iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 23/09/2026

People wonder why I dropped my Microsoft MVP award. I don't know how someone can continue to be a Microsoft MVP given everything Microsoft are not only doing to my industry but also the world. I would like to be able to rest easy and not sleep with one eye open thanks.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 10/09/2026

I am a happy bean. Can't wait to play these later. :D

A screenshot of the new Touhou 6 remake inside of a steam library.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 02/09/2026

well, the good news is, I think I have a rough sketch of how I want the animation APIs to work. Bad news is there is no way this isn't COVID. I feel *awful*. blegh.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 31/08/2026

I appear to be unwell. Welp. Hopefully I can actually get something done today. Maybe.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 30/08/2026

Had a bit of a jumpscare last night when the bluesky android app decided it could no longer find my account. Turns out there was an update pushed out a while back that i hadn't noticed because I avoid using my phone like the plague that broke the hosting resolution logic. What a dumb update. :)

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Alex Zalben @azalben.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Here's the official announcement of Parton's passing from her reps, along with the request that in lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com

NASHVILLE, TN (August 25, 2026) – Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 25/08/2026

Why does the C++ stdlib have an implementation for lerp if it only works on primitive/common types? This thing should work on anything that satisfies the operator requirements damnit.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 25/08/2026

If you like a fighting game character, play the fighting game character, in the fighting game they are from. I promise you it's really fun!

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 21/08/2026

As much as I didn't really get on with 2XKO as a fighting game enjoyer, it's sad to see it go this way. It could've been so much more.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 07/08/2026

Glad to see the full release of Marvel Tokon is as much of a dumpster fire as the beta indicated it would be. /s Potentially a good arcsys game ruined by sony ham-fisting their stupidity into the game's "security". And PSN account nonsense. also game's just malware on windows anyway. Lol.

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Chiaki Mitama 🐾🌭 @terrible.moe · 20/07/2026

"The indie game scene isn't suffering the bloodbath of AAA gami-" You have to understand almost every successful indie studio was bought out by Microsoft or Tencent and the people that remain are either wildly successful and secure or it's Willow, who's coding a passion project at 2 a.m. after work

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Henry Mance @henrymance.ft.com · 30/07/2026

That escalated quickly.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 30/07/2026

Mmmm yes, animation API design hard. Eh I'll figure it out soon. I hope. :D

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Lee Hurley @hleehurley.com · 26/07/2026

150,000 marched yesterday in London for trans rights. Opened the Sky News app. Scrolled and scrolled. Nothing. BBC News app. Nothing. Guardian app. Nothing. This is what actual silencing looks like.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 24/07/2026

so I just discovered that new Marvel fighting game doesn't work on Linux. My guess is Sony have arcsys in a chokehold over this because blazblue and guilty gear strive work fine. AAA is so cool, right? :)

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 21/07/2026

so I've been away for a few days due to illness. That's a lot of notifications. So anyway I'll get back to NovelRT-related stuff this week. Probably.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 14/07/2026

I am once again here to complain about macOS and how nothing is ever easy. Why can't Apple just be reasonable?

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 10/07/2026

Well, good news, we got macOS app bundling and such working again, so NovelRT can actually run on mac now! Naturally this means since it's friday I am going to continue to melt in this heat and play more blazblue. I'm bad but at least I am having fun.

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Natalie (Tali) Vancouver era ✨ @talidev3d.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

getting laid off right after you launch a game is so incredibly painful that I still haven't found the proper words to describe that pain 11 months + a new job later.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 08/07/2026

My CPU coolant has officially hit 50 C today. Naturally this means I also have my mac studio turned on because I'm aiding in debugging our macOS problems in the NovelRT Engine. I am also playing BlazBlue for fun I guess. You know, instead of turning stuff off. Reasonable decisions. Promise!

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possqueen (TRICKSTARTER ENDS 9/30) @possqueen.dev · 07/07/2026

"i'm a solo dev i need to use ai because i cant afford to do anything else and release in a decent time frame!" cave story was solo developed over the course of 4 years in 2004 i'm certain it's more than possible to make solo games without genAI

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 07/07/2026

My CPU coolant is approaching 50C. I hate the heat. That's it that's the entire post this is a cry for help help me please before I evaporate into gas form-

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 06/07/2026

I love watching MSFT lay off over 3,200 people at xbox! So cool! I love AAA #gamedev right now! I totally want to work there! /sarcasm I really hope those folks can find more work. It's been nothing but heartbreak for a good couple years now. Hope these CEOs have their beds replaced with LEGO. :)

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 05/07/2026

The autistic agony of being completely out of spoons for socialising "normally" so your skull feels like someone is rubbing sandpaper very harshly on the inside of your head. I am exhausted. :(

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 01/07/2026

The NovelRT maintainer team and I just got done wrapping up our very first fix version for the NovelRT engine! This release addresses multiple key bugs such as Intel Iris Xe crashes, and lack of audio. The full release info can be found here: github.com/novelrt/Nove... #gamedev #indiedev #FOSS

github.com

Release NovelRT Reimu (2026.0.1) · novelrt/NovelRT

What's New? Reintroduce Audio into ECS by @capnkenny in #681 Remove validation layers from end-user binaries by @RubyNova in #684 Fix rendering and concurrency issues in Lua by @RubyNova in #687 P...

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Eniko Fox @enikofox.com · 02/07/2026

Kitsune Tails is 35% off on Steam and itch and very queer! kitsunegames.com/kitsunetails Or help our queer studio survive into the future by getting all four of our games as a bundle for $17.99 on itch (itch.io/s/192877/sum...) or $18.75 on Steam (store.steampowered.com/bundle/15673...)

