Brainfart Studio

brainfart.studioCreate Individual Tiles That Visually Build and Destroy ThemselvesAn in depth explanation of how I built this mechanic, the system that drives it, the individual components, and how it all functions. (With code examples.)

10 Sept

Create Individual Tiles That Visually Build and Destroy Themselves https://brainfart.studio/create-individual-tiles-that-visually-build-and-destroy-themselves/

brainfart.studioPost Mortem – Do You Wanna Jam 2026Do You Wanna Jam 2026 is officially over. Here's how I ranked, everything that worked well, what got cut, and the one thing you MUST do before your next jam.

3 Sept

Post Mortem – Do You Wanna Jam 2026 https://brainfart.studio/post-mortem-do-you-wanna-jam-2026/

brainfart.studioThe Second Half of Wannibe Manisha’s “Do You Wanna Jam 2026”"Do You Wanna Jam 2026" has finished. Here is how the second half went, what was added, and what was cut.

27 Aug

The Second Half of Wannibe Manisha’s “Do You Wanna Jam 2026” https://brainfart.studio/the-second-half-of-wannibe-manishas-do-you-wanna-jam-2026/

brainfart.studioHalfway Through Wannibe Manisha’s “Do You Wanna Jam 2026”A progress check five days into a 10 day jam. Here's everything I've built and what's left to add before the deadline.

20 Aug

Halfway Through Wannibe Manisha’s “Do You Wanna Jam 2026” https://brainfart.studio/halfway-through-wannibe-manishas-do-you-wanna-jam-2026/

brainfart.studioWhy I Formed Brainfart Studio LLC Before I Made a DimeI wanted to set my studio up right from the beginning. From family to protection to future plans, here's everything that went into that decision and why.

13 Aug

Why I Formed Brainfart Studio LLC Before I Made a Dime https://brainfart.studio/why-i-formed-brainfart-studio-llc-before-i-made-a-dime/

brainfart.studioBusiness Structures for Solo Game Devs and Small StudiosSole proprietor, LLC, or S-Corp? Here are the most common business structures for solo game devs and small studios, and when to use each.

6 Aug

Business Structures for Solo Game Devs and Small Studios https://brainfart.studio/business-structures-for-solo-game-devs-and-small-studios/

brainfart.studioEverything (So Far) I Want in My Reusable Game Dev LibraryI'm centralizing all my systems and tools in one place. Before building, I want to list every system I keep rebuilding to catch any potential dependency issues.

30 July

Everything (So Far) I Want in My Reusable Game Dev Library https://brainfart.studio/everything-so-far-i-want-in-my-reusable-game-dev-library/

brainfart.studioExcluding Folders from Unity’s AssetDatabaseKeep sample scenes and documentation on disk without cluttering Unity's Project window or asset pipeline. This trick shows you how.

23 July

Excluding Folders from Unity’s AssetDatabase https://brainfart.studio/excluding-folders-from-unitys-assetdatabase/

21 July

Anyone need a Unity dev for the GMTK game jam? Don't really wanna do another solo.

21 July

Any GMTK teams need a Unity dev? Experienced Unity dev. Currently building reusable game feel toolkit (haptics, screenshake, flash, hitstop). Looking for a team where I handle polish/feedback while others handle gameplay/art. Happy to help with mechanics too, but feedback systems are my focus.

brainfart.studioEverything I Learned Publishing My First Game on SteamSteam is hard if you're on your own. Here's everything I'm learning about fees, tax setups, review processes, Steamworks integration, and art assets.

16 July

Everything I Learned Publishing My First Game on Steam https://brainfart.studio/everything-i-learned-publishing-my-first-game-on-steam/

brainfart.studioLaser Beast Is a Month Behind Schedule After Level MigrationOutside pressure and avoidance both pushed my solo dev schedule off track this month. Here's what actually got done, why, and how I'm fixing it.

