iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Justin Hogie

Edd Coates | Game UI Database @eddcoates.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Yet again, the Game UI Database is being scraped to the point that it's getting knocked offline. Even Cloudflare's "I'm under attack" mode isn't working. I just wanted to create a resource for real designers. I'm getting so fucking sick of this.

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Luke Plunkett @lukeplunkett.com · 16/09/2026

super sphere fx rules, there's some Good Shit™ here

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Announcing my next game: Super Sphere FX! 🎉 I'm very proud to be a recipient of Screen Australia's Emerging Gamemakers Fund! 🙏 This game's story is bases on my own personal experience growing up in the 80s, where I was the only mixed-race kid in school. www.screenaustralia.gov.au/screen-austr...

Announcement of a new game "Super Sphere FX", which has an early 3D low polygon art style, and has received funding from Screen Australia.

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

I got some funding from #artsACT for my *next* game! 🥳 Details soon (when Microvania Switch port is done 😅) tinyurl.com/39kj5hze Congrats to the other games on this list as well! 🎉 A big thanks to artsACT for supporting games as an art form! 🙇 #indiegame #solodev #indiegamedev

arts.act.gov.au

Current Funding Recipients

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

This might be a long shot. But if you’re at AVCon in Adelaide this weekend, feel free to come & say hi 👋 I’ll be in the Indie Games Room not far from the Streamcast stage, demoing my new game! 🎉 (And yes, Microvania is still coming to Switch, maybe sooner than you expect 😉) #avcon #avcon2026

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

🏅Microvania is tied for 10th place in the Guru’s top 10 of Metroid-likes! 🎉 I’ll take it! 😅 tinyurl.com/pac9j3su youtu.be/l6q4i1YEXLE #wishlistwednesday #indiegamedev #metroidvania #pixelart #retro #solodev #gamedev #unity #noai #SteamDeck

youtu.be

Top Ten Metroid-Likes (That AREN'T Metroid!)

YouTube video by Metroidvania Guru

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Shout outs my fellow Metroidvania dev @dieuwt.bsky.social If you like unusual Metroidvanias that push the boundaries of the genre, you gotta check out: store.steampowered.com/app/3321280/... Super rewarding ability tease & reveals, & a really unique combat system where your health is your ammo!

store.steampowered.com

Save 10% on Nothing Beyond This Point on Steam

In the Void, everyone is alone, and you're no exception. Use your endless health as damage, create your own strategy with abilities and Sigils, and fight through corrupted entities in this top-down ac...

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Reposted by Justin Hogie

Jarrod Farquhar-Nicol 🔜 MIGW @jarrodfn.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

So excited for EQUIP Canberra Games tomorrow!! We have over 120 people attending, three great panel lineups, and heaps of networking! I'm thrilled to be running an event like this with Screen Canberra right here in the ACT at the beautiful NFSA. #ScreenCanberra #EQUIPCanberraGames #EQUIP2026

EQUIP Canberra Games image showing people working at a computer. There is purple text reading "This event is sold out" and white text reading "a one-day event for game makers to gain funding insights and shape Canberra's digital games future".

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Reposted by Justin Hogie

Best Indie Games @clemmygames.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Gateworlds is a colony ism set in a fantasy wilderness, so Rimworld but with Gods and Monsters! #BIGSpringShowcase

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Reposted by Justin Hogie

🍂🐹 Tara in Fall Colors! 🪾🍂🍵 @dreamgirlgames.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Ayy! New Indie Game Clinic video about playtesting is out! It's super cool and some of my comments are in it! Check out how inflammatory I get lololol www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXNR...

youtube.com

The ULTIMATE Playtest Guide

YouTube video by Indie Game Clinic

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Reposted by Justin Hogie

Jarrod Farquhar-Nicol 🔜 MIGW @jarrodfn.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

