iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

DevDave @davidhardie.net · 21/07/2026

getting back into pixel UV mapping, but this time trying out some layering strategies. this would make characters with custom equipment feasible while keeping a certain aesthetic. can sometimes look a little trippy.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 21/07/2026

yeah, you could say i'm a gamer.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 16/06/2026

why is it always like this

a person holding up a megaphone to their phone in a desperate ettempt to hear the person on the line. The person says "hello welcome to fucker helpdesk PLEASE HOLD"
the caller is then bombarded with loud noises. the text reads: THE LOUDEST MOST DISTORTED ELEVATOR MUSIC BEAMED DIRECTLY TO YOUR EARDRUMS

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 15/06/2026

gave state trees a try. felt familiar but didnt quite hit for me #unrealengine #gamedev

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 01/06/2026

A lot of people on Steam still don't know that getting the first 10 reviews is imperative. Once my game hit that mark, the discovery queue started showing my game. So, uh, if you liked a game and the dev team is small, please drop a review. Otherwise it stays buried. #gamedev

graph showing steam page views for Kiopioke over time from July 2024 to August 2024. Views are under 500 per day until the 10 review threshold is hit, then views spike to over 4500 in a day.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 28/05/2026

Occasionally refactoring and starting to notice something as RAM prices skyrocket. If this continues then maybe I can fit my game on a SNES cart. #solodev #gamedev

graph showing avg price of RAM in the first few months of 2026. Price increases for about 9 to almost 18. Graph also shows asset class size in MiB over time. One is for Disk size, which reduces from about 24 to 18. The other is for Memory Size, reducing from about 23 to 15.

memory size map showing class dependencies

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 24/05/2026

So this is the output of the wOrLd ChAnGiNg tool of the future? An "agent" who replies to a 10 month old post to spew "advice" on *checks quote* "tiered progression systems" and "paywalled content." For a platformer meant to be 5-10 hours. Brilliant. No fucking notes. #gamedev

a great example of what AI agents actually do: nothing of value.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 20/05/2026

Visualizing NPC zone coverage with a whiteboard and kids magnets. Of course the home team defence are the stars. #gamedev

Whiteboard of ice hockey defensive zone coverage.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 08/05/2026

Having trouble figuring something out, so I'm trying some really simple language pseudo code. Maybe too simple. This will surely lead to a solution. #gamedev #unrealengine

Pseudo code reading:

important opponent(s) enters my zone
i am defender. i am responsible. so is my friend
is he around? where is he?
i cover 2 bads? or maybe MORE?
i know! triangels

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 05/05/2026

Here's how I do sprite recolouring: -Apply UV map pixels to a sprite -Use the UV values to select colours from a Coloured UV --->add customization options like hair colour, beard, etc -Add shading #gamedev #pixelart #Habs

png of a sprite recolouring process. Shows each step of the process. Text is:
Title: How I Recoloured Sprites (general process)
UV Map + Character Sprite = UV Mapped Sprite
UV Mapped Sprite + Coloured UV with Character Options + Shading = Final Sprite.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 14/04/2026

I think the saying goes "fifth time's the charm" #hockey #NHL #oilers #kings

meme of cartoon kid praying on his bed. He says "Please god let the oilers play the kings in the first round again because it would be so fucking funny."

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 12/02/2026

What other stats do you want to see in a hockey game? #gamedev #hockey

a data structure showing player stats: speed, shot power, shot accuracy, faceoffs

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 28/01/2026

HoF trolling from this #Habs fan. For those not in the know, the 67 is not some reference to the meme, but rather to the last time the Leafs won the Cup, 1967. (Montreal has 10 cups since then.) They aren't even playing Toronto. Just chef's kiss work from this legendary hater. #NHL #hockey

picture from a broadcast of a Habs/Vegas NHL game. The camera is focused on The Vegas coach, but a fan in the background is stealing the spotlight; he is wearing a Canadiens jersey with the nameplate "Leafs Suck" and the number 67, a reference to the last year the Leafs won a Cup.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 25/01/2026

