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Ian Caisley

@iancaisley.bsky.social
803 followers 1.4K following 392 posts

Indie game dev and designer (game and graphic). Check out my current project, Shimmershoal, a retro-style cozy RPG: iancaisley.itch.io/shimmershoal Other places I do things: trippingwhale.com caisley.design

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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Playing Elden Ring for the first time (also my first from soft game) is like looking into the DNA of so many games over the past decade. I knew these games were influential, but wow... The influences are everywhere. #gaming #darksouls #soulslike #gamedev #gamedesign
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
Here's a piece of game literacy I have (but don't remember how I learned): You don't know how much fire and lava will hurt until you try them, and that amount could be from 0 to infinity damage. #gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
Watching my wife, a non-gamer, play Shimmershoal (my game) is a fascinating experience. It makes me realize how much "literacy" is needed in gaming to understand basic elements of each genre. #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegames #cozygames #jrpg
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Blackblooms (indiegamedev) @blackblooms.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
#pixelart #solodev #gamedev #indiegame #indiegamedev #desert #metroidvania #indiedev #blood&flames Here my current progress on the shimmering plains art The idea is that the heat form these large shards of glass in the sand which produces those beams of light that can be seen all over the region.
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BeckyKidus @beckykidus.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
...And done. Once again colored pencils on black paper, this time also with some silver and gold ink. A3, probably around 20-25 hours. #art #fantasyart #space #leopard #traditionalart #drawing
A drawing of two leopards, one normal and one black, chasing each other in a circle with a star sky and nebulae in the background
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
New enemy just dropped! (You will hate them) What do you think they do? Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900 #gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg
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Twigdamnyou @twigdamnyou.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
#pixelart #indiedev #gamedev Run animation for Gate Guardian Carth from the card game we are working on, Soulweaver Tactics.
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
I died while testing my game, Shimmershoal. This taught me I forgot to add auto saves for the past... while. Ouch 😅 #gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #bugs #gametesting #behindthescenes
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
Shimmershoal now has game pad support! I was worried it might hard to implement in the engine I'm using, but it was pretty painless. 😀 Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900 #gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg
s.team
Shimmershoal: A Cozy Island Adventure on Steam
Explore a tropical island paradise in this cozy JRPG. Battle crafty critters, solve puzzles, and learn ancient abilities to uncover the archipelago's many secrets. Adventure as apprentice Lani, and he...
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ManaBrent 🔮 Final Profit on Steam @finalprofit.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
Final Profit's on sale! 🍎 My opinion doesn't mean much. So instead, excerpts from recent reviews: "One of the best games I have ever played Period." "Went into this with no expectations and was blown away." "My addiction was real." store.steampowered.com/app/1705140/... 🎮 #indiegames #shopsim
store.steampowered.com
Save 40% on Final Profit: A Shop RPG on Steam
FINAL PROFIT is a story driven shop-sim RPG. Gather products and find customers. Spend your hard-earned profits on upgrades and investments. Make far-reaching choices as you expand your business. And ...
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
Very gratifying experience today watching an old friend really enjoy playing Shimmershoal. Can't wait for more people to see what I've been cooking. 🌴 Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900 #gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday
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GrimClownJay @grimclownjay.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
There are still 59 spots left, everybody! All #GameDevs are welcome no matter your skill level or specialty! #SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames #Python #3DArtists #PixelArtists #GameMaker #C+ #Coding
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Alex Kanaris-Sotiriou @kanaratron.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
I'm not sure how visible these are without digging, so if you're looking for indies to follow and support, check below 🙌🏻 Indie Studios: go.bsky.app/EbnyA2d Solo Indies: go.bsky.app/46HSs4C
Two starter packs for indie developers
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GrimClownJay @grimclownjay.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
It is time! If you are involved with #GameDev, this pack is for you! The last one filled up in just over 48 hours, so get your spot while it's hot! #GameDev #SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames #Python #3DArtists #PixelArtists
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Blackblooms (indiegamedev) @blackblooms.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
#indiegamedev #pixelart #solodev #bandit #gamedev #indiedev #indiegame #bossbattle #shotgun #giant My games feature a large number of bosses with all kinds of wacky concepts and movesets. Irredeamable features both bombastic chapter bosses and rival bosses that get stronger with each fight.
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TheIndieManiac @theindiemaniac.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
It’s #WishListWednesday if you are an #indiedev show me your #indiegame right now!!! 👁️👁️
media.tenor.com
a black and white drawing of a cat with the words `` gimme gimme gimme '' written on it .
ALT: a black and white drawing of a cat with the words `` gimme gimme gimme '' written on it .