9 July

Laser Beast Is a Month Behind Schedule After Level Migration https://brainfart.studio/laser-beast-is-a-month-behind-schedule-after-level-migration/

brainfart.studioSpin to Sin: A Conceptual Wheel of Fortune Meets BalatroDesigning a spin-the-wheel game for Juniper Dev's game jam. You reshape the wheel's odds between spins while wagering souls on the outcome.

2 July

Spin to Sin: A Conceptual Wheel of Fortune Meets Balatro https://brainfart.studio/spin-to-sin-a-conceptual-wheel-of-fortune-meets-balatro/

brainfart.studioThis Ain’t Even Poker Ya Joker: Deckbuilding Meets IdleThis idle game has a real story, great visuals, and a unique deckbuilding twist. But it's not without flaws. Let's break down 'This Ain't Even Poker, Ya Joker'.

28 June

This Ain’t Even Poker Ya Joker: Deckbuilding Meets Idle https://brainfart.studio/this-aint-even-poker-ya-joker-deckbuilding-meets-idle/

25 June

How have I not seen this!? This looks like a really cool mechanic. And the artstyle is beautiful. Wishlisted. Also, how about Conchimari? #gameDev #gameDeveloper #gameDevelopment #soloDev #indieDev

Feather’s Edge by Clockwork Acorn@clockworkacorn.com

A small enemy with a grand journey throughout our game’s development! Getting the feel and feedback just right can depend on seemingly tiny details like color and movements denoting behaviour. But game dev is filled with tiny details, especially the ones that make the biggest impact. #indiegame

23 June

Every time I see more development from this game, I wanna play it even sooner. Show them some love and go wishlist it. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1730790/A_Sisters_Journey/ #gameDev #gameDevelopment #gameDeveloper #pixelArt #indieGame #metroidvania

A Sister's Journey - Out Now! ✨@asistersjourney.bsky.social

I bet the view from up there must be amazing! ✨🌕 #pixelart #gamedev #indiegame #metroidvania #ドット絵

14 June

These are super cool. I really like your pixel art style!

Leonian (Poppy vs King)@poppyvsking.bsky.social

Some Pokémon starters I came up with a while ago #pixelart #digitalart #fakemon

11 June

Just curious: what kind of projects do you work on OTHER than #gameDev? Web dev? Arduino builds? 3D prints? YouTube? Share what you're working on! #gameDeveloper #gameDevelopment #indieDev #soloDev #brainfart

brainfart.studioDPS Idle 2: A Card-Based Idle Game Done Well (Mostly)DPS Idle 2 builds its progression around card leveling and prestige loop. This dev analysis covers those systems and what I think could be improved.

11 June

DPS Idle 2: A Card-Based Idle Game Done Well (Mostly) https://brainfart.studio/dps-idle-2-a-card-based-idle-game-done-well-mostly/

8 June

#Brainfart #gameDev Challenge - Day 8 Some of my favorite games are whimsical, silly, or borderline absurdist. Banjo-Kazooie, Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, Jak & Daxter, etc. Come up with your own character and put then in their own unusual situation. #gameDevelopment #gameDeveloper #soloDev #indieDev

7 June

#Brainfart #gameDev Challenge - Day 7 Think about things from the natural world that are under-utilized in games. Aurora Borealis, sakura blossoms, bubbles. How would you use it in an unusual way? UI? Background element? #gameDevelopment #gameDeveloper #soloDev #indieDev

5 June

#Brainfart #gameDev Challenge - Day 6 Certain genres center around combat. Reimagine a usually combat focused genre in a non-combat way. #gameDevelopment #gameDeveloper #soloDev #indieDev

brainfart.studioBlogrollI want to build a living, growing space where you can follow the latest posts from across the indie game dev community. There are lists out there, but most aren’t being actively maintained. So I figured… why not do it myself? On the left, you’ll find the newest posts from […]

2 June

Did you know I created a blogroll tool to keep track of all the latest #gameDev and developer blogs? Just added a ton of new blogs to it. Check it out! https://brainfart.studio/blogroll/ #gameDeveloper #gameDevelopment #soloDev #indieDev #brainfart

2 June

Most underrated metroidvanias. PS1/N64 era and earlier. Go!

brainfart.studioHow I’m Structuring Laser Beast’s Level ProgressionDesigning difficulty progression means deciding what the player learns first, and in what order. Here's the framework I used for my game Laser Beast.

