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The Secret Lives of Games

@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social

Candid conversations about the process of making games. https://linktr.ee/secretlives.games @nsuttner.bsky.social @nealen.bsky.social @doougle.net @stfj.net @selmaleh.bsky.social @lauraehall.bsky.social @robdubbin.bsky.social

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The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · yesterday

158: Moonlighting in the Dungeon with Mark Essen We chat with @messhof.bsky.social about their new game Blood Dungeon! Making something in the shadow of a bigger project, the constraints it takes to do it sanely, and building on the foundations of a nascent genre. secretlives.games/158-moonligh...

The Secret Lives of Games: 158: Moonlighting in the Dungeon with Mark Essen (Blood Dungeon)

We chat with Mark Essen (Nidhogg, Wheel World) about his "feverish bullet heaven platformer" Blood Dungeon. We discuss making a small game in the shadow of a bigger project, the constraints it takes to do it sanely, and building on the foundations of a nascent genre. Discussed in this episode: Messhof Blood Dungeon exp. zine - Vampire Survivors Death to the Self-Playing Game Messhof Marchive    

secretlives.games

sincerely, rob dubbin@robdubbin.bsky.social · 4w ago

this time, once the shock of being robbed in a sort of cartoon way wore off, i resolved to fight back the only way i knew how: by blasting continuous pods until i could harvest the peaches myself. one big difference from 2018? i have my own podcast now. hope these jerks are ready for a year of UFO50

john.flannelly@gemstonez.bsky.social · 4w ago

Pillars of the Community features contributions made in Become a Great Artist in Just 10 Seconds (by @smestorp.bsky.social and @dryad.technology ) from members of the @secretlivesofgames.bsky.social discord and @insertcredit.com forums. I can't wait for you to see it!

Poster for Pillars of the Community by John Flannelly & Virtual Neighbors. On display in The Zium Railway
The Zium Railway (Available September 13th)@theziumsociety.itch.io · 4w ago

In the Valley of the Underground Mountain... Announcing... 🛤️🏛️🎨The Zium Railway🎨🏛️🛤️ an open world galley, and a new exhibition from The Zium Society will be released on September 13th 2026 Here's a trailer: youtu.be/9yf-lTRRRjc

sincerely, rob dubbin@robdubbin.bsky.social · last mo.

real fun conversation about one of the standout action titles of the iOS era. listen and find out what kind of bullshit we all did to "make our fingers move faster over the screen". blowing into the cartridge is alive and well, conceptually 🌀

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · last mo.

All Systems Brough - HELIX We're joined by @foddy.net, @iznaut.com, and @v21.bsky.social to discuss this classic spiral-action shmup-like about staying alive, the 8th game in our yearlong coverage of @smestorp.bsky.social's wide-ranging catalogue. secretlives.games/all-systems-...

v buckenham@v21.bsky.social · last mo.

i was on TSLOG! talking about Helix, which i reckon has the same great ethos of luring you into taking just one more risk as Brough's broughlikes, but smoothly realtime.

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · last mo.

All Systems Brough - HELIX We're joined by @foddy.net, @iznaut.com, and @v21.bsky.social to discuss this classic spiral-action shmup-like about staying alive, the 8th game in our yearlong coverage of @smestorp.bsky.social's wide-ranging catalogue. secretlives.games/all-systems-...

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · last mo.

All Systems Brough - HELIX We're joined by @foddy.net, @iznaut.com, and @v21.bsky.social to discuss this classic spiral-action shmup-like about staying alive, the 8th game in our yearlong coverage of @smestorp.bsky.social's wide-ranging catalogue. secretlives.games/all-systems-...

The Secret Lives of Games: All Systems Brough - Helix

We're joined by v buckenham (Downpour, Beasts of Balance), Izzy Kestrel (Electrifying Incident, A Little Game Called Mario), and Bennett Foddy (Baby Steps, QWOP, Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy) to discuss Helix, a spiral-action shmuplike about staying alive. It’s the eighth installment in our yearlong special series exploring the work of Michael Brough: All Systems Brough. Next episode: Imbroglio Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Helix 868-BACK (Out now!! Go buy it!!)     Michael Brough’s Website   Maypole Game Design Deep Dive: The unique touchscreen action game controls of Helix Bit Pilot Tilt to Live Super Hexagon Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved remake Endings (Michael’s 2015 blog) Playdate Nex Playground Hylics Vangers Tools for Creativity class (virtual) with v buckenham School for Poetic Computation bimbo static site generator    

secretlives.games

Thursday Garreau@keftiu.bsky.social · last mo.

has someone checked on @secretlivesofgames.bsky.social? this seems like the most important thing that's ever happened to them

Jon Perry@perryjon.bsky.social · last mo.

