iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Cozy Comet Games @cozycometgames.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Co-ops are HARD, hear @ricerocketeer.bsky.social talk all about it at @gdocexpo.com this Thursday!

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Game Devs of Color Expo @gdocexpo.com · 12/08/2026

The GDoCExpo 2026 full schedule is out NOW! 🙌🏾 Four days, Sept 22–25, online - 38 sessions, 40+ speakers for our 11th year. gdoc.events/2026schedule In-person watch parties are back in NYC, LA, Rochester, and Portland, with more to be announced! #gdocexpo2026 #gamedev

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Cozy Comet Games @cozycometgames.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Our very own @ricerocketeer.bsky.social will be speaking at this year's event! We are so excited for you all to hear more about us now that you've also gotten a little taste of our game. Derek's talk "Building a Better Games Industry: Our (Difficult) Journey as a Worker Cooperative" coming soon!

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Cozy Comet Games @cozycometgames.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Showing off some Otter Half pre-alpha game play at KDays in Hall E! Come visit us and check it out!

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

The Alberta & Beyond 2026 Steam Sale is in full swing! Make sure to stop by and check out some locally made Alberta games as well as some visiting GDX from out of town! store.steampowered.com/curator/4596... (this year's incredible art is by @applepiesleth.bsky.social!)

store.steampowered.com

Alberta & Beyond Sale 2026

We’re back with an updated selection of standout indie titles from Alberta and games featured during the Game Discovery Exhibition (GDX) 2026 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada!

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Thanks to @mobilesyrup.com and @bradshankar.bsky.social for covering the Alberta & Beyond 2026 regional sale and showcase! You can see a ton of locally made Alberta games and some visiting us from out of town to display their games at the Game Discovery Exhibition!

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Cozy Comet Games @cozycometgames.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

the otter shenanigans are very whimsical today!

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Cozy Comet Games @cozycometgames.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Now, real otters won't be visiting K Days, but ours will! Come visit us at K Days in Hall E at the Game Discovery Exhibition from July 17 - 26th to get an exclusive look at Otter Half. We'll have other otter themed activities as well, so bring your whole family for the fun!

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Kat Barkwell @scardeykat.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Within you there are two otters. Both are fucked up by fbx import settings scale factor 2.

3d model of an otter that's ballooned up like beeg yosh

3d model of an otter that's stretched so thin it looks like a skeleton

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Trans people deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated, especially for their countless contributions to the games industry. Build better spaces. Hire them. Fund them. Play their games. At IAA, we are proud to run programs/events that support marginalized communities and will continue to do so.

media.tenor.com

a poster that says trans rights are human rights with a person holding two flags

ALT: a poster that says trans rights are human rights with a person holding two flags

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

There is no silver bullet to fixing the games industry across Canada--including tax credits. Looking at solutions that work best for small, medium, and large scale multinational studios is key to solidifying our long term success as an ecosystem.

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Asian Heritage Month has been incredible to witness this year. Huge love to Chung Ta Cung Nhau, FascinAsian Edmonton, and FascinAsian Calgary for the impact they’ve made across Alberta and beyond. We as a community can continue supporting Asian artists, creators, and developers year-round.

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Cozy Comet Games @cozycometgames.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Today is World Otter Day! Today, we thank otters for being our muse for Otter Half and encourage you to pet...what?...oh?....sorry, this just in, do NOT pet otters ✋🏻🚫🦦 appreciate otters from afar and support your local wildlife conservation efforts to protect otters' homes ☺️

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Cozy Comet Games @cozycometgames.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Have you heard about our new game? Come hold our hands in Otter Half, an online cute 'n cozy co-op game about otters holding hands as they travel down rivers! Make sure to head otter.game for updates and to sign up for our newsletter!

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Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer) @ricerocketeer.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

My eyebrow raises at upcoming games industry events that aren't actively critiquing the broken structures that have led to our industry's historic decline. You wanna celebrate the fools who got us into this situation? Like...my dudes. Read the room. 🤦🏻‍♂️

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Cozy Comet Games @cozycometgames.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

As Cozmonauts, we'll be spending the vernal equinox enjoying cute gameplay in our build together. That's right, they let social media into the build. Beware.

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Cozy Comet Games @cozycometgames.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

We recently found out that we're on a list of other cool co-ops in the games industry including the @aftermath.site folks which is rad as hell. If that's how you found us, we're a worker co-op based out of YEG (and one YUL) who will be posting A LOT about our game, Otter Half: Your Hand in Mine!

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Cozy Comet Games @cozycometgames.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

But what if... otters on the moon?

The famous picture of the earthset from the Artemis II crew but with our hand drawn otter concept art for Otter Half: Your Hand in Mine on the moon as well.

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Cozy Comet Games @cozycometgames.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Submission deadline is coming up!

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Cozy Comet Games @cozycometgames.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

International Women's Day (even when it is only 23 hours long) means a lot to our studio. We are constantly inspired by the women and gender-diverse individuals who make up the games industry that have carved a path for us to succeed where just a few years ago that would have seemed impossible.

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Hope Docking™ @jespere17.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

I don’t have a bowl cut now don’t worry

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Cozy Comet Games @cozycometgames.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Cozy Comet is looking for a 3D Generalist! If this sounds like you, take a look at our RFP and then please reach out to the email listed there if you have any questions. Check out the RFP here: www.cozycometgames.ca/_files/ugd/f...

cozycometgames.ca

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Looking to get more involved with IAA? We're recruiting! Keep your eyes open for more posts, but for now we're looking for a volunteer Website Manager! www.volunteerconnector.org/edmonton/int...

volunteerconnector.org

Website Content Manager | Volunteer Connector

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Baby Ghosts @babyghosts.org · 04/03/2026

Just a wee reminder that applications for our ✨NEW Cooperative Foundations✨ program + $5k grant are open through this Friday, March 6! Canadian indie game studios looking to learn about building a sustainable business - we'd love to hear from you. babyghosts.fund/coop-foundat...

babyghosts.fund

Baby Ghosts

Baby Ghosts is a nonprofit supporting studios led by underrepresented founders across Canada.

