages readers with "Let's Get That Zine!" over some black & white Sword & Sorcery art by Goran Gligovic (@gorangligovic.bsky.social)
05432
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Failbetter Games | Wishlist Mandrake on Steam! @failbettergames.com · 24/09/2026
"Oh, let me look at you, my poor darling. Yes, it's just as I thought! You have the Lily-Tongue Sweats. Fascinating. Beautiful!" Investigate a burgeoning aesthetic movement that treats illness as art in the Exceptional Story for October, The Unwellness Salon by @rossignol.bsky.social.
A slender white woman in an acid green off-the-shoulder dress and jewels looks over at you across a party. Her dress is adorned with sickly green bubbles and her silk glove seems to be covered with a green slime.
1537
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Failbetter Games | Wishlist Mandrake on Steam! @failbettergames.com · 22/09/2026
For those of you who own Sunless Sea, there's a cheeky wee bundle with Nighthawks so you can get a modest discount on some more top class words from @richardcobbett.bsky.social 🩸
store.steampowered.com
Save 5% on Nighthawks x Sunless Sea on Steam
07131
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Sascha Stronach🏳️‍⚧️, The Sunforge out now @understatesmen.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
we need to return to sci-fi book covers being little people in the foreground with immense looming wonders in the background
the cover for The Last Legends of Earth, which shows people fishing in a hamlet of thatch-roof catches while vast sci-fi pylons loom in the background the cover of Shadow of the Torturer which shows Severian walking away from a city of spires some art by Eddie Jones that shows people getting out of a UFO and walking towards a massive gate, beyond which is a blood red moon tiny figures in the foreground observe a giant woman sleeping in a lake of blood
1535491
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Richard Cobbett @richardcobbett.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
First Nighthawks review. 89% from PC Gamer! I’ll… I’ll politely take that :-D www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/ni...
pcgamer.com
Nighthawks review
Postcards from Bat Country.
817235
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
New Edge are crowdfunding their next set of sword & sorcery novellas right now – as ever, I wholeheartedly recommend their books. This set includes more Morlock Ambrosius stories by James Enge, whose work feels to me like Jack Vance but without all the bits of Jack Vance that really annoy me.
0154
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Richard Cobbett @richardcobbett.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Welp, one last pre-release Kickstarter update... www.kickstarter.com/projects/753...
kickstarter.com
Update 95: Nightfall · Nighthawks - The Vampire RPG
Greetings, all.Well. We're here. It's done. It's finished. In a few hours, you'll be playing Nighthawks. It's been one hell of a road, and much longer and bumpier than anyone could have predicted... a...
093
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Wyrd Science Magazine @wyrdscience.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
since some people apparently have "lives" & "families" & "friends" and so didn't spend the weekend smearing germs around a little screen & missed it, we've extended our DriveThruRPG flash sale for another 24 hours with all issues, including our latest, 1/2 price www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher...
a clever person, or at least their disembodied hand holding an iPad that is displaying the bold, bright and rather amazing cover to Wyrd Science issue 8 by Tom J Newell
02817
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I’m loving Thousand Hells: the Underworld Heists. There’s so much that’s ingenious & delightful in here, as you assemble CRACK SQUADS of AMBITIOUS SCREW-UPS to venture into MERCILESS HELLS in search of TREASURE AND GLORY. Things can go so, so wrong. Its great. store.steampowered.com/app/3794210/...
store.steampowered.com
Thousand Hells: The Underworld Heists on Steam
Recruit your team, choose your path, and descend into hell. Four heroes must overcome the trials of the underworlds in tactical narrative encounters. A new systemic storybook experience blending mytho...
1227
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Jane @localnotail.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Solidarity with this Piddington resident ♥️✊ #Newsnight
721802539
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
These are bonkers deals – these are all fantastic games.
031
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Dave Gilbert @wadjeteyegames.com · 14/09/2026
The "Adults Only" ranking has been removed from Nighthawks! Everything is set for launch on the 22nd! Phew. What a roller coaster. Thank you everyone for your amazing support while we got this sorted. If you weren't able to wishlist before, now you can! store.steampowered.com/app/1221950/...
561759376
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
North Wales is the greatest place in the world and my love of it will never waver.