🎉Excited to announce I've adapted Party House from UFO 50 into a physical card game! 🎉 Teaser trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHNF... Kickstarter prelaunch page (shared w/ a Baba is You game!): www.kickstarter.com/projects/bit... Brought to you by @bitewinggames.bsky.social More details soon! 🥳

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Ep. 157: Going Off-Grid with Brooke Husic (Puzzmo Crosswords) We chat with @xws.bsky.social about showrunning @puzzmo.com’s daily crossword, her prolific career as a constructor, the impact of cultural biases on puzzles, the perils of editing, and so! much! more!! secretlives.games/157-going-of...

The Secret Lives of Games: 157: Going Off-Grid with Brooke Husic (Puzzmo Crosswords)

We chat with Brooke Husic (Puzzmo, New Yorker, A24) about creating, stewarding, and showrunning a daily crossword for the web-based puzzle phenomenon, Puzzmo. Our discussion covers Puzzmo's first 1,00...

secretlives.games

Michael Brough@smestorp.bsky.social · 2mo ago

the 868-BACK update that just went up on steam - aside from the usual long list of bug fixes (SO MANY INTERACTIONS) - has a new screen layout specifically for steam deck that has some larger icons and clearer text to work better on the small screen.

vibe-free lifestyle and smiling apple purveyor@ellaguro.bsky.social · 2mo ago

it was really great to have this conversation and it brought back a lot of memories of the fairly recent past of 12-13ish years ago. here's my piece made with ARTIST called "baboon nose" that i recall @smestorp.bsky.social saying was his favorite

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The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 2mo ago

All Systems Brough - BECOME A GREAT ARTIST IN JUST 10 SECONDS We're joined by @dryad.technology, @ellaguro.bsky.social, and @alt254.bsky.social to discuss the 7th game in our yearlong coverage of @smestorp.bsky.social's wide-ranging oeuvre: secretlives.games/all-systems-...

sincerely, rob dubbin@robdubbin.bsky.social · 2mo ago

as we get deeper into this series i keep being reminded that michael brough’s collected works cover way more ground than the distinctive roguelikes he’s often associated with. great example here: a brilliant and influential generative art tool. plus we got to talk to its cocreator @dryad.technology

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 2mo ago

All Systems Brough - BECOME A GREAT ARTIST IN JUST 10 SECONDS We're joined by @dryad.technology, @ellaguro.bsky.social, and @alt254.bsky.social to discuss the 7th game in our yearlong coverage of @smestorp.bsky.social's wide-ranging oeuvre: secretlives.games/all-systems-...

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 2mo ago

All Systems Brough - BECOME A GREAT ARTIST IN JUST 10 SECONDS We're joined by @dryad.technology, @ellaguro.bsky.social, and @alt254.bsky.social to discuss the 7th game in our yearlong coverage of @smestorp.bsky.social's wide-ranging oeuvre: secretlives.games/all-systems-...

The Secret Lives of Games: All Systems Brough - BECOME A GREAT ARTIST IN JUST 10 SECONDS

We're joined by Liz Ryerson (musician, writer, podcaster), Patrick LeMieux (UC Davis), and Andi McClure (BECOME A GREAT ARTIST IN JUST 10 SECONDS, Jumpman) to discuss BECOME A GREAT ARTIST IN JUST 10 ...

secretlives.games

Mike Rugnetta@mikerugnetta.com · 3mo ago

I love, and am pretty good at 868-HACK but have been *struggling* with 868-BACK. I figured maybe watching some smart, funny guys who know wtf they're doing could help me shed my Game Baggage. And either way, It's always a pleasure watching folks be good at something. www.twitch.tv/videos/27880...

sincerely, rob dubbin@robdubbin.bsky.social · 3mo ago

to all my friends and associates who live inside the computer: you have simply got to come check out me and @doougle.net streaming 868-BACK on the @secretlivesofgames.bsky.social twitch channel. we're gonna hack, get hacked, and make some things hack other things. GOTY? www.twitch.tv/thesecretliv...

Alfredo Barraza@sxezskoz.bsky.social · 3mo ago

It always makes me so happy to be able to contribute to my favorite radio-like. Very grateful for the invite! Here’s a link to one of my favorite slow tv/second monitor shows that I discovered around the time I was playing Vesper5: twitch.tv/earthriseent...

