Backyard Zoo
@backyardzoo.bsky.social
Solo indie game dev
Currently working on my first game ‘Mayfly’, an atmospheric quiet horror game set entirely on a narrowboat
Lancashire, UK
Currently working on my first game ‘Mayfly’, an atmospheric quiet horror game set entirely on a narrowboat
Lancashire, UK
Pinned
Backyard Zoo
@backyardzoo.bsky.social
· Sep 13
Mayfly is an upcoming quiet horror set on a narrowboat where peace and tranquility slowly descend into darkness
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
Fired up DuckStation with my little boy and showed him some of my old favourites. Genuinely might sneak in a few more goes on Colin McRae Rally when he’s in bed 🫣.
So much fun - unlike most old games it still lived up to the rose-tinted memories.
#gamedev #psx #retrogaming #playstation
So much fun - unlike most old games it still lived up to the rose-tinted memories.
#gamedev #psx #retrogaming #playstation
January 7, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Fired up DuckStation with my little boy and showed him some of my old favourites. Genuinely might sneak in a few more goes on Colin McRae Rally when he’s in bed 🫣.
So much fun - unlike most old games it still lived up to the rose-tinted memories.
#gamedev #psx #retrogaming #playstation
So much fun - unlike most old games it still lived up to the rose-tinted memories.
#gamedev #psx #retrogaming #playstation
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
Christmas can be heavy, quiet, or lonely. This is a story about light that stayed, light that returned, and a tiny tree that carried hope for 26 years. If you need something soft today, this one’s for you 🎄✨
thecrslife.com/2025/12/25/a...
#ChristmasBlog #LightInTheDark #Hope #NotAlone #ChristmasDay
thecrslife.com/2025/12/25/a...
#ChristmasBlog #LightInTheDark #Hope #NotAlone #ChristmasDay
A Little Light for Christmas
This is a story about light — the kind that shows up softly, even when you’re not sure it will. When I was sixteen, I moved away from home for the first time. I lived in college dorms, which—contra…
thecrslife.com
December 25, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Christmas can be heavy, quiet, or lonely. This is a story about light that stayed, light that returned, and a tiny tree that carried hope for 26 years. If you need something soft today, this one’s for you 🎄✨
thecrslife.com/2025/12/25/a...
#ChristmasBlog #LightInTheDark #Hope #NotAlone #ChristmasDay
thecrslife.com/2025/12/25/a...
#ChristmasBlog #LightInTheDark #Hope #NotAlone #ChristmasDay
Things have taken a rather dark turn indeed 😱
Where do you think this dark tunnel leads to? 🤔
Scene 2 is now end-to-end complete, just needs polish. Onto the final scene
#gamedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame #indiedev
Where do you think this dark tunnel leads to? 🤔
Scene 2 is now end-to-end complete, just needs polish. Onto the final scene
#gamedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame #indiedev
December 19, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Things have taken a rather dark turn indeed 😱
Where do you think this dark tunnel leads to? 🤔
Scene 2 is now end-to-end complete, just needs polish. Onto the final scene
#gamedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame #indiedev
Where do you think this dark tunnel leads to? 🤔
Scene 2 is now end-to-end complete, just needs polish. Onto the final scene
#gamedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame #indiedev
This track would be perfect for the final scene of Mayfly. I’ve been trying to find a way to contact the artist for months but no luck. 😩
Just wanted to share because it’s beautiful
#lysscen #gamedev #ambient #indiegame
youtu.be/-lePsxTaqt4?...
Just wanted to share because it’s beautiful
#lysscen #gamedev #ambient #indiegame
youtu.be/-lePsxTaqt4?...
the lone wanderer
YouTube video by lysscen - Topic
youtu.be
December 16, 2025 at 10:26 PM
This track would be perfect for the final scene of Mayfly. I’ve been trying to find a way to contact the artist for months but no luck. 😩
Just wanted to share because it’s beautiful
#lysscen #gamedev #ambient #indiegame
youtu.be/-lePsxTaqt4?...