EQUIP Canberra Games on March 18 is going to be great! 🎟️ Check out the newly announced Program and grab your tickets: loom.ly/1n6ylVQ Speakers include: @merryh.bsky.social @gameconsulting.bsky.social @classicceri.bsky.social @deanw.xyz and more! #ScreenCanberra #EQUIPCanberraGames #EQUIP2026

loom.ly

EQUIP Canberra Games - Screen Canberra

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Reposted by Justin Hogie

Jon Cartwright (GameConsulting.com.au) @gameconsulting.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Canberra game devs, I'm coming down for Equip to talk about the business of games. You'll also hear from @merryh.bsky.social and local legends @deanw.xyz from Blue Manchu, and Ed Orman from Uppercut Games. Maybe I'll even tell you about working with SpongeBob & M Night Shyamalan... loom.ly/vNKx5l8

loom.ly

EQUIP Canberra Games - Screen Canberra

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

So I finally started playing Outer Wilds. Wow, even the title screen is amazing! Love the twangy guitar soundtrack over a small planet’s campfire 🎸 (why is there no acoustic guitar emoji??)

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Hi #screenshotsaturday! This week, I released the OST for my 🤏 bite-sized #metroidvania, links below. And now, you can pet the snail! @canyoupetthedog.com @canyoupet.bsky.social ▶️ tinyurl.com/pac9j3su #SteamDeck ✅ #indiegamedev #pixelart #retro #solodev #gamedev #unity #noai

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Hi #wishlistwednesday! Today, I've release the first major update (1.1) of my 🤏 bite-sized #metroidvania You can now pet the snail! 🐌 With luck, you may even get a reward ♥️ ▶️ tinyurl.com/pac9j3su @canyoupetthedog.com #indiegamedev #pixelart #retro #solodev #gamedev #unity #noai #SteamDeck

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Hi #screenshotsaturday! I'm super stoked to announce that Microvania is now verified on #steamdeck! It's a great fit, as the game was designed as if it was on a retro handheld 🎮 ✅ store.steampowered.com/verified/311... #indiegamedev #metroidvania #pixelart #retro #solodev #gamedev #unity #noai

store.steampowered.com

Microvania is Steam Deck Verified

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Reposted by Justin Hogie

xeneth.design @xeneth.design · 28/10/2025

"...there's nothing WRONG with the size of your average unlocking world platformer; exploring huge maps for dozens of hours has been a part of the formula for longer than we've been calling them metroidvanias! However, if you play more than 2 of these a year I think you've noticed some patterns..."

steamcommunity.com

Steam Community :: Xeneth :: Review for Microvania

Listen, there's nothing WRONG with the size of your average unlocking world platformer; exploring huge maps for dozens of hours has been a part of the formula for longer than we've been calling them m...

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

Yesterday, I released my bite-sized 🤏 #metroidvania on Steam ▶️ tinyurl.com/pac9j3su ♥️ to all who's bought/wishlist/reviewed the game. Your support means a lot! 🙇 For #screenshotsaturday, here's the game getting into the Guru's B Tier 😅 #indiegamedev #pixelart #retro #solodev #gamedev #unity #noai

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

🎉 My 🤏 bite-sized metroidvania is OUT NOW! 🎉 Play it now! ▶️ tinyurl.com/pac9j3su I strived making short but densely packed game. Please enjoy! 🙇 If you play, please give it a reviewing! 🙏 The first 10 REALLY count! #indiegamedev #metroidvania #pixelart #retro #solodev #gamedev #unity #noai

tinyurl.com

Save 40% on Microvania on Steam

Explore a tiny world, find upgrades, discover hidden paths, and battle bosses in this retro-style metroidvania action platformer.

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

Hi #wishlistwednesday! My bite-sized 🤏 #metroidvania will be out in 2 days! 🎉 I'm both nervous and excited 😆 WL 👉 tinyurl.com/pac9j3su Wanna help this #solodev? You can post a review on release day (getting to first 10 REALLY helps 💪) #unity #indiegamedev #pixelart #retro #gamedev

store.steampowered.com

Microvania on Steam

Explore a tiny world, find upgrades, discover hidden paths, and battle bosses in this retro-style metroidvania action platformer.