0101
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Úna-Minh's ✨ Open to Work ✨ @unaminh.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
MANDRAKE HYPE! What a treat it is that @failbettergames.com uploaded their Gamescom demo walkthrough for those like me who weren't able to attend. A DELIGHT. www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCBn...
youtube.com
Mandrake Gamescom Demo in Full || Rural Life Sim
YouTube video by Failbetter Games
1154
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
inkle @inkle.co · 11/09/2026
🎙️ Call for voice actors! 🎭 We're looking for two lead voices for our next game. - One male and one female, vocal age 40 to 60 - Cornish / Welsh / South-West England accent If that's you, please send an acting sample to info@inklestudios.com, marked “casting call”. (Paid, ofc) <3 RTs!
static.klipy.com
Patrick Stewart's Witty 'Acting' Moment
ALT: Patrick Stewart's Witty 'Acting' Moment
25368341
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
I just had to explain this from first principles to someone unfamiliar with either reference, and provide video reference for both sources. It took some time, and it was *still* worth it.
0220
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Ian Rennie @theangelremiel.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Nathan Fielder and Elizabeth Holmes doing the "we're just normal men" meme
111116102810
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Failbetter Games | Wishlist Mandrake on Steam! @failbettergames.com · 09/09/2026
Thousand Hells is out now, and because it's packed with delicious words, we've made you a wee bundle with Sunless Skies! Two games that would shake hands and nod silently with respect for one another. Here:
store.steampowered.com
Sunless Skies: Sovereign Edition on Steam
SAIL THE STARS. BETRAY YOUR QUEEN. MURDER A SUN. Sunless Skies is a Gothic Horror roleplay game with a focus on exploration and exquisite storytelling.
112140
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Amal El-Mohtar @amalelmohtar.com · 08/09/2026
people absolutely should! this podcast is fantastic & Tansy's such a joy to listen to!
patreon.com
Get more from Going Rogue on Patreon
Get more from Going Rogue on Patreon. Join for free or become a member for just $2/month. Going Rogue is an award winning film podcast that takes a…
2123
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I’ve been looking forward to this one!
081
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
John Power Jr. @johnpower.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Honestly, a movement led by thugs & spivs that spends its time going after RNLI volunteers & the National Trust really should not be hard to effectively oppose, & I feel like I’m going fucking mad that for however long this horseshit has been going that that has somehow been an insurmountable bar
1227
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Tansy Gardam @tansyg.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
buckle up cos this one's a wild ride spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/x6WHtneNe6b
spotifycreators-web.app.link
47 Ronin by Going Rogue
An A-list Japanese cast. An international action star. A budget somewhere between $175million and $225 million. A director making his first feature film. A box office bomb so bad the studio wrote it o...
161
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Christie Golden @christiegolden.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
I’d like to remind the producers of the show that the author who CREATED THE ELVEN VAMPIRE and INTRODUCED STRAHD VON ZAROVICH IN THE GAME’S FIRST NOVEL is a 10-TIME NYT BESTSELLING AUTHOR who’s still around and has also written AWARD-WINNING CINEMATICS deadline.com/2026/09/dung...
deadline.com
Dungeons & Dragons Series 'Ravenloft' In Works At Netflix (Exclusive)
Netflix is developing 'Ravenloft,' a live-action series based on the gothic horror setting of Dungeons & Dragons. 'The Forgotten Realms' is dead.
814051
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Hannah Flynn 🐀 @itshannahflynn.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
It is easy and comfortable to think, look at this thing we made, we have worked so hard, the hard work is the proof that it is good, people will buy it because they will see we have worked hard and thus made a good thing
117042
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Rhianna Pratchett @rhi.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
I’ve known Rich since back when *waves hand vaguely at the games industry* all this was fields. Nighthawks has been a labour of love for him and I’m delighted @wadjeteyegames.com have provided a platform for his talents and even more delighted that we’re going to be experiencing the game very soon.
423342
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
What if we kissed in the GREGGS VOID
A photo of the fire alarm map of a UK service station, labelling the different ‘zones’ of the building. At the top right, in a mysterious blank space, is a label reading “Zone 8 = Greggs Void”.