EarthriseEntertainment - Twitch

「KHWI」1990ノスタルジックな美的音楽と天気チャンネル

twitch.tv

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 3mo ago

All Systems Brough - VESPER.5 (+ assorted jam projects) We're joined by @iznaut.com and @sxezskoz.bsky.social to discuss the 6th game(s) in our yearlong coverage of @smestorp.bsky.social's wide-ranging oeuvre: secretlives.games/all-systems-...

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 3mo ago

All Systems Brough - VESPER.5 (+ assorted jam projects) We're joined by @iznaut.com and @sxezskoz.bsky.social to discuss the 6th game(s) in our yearlong coverage of @smestorp.bsky.social's wide-ranging oeuvre: secretlives.games/all-systems-...

The Secret Lives of Games: All Systems Brough - VESPER.5

We're joined by Izzy Kestrel (Funomena, No Goblin, A Good Videogame) and Alfredo Barraza (Riot Games) to discuss VESPER.5; a durational, tile-based exploration game. It’s the sixth installment in our ...

secretlives.games

Dylan@dylliebar.bsky.social · 3mo ago

One of my favorite episodes I’ve edited for @secretlivesofgames.bsky.social! A thought-provoking dive into maintaining a creative practice over time and exploring your creative voice in different ways. Would highly recommend giving it a listen (and checking out 868-BACK)!

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 3mo ago

All Systems Brough: A Chat with Michael We’re joined by @smestorp.bsky.social himself to celebrate the launch of 868-BACK (out now!), as we discuss his journey to launch, how his process has changed over the years, his impressions of our series so far, and more. secretlives.games/all-systems-...

john.flannelly@gemstonez.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Nearly two hours of extremely wise and resonant discussion! This episode is a must-listen, and go ahead and throw 868-BACK in your cart if you haven't done so already.

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 3mo ago

All Systems Brough: A Chat with Michael We’re joined by @smestorp.bsky.social himself to celebrate the launch of 868-BACK (out now!), as we discuss his journey to launch, how his process has changed over the years, his impressions of our series so far, and more. secretlives.games/all-systems-...

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 3mo ago

All Systems Brough: A Chat with Michael We’re joined by @smestorp.bsky.social himself to celebrate the launch of 868-BACK (out now!), as we discuss his journey to launch, how his process has changed over the years, his impressions of our series so far, and more. secretlives.games/all-systems-...

The Secret Lives of Games: All Systems Brough - A Chat with Michael

We're joined by Michael Brough himself for a bonus chat on the thrilling occasion of 868-BACK’s release day. Don’t worry, we don’t spoil the new game at all (except to say it’s fantastic! Go buy it no...

secretlives.games

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 4mo ago

TSLOG TV Plays De Mol (2026 season) Episode 7 recap is live: secretlives.games/tslog-tv-pla... We recap a very comical Ep 7. One of our fav episodes in recent memory?

The Secret Lives of Games: TSLOG TV Plays De Mol (2026 season) - Episode 7

We're recapping the 2026 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 14).  Laura, Jey, and Doug recap Episode 7. Who is the Mole, and how does this elimination echo last season's Final...

secretlives.games

sincerely, rob dubbin@robdubbin.bsky.social · 4mo ago

anyone who survived 2010s indie game twitter will remember: corrypt was subject to some Discourse on its aesthetics, commercial fortunes, etc. 13 years later, it was so satisfying to experience how well it has held up on its own merits. brough games are timeless, like the buildings cities brag about

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 4mo ago

All Systems Brough - Corrypt We're joined by @halfrobot.com and @flantz.bsky.social to discuss the 5th game in our yearlong coverage of @smestorp.bsky.social's beguiling oeuvre. secretlives.games/all-systems-...

The Secret Lives of Games@secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 4mo ago

All Systems Brough - Corrypt We're joined by @halfrobot.com and @flantz.bsky.social to discuss the 5th game in our yearlong coverage of @smestorp.bsky.social's beguiling oeuvre. secretlives.games/all-systems-...

The Secret Lives of Games: All Systems Brough - Corrypt

We're joined by Naomi Clark (NYU Game Center, Consentacle, A Game Design Vocabulary) and Frank Lantz (Q-UP, Universal Paperclips, also NYU Game Center) to discuss Corrypt, a totally normal block-movin...

secretlives.games