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

🥳🎉 Microvania is coming to Steam, Oct 23rd! 🎉🥳 It's a bite-sized #metroidvania. 🤏 Doesn't waste your time. ⏩ Fully handcrafted in every aspect! 💪 #noai Please Wishlist and support #indiegamedev! 🙇 👉 tinyurl.com/pac9j3su #screenshotsaturday #pixelart #retro #solodev #gamedev #unity

A screenshot of the game Microvania. Shows the player character jumping through a waterfall, with the waterfall reacting to the character. There's also an enemy shooting at the player, and some sort of collectable on the top right that the player cannot seem to reach.

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

🎉 My game is releasing on Oct 23rd! 🥳 Microvania is a bite-sized 🤏 #metroidvania where you get lost, find upgrades, hidden secrets, and fight bosses! Available on PC/Mac, and (🤞) also #steamdeck! WL 👉 tinyurl.com/pac9j3su #wishlistwednesday #indiegamedev #pixelart #retro #solodev #gamedev #unity

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

Hi #screenshotsaturday! Here's the Lexicon. It's in the Pause screen, and can show up on the title screen after a short time. I borrowed this idea from Zelda 1, where the title screen eventually shows all the items, hinting at their uses. tinyurl.com/pac9j3su #metroidvania #indiegamedev #pixelart

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

A special #wishlistwednesday, my bite-sized 🤏 #metroidvania is releasing on Oct 24th! (or 23rd if you're +GMT 😉). It's also the final week of #MIGW25, so don't forget to check out all the great Aussie-made games there! 👉 tinyurl.com/yjec6mnd WL Microvania 👉 tinyurl.com/pac9j3su #indiegamedev

tinyurl.com

Melbourne International Games Week 2025

The MIGW Steam Festival 2025 showcases Australian developers and their games for 10 days, offering demos and discounts!

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

It's #screenshotsaturday! I'm quite pleased I could still fit in some accessibility features in my bite-sized 🤏 #metroidvania. And of course, MIGW is happening and Microvania part of the Steam Event as well: tinyurl.com/yjec6mnd WL: tinyurl.com/pac9j3su #MIGW25 #indiegamedev #pixelart

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

I’m proud to announce my bite-sized #metroidvania will be participating in the Melbourne International Games Week! #MIGW25 It’s an honour to be a part of such wonderful games this year! 🙇 #wishlistwednesday 👉 tinyurl.com/pac9j3su #indiegamedev #pixelart

Event Card for Melbourne International Games Week 2025, with a lime green background, and the cover art for Microvania game as the feature image.

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

Not a #screenshotsaturday but I am very honoured to be in the Game Devs of Color Expo 2025! 🙇 Please check out all the amazing games by amazing people! Steam: store.steampowered.com/sale/gdocexp... Watch Parties: www.gamedevsofcolor.org/watch-parties GDoC: bsky.app/profile/gdoc... #indiegamedev

2025 Game Devs of Color Expo Exhibitor image for the game Microvania

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

✨ My byte-sized 🤏 metroidvania just hit 2000 wishlists! Thank you so so much! I hope to make a game worthy of your wishes 🙇 Sorry I've super quiet lately, been working hard on it. I'll post an update soon, including beta test access 💪 tinyurl.com/pac9j3su #indiegamedev #metroidvania #pixelart

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Reposted by Justin Hogie

Frosty Games 🍦 @frostygamesfest.com · 08/06/2025

The tiniest modern metroidvania you’ve ever seen is coming to Nintendo Switch! Microvania will arrive on the console in late 2025! Just premiered in Frosty Games Fest, watch the trailer:

youtu.be

Microvania | Frosty Games Fest 2025

Featured in Frosty Games Fest 2025! Watch the full showcase here: https://youtu.be/3ff3YxX7CgwThe tiniest modern metroidvania you’ve ever seen is coming to N...