0103
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Robert Smith @bondhack.ft.com · 04/09/2026
One thing that I love about the film is how it captures a very distinct social setting and milieu. Lunch at Rules. G&Ts at Mark’s. A champagne reception at Oswald’s. Pints in a Shepherd Neame’s pub in Westminster. Discussion of Black Velvets over oysters by the sea.
49540139
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
If a videogame boss became real, I would simply do the same thing to it three times, thereby securing victory.
1151
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
New Edge are crowdfunding their series of sword & sorcery novellas for this year — I will always back their stuff. Very strong recommend for everything they do. These are the *keenest* of swords, and the most *pernicious* of sorceries www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
backerkit.com
New Edge Sword & Sorcery Novellas 2026
Four Sword & Sorcery novellas by NESS magazine authors: SEAS AFIRE STARS ADROWN by Bryn Hammond, LONG IS THE NIGHT by Audrey Stollings, THE PHOENIX & THE MAKER by James Enge, and FIELDS OF HELL by Dar...
0236
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Failbetter Games | Wishlist Mandrake on Steam! @failbettergames.com · 03/09/2026
The Fruits of the Zee festival comes to Fallen London, and with it a new, ratty zailing vignette! Read all about it on the blog: www.failbettergames.com/news/the-fru...
A coterie of rats in a green-black darkness, broken only by a single candle. The leader (?) holds the candle aloft, seaweed dripping from his arm.
14712
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
If a videogame boss became real, I would simply do the same thing to it three times, thereby securing victory.
1151
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Jon at Handiwork Games @handiworkgames.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
We're seeing renewed interest in a|state - it's a really great adaptation of the already brilliant Forged in the Dark rules. In a|state you'll take the role of troublemakers trying to improve their corner of The City, pushing back against the Trusts, organised crime, et al.
The cover of astate showing a glowing face and some tiny trouble makersThe astate rangethe contents page of a|stateA spread from a|state showing the Sneakthief playbook
24514
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Honestly want to meet everyone who worked on Star Wars: Outlaws, shake them by the hand and thank them. it was without question my GOTY, it brought me dozens of hours of unalloyed joy, it helped me in a grim period, and it’s manifestly a labour of love. That team put everything into that game.
1160
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Absolutely this, I think Assassin's Creed‘s systems have always been better suited to a frantic chase game than a hyper-competent murder simulator. Outlaws embraces this – you’re an overconfident fuck-up trying to fake it till you make it. And that means… [1/2]
1141
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Completely agree. Outlaws is full of genius design, is an unbelievably immersive and evocative interpretation of Star Wars, and has some top-tier writing. It’s the pinnacle of the Ubisoft format. They even fixed a bunch of the things that didn’t work for some folk in free patches. Amazing game.
46210
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Failbetter Games | Wishlist Mandrake on Steam! @failbettergames.com · 27/08/2026
Look for us at gamescom! You won't see rhubarb finer than this.
The Mandrake desk at gamescom. Key art of a figure in a hooded cape carrying rhubarb and a sickle is behind the playing area/monitor. The rhubarb is luxurious and green. It continues onto the desktop and down the front of the table like a beautiful farmer's market display.
210913
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
LOOK OUT! HE’S GOT A KNIFE!
My beautiful cat Pippin, with his paw on a knife like he’s ready to cut a fool.
0110
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
This is magnificent.
060
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
How have I never heard of this game!?
050
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Jon Ingold @jon.inkle.co · 25/08/2026
I've been playing with this in the last few days and it's a lovely thing. Always loved the idea of an e-ink IF platform, so I've been writing a few things to try out on it as a summer project. Lends itself to slightly chunkier blocks of story than an iphone (less swooshy). Dialogue is still great.
14816
Chris Gardiner @chrisgardiner.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Wow — rather luckily I think it’s this one from our recent trip to Tenby, which is a bit of a banger.
A photograph of Tenby’s multicoloured houses across the harbour. It’s evening, and the sun is sinking behind the seafront houses, so the land and sea and houses are dimmed, but the sky is a ludicrous, fierce blue, with a few thin clouds that look like a crust of sugar.
090
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Failbetter Games | Wishlist Mandrake on Steam! @failbettergames.com · 25/08/2026
People (kindly) say our newsletter is worth reading. Another edition is going out soon. Would you like to try it? Sign up here: bit.ly/FBGNewslette...
bit.ly
Join our mailing list
1339