Just wanted to share because it’s beautiful
#lysscen #gamedev #ambient #indiegame
youtu.be/-lePsxTaqt4?...
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
Spent the afternoon doing my own #Sims #ShellChallenge so I can show it on stream next week after I’ve showcased everyone else’s attempts. You’ve got 1 week to submit it if you want to take part.
December 13, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Spent the afternoon doing my own #Sims #ShellChallenge so I can show it on stream next week after I’ve showcased everyone else’s attempts. You’ve got 1 week to submit it if you want to take part.
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
LIVE NOW ✨
Back in Disney Dreamlight Valley doing Star Path tasks and a bit of decorating. Will I stay focused or get distracted by literally everything? Cozy chaos incoming 🧡
👉 www.twitch.tv/mustlovedon
👉 www.youtube.com/justconnectteam
#BlindGamer #DisneyDreamlightValley #CozyGaming #LiveNow
Back in Disney Dreamlight Valley doing Star Path tasks and a bit of decorating. Will I stay focused or get distracted by literally everything? Cozy chaos incoming 🧡
👉 www.twitch.tv/mustlovedon
👉 www.youtube.com/justconnectteam
#BlindGamer #DisneyDreamlightValley #CozyGaming #LiveNow
December 16, 2025 at 6:24 PM
LIVE NOW ✨
Back in Disney Dreamlight Valley doing Star Path tasks and a bit of decorating. Will I stay focused or get distracted by literally everything? Cozy chaos incoming 🧡
👉 www.twitch.tv/mustlovedon
👉 www.youtube.com/justconnectteam
#BlindGamer #DisneyDreamlightValley #CozyGaming #LiveNow
Back in Disney Dreamlight Valley doing Star Path tasks and a bit of decorating. Will I stay focused or get distracted by literally everything? Cozy chaos incoming 🧡
👉 www.twitch.tv/mustlovedon
👉 www.youtube.com/justconnectteam
#BlindGamer #DisneyDreamlightValley #CozyGaming #LiveNow
November 18, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Quite pleased with this script I wrote which increases the window light emission as the player moves away.
Trying to create the illusion of eyes adjusting to the darker interior etc.
Could do with some rays to complete the effect I think?
#gamedev #madewithunity #indiedev #indiegame
Trying to create the illusion of eyes adjusting to the darker interior etc.
Could do with some rays to complete the effect I think?
#gamedev #madewithunity #indiedev #indiegame
November 6, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Quite pleased with this script I wrote which increases the window light emission as the player moves away.
Trying to create the illusion of eyes adjusting to the darker interior etc.
Could do with some rays to complete the effect I think?
#gamedev #madewithunity #indiedev #indiegame
Trying to create the illusion of eyes adjusting to the darker interior etc.
Could do with some rays to complete the effect I think?
#gamedev #madewithunity #indiedev #indiegame
A bit of early kitchen exploration as implemented so far. Need some variety on the cupboard opening noises though (or some WD-40) 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame #quiethorror
#solodev
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame #quiethorror
#solodev
November 3, 2025 at 7:14 PM
A bit of early kitchen exploration as implemented so far. Need some variety on the cupboard opening noises though (or some WD-40) 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame #quiethorror
#solodev
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame #quiethorror
#solodev
Mayfly is a short story-led quiet horror set entirely on a narrowboat in Northern England.
Very much work in progress, + missing dialogue for Caroline, but this will eventually form scene 2 of 4 before the game is finally complete.
#gamedev #screenshotsaturday #indiegame #madewithunity #horrorgame
Very much work in progress, + missing dialogue for Caroline, but this will eventually form scene 2 of 4 before the game is finally complete.
#gamedev #screenshotsaturday #indiegame #madewithunity #horrorgame
November 2, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Mayfly is a short story-led quiet horror set entirely on a narrowboat in Northern England.