25 May

Latest update on my game is up on the blog! Starting to craft the levels. Trying to logic and structured with how I think about the level progression. https://brainfart.studio/how-im-structuring-laser-beasts-level-progression/ #blog #gameDev #gameDeveloper #gameDevelopment #soloDev #brainfart

discord.comJoin the Brainfart Studio Discord Server!Check out the Brainfart Studio community on Discord - hang out with 25 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.

24 May

Looking for a #gameDev Discord server? #Brainfart Studio has one! #soloDev and small team focused. Come hang out, make friends, and share your #gameDevelopment progress. https://discord.com/invite/j2xg5DzEsT #gameDeveloper #soloDev #indieDev

brainfart.studioWhat I’d Look for Before Hiring a Game ProgrammerFor programmers looking for game dev jobs, here are the OOP principles, system design concepts, and version control practices I'd recommend knowing first.

24 May

What I’d Look for Before Hiring a Game Programmer https://brainfart.studio/what-id-look-for-before-hiring-a-game-programmer/

23 May

#Brainfart #gameDev Challenge - Day 5 What is a mechanic or system from any other game/genre that you love but have never explored as a game dev? #gameDevelopment #gameDeveloper #soloDev #indieDev

22 May

#Brainfart #gameDev Challenge - Day 4 Two games with identical mechanics can feel like completely different worlds from setting alone. Pick a time, place, or aesthetic almost never seen in games. What would your art direction look like? #gameDevelopment #gameDeveloper #soloDev #indieDev

21 May

I really like this circular indicator as a UI element. I could imagine something like this being an interesting mechanic or UI in a puzzle game.

KT☆ケイティ@kt910.bsky.social

Made a circular indicator shader for things like health or stamina ✨ Used atan() to convert UV → angle progress controls the main dial separate change_progress for delayed transitions Back to game dev after a while 🔄 #gamedev #Godot #shader

brainfart.studioHow I Practice Game Design Without Stopping DevelopmentGame design is easy to neglect during long development cycles. Here's the system I use to keep practicing it without losing momentum on my main project.

21 May

How I Practice Game Design Without Stopping Development https://brainfart.studio/how-i-practice-game-design-without-stopping-development/

20 May

Really love the colors in this. Might have to try this as a color palette at some point.

freepixel.art@freepixelart.bsky.social

Nebula Cloud Colorful Purple — celestial pixel art from our Sky & Weather set. Free for any sky simulation. Transparent PNG. Commercial use OK. One of 92+ free game assets. #pixelart #gamedev #indiedev #freeassets #weather https://freepixel.art/browse/sky-weather

19 May

#Brainfart #gameDev Challenge - Day 3 Pick a real world topic you know a lot about. Pitch a game that teaches it, but make sure the 'fun' comes first. What is the topic and how are you making it fun? #gameDevelopment #gameDeveloper #soloDev #indieDev

19 May

I'm gonna start sharing some of the best #gameDev resources I've found. If you've have something that has been super helpful for you, definitely share it with me! #gameDeveloper #gameDevelopment #soloDev #indieDev

19 May

The dry brush with that pixel art feel is super cool. This could make for an interesting mechanic or maybe like a background effect generator or something. Keeping this in my mind as inspiration. #gameDev #gameDeveloper #gameDevelopment #soloDev #soloDeveloper

Emscotty 🦚@emscotty.bsky.social

Wild, dry pixel brush strokes 🖌️ #pixelart #digitalart

18 May

#Brainfart #gameDev Challenge - Day 2 Pick two game genres that have no business being together (e.g. Racing + Deckbuilder). How do you make them work in a cohesive game? #gameDevelopment #gameDeveloper #soloDev #indieDev

gameobserver.com20 Promising Indie Metroidvanias Coming In 2026Explore and unlock new entries for your wishlist with this list of indie metroidvanias yet to come in 2026!

