iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Absolutely ecstatic to announce that after 11 months of unemployment, I’ve landed a contractor role with Next Games as a Level Designer! Flying out to Finland for onboarding next week! 🎉 So excited to meet the team & start work on a VERY cool project! (Sorry that’s all I can say. NDA’s y’no? 🤐)

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

The fact that Microsoft have just laid off a further 9000 people leaves me extremely deflated of any hope I, or others affected, of finding other jobs fast in this industry. My heart goes out to everyone in the same boat as me. We all deserved better 💜🫂

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

Hey all. I’m sad to say that my role as Level Designer is being made redundant as part of EA’s layoffs The news comes 1 week after my wife was made redundant too as a Software/Test Engineer, so if you're looking to grow your team or know someone who is, please reach out #gamedev #indiedev #engineer

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

And the platinum trophy is ours! My first of the year and 89th in my collection 💜

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

I know we’re only in March but… Split Fiction is my game of the year hands down! Had such a blast playing with my wife! Very few co-op games have EVER had us having as much fun as SF did! I have a mighty NEED to chat with/praise the designers 💜

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

I also have dyslexia 🥳😂 I found XP relatively easy to use from what I’ve done so far I haven’t given this one a try yet, but there are a lot of tutorials on YouTube that you can use to learn. I find it easier to watch a video than reading text to learn 🥰

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Reposted by Closs (they/them)

Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Calling RPG lovers! If you've ever wanted to make your own, now is an incredible time to start! ⭐RPG Maker VX Ace is FREE on Steam RIGHT NOW!⭐ Usual price is around £60 so you're getting an absolute steal and an incredible piece of kit! #GameDev #IndieDev #IndieGame #RPGMaker #RPG #FreeGames

Screenshot of Steam's RPG Maker VX Ace page with the text:
Get RPG Maker VX Ace
Free to keep when you get it during this limited-time promotion. Some limitations apply. (?)
-100%. $0.00. Add to Account.

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Yup! The whole thing! I've previously been using RPGMaker XP to make a little Pokemon fangame in my spare time, but this looks like it has way more options and QoL upgrades. So well worth it (especially given it's totally free!)

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Today's an 'oops I ate a whole tub of Caramel Brownie Party Ben & Jerries while working' day. Gamedev sponsored by @benandjerriesuk.bsky.social (not really... could you imagine though 👀) In other B&J news, can we get the Raindough flavour back pretty please?! It's my other favourite! 💜

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

No problem!! Happy to help 😁 Good luck making some awesome stuff with it! 💜

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Seems like from the other promotions it’s looking like February 10th! 😁

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

I’m Closs (they/them) I’ve got 5 yrs exp making a BAFTA winning mobile game as the studios only Level Designer Currently looking for a remote position in console/PC dev for an inclusive & diverse studio I’m updating my portfolio when I get the chance but here it is for now clossbirkett.carrd.co

clossbirkett.carrd.co

Closs Birkett | Level Designer

Portfolio for Level Designer Closs Birkett

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Hiring managers! Applicants asking for feedback on a rejection? Some say it shows determination, others that it’s a silly expectation. Which is it? I appreciate it’s hard when applications are in the 100s. It’s hard to apply/write bespoke cover letters to 100s of roles with blank rejections too…

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

Updating my portfolio as a #LevelDesigner and trying to find ways to make it stand out, but not be overbearing or lose the important info to keep me memorable. What are some features you've seen on a #GameDev portfolio that really wowed you? #GamesIndustry #Portfolio #JobSearch #JobHunting

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

Hyped is an understatement! I LOVED Lil Gator Game on release and had fun with your writer on stream playing it for the first time. So hyped for this DLC! 💜

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

YES! Oh Lil Gator Game was such a joyful experience when it first came out! I am MASSIVELY excited for this DLC. I miss my Gator! 💜

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

God… DAMMIT! I just got whammed joining this weeks EA All Hands Meeting…. WHY! This is what being on time to meetings gets me 🫠🥲

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

So good to finally see WoodrunnerGames here on Bluesky with their upcoming 2D platformer Croak! I had an absolutely joy playing the demo at Gamescom earlier this year and can’t wait for more! 💜

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Reposted by Closs (they/them)

Gemma Cooper @xgemgem.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

With so many people making the leap over to Bluesky.. ✨ The UKGI Slack admins have made a starter pack for our community! ✨ If you want to be added, check the announcements section of our slack. To join the slack, click the link for the signup form! ❤️❤️❤️ go.bsky.app/2sha92U

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Reposted by Closs (they/them)

Game Assist 🇵🇸🏳️‍⚧️ @gameassistyt.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

Thanks so much for 1,900 subscribers on YouTube everyone 🎉 Think we can make 2,000 by the end of the year? Head to our channel to subscribe if you wanna and you haven't already: youtube.com/@gameassist?...

youtube.com

Game Assist

Game Assist is a collective, standing for liberation and transformative justice through games. We provide political education, build community and organise and inspire action in the games industry, wi...

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

Yesssss! Look at all these incredible indies getting some limelight 💜🙌🏻

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

Got a digital game code in my emails today for a freebie from work and the first letters were PRYCK… I mean I know but you didn’t need to shout it THAT loudly at me 😂🥲

A cropped screenshot of a verification email containing a code for an XBox Series S/X code. The latter half of the code is blacked out, with the beginning 5 letters being P, R, Y, C and K.