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Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer) @ricerocketeer.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

AI all up in here ruining fun punctuation; but just like my dumb opinions, my semi-colons and em-dashes--and my terribly flawed use of them--are my own. 😒

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Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer) @ricerocketeer.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

This chart tells you a lot about the USA's racist policies and why they think that no one will care about Greenland's sovereignty. Disgusting.

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Chris Bratt @chrisbratt.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Woah! I think we might hit the target today. Thank you so much if you've donated.

A screenshot of the fundraiser on our latest video, showing total donations of $17,293 out of a $25,000 target.

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

daffodil 🇵🇸 🇱🇧 @daff.space · 01/09/2025

if you're not saying free palestine by now because you're worried about your career or whatever you're gonna have a lot to attone for the coming years. you are more complicit in your silence than you think, and your silence is like a shout in our oceans of privilege and safety.

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Baby Ghosts @babyghosts.org · 29/08/2025

Proud of @daff.space for cancelling their STREET UNI X Xbox port in solidarity with Palestinians, even though it could've been crucial for their livelihood as an indie dev. 🇵🇸 www.rockpapershotgun.com/a-culture-of...

rockpapershotgun.com

"A culture of intimidation, retaliation and oppression": How Microsoft’s Gaza stance fuelled an industry-spanning boycott

RPS meets a few of the developers participating in the BDS campaign against Microsoft's Israeli military ties, including an Xbox worker fired for his views.

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

bsky.app/profile/iaal...

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

It’s official! Welcome everyone to the 2025 Game Discovery Exhibition 🎉 We’re excited for folks to be a part of this educational 2 day conference! Our volunteers are ready to check attendees in at registration 🙌 Join us for networking at 9 am, then our keynote with Kim Belair kicks off at 9:45 am!

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

“GDX has become Canada’s largest independent celebration of games and game culture. We’re so glad GDX has continued to grow year after year to provide more opportunities to Edmontonians.” — Andrew Knack. A huge thank you to Madison Côté & Councillor Andrew Knack for kicking off #GDX2025!

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Kim Belair’s “What Happens When You Get Harassed” keynote was an incredibly insightful look into the darker side of game development. A huge thank you for her courage and wisdom in shining a light on serious issues plaguing the games industry. #GameDevelopment #GameDevelopers #GamesIndustry

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

“As a spoiler: it sucks. We lost our voice, not just as a collective, but individually. We were no longer allowed to be a part of a conversation without being harassed; it doesn’t matter what you believe, it matters what others believe. You lose your power, but they call you powerful.” — Kim Belair

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

“We ask ourselves, ‘Why is it in VR? What are we doing that cannot be done easily in the real world?’ For example, an escape room where water goes above your head; you can’t drown people in an escape room in the real world, but you can in VR...

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

“You’re supposed to compare her body to the Sega Saturn, an object; this advertisement reinforces that video games aren’t made for women… It’s true this advertisement wouldn’t be acceptable by today’s standards, but we have to look back to go forward.” — Hope Docking

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

A big thank you to Hope for her brilliant analysis of the objectification of women using female video game characters as specific case studies!

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

•The “abili-tease” provides players with firsthand experience on the future •Larger than life NPCs doing what the player cannot yet, but may soon •Show the scope of what excitement awaits players even before they are ready #GameDevelopment #GameDevelopers #IndieGames #IndieDevs

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Wondering how to quickly captivate the players of your games? Jon Renish of Half Mermaid has you covered in his “Finding the Fun in 15 Minutes” talk! One way to engage the player is by using aspirational examples to guide them:

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Thank you to Hedy and Justine for their phenomenal case studies on cultural representation in Black Myth Wukong and Venba! “It’s a reminder that their stories matter and it doesn’t need to be dumbed down for players to understand.” — Justine Magbitang

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Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

“We learn through play, and video games are no exception: creating cultural games teaches the audience something new and provides opportunities for developers to learn something new… Holistic representation leads to stronger emotional impact and resonance with the audience.” — DoomScroll Studio

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Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

2. Treat the culture as the default; some creators worry players may not understand so they overexplain which can cause the culture to come across exotic. 3. Aim to tell a story, not to educate; what is your intention for the design? Convey a specific experience. #GDX2025 #GameDevelopment

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Good representation is a side effect of good storytelling: 1. Start with inspiration, then do your research; personal experience is a great starting point, but research is needed to back it up.

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Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Natalie Gan enjoys starting from a place of constraints; Alyx Bui begins with character motivation. How do you begin writing your stories? Share your thoughts with us below! #GameDevelopment #GameDevelopers #GameDevs #IndieDevs #IndieGames #IndieStudio

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Reposted by Derek Kwan (Indie Dev & GDX Organizer)

Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Did you catch the “From Lore to Launch: Narrative Design” panel at #GDX2025?! 🤩 There are many ways to get a narrative started: Kaelin Lavallee mentioned he writes from a place of fear; Kim Belair begins with mechanics…

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Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

We must embrace diversity not because it’s the right thing to do, but because the audience is already diverse. It’s not just a marketing trend, it’s good design, it’s good business.” — Carina Kom from Inclusive at the Core: How to Leverage an Unfair Advantage presentation at #GDX2025 #GameDev

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Interactive Arts Alberta @iaalberta.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

“When you design for belonging — starting with the processes inside your team culture — you create a world that feels good to return to. It’s about creating a culture where people can show up fully, safely...

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