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Rami Ismail (رامي) @ramiismail.com · 05/07/2026

who could've possible seen this coming

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 05/07/2026

Just another reminder that rockstar games have been evil slimeballs for decades and you shouldn't buy their products. I still remember the awful horror stories that ex-rockstar QA members would share with me on the daily at one of my older workplaces. Evil evil evil company.

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Andy Kelly @ultrabrilliant.xyz · 04/07/2026

Games can just look like this.

Auto Modellista screenshot. A blue-and-white car drifts around a corner.

A red-and-white car speeds through a city at night in the rain.

Two cars crest a hill at night, their headlights beaming.

A blue car drifts through an autumnal forest road.

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Sheepdog @sheepdog6k.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

MGP is out now! Featuring - PowerWash Simulator 2, Pragmata, Forza Horizon 6 & No. 10: Full Confidence Listen here: Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/33Mfedf... Apple podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m... YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/MatureGame... #gaming

open.spotify.com

MGP - The Mature Gamer Podcast

Podcast · Kev, Sheepdog, Anna & Pab · Join Kev, Sheepdog, Anna and Pab every Saturday morning for their unique take on gaming and the ludicrous goings on in their daily lives.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 03/07/2026

Started playing BlazBlue Entropy Effect tonight, will be probably posting thoughts as I play.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 03/07/2026

I stare at the NVIDIA RTX 5090 in my friend's computer. It stares back at me. It cracks under the pressure of being an expensive paperweight that struggles to render a triangle. :)

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 02/07/2026

New Vulkan specifications be like: "Here are all the cool new rendering features that you'll probably never get to use because none of the big corps are updating anything! :D" It really is just like looking at a tasty cake that you're banned from eating.

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Smooth Dunk @smoothdunk2.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

when AI companies go bankrupt

5 panel comic

Panel 1: Red Guy with “AI” on his chest is falling backwards off a cliff. A Purple Guy is running to “save him”

Panels 2-4: Close up of Purple Guy’s hands gradually going from outstretched fingers to a closed fist

Panel 5: Red Guy falls backwards off the cliff while Purple Guy does nothing but show him his middle finger.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 01/07/2026

github.com

Release NovelRT Reimu (2026.0.1) · novelrt/NovelRT

What's New? Reintroduce Audio into ECS by @capnkenny in #681 Remove validation layers from end-user binaries by @RubyNova in #684 Fix rendering and concurrency issues in Lua by @RubyNova in #687 P...

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The Yogscast @yogscast.com · 01/07/2026

A massive thank you to everyone who tuned in to our Pride Week streams and donated to our Mermaids fundraiser! We're chuffed to share that, together, all of our teams have raised £22,731.17 for an incredible, important cause. Thank you so much again - and Happy Pride!

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 30/06/2026

You know, it would be just my luck to find massive problems with the macOS builds of NovelRT. To be fair, we don't really have anyone dedicated to macOS - and macOS is kind of confusing. :( I learned the horrors of rpaths today!

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Julie Mapes @justjuliejam.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Very excited to be taking part in this itch bundle, keep an eye out for when it drops, there some really cool creators submitting work! 👀👀👀

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alex moore @notanotheralex.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

openletter.earth/open-letter-... Link to open letter to Andy Burnham asking him to ditch Labour’s stance on AI👆

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 25/06/2026

It's official, I have cut a release! NovelRT Reimu (2026.0.0) is now published! This is a huge moment for myself and the other maintainers. Thank you for supporting the project since 2018. We would not be here without you. Release can be found here: github.com/novelrt/Nove...

github.com

Release NovelRT Reimu (2026.0.0) · novelrt/NovelRT

A foreword, from the NovelRT maintainer team. Well, this is a big moment. We've been in an in-dev/pre-alpha state since 2018, with previous releases not really working as we wanted or desired. It h...

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 28/06/2026

"IndependentSystemsCanHandleManySystems" and other pointless unit tests past me wrote in a fit of rage at some point probably. I am so sorry.

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Chiitan🌈ちぃたん☆ @chiitan.love · 28/06/2026

Don’t dim your light just to keep others from feeling uncomfortable. Being transgender and fearlessly authentic is truly precious and beautiful🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 Cherish and protect the unique radiance of your soul🌈

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 28/06/2026

My kingdom for a VK_KHR_maintenance7 Seems like a fair deal right about now Internal-screaming.gif

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 28/06/2026

Seeing stuff like this makes me happy that I'm building and publishing my own engine for people to use. Written by human hands, for other human hands. :D

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 28/06/2026

One thing I dislike about the Vulkan spec and associated GPU databases is that I find it really hard to figure out if certain chipsets support specific features. Kind of makes it difficult to design my renderer using anything that isn't just provided in Vulkan 1.0.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 28/06/2026

I do love long debugging sessions because of a random race condition I never knew existed because it didn't exhibit itself on my Dev machine. Not sure the corrupted Lua VM liked it very much though. #gamedev

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 26/06/2026

I can't get over the fact that Epic Games want to deprecate blueprints in UE6. Why? Do they thing vibe coding is just a valid replacement or alternative? It's both really REALLY funny but also just really grim from an accessibility perspective, many non-programmers rely on them to try stuff out.

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Matt Jones @rubynovadev.novelrt.dev · 26/06/2026

Passed with flying colours! I think that's the last thing on my stupidly-overfilled-plate. Gonna just chill and keep my headspace clear today I think now this is sorted. :)

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