18 May

Metroidvanias, you say? You have my attention. Aspiring metroidvania dev, so I'm always on the lookout for good ones.

GameObserver@gameobserver.bsky.social

The wait for Silksong may be over, but the list of upcoming promising indie metroidvanias isn't done! gameobserver.com/20-promising...

16 May

#Brainfart #gameDev Challenge - Day 1 Idle/incremental games often fall into similar fantasy/industrial themes. Come up with a new theme or core concept for an idle/incremental game. What's the 'number' going up? What the prestige twist? #gameDeveloper #gameDevelopment #soloDev #indieDev

I feel like we need some sort of small daily #gameDev challenge. Get our brain going. Come up with new interesting combinations. Thinking about starting something up. #soloDev #soloDeveloper #gameDeveloper #gameDevelopment

brainfart.studioHomeWhat You’ll Find Here If it has anything to do with how games get made, it lives here. If something we learned the hard way can save you time, that’s a win.

Hey you! If you haven't heard, I started a #gameDev blog. You should go check it out. Project updates, tutorials, game design principles... Good stuff! https://brainfart.studio/ #gameDev #gameDeveloper #gameDevelopment #soloDev #indieDev #brainfart

brainfart.studioA Clean Git Workflow: Branching, Commits, and Pull RequestsA structured Git workflow keeps your project stable, your history readable, and your codebase ready to scale. Here's the system I use on every project.

Confused by #Git? I wrote a few #blog articles about clean Git workflows for #gameDev. Check it out: https://brainfart.studio/a-clean-git-workflow-branching-commits-and-pull-requests/ #gameDeveloper #gameDevelopment #indieDev #soloDev

This is so cool! I can imagine something like this as like a programmatic background in #gameDev. Might have to experiment with a little something...

George Lubinski@perfectpencil.bsky.social

Watercolor with salt is one of those things that seeing it in person is always better. Believe it or not this too is for the card game. Colored backgrounds for card faces Physical art just hits different #art #watercolor #cardgames #indiedev #solodev #handmade #gamedev #noai #boardgames #abstract

I THINK my new Bluesky automatic post scheduler tool thing (name pending) is fully operational! If you're seeing this post, that's a good sign! That means I can actually get back to sharing #gameDev content. #gameDevelopment #gameDeveloper #soloDev #indieDev

Confirmed! It's working. I did NOT write that on Bluesky!

Anyone have any really great #gameDev blogs by a #soloDev or small teams? I'm putting together a curated list of all the best ones I find. Make it easier to track them all in one place. You can check out that list here: https://brainfart.studio/blogroll/ #blog #gameDeveloper #gameDevelopment

This is a test. This is only a test.

14 May

Ugh... I want to get back to MVM so badly. Gotta get through my first commercial project though.

CraftPix@craftpix.bsky.social

#Craftpix is proud to sponsor Metroidvania Month 32 Inspired by games like Hollow Knight, Ori, and Axiom Verge? Join the jam and create your own metroidvania adventure! Join 👉 itch.io/jam/metroidv... Discord 💬 discord.gg/metroidvania... #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #gamejam #metroidvania #games

13 May

I've been terrible about updating on Bluesky. So I built a tool to actually schedule posts for myself! Hello from my new automatic poster!

brainfart.studioTechnical Design Documents: System Planning for ProgrammersProgrammers need a plan for every system and event before writing code. Here is how I build that plan, and why it works for more than just programming.

7 May

Technical Design Documents: System Planning for Programmers https://brainfart.studio/technical-design-documents-system-planning-for-programmers/