Very much work in progress, + missing dialogue for Caroline, but this will eventually form scene 2 of 4 before the game is finally complete.
#gamedev #screenshotsaturday #indiegame #madewithunity #horrorgame
Very much work in progress, + missing dialogue for Caroline, but this will eventually form scene 2 of 4 before the game is finally complete.
#gamedev #screenshotsaturday #indiegame #madewithunity #horrorgame
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
It’s making me wanna hurry up and play it! Can’t wait. 😆
Steam store page coming soon for Mayfly (hopefully next few weeks)
It’s amazing how long you can spend fussing over words but what do you think of the description so far? 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame
It’s amazing how long you can spend fussing over words but what do you think of the description so far? 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame
October 25, 2025 at 10:55 AM
It’s making me wanna hurry up and play it! Can’t wait. 😆
Steam store page coming soon for Mayfly (hopefully next few weeks)
It’s amazing how long you can spend fussing over words but what do you think of the description so far? 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame
It’s amazing how long you can spend fussing over words but what do you think of the description so far? 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame
October 25, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Steam store page coming soon for Mayfly (hopefully next few weeks)
It’s amazing how long you can spend fussing over words but what do you think of the description so far? 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame
It’s amazing how long you can spend fussing over words but what do you think of the description so far? 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
Mayfly is an upcoming quiet horror set on a narrowboat where peace and tranquility slowly descend into darkness
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
September 13, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Mayfly is an upcoming quiet horror set on a narrowboat where peace and tranquility slowly descend into darkness
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
🎉 Live now: 100 Follower Celebration! 🥳 Join me in Minecraft—challenge me with silly tasks or help fill the Pawsitivity Book with positive words. Chaos & fun guaranteed. Zombie slaps included. 🧟♂️⚔️ #BlindGamer
www.twitch.tv/mustlovedon
www.youtube.com/justconnectteam
www.twitch.tv/mustlovedon
www.youtube.com/justconnectteam
September 21, 2025 at 8:27 AM
🎉 Live now: 100 Follower Celebration! 🥳 Join me in Minecraft—challenge me with silly tasks or help fill the Pawsitivity Book with positive words. Chaos & fun guaranteed. Zombie slaps included. 🧟♂️⚔️ #BlindGamer
www.twitch.tv/mustlovedon
www.youtube.com/justconnectteam
www.twitch.tv/mustlovedon
www.youtube.com/justconnectteam
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
Can't rest on our laurels with #Blanky releasing tomorrow.
Work on the next game has already begun. This morning I've been testing out some assets and colours for our next game.
Switching from side on to top down perspective is taking some getting used to
#VideoGames #GameDev #IndieDev
Work on the next game has already begun. This morning I've been testing out some assets and colours for our next game.
Switching from side on to top down perspective is taking some getting used to
#VideoGames #GameDev #IndieDev
September 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Can't rest on our laurels with #Blanky releasing tomorrow.
Work on the next game has already begun. This morning I've been testing out some assets and colours for our next game.
Switching from side on to top down perspective is taking some getting used to
#VideoGames #GameDev #IndieDev
Work on the next game has already begun. This morning I've been testing out some assets and colours for our next game.
Switching from side on to top down perspective is taking some getting used to
#VideoGames #GameDev #IndieDev
Mayfly is an upcoming quiet horror set on a narrowboat where peace and tranquility slowly descend into darkness
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
September 13, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Mayfly is an upcoming quiet horror set on a narrowboat where peace and tranquility slowly descend into darkness
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
BackYard Zoo is working so hard on their first game #MayFly. Go give them a follow and keep up to date with the development progress. #Gamedev #ShareTheDonLove😍
Consistent feedback from the play tests:
- Event triggers not always clear
- Horror atmosphere could afford to be toned down even more
- Exiting the first puzzle is not as clear as could be
Over the moon with that. A massive thanks to 👉 @mustlovedon.bsky.social 👈 for being awesome too.
#gamedev
- Event triggers not always clear
- Horror atmosphere could