iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

I added keyboard/gamepad support to #WordScoop! You can switch between the mouse and keyboard/gamepad by pressing the "accept" button on either of them. Hopefully this makes the game easier to play on certain devices!

Screenshot of WordScoop. "READ" is selected using an ice-cream-scoop shaped icon, which is visible when in Keyboard/Gamepad mode.

Screenshot of WordScoop. A splash screen has appeared over the game's HUD with an icon of some keyboard keys and a green video game controller, saying "Keyboard/Gamepad Mode Enabled!"

Screenshot of WordScoop. There is a splash screen visible over the HUD that has a crude drawing of a computer mouse and a message saying "Mouse Mode Enabled!"

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

The upcoming Anniversary Update for #WordScoop adds more customization options for the scoops. You can choose between Creamy, Smooth, and Flat textures, as well as two different color schemes: Variety and Plain. If you have a favorite flavor, you can also make every scoop the same color!

Screenshot of WordScoop. The scoops are flat and unshaded. The word "DELIS" is selected.

Screenshot of WordScoop. The scoops have a neutral color scheme that gradiates from light cream to chocolate brown.

Screenshot of WordScoop. Every scoop is a unified strawberry pink color.

Screenshot of WordScoop's Options menu. Unlike previous versions, the menu is divided into sections. Two new options are available that change the "Scoop Texture" and the "Scoop Flavor."

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

I've been working on a new patch for #WordScoop! This update adds a few highly-requested features, such as the ability to save and load your game. #IndieGame #GameDev #PuzzleGame #WordGame

Screenshot of WordScoop showing normal gameplay. A new green "save" button is highlighted on the menu in the bottom corner, where there used to be an empty space. The scoops also look smoother than they do in typical gameplay.

Screenshot of WordScoop with Gelato the Otter. A menu with a "Save Game?" header is visible, prompting the player that "Your previous save will be overwritten and you will be returned to the main menu." The options are "No" and "Yes."

Screenshot of the slightly-redesigned "Game Setup" screen from WordScoop with Gelato the Otter. This one replaces the previous "Play!" Button with both a "New Game!" and "Continue!" button, highlighting the new save feature.

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

store.steampowered.com/app/3797690/... WordScoop With Gelato the Otter is part of the Steam Autumn Sale! It's 25% off for the game itself, and 29% off for the Blob Up And Scoop Bundle, which features Blobun and Buck Up And Drive! #SteamAutumnSale #WordScoop #Blobun #BuckUpAndDrive

Screenshot of WordScoop's Steam Page, showing the reduced prices of the game during the Steam Autumn Sale.

The standalone game is marked down 25% from 6.99 at a $4.49 price, and the "Blob up and Scoop" bundle is marked down 29% from $24.62 to a reduced $17.42 price.

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

The Cave level has also been populated by NPC's! It's not as lively as the Fjord on account of it being, well, a cave, but you'll still meet some interesting folks here. #MeanderForth #IndieGame #GameDev #Dialog #NPC

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Development on Chapter 3 is going smoothly! This stage revolves around the wall kick move, which lets you climb up any wall in the game (so long as it's not covered in spikes.) #MeanderForth #GameDev #IndieGame #WallJump #WallSlide

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

I felt like the third stage was missing something. After some consideration, I realized it was a little thing called "waterfalls freakin' everywhere." #GameDev #IndieGame #Waterfall #Cave #MeanderForth

Screenshot of Meander Forth. Garret is standing on top of a waterfall, looking at an opened treasure chest.

Screenshot of Meander Forth. Garret and a rock-themed crocodile enemy are standing on a raised platform with two small waterfalls converging into one larger one.

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

From Chapter 2 onward, the town of pivot serves as your central HUB! There, you can chat up the townsfolk and prepare for the next stage. #MeanderForth #GameDev #IndieGame #HubWorld #Town

Screenshot of Meander Forth. The protagonist, erroneously referred to as "Garry," is speaking to a cat girl named "Licorice" who says "Hey, Garry! My mystery senses are tingling. Do you need help finding anyone?"

Screenshot of Meander Forth. The protagonist is talking to "Myrtle," a tall giraffe woman. She says "Don't get any ideas! The windmill is off-limits."

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

I also whipped up a "casual" outfit for Gelato that has yet to be used in-game. Ignore the text, Gelato! You're only as sexy as you feel.

Rough sketch of Gelato wearing a form-fitting body suit with an ice-cream cone saturn design on their torso and alien slippers on their feet.

The text says "Casual Suit ("Un-Sexy" Zero Suit), referencing the way Metroid's Samus Aran also wears a form-fitting bodysuit under her suit.

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

It was @axel-hugsky.softest.dog who suggested something like a Mercury Suit as inspiration for their final outfit!