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Reposted by Justin Hogie

Frosty Games 🍦 @frostygamesfest.com · 02/06/2025

Frosty Games Fest is THIS WEEKEND! 🍦 To help with the pain of timezones, we've got a handy guide: 🇳🇿 NZST 11AM June 8 🇦🇺 AEST 9AM June 8 🇯🇵 JST 8AM June 8 🇦🇺 AWST 7AM June 8 🇺🇸 PDT 4PM June 7 We've got a massive show featuring some incredible games made in Australia and NZ. Don't miss it! 💙

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Frosty Games 🍦 @frostygamesfest.com · 22/05/2025

Delighted to announce that Frosty is joining the official Summer Game Fest showcase lineup! ☀️🍦 Mark your calendars for a jam packed weekend of games 🗓️

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 17/05/2025

While not a #screenshotsaturday, I'm excited to announce Microvania is in @frostygamesfest.com!🍦 🙇 I am humbled to be included with such amazing AU & NZ talent 🦘🥝 ⏰ 👉 tinyurl.com/2seurzax Wishlist tinyurl.com/pac9j3su Demo tinyurl.com/2j5fy2jc #indiegamedev #metroidvania #pixelart

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Hi #wishlistwednesday! Inching ever so close to releasing my tiny 🤏 #metroidvania! Nothing I can show today - but I did just update the Demo to include some recent QoL additions and fixes 🥳. ▶️ Play the Demo: tinyurl.com/2j5fy2jc 🙏 And Wishlist here: tinyurl.com/pac9j3su #indiegamedev #pixelart

tinyurl.com

Microvania on Steam

Explore a tiny world, find upgrades, discover hidden paths, and battle bosses in this retro-style metroidvania action platformer.

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Reposted by Justin Hogie

Jarrod Farquhar-Nicol 🔜 MIGW @jarrodfn.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

CanDev is now on Blueksy - please follow and share We'll try to share posts from Canberra game devs

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 12/04/2025

Hi #screenshotsaturday! Quick intro to a Microvania enemy: 🦋 The Butterfly 👐 - Always in pairs 👫 - Pairs have alternating colour palettes - Each pair behaves differently 🙏 Wishlist: tinyurl.com/pac9j3su Bonus Q: Can you figure out how I chose the colours? #indiegamedev #metroidvania #pixelart

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

Hi Bsky! Normally, I’d have something to show for #screenshotsaturday, but unfortunately everything I’ve been working on this week is something I can’t really show off here 😩. So instead, here’s a pic of my puppy 🐶 Wishlists appreciated 😅 tinyurl.com/pac9j3su #indiegamedev

An adorable ruby colored cavoodle puppy, approximately 3 months old, sitting by the side of a large leather sofa

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Hi #screenshotsaturday! Here's an early test scene I made to show some features of Microvania. How many can you see? 🙏 Wishlist here > tinyurl.com/pac9j3su It really helps us #indiegamedev get visibility! ✨ #metroidvania #pixelart

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Reposted by Justin Hogie

Shy Kids Club @shykidsclub.com · 27/03/2025

Woo! We’re alive and so is our Steam page! store.steampowered.com/app/3498890/... Wishlist now if you are into: 🛋️ 🎮 🎮 Couch co-op 🤪 and silly vibes

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Hi #wishlistwednesday! Development on the bite-sized 🤏 Microvania is progressing rapidly 💪, as we're heading into the final production phase! If you haven't yet, now's a great time to Wishlist the game, it really helps visibility 🙏 ❤️ ✨ tinyurl.com/pac9j3su ✨ #indiegamedev #metroidvania #pixelart

tinyurl.com

Microvania on Steam

Explore a tiny world, find upgrades, discover hidden paths, and battle bosses in this retro-style metroidvania action platformer.

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Hi #wishlistwednesday! I'd normally wait for #screenshotsaturday, but I just coded this feature & I'm excited share! 💪 Here's an early look at some Final Boss patterns (sans Boss 😜), & a glimpse of the final area. 🙏 Wishlist Microvania > tinyurl.com/pac9j3su #indiegamedev #metroidvania #pixelart

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Hi #screenshotsaturday! So normally I'd post something about my 🤏 bite sized #metroidvania game. But after #SteamNextFest, I've been too busy for it 😮‍💨. So instead, here's some quotes from recent reviews ❤️. I'm overwhelmed by such positive responses! 😅 Wishlist ✨ tinyurl.com/pac9j3su #indiegamedev

Excited for the full thing! A very well-made, hard-to-put-down demo. Everything was tight and clean, but also very clever with thoughtful level design. Has THE perfect metroidvania feeling of "nonstop discovery" with its combination of secret passages (everywhere!!) and upgrades. So it just flows, and you lock in. Probably silly to say I'd love a "non micro" version from this same team, haha.. but regardless, they know what's up!