West games are on late so I don't know how Calgary and Vancouver do their powerplays and penalty kills, but based on the stats, I'm guessing it looks like this. #pixelart #nhl

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 23/01/2026

Just found out about PaperZD. It enables animation blueprints for sprites. With state machines. It's...it's glorious. The multi-directional feature 😙🤌 #gamedev #unrealengine #pixelart

screenshot of unreal engine PaperZD Animation blueprint with a pixel art hockey player. User has highlighted the multi-directional feature as a "game changer".

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 26/12/2025

The delivery guy trying to make his last delivery before Christmas #gamedev

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 12/12/2025

Happy early crimbus. Kiopioke -> 80% off store.steampowered.com/app/2696660/...

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 22/10/2025

Any need by #UnrealEngine users for an analog controller plugin? It converts player input into 360 degree values, normalized values, and square coordinates. It also gives designers a quick way to change deadzones. If there's interest I can go thru the effort to make it available (free) #gamedev

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 16/10/2025

Continuation of my #nhl sprites. I can paint team "kits" in a generic .png file and apply them to a model that mimics UV maps, but for #pixelart. This way I only have to draw a sprite once and then I can create new team variations quickly. I think this is similar to how they did it for NHL94

pixel art of hockey players, home and away sprites for the Atlantic division of the NHL: Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 30/09/2025

In my game, you play as a 🐦birb. You've got a wacky beak that can be used like a springboard to launch around levels. Not persuaded yet? There's also an 🐘elephant with a wacky trunk that can grab things. Still not convinced? How about 75% off? store.steampowered.com/app/2696660/... 🎮 #gamedev

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 19/09/2025

Trying out some low poly modelling with low resolution texturing. My first experience in Blockbench. Even if it is missing functionality that Blender has, I found it more fun. I think the limitations help with establishing a style! #3dmodelling #pixelart #lowpoly

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 07/09/2025

I've been working on custom client authoritative movement AND abilities. The client pawn is using two abilities; a jump and then a "pounce". Net simulation is "bad" (100-200 ping with 5% loss). The client appears smooth on the server and gives a great experience for the player. #UE5 #gamedev

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 02/09/2025

Hey #gamedev, add accessibility options and button customization. It gives people options to play the way that's best/most expressive for them. It was a pita to make them but I'm glad I did, and so is this lovely reviewer.

text from a Steam review praising accessibility options for a game.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 21/08/2025

It's ready. Help me share the news, Bluesky! Kiopioke Patch 1.1: Rupert's Delivery is out now. It adds a new adventure, new character, new area and more! To celebrate, the game is 70% off for a short time. store.steampowered.com/app/2696660/... #indiegame 🎮 #gamedev #bigupdate #pixel

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 20/08/2025

Re-imagining levels for different characters is really fun. In this case, I added some platforms to keep Rupert bouncing because he doesn't have a wall slide like Kiopioke and his hit box is a little different too. Both factors change the timing just enough to matter. #indiegame #gamedev #unreal 🎮

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 20/08/2025

Woohoo! Patch 1.1: Rupert's Delivery is coming to Kiopioke on Aug 21. Read more about it here: store.steampowered.com/news/app/269... #indiegame #gamedev 🎮 #bigupdate

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 19/08/2025

LMAO @natalieisnot.stream I just noticed this while doing some testing; my translator translated your name into French. I asked what he was doing and he meme shrugged. (I'm keeping it like this btw) #gamedev

Beta testing credits for Kiopioke, but one of the credits is translated from "NatalieIsNot" to "Natalie n'est pas"

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 18/08/2025

Here's what Steam compares my game to. The first 3/4 are direct inspirations, so I think they did pretty well. #gamedev #indiegame