Rough Concept sketch of Gelato the Otter in a suit more closely resembling their final one. The text says "SPACE SUIT."

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

WordScoop was originally developed as my college Capstone project. I was the only one in my class who did a game. Gelato's design took a few iterations, but the vibe was there from the get-go. #WordScoop #BehindTheScenes #ConceptArt

Cropped image from the original gameplay mockup for WordScoop featuring an early design of Gelato the Otter. The Hud above them says "Pts. 1337" and "STYLE" is spelled for "420 pts."

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

Sometimes the definitions in WordScoop are a little wonky, but I leave them in anyway because they're incredible #WordScoop #Dictionary #Brat #BratSummer

Screenshot of WordScoop. Gelato the Otter defines "BRAT" as "See Also: Brat, Holy terror, Bratwurst, Terror, Little terror"

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

Meander Forth Chapter 0+1+2 Demo is coming to www.sagexpo.org next month! This is the first time Chapter 2 is publicly playable after I've kept it secret for years! >:) #MeanderForth #VideoGameTrailer #IndieGame #IndieDev #SAGE2025

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

Thanks for getting WordScoop to 10+ Steam reviews! This'll really help with visibility! I hope y'all keep them coming. Positive or negative, they all help me!

Cropped screenshot of WordScoop's Steam page showing that it has over 10 reviews.

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 10/08/2025

Now that WordScoop is released, it's time to look towards the future! What features, changes, tweaks, etc. would YOU like to see in an update? (Even if you haven't played it!) #WordScoop #Feedback #IndieGame #GameDev

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Did you know that WordScoop has a Dictionary mode? It's useful for seeing what words are (and aren't) allowed to be entered during gameplay! #GameDev #IndieGame #WordScoop #WordGame #Dictionary

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

I've been spending today cleaning up the development documents for both WordScoop and Meander forth. On one hand, it's very tedious work. On the other, naming glitches can result in some pretty SICK band names! My favorite is "Checkpoint Override" #GameDev #BehindTheScenes #BandNames #Glitches

Cropped screenshot of a spreadsheet of bugs and errors encountered during Meander Forth's development. Each issue is given a name, a description, an urgency rating, a status rating, and more information off-screen.

The bugs are named "Bunny Hop, Checkpoint Override, Immortal Dash Pit, Launchers Fall Through, Flying Cutscene Garret, Reloading Music, Delta Link, Ice Trail Delta Link, Health Heart Hover," and "Outskirts Loop," respectively.

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

Dangit, otter! I'm trying to work! Stop hiding words in the Matrices! #WordScoop #Otter #IndieGame #GameDev

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

So, apparently Steam has WordScoop flagged as an "Adult" game and is delisting it from searches if you have those filtered. WordScoop is intended for all ages, and I believe this was a mistake on my part during the upload process. I'll look into steps I can take to correct it!

Cropped screenshot of the Steam search, showing that WordScoop is blocked based on NSFW content preferences.

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

WordScoop features a "Reduced Motion" mode that disables and dampens animations that aren't necessary to gameplay. This is for people who have sensory issues... or who just want fewer distractions! #WordScoop #AccessibilityFeatures #GameDev #IndieGame #WordGame

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

NEW UPDATE (v1.0.2) on Steam and itch! -Fixed VOIDs' left-side-Matrix bias -Fixed Gelato's inconsistent gloves -Toned down effects in Reduced Motion mode -Enabled Pixel Snapping in Godot. -Changed definition of "CAT" to not refer to biblical torture methods #GameUpdate #WordScoop #Dictionary

Screenshot of WordScoop's Dictionary mode. "CAT" is defined as "Noun: A domesticated, carnivorous feline mammal."

Screenshot of WordScoop. Gelato is clapping, whilst wearing proper pink gloves. In the previous version, they were erroneously colored green.

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

whiskerfjords.itch.io/wordscoop-wi... WordScoop is also available as a DRM-Free portable version on itch! A key for the steam release is included with every purchase, as well! #WordScoop #GamesOnItch #WordGame #IndieGame

Itch.io cover for "WORDSCOOP! With Gelato the Otter"

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

WordScoop is releasing TOMORROW! (August 5th, 2025) Make sure to wishlist it so you're notified when it's out: store.steampowered.com/app/3797690/... #WordScoop #ReleaseDate #IndieGame #GameDev #WordGame

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

Fun fact: In developing this game, the dictionary JSON I used didn't have any pronouns in it, so I had to add them all by hand. This includes Gelato's pronouns, as well! #WordScoop #GameDev #IndieGame

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

The last Game Mode is Chill Mode! This one is more of a stress reliever than a game: there's no score, no VOIDs, and no timer. Just relax, and practice your technique! #WordScoop #IndieGame #GameDev #ChillMode

