Sign in

Francois van Niekerk

@francoisvn.bsky.social
681 followers 264 following 138 posts

Studio Director at @clockworkacorn.com • he/him • leafcloud.com • Cape Town, South Africa

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Feather’s Edge by Clockwork Acorn @clockworkacorn.com · 10/10/2026
It’s World Migratory Bird Day today and to celebrate, Birds of Play has officially kicked off! Feather’s Edge is a part of its very cool, bird-centric Steam event where you discover awesome bird themed games! Check it out here: store.steampowered.com/sale/BirdsOf...
store.steampowered.com
Birds of Play
Come on in and find exclusive demos, new releases, and plenty of discounts.
154
Francois van Niekerk @francoisvn.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
@bonganivizdev.bsky.social ?
010
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Reuters @reuters.com · 09/10/2026
South African judge Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize 'for her efforts to promote ‌peace and international law,' the Norwegian Nobel Committee said reut.rs/4hUSHXz
reut.rs
South Africa's Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize
Pillay, 85, won "for her efforts to promote peace and international law", the Norwegian Nobel Committee said.
36228
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Mike Bithell @mikebithell.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
It is absolutely preferable to not pick up the cigarette in the first place news.berkeley.edu/2026/10/09/u...
news.berkeley.edu
Using AI for just 10 minutes erodes your ability to persist at hard things - Berkeley News
A UC Berkeley researcher co-authored a study that raises profound questions about how we interact with artificial intelligence in education — and daily life.
262643954
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Kotaku @kotaku.com · 09/10/2026
Back in May, Double Fine employees petitioned for a union. Two weeks later, that petition was withdrawn. What happened? kotaku.com/inside-the-failed-fight-…
kotaku.com
Inside The Failed Fight To Unionize Double Fine
Double Fine employees petitioned for a union in May. It created a rift in the studio that still hasn't healed
14967333
Francois van Niekerk @francoisvn.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Remember: "We've updated our terms to be tailored to where you live" is just code for "We’ve updated our terms just as much as legally required, so if your gov hasn't forced us to be better to you, we will take advantage of you as much as possible, even with the effort of parallel legal docs" 🖕
010
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Andrew Lawrence @ndrew.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
they did the thing
an october 11 2025 post from me reading: every single tech idea is like “soon our robots will be capable of playing catch with your kid, freeing you up to spend more time working on your employers’ spreadsheets”
253162163708
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Feather’s Edge by Clockwork Acorn @clockworkacorn.com · 06/10/2026
Thank you to everyone who has played the Feather’s Edge demo so far 🐦⚔️ If you haven’t dashed and slashed through our kinetic metroidvania yet, play the demo on Steam right now! Find it here: store.steampowered.com/app/5094710/... Please share and enjoy our demo!
Screenshot of a boss battle in the Feather’s Edge demo. Featuring our hoopoe protagonist dashing mid air after slicing through a piece of a giant centipede-looking enemy. Screenshot of our hoopoe protagonist amidst firey spikes that line the walls of a lava laden environment.Screenshot of Upu, our hoopoe protagonist, in the middle of an icy battle. It features multiple enemies.Our hoopoe protagonist going for the final slice, ending a battle with one of our bosses.
0136
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Aysha U. Farah @ayshaufarah.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
I still think about the conversation I had with an uber driver Him: so what do you do Me: I’m a video game writer Him: wait, video games? They have writing? What do you write? Me: you know when you open up a game and you see the words? Him: yeah? Me: those
122068474
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Gail Simone @gailsimone.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
You guys want to hear a short but adorable story that happened right in front of me at the baggage claim in NYC yesterday? I wasn't part of it and there are bits I didn't catch but holy crap, I can't stop thinking about it.
5440691218
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Derek Yu @mossmouth.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
UFO 50 is 30% off on Steam for Autumn Sale! 🍒: store.steampowered.com/app/1147860/...
122285
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Aura/Moom @moomanibe.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
I frequently see "AI" boosters implying that LLMs are simply an innate and superior part of coding now, inescapable, and that literally all programmers agree with them. And, well. That, too, is a form of propaganda
Looking at my software peers in 2026 I see fatigued faces, I see frustration, and I see a lot of people looking for a way out of an industry that seems poised on the brink of collapse. LLMs are being pushed on us at every turn, most people seem at best frustrated by them, and ultimately they seem to appeal most to people who see the production of software as a purely mechanical means to an end. They are antithetical, however, to the idea of software as a craft, or something requiring both initial and ongoing care. As an expression of the soul.
271818577
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Adam deGrandis @adamdegrandis.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I've been seeing this one cook for a bit. It's a cool one. Check it out.
031
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Razzball @razzball.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Announcing the merger with Titanic footage is an incredible bit
David Ellison • @ellisonskyd... 2h
What once was the peak, is now just the beginning.
Paramount and Warner Bros. shaped over a century of culture. By combining them, we aren't rewriting history — we're equipping these iconic studios with a more powerful engine. Together, we are Skydance: a creative-first ho Show
467144942898
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Francois van Niekerk @francoisvn.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Our demo is live! 🎉 I'm incredibly proud of the demo our team has put together, and it's been really fun to see early playtesters that love it. Find some time this weekend to play and enjoy yourself 🙌🥳
1138
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Outersloth @outersloth.com · 02/10/2026
NEW OUTERSLOTH GAME DEMO 🔥 🦅 Dash and slash through foes in bite-sized battles 🦅 Explore a handcrafted world 🦅 Multiple powers, enemies, bosses, more! Try the game out now and let them know what you think~ store.steampowered.com/app/5094710/Feathers_Edge_Demo/
12910
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Feather’s Edge by Clockwork Acorn @clockworkacorn.com · 02/10/2026
The demo for Feather’s Edge has officially left the nest! We’re excited to announce that it is available to play on Steam - happy dashing and slashing! Play the demo today: store.steampowered.com/app/5094710/Feathers_Edge_Demo/ #indiegames Please share and enjoy our demo!
store.steampowered.com
Feather's Edge Demo on Steam
Dash and slash through an innovative kinetic metroidvania. The Tower of Time awaits – a rich, handcrafted world fractured by the collapse of time. Slice through foes in tough-as-talons bite-sized batt...
55834
Francois van Niekerk @francoisvn.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Our demo is live! 🎉 I'm incredibly proud of the demo our team has put together, and it's been really fun to see early playtesters that love it. Find some time this weekend to play and enjoy yourself 🙌🥳
1138
Francois van Niekerk @francoisvn.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
✅
021
Francois van Niekerk @francoisvn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Last time took 4 days
110
Francois van Niekerk @francoisvn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Might drop a demo this week... Who's keen? ⚔️🐦
160
Francois van Niekerk @francoisvn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
It was quick, but a long time ago. I think follow up after a few days if you haven't heard back
110
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Alejandra Caraballo @esqueer.net · 27/09/2026
The before and after it's even more haunting.
3529111649
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Orta Therox @orta.io · 28/09/2026
Welcome back to the week, for folks who might have missed it. I've been working on allowing 3rd party games on @puzzmo.com this year and we're opening the doors just an inch to test the waters for this week bsky.app/profile/stfj...
0166
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Eugene Vinitsky 🍒 @eugenevinitsky.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
A rich person can never be held accountable. Therefore, a rich person must never make a societal decision
899992574
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Zach Gage @stfj.net · 25/09/2026
📣 We're trying something new over here in Puzzmo land — community games. We still have plenty of our own games coming, but if you've got a game you think would be a fit for Puzzmo, reach out! More info & the submission form here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... Submissions run through October 2.
docs.google.com
Submit A Game To Puzzmo
We're thinking about having a handful of games from members of our community appear on Puzzmo later this year. We’re always working towards Puzzmo being the place for thoughtful puzzles, so this proje...
04522
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Devolver Digital @devolverdigital.com · 23/09/2026
STICK IT TO THE STICKMAN HAS HIT VERSION 1.0! 🧠 new Neurolink game mode 💸 new Billionaire Bunker game mode 💥 new quests and an actual ending Get it now for 50% off on Steam and start climbing the corporate ladder!
18219
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
zep.p8 @lexaloffle.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
#pico8 now has the most officially published cartridges of any console in history. Well done everyone.
15700123
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Dan Whitehead @danwhitehead.net · 22/09/2026
Nothing will ever be enough for these people.
Microsoft gross profit for the quarter ending June 30, 2026 was $60.482B, a 15.36% increase year-over-year.
Microsoft gross profit for the twelve months ending June 30, 2026 was $225.465B, a 16.28% increase year-over-year.
Microsoft annual gross profit for 2026 was $225.465B, a 16.28% increase from 2025.
Microsoft annual gross profit for 2025 was $193.893B, a 13.38% increase from 2024.
Microsoft annual gross profit for 2024 was $171.008B, a 17.09% increase from 2023.
42303928
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Zi @majormcdoom.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
YESSSS!! Took a couple days, but I now have one motor function that can lets penguins hit any point on anything with any point on any other thing. Probably one of the most versatile motor tasks I've made. SO happy with this! 🐧🐟🔨🙏🧊🚿🪵 #GodotEngine #gamedev #indiedev
2449780
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Cozy Lives @cozylivesgames.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
In Dressmaker, you can choose fabrics, cut patterns, sew garments, and add detailed trims with complete creative freedom. Fulfill custom orders for the townsfolk or make your own off-the-rack designs. Out now on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/4019220/... #CozyGames #IndieGame #Gaming #Steam
3257118
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Justin Jest @justinjest.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
3551061021
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Jake Birkett - Veteran Indie @greyalien.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
DLC ANNOUNCEMENT! Just when you thought the card-flipping horrors were over... new secrets are unearthed. Introducing a brand new story-driven DLC, Forbidden Solitaire: The Discarded! Please wishlist and share: store.steampowered.com/app/5238350/... New levels, enemies, jokers, sigils + more!
13399150
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Aysha U. Farah @ayshaufarah.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
This is a piece of advice I always give when I consult: you need someone to have final say. Even in a co-op, even in a group of peers. There needs to be someone who can say “okay, we are implementing this” someone has to take on responsibility for the decisions
447183
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Loot Donkey @lootdonkey.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
It's official, we are launching into early access on November 16th ! Demo out now. youtu.be/p6J9jvnvDmU
youtu.be
Fool King launch date reveal trailer - PC Gaming Show 2026
YouTube video by PC Gamer
12411
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
CloverLeaf🍀✨ @clovereatscookies.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I drew the bird @clockworkacorn.com #upu #feather’sedge (Sketch)
295
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Draculosity Jones: Ghost Skeleton @brainmage.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Genuinely - *genuinely* - thought this was a @theonion.com headline. Holy shit.
15749203
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Feather’s Edge by Clockwork Acorn @clockworkacorn.com · 19/09/2026
If you write about or review games, stream or create content, we’d love for you to sign up for our Press & Content Creator list! Get notified about our latest games like Feather's Edge, press releases and kits, redeemable game keys, and more Sign up here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com
Clockwork Acorn: Press & Content Creator List
Hello! We’re Clockwork Acorn, an indie development studio based in South Africa. If you write about or review games, stream or create content, then sign up on this form to get added to our press list....
073
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
404 Media @404media.co · 17/09/2026
"Millions of people around the world will soon consider large models ‘hoovering up’ all their work to be an astonishing theft of unprecedented proportions."
404media.co
‘Doom Loop’: OpenAI and Microsoft Admits LLMs Are Destroying the Web and Built on Theft
"Millions of people around the world will soon consider large models ‘hoovering up’ all their work to be an astonishing theft of unprecedented proportions."
15395166
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
jazz mickle @queenjazz.gay · 18/09/2026
oh you're targeting windows and linux? thats so cute. im hitting every custom handheld ever made. i'm hitting gamecube. im hitting the fucking dragonbox pyra
2351
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Dom2D 💜 @dom2d.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I hope you find a cute chill moment for yourself today! Let yourself enjoy something small, silly, or inspiring!
08713
Francois van Niekerk @francoisvn.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Ah pity. My tip might work after you update it 🤷‍♂️
110
Francois van Niekerk @francoisvn.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Don't provide a password every time. When you do it forces a new login and 2FA. Counter intuitive I know!
120
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
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.
1134441142
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Jon Perry @perryjon.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
🎉 Party House: The Deckbuilding Game is available for preorder now! 🚶‍♀️Follow the link below to learn more and back the Kickstarter. www.kickstarter.com/projects/bit... ✨ While you're there, you also have the option to preorder a board game adaptation of fantastic videogame Baba is You!
312134
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
A.J. Wilden🏳️‍⚧️ @wcwit.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
"They're not misunderstanding the film; they're co-opting a message"
Screencap from the interview linked in the quoted post