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
If you were a pineapple item in a #jrpg, what would you do? #gamedev #cozygames
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Bright at Midnight: A Game Studio - The Chaser's Voyage OUT NOW @brightatmidnight.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Dev: Does nothing Game: #indiegame #gamedev
media.tenor.com
a cartoon character with the word what on the bottom right
ALT: a cartoon character with the word what on the bottom right
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GrimClownJay @grimclownjay.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
Welcome all you beginners & pros, coders & artists, composers & promoters! 🙋‍♂️ Ask to be included in this pack and I will add you. A "👍" on your request comment means you're in! #GameDev #SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames
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Kloscur @kloscur.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
We just filled up half the pack! If you’re a indie dev and want to join the pack, we welcome you with open arms! All these devs are really cool, so please make sure to check them out as well! ✨♥️ #gamedev #indiegamedev #videogame #bluesky #solodev #indiegame #sologamedev #starterpack
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
Meet the Monsters of the South Shore! Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900 #gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday #lore #worldbuilding #monsters
Shimmershoal, a Cozy Island Adventure.
Meet the Monsters - South Shore:
The South Shore may be picture perfect, but it isn't without danger. Giant crabs are slow, but pack a wallop, and the colorful lizards here can disorient prey with their hypnotic movements. Rumor has it something much bigger lurks off shore, too...
 
Ornery Crab, Frilly Devil, ???
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Ruby Graves (Life and Tech Art) @rubygraves.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
One shader can make a difference. Quick lava effect vs final lava shader after a bit of experimentation to see what works with the scene. If you like what you see wishlist: store.steampowered.com/app/3727480/... #gamedev #art #shader #techart #indiedev #puzzlegame #gameart #cartoon
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
I worked with a colorblind friend to improve the #accessibility of this puzzle. Waaaay better! The lesson is you should avoid be using color alone to signify a state change. Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900 #gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Steam curator list focused on improving visibility for #RPGMaker devs! It's a great thing to support a small dev scene so go show it some love. 😄 store.steampowered.com/curator/4569... #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegames #jrpg
store.steampowered.com
Steam Curator: RPGMaker Kino
RPGmaker games I think other people should check out. This page is solely to help create visibility for RPGMaker games as I feel Steam does not do a very good job of making them visible.
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Support a #solodev! They just released their awesome new visual novel and it's really well written. Check it out. 😄
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Found a moment tonight to break my #gamedev hiatus, and tinkered with player speed in response to feedback. It's feeling better I think. Move speed is so important for the pace of your game, and it's a vibe check. Feels are everything! #solodev #indiedev #jrpg #gamedesign #cozygame #indiegames
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RoboRob has traveled through time @theanimationvoice.com · 07/07/2025
30 minutes away!
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
Do action elements improve turn based combat in JRPGs? (E.g. Paper Mario, Clair Obscur) Comment your thoughts! #gamedev #gamedesign #rpg #jrpg #gaming #indiegames #discussion
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TheIndieManiac @theindiemaniac.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
It’s #screenshotsaturday if you are an #indiedev show me the #indiegame you are working on right now!!! 👁️👁️
media.tenor.com
a black and white drawing of a cat with the words `` gimme gimme gimme '' written on it .
ALT: a black and white drawing of a cat with the words `` gimme gimme gimme '' written on it .
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
(1/3) Am I crazy? First bullet of 3.1.1 in the #Apple app store guidelines appears to imply that unlocking things through gameplay isn't allowed (unlocking "features and content" must use in-app purchases): developer.apple.com/app-store/re... #appstore #mobilegames #mobile #ios #gamedev #indiedev
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
Still alive, still on hiatus from #gamedev. Help me escape a busy day job, wishlist Shimmershoal! 🌞 store.steampowered.com/app/3637900/... #indiedev #grind #dayjob #solodev #cozygames #jrpg #wishlist #indiegames
store.steampowered.com
Shimmershoal: A Cozy Island Adventure on Steam
Explore a tropical island paradise in this cozy JRPG. Battle crafty critters, solve puzzles, and learn ancient abilities to uncover the archipelago's many secrets. Adventure as apprentice Lani, and he...
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Indiegameiacs @indiegameiacs.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Let's see 'em! #indiedev #screenshotsaturday #indiegamedev
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
I've been a bit quiet lately, and that's because a bunch of real life priorities have taken over. Hazards of being a #solodev working in my spare time. Thanks so much to everyone who's been following Shimmershoal so far. The hiatus is temporary and hopefully short. #gamedev #indiedev #indiegames
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
#PitchYaGame Shimmershoal: A Cozy Island Adventure 🌞Cozy Retro-Style JRPG 🌴Relaxing Vibe, Deep Gameplay 🎶Bossa Nova Soundtrack 🦊One of the main characters is a cute fox Wishlist Shimmershoal: store.steampowered.com/app/3637900/... #gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
(1/3) As a #solodev, I rely on stock assets for some parts of Shimmershoal. This bit me, though, when I recently learned the enemies I was using were created with AI 😑. I'm pleased to say I've now found even better replacements! #gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg
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Daniel Burke - 🍺Innkeep @innkeep.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
The portraits of the characters for the Innkeep prologue, by Torgeir Fyereide. #indiegames #pixelart
Pixel art portraits of 11 characters.