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

If dangerous VOID creatures aren't your thing, give Timed Mode a try! This one is free from pesky space creatures, and lasts a fixed ten minutes. It's a lot less stressful... if you ignore the timer ticking down! #WordScoop #GameDev #IndieGame

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

For those looking for a more action-packed puzzle experience, Cascade Mode moves on an increasingly-fast timer! Stay on your toes, and don't let the VOID scoops start to pile up! #WordScoop #IndieGame #GameDev #GamesOnSteam #GamesOnItch

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Puzzle Mode is the "main" mode of the game! It's all about strategy. Find the best words you can, and you'll be safer from VOID scoops. If you get really good, you can learn to manipulate the falling scoops to create even longer words! #WordScoop #IndieGame #GameDev #GamesOnSteam #GamesOnItch

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

WordScoop's finally in Beta! (That is, complete!) The game will release in early August on Steam and Itch. I've put together a trailer showing off all of the gameplay modes! #WordScoop #CasualGame #IndieGame #GameDev

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

WordScoop is so dang close to completion! All four game modes are tested and ready. All that's left are the little odds-and-ends like the credits screen and the store pages! #WordScoop #IndieGame #GameDev

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Ten minutes seems a lot more reasonable! VOIDs do not spawn in timed mode, so the only thing you have to worry about it the time limit itself. Bonus sprinkles still spawn, however, so use those to rack up points! #WordScoop #IndieGame #TimedMode #ForRealThisTime

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Watch out! In Cascade mode, VOIDs move on their own. Think fast if you want to protect your treats! #WordScoop #IndieGame #PuzzleGame #ActionMode

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

I spruced up some of the menus, adding icons and descriptions to the modes. There's still some work left to do on them, but they're shaping up. #WordScoop #UI #IndieGame #GameDev

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

Apologies for the lack of updates! Since WordScoop is tantalizingly close to completion, I've been focusing on finishing that up! It will be available as a paid release on Steam and Itch in the near future. All that's left is to finish the extra modes, as well as polish the audio.

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Stage 3's basic layout is assembled. The goal of this stage is to find Garret's missing sister within the cavern. All that's left now is the story... and the boss, of course!

Screenshot of Meander Forth. The protagonist is standing on a platform in a green cave surrounded by crates.

Screenshot of Meander Forth. The protagonist is falling down a narrow tunnel with spikes at his left side.

Screenshot of Meander Forth. The protagonist is sliding over the ice in a cavern level.

Screenshot of Meander Forth. The protagonist is investigating creatures that resemble purple sea urchins.

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Chapter 3 is underway! This stage is all about climbing up walls using Garret's wall-kick ability. The level design has more verticality from here-on out, though it's still about forward progression! #GameDev #IndieGame #MeanderForth #WallJumpsWillWork

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

This right here. I have colorblind family members, so I make it a point to NEVER have color be the sole indicator of something, regardless of how minor. In my college thesis game, for example, letter rarity is indicated by dots, as well as color.

Screenshot of a word-search game with an otter protagonist.

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

Been working on a side project for my college capstone! It's a game called "Wordscoop." It's a word-search game that's similar to a game I played growing up. I just added the sprinkles. #GameDev #IndieGame #WordScoop

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 11/01/2025

Meander Forth's first demo has been built! It will be available to Patreon backers ASAP, and to the public just a little later. I would love to hear your feedback when it's up! #meanderforth #gamedemo #godotengine #indiegame #gamedev

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WORDSCOOP Available Now! @meanderforth.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

I found the menu to be a little obtuse, so I did illustrations to better explain what each option does! This applies both to the main menu and the pause menu. #meanderforth #gamedev #indiegame

Screenshot of Meander Forth's Main Menu. "Game Options" is selected. Illustrating this is a drawing of a raccoon in overalls holding a wrench and a toolbox. The bottom-right reads "Enter the options menu to tweak graphics, sound, etc."

Screenshot of Meander Forth's Main Menu. "Play Teak's Tall Tale" is selected, with an accompanying drawing of an anteater man in a hoodie and a squirrel in a tanktop. The illustration is captioned "Begin the game's prologue chapter: Teak's Tall Tale!"

Screenshot of Meander Forth's "Visual Settings" menu. The "Enable Particle Effects" toggle is selected, accompanied by an illustration of sparks, bubbles, dust clouds, and water droplets. The illustration is labeled "Toggles whether particle effects(e.g. gun sparks, dust particles, water droplets) display."

Screenshot of Meander Forth's Main Menu. "New Game" is selected, accompanied by an illustration of an otter in winter clothes floating in a bubble. The illustration is captioned "Start playing Meander Forth from the very beginning!"

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