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 18/08/2025

Rupert gets around the world with his special trunk. When in range of a hook, the player can press a button to grab and then launch. They have to mind their timing, trajectory, and space. Different design from Kiopioke and a fun thing to build. Patch very soon! #gamedev #indiegame

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 09/08/2025

Looks like we've reached the witch hunt stage of accusing everyone of using AI in their games. This behaviour will only push small developers to the "fuck it" stage where they just use AI, since they are going to be accused anyways. #gamedev

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 07/08/2025

When you are a solo dev, you gotta do a bunch of different things like capsule art. You need it fast, so you'll frantically make something. Then you'll maybe have time to redo it a year later. Anyways, here's what that looks like (newer first) #indiegame #gamedev #art #steam #originalcharacter

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 05/08/2025

Kiopioke is my first commercial game and has been selected as part of Debut Festival 2025 hosted by @gamedevist.bsky.social This fest showcases debut releases from developers. It runs on Steam from Aug 7-11. #indiegame #gamedev #gamefest #platformer

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 01/08/2025

DLC alpha invites just went out. Getting that anxious/excited feeling again. Here's a #pixelart of a returning character who has received a small glow-up: Waffles! #indiegame #gamedev #unreal

pixelart of Waffles the elephant from Kiopioke.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 31/07/2025

They're baaaaaaack. (please excuse the work in progress character) #gamedev #indiegame #pixelart

pixel art of two antagonists from Kiopioke: Goop and Gulp. Goop is saying "IMAGINE NOT JUMPING, WHAT A HOSER."

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 30/07/2025

Some #pixelart for the new mechanic in the upcoming DLC. Alpha testing is starting soon. #indiegame #gamedev

pixel art picture showing two brass hooks on wooden scaffolding.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 28/07/2025

Just finished the first draft of the new area for Kiopioke DLC. Here's what it looks like zoomed out. Gonna clean up the character and then do some friends and family testing. Trying to contain my hype. #indiedev #gamedev #unreal

zoomed out view of the area and level design for the new Kiopioke DLC. Shows a chain of levels in a level design editor in unreal engine 5.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 25/07/2025

Great, the porn bot followers are here 😮‍💨

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 17/07/2025

Tomorrow marks one year since Kiopioke was released...and there's more to come. More info dropping tomorrow. #indiegamedev #solodev #birds #bigupdate

Pixelart celebrating one year of Kiopioke. It shows all the characters from the game.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 27/06/2025

So you missed the Kiopioke summer kickoff sale. Well, you can run from it, but it's still coming for you. 🐦Kiopioke and 🎵Songbird are ***65%*** off for a limited time during the #Steam Summer sale. store.steampowered.com/app/2696660/... #indiegamedev #indiegame #steamsale #pixelart #chiptune

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 25/06/2025

Working on a new character, which one hits best? #pixelart #gamedev #elephant

pixel art of an elephant in 4 different colour variations: green, red, pink, purple.

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 25/06/2025

That feeling that you get when you have an idea and you can't wait to get started on it. Definitely feeling the motivation today

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 19/06/2025

Since autumn I've been making some prototypes. Most of them didn't quite have *it* so I stopped development. Now I have one that I think is fun, though it'll take a while to make. Here's a peek at how characters can interact with objects...like a tree. #gamedev #solodev #tree #unreal

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 18/06/2025

To all the new and returning players, thank you! I feel your determination. Some levels are tough, but you and Kiopioke are tougher. It's not how many times you get hit, it's how many times you get back up. You got this. #indiegame #gamedev #birds #chiptune #pixelart #thegameplayisthestory

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DevDave @davidhardie.net · 16/06/2025

>The Steam Summer sale starts early for Kiopioke. ⏰< Right now you can get 65% off 🐦Kiopioke on Steam. Some reviews: >"One of the best platformers since Celeste." 😲 >"One of the most fun central mechanics I’ve seen in the genre." >"birb out of 10" #steam #steamsale #gamedev #indiegame

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