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

All of these games amazed me just as much as FFVII Rebirth (I say as a die hard 90’s FFVII stan) and Astro Bot! Please consider supporting some indie devs alongside voting and speaking about your fan favourite AAA’s as well 💜

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

Reminder now we’re at the Game of the Year talk that a lot of Indie & AA games & studios will never see awards like this & it’s a shame. Another Crabs Treasure, Trash Goblin, Cursed Broom, Plucky Squire, Beastieball, Hades II, Bō & many more I can’t fit in the character limit…Cont 🧵

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 06/11/2024

Please reskeet to get these resources out to as many people as possible who need them 💜

Text on a white background with pastel blue and pink accents representing the trans flag. Text reads: “The first Transgender suicide hotline is now up and running in the U.S. You can reach [TRANS LIFELINE] at 877-565-8860 #PrideTrain”

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 06/11/2024

To my marginalised siblings across the world, but especially in the US! If you’re feeling hopeless & need a reason to keep going. Please use SafeinourWorld to find a crisis line in your area. Take time to mourn but don’t do anything permanent. You are loved & valid 💜🫂 safeinourworld.org/find-help/

safeinourworld.org

Mental Health Support - Find Help - Safe In Our World

There are many helplines and support sites you can reach out to in a mental health emergency to find help.

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 01/11/2024

Are there ANY remote level design positions in the games industry anymore? I’m having an imposter syndrome day & I’m lacking faith that I can progress in my career. I’m a hard worker & I love what I do. I just want to be able to take care of my chronically ill wife too. Is that too much to ask?

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Reposted by Closs (they/them)

Cat Manning @catacalypto.bsky.social · 30/10/2024

reposting this iconic @joshmlabelle.bsky.social tweet over here because it came up today

a tweet which reads “We’ve assembled 100 people with ADHD and 5 people with no soft skills to manage them, and given them a simple goal: make an impossible amount of money. We call it the games industry, and we think it’s going to work great”

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Reposted by Closs (they/them)

Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 26/10/2024

Finished the Cursed Broom demo & holy heck once I got the hang of the mechanics it was so much fun! It releases on Halloween so not long to wait! Cant wait to play the full game 😁 You can wishlist & play the demo now here! store.steampowered.com/app/1823030/... #indie #indiegame #halloween

store.steampowered.com

Cursed Broom on Steam

Fly with Maya through this charming 2D platformer! Find your way through the different parts of Maya's hometown, collect artifacts to gain different powers and experience a heartfelt tale of self-disc...

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 26/10/2024

store.steampowered.com

Cursed Broom on Steam

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 26/10/2024

Another indie to shout about! Cursed Broom looks amazing and the devs definitely needs more support. If you love the tight platforming and art style of Celeste and you’re into witchy things then give the demo a try and maybe drop it on your wishlist! store.steampowered.com/app/1823030/...

store.steampowered.com

Cursed Broom on Steam

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Aw don’t sweat it! Just doing what I can for a friend yno? Hoping this gets somewhere you need it 💜🫂

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Ah no worries! Thanks for the link to the other pack! I’ll check that out 💜 Have a great day!

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Heyo! UK level designer here based in Wilmslow! 🥰💜

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Heya! Level Designer here at EA! I’d love to be included in this pack if that’s ok? 🥰💜

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Hai hai! I’m a level designer and would love to be included in this pack if that’s ok? 🥰💜

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Heya! I’m a gamedev! Level Designer specifically. I’d love to be included if that’s ok? 🥰💜

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Heya! I’d love to be included in this is there’s still space! 💜🥰 Thanks so much!

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Wanna shout abt a game I found at Gamescom made by the coolest indie devs! They’re not on Bsky yet. store.steampowered.com/app/2616540/... Croak is a wonderfully designed 2D puzzle platformer & boss battler with Hollow Knight/Cuphead/Celeste vibes & I had so much fun mastering the tongue grapple!

A selfie photo involving 3 individuals wearing black shirts and throwing up the surfer/devil horns hand pose, and myself in the bottom left corner pointing back towards them. We are all standing in front of a a gaming booth at Gamescom which is advertising the game Croak. On the marketing poster is a round green frog wearing a gold crown and a red cape

3 game developers from Woodrunner Games stand in front of their booth at Gamescom, playing the demo of their game Croak on a small tv screen on the far back wall. A green frog plushie sits on the table underneath the tv

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

No problem! Yeah Tiggy loves doing Pokemon work! She has some incredible examples on her Insta (I don’t think she has a Bsky yet) www.instagram.com/tiggytattoos...

instagram.com

Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Looks like I might be doing Pumpkaboo! And honestly I’m not mad. Any excuse to throw a cool Pokemon design on a pumpkin really 😂🎃

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Oh I love this so much 💜 Those background colours are gorgeous!

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

I got it done by Tiggy at Mt Moon Tattoo over in Gloucester! She did an excellent job with it and I’m so happy! www.mtmoontattoo.com

mtmoontattoo.com

Mt Moon Tattoo | Home

Gloucester based private tattoo shop with a nerdy twist! Book in to visit us!

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Ooh thank you for the tag! This looks like amazing resources!

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Oh my gosh yes!! That’s so gorgeous! 😍 Half of me wants to turn this whole arm into one big Spyro tattoo but then the other half of me wants to throw all my other childhood game heroes in there like Croc, Tombi, Gex, Crash etc

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Closs (they/them) @thatgamedevcloss.bsky.social · 22/10/2024

Gamers and gamedevs! Show me your cool gaming tattoos! My first tattoo that I got last year was of the adorable Spyro the Dragon. This purple guy is the whole reason I fell in love with gaming and game design and I’m so thankful to be in the industry now, even if it took some effort getting here 💜

A photograph of a forearm tattoo depicting Spyro the Dragon from the PS1 game of the same name. Spyro is a purple dragon with a yellow belly and yellow and red wings. He’s flying in front of an Aurora Borealis style blue/teal background

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