Really enjoyed this demo. The movement is at a slower pace and more deliberate but the platforming is still really rewarding all the same and the controls felt really solid for me. The exploration is a ton of fun and figuring out how to manipulate your character to get into different spaces was a blast. Also, the music is great and it's fun how an area's theme will play more or less of the arrangement depending on where you are within the area. Really excited for the full release.

i had a wonderful time with this. i'm already in love with low-resolution compact metroidvanias, and this was no exception. this game isn't revolutionary by any means, but it's solid and satisfying. love pretty much all aspect about it! i usually don't 100% much, but i stuck with it and finished in 1:52:34. really looking forward to the full game, even though this was a healthy meal in itself!

Such a cool demo! I had a blast playing it and collecting as many items as I could.

The gameplay, the music, the secrets..all of it was amazing and really well done!

Can't wait for the full release :)

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

Usually, I'd do a #ScreenshotSaturday post. But with #SteamNextFest, I've just been too busy to have anything ready 😅 However, I have been working hard 💪 & improving the game thanks to all the feedback ❤️ 🔥 Which is live now on Steam! 🔥 ▶️ tinyurl.com/2j5fy2jc #indiegamedev #metroidvania #pixelart

tinyurl.com

Microvania Demo on Steam

Explore a tiny world, find upgrades, discover hidden paths, battle enemies in this retro-style metroidvania action platformer.

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

So my 🤏 bite-sized metroidvania demo is playable now in #SteamNextFest ▶️ tinyurl.com/2j5fy2jc 🙏 If you've played it, thank you so much 🙏 ❤️ Please consider leaving a review ✍️ It really helps the game's visibility 🔍 #indiegamedev #metroidvania #pixelart #solodev #MadeWithUnity

tinyurl.com

Microvania Demo on Steam

Explore a tiny world, find upgrades, discover hidden paths, battle enemies in this retro-style metroidvania action platformer.

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Reposted by Justin Hogie

Greenheart Games 💚 - Tavern Keeper OUT NOW! @greenheartgames.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

Looking for some EXCELLENT demos to play? 💚 Here's a handy thread for you:

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Reposted by Justin Hogie

beni @benithemaker.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

Happy #WishlistWednesday everyone! 🎉 Let's promote your game! I’ll start by sharing one of my latest favorites. Gunboat God 💚 by @jansonrad.bsky.social store.steampowered.com/app/2511210/... Drop your #indiegame below 🚀 #gamedev #indiegamedev #steam #godot #ue5

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

It's #steamnextfest and Microvania is participating! Demo ▶️ tinyurl.com/2j5fy2jc Wishlist ✨ tinyurl.com/pac9j3su Show your support for indie developers! Please share & tell your friends! #nextfest #indiegamedev #metroidvania #pixelart

animated gif of retro pixel art style video game, showing a pretty waterfall animation that reacts to the player moving through it

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

It's #screenshotsaturday! Here's a video showing some new environmental elements not in the demo! Please wishlist Microvania and stream the demo during #steamnextfest! ❤️ Wishlist ✨ tinyurl.com/pac9j3su Demo ▶️ tinyurl.com/2j5fy2jc #indiegamedev #metroidvania #pixelart #indiegame #madewithunity

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Justin Hogie @justinhogie.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Microvania (the bite-sized #metroidvania 🤏) is participating in #SteamNextFest! Get lost, find upgrades and use your new abilities to access new areas! ✨ Wishlist: tinyurl.com/pac9j3su ▶️ Play the Demo: tinyurl.com/2j5fy2jc #wishlistwednesday #indiegamedev #pixelart #madewithunity #indiegame

tinyurl.com

Microvania on Steam

Explore a tiny world, find upgrades, discover hidden paths, and battle bosses in this retro-style metroidvania action platformer.

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