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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
If you use your fiancé too much they'll get too good at your game and they won't be a good yardstick anymore. 😉
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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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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Incredible work!
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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 · 08/09/2025
The run backs (plus tons of funky jumps with instant kill spikes everywhere) were what turned me off of the original hollow knight. A little disappointed to hear the former is back.
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Hey, thanks!
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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
Thanks!
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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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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Thanks for reaching out! I'm not currently looking for translation services, but I will keep your name on file if I need that in the future.
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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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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
I would love to be included in one if you do so! I'm a solo dev.
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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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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
I think one of the key factors for my enjoyment is things need to be challenging, but I don't like punishing death. Don't make me do a bunch of easy stuff again every time I lose to the hard thing.
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
I'm the same way. I like when it feels like I need to use all the junk I'm picking up creatively to succeed. I also don't enjoy a slog, though. Bosses that are a damage sponge are quite boring to me. I like damage being fairly high on both sides.
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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 · 13/08/2025
Nice! This is just the kind of pineapple insight I'm looking for 😄
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
That's an interesting caveat. Is that based on a real property of them?
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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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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
That sounds awesome, appreciate it. 👋
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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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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
If it's not too late I'd love to be added to this. Thank you for supporting the indie scene!
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
Thank you! 😄
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
Hey there! I'm not sure how to check if I'm in the others, but would love to be added if not. 😄 Great job supporting indies.
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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'm so happy to hear it, thank you!
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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
I agree with that. Personally I've enjoyed it in some games and not in others.
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
Bug Fables was great! It's interesting you say this because I feel really similar and I've been trying to put my finger on why. I like paper Mario's action stuff (though I don't think all games need it), but a lot of it in Clair Obscur doesn't do it for me and feels like a chore.
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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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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
Yeah, though to be fair to the games almost every third person game back then had horrible camera. It was the era of tank controls after all
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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
(3/3) —Apps may not use their own mechanisms to unlock content or functionality, such as license keys, augmented reality markers, QR codes, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency wallets, etc." "their own mechanism" would include gameplay, no? I don't see anything that says otherwise. 🤔
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Ian Caisley @iancaisley.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
(2/3) Full text : "If you want to unlock features or functionality within your app, (by way of example: subscriptions, in-game currencies, game levels, access to premium content, or unlocking a full version), you must use in-app purchase.—
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