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Sleepy Rocket | Cone Sweet Cone✨ @sleepyrocket.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
🚨 Bathhouse Creatures launches TOMORROW! 🚿🧼 Soak your worries away, meet cute ducks, pamper a hippo, deal with mischievous monkeys, and decorate your animal bathhouse! #indiedev #indiegame #cozygame #pixelart #godot
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
Shimmershoal is going for quality over quantity approach with skills, and making Lani and Keke's (the MCs) kits feel different but complimentary is the goal! Wishlist Shimmershoal: store.steampowered.com/app/3637900/... #gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg
store.steampowered.com
Shimmershoal: A Cozy Island Adventure on Steam
Explore a tropical island paradise in this cozy JRPG. Battle crafty critters, solve puzzles, and learn ancient abilities to uncover the archipelago's many secrets. Adventure as apprentice Lani, and he...
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Any shortcut unlock fans out there? #gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg Wishlist Shimmershoal: store.steampowered.com/app/3637900/...
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
@ichiro.bsky.social I'm having that thing where the video game boost bot is reposting over and over. Appreciate its enthusiasm, but yeah... 😅
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
Working on some puzzle stuff tonight. (WIP footage. 🛠) Wishlist Shimmershoal: store.steampowered.com/app/3637900/... #gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday #puzzle #puzzles
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
I love world building cause you get to learn about things you never would in your normal life. I'm learning so much about age of sail galleon's right now researching for the next dungeon in Shimmershoal. #gamedev #indiedev #indiegames #solodev #cozygame #jrpg #ships #lore
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Does anyone know a lot about age of sail era sailing ships? I'm doing research for my upcoming shipwreck dungeon in Shimmershoal and it's kind of hard to find good deck maps of them that aren't battle maps for DnD (which are of dubious accuracy). #gamedev #indiegames #solodev #sailing #history
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WispRoy @wisproy.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
I am so proud that Herald is finished and now in the #LudoNarraCon! And we did it on a shoestring budget, without the us of AI etc. Just a bunch of talented ppl who made this possible, and ultimately finished it because they kept going at it. Plz check it out, Book I is free! #majorupdate #indiedev
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Cozy Harry 🐭 Pawsta 🔜 Coming to Kickstarter 💚 @cozyharry.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
My last #cozygames pack filled up, so here's another!🤯 Let me know if you know of/ have a cozy game that would fit right in!✨ Some of the early birbs: 🦤 @agentepsilon.bsky.social 🐦 @monzerol.bsky.social 🐤 @trendywalnut.dev 🦚 @danchidays.bsky.social 🦜 @gracebruxner.bsky.social go.bsky.app/AL4zHJf
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Updated trailer! Shimmershoal is a cozy tropical #jrpg I'm solo-developing right now. Wishlist now on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/3637900/... #wishlistwednesday #trailer #indiedev #gamedev #solodev #cozygames #cute #fantasy #tropical #femaleprotagonist #fox #exploration #anime
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Azurexis @azurexis.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
If you find the Elder Tree, you can spend your buttons to help other (real) players!!✨ Spending buttons improves your karma... 📈 ...and the higher your karma, the more help you'll get from other players too! 😊 #gamedev | #indiedev | #madewithunity
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Cyan Worlds @cyan.com · 07/05/2025
Here's a peek at the magic behind our surreal worlds: A bunch of friendly nerds hiding out in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, drinking tea (sometimes coffee) out of O.G. Myst mugs. 🌲☕️🧑‍💻🌲
A close-up of a well-used Myst-themed coffee mug filled with coffee, sitting on a wooden conference table. In the background, two laptops are open showing screenshots of Myst and Riven in web browsers. A hand with a ring rests on a mouse beside one laptop. The scene suggests a casual, creative workspace at Cyan.
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Mr Sheriffen @mrsheriffen.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
Sneak peek Saturday is back. This time showing off a flame shockwave attack that will be part of 'Marrowhold Cemetery' boss's arsenal! Playtest for FREE on Itch ⬇ bit.ly/4itAWxA #pixelart | #roguelike | #gamedev | #indiegame | #metroidvania
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
Major demo update released! iancaisley.itch.io/shimmershoal... If you haven't tried Shimmershoal yet, there's never been a better time. Please report any bugs you find on the Itch page. ♥ #majorupdate #gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygames #jrpg #demo
iancaisley.itch.io
Major Demo Update Released!
Demo version 0.2.5 available now! A brand new demo is now available with additional content beyond what was in demo version 0.1. You'll get to meet a very important new character, and see the start of...
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