Marlow Stern (the interviewer):  You have one of the most renowned replies in Twitter history. Elon Musk tweeted out, “Take the red pill,” then Ivanka Trump enthusiastically wrote, “Taken!” to him, and then you replied, “Fuck both of you.” I’m curious how you feel about the co-opting of “The Matrix” by those on the right who don’t really seem to understand its messaging.

Lilly Wachowski: I mean, I can’t sit in a room and explain the movie to every single person who watches it. Even if I did sit in a room with Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump — yikes — it doesn’t matter. They’re not misunderstanding the film; they’re co-opting a message. And that’s what fascists do: They co-opt the messages of progressives and use it to their benefit to confuse and obfuscate what is going on and the intention of their ideology. They do it with everything. They do it with Martin Luther King Jr. Look at how they’ve changed the idea of what antisemitism is.
52145005761
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Tom Francis @pentadact.com · 11/09/2026
Continuing to quietly beat the drum of "Designing without testing is like painting with your eyes shut."
216016
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
NamaTakahashi @namataka.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
I used to think working on a game for years must be incredibly hard, but once you’ve spent a few months on it, that “I’ve already come this far…” feeling starts piling up, and somehow quitting just stops feeling like an option.
1725
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Feather’s Edge by Clockwork Acorn @clockworkacorn.com · 11/09/2026
We will be closing sign ups soon, so if you'd like to become a Feather's Edge playtester, please sign up today on our store page: store.steampowered.com/app/3804760/Feathers_Edge
store.steampowered.com
Feather's Edge on Steam
Dash and slash through an innovative kinetic metroidvania. The Tower of Time awaits – a rich, handcrafted world fractured by the collapse of time. Slice through foes in tough-as-talons bite-sized batt...
012
Reposted by Francois van Niekerk
Feather’s Edge by Clockwork Acorn @clockworkacorn.com · 11/09/2026
Playtests have officially begun! 🐦⚔️ We'll be rolling out the playtest invitations in batches. If you requested playtest access, keep an eye on your emails or on our store page for an invite! For more info, check out our Announcement: store.steampowered.com/news/app/3804760/…/680761125088788890
store.steampowered.com
Feather's Edge - Steam News Hub
Updates, events, and news from the developers of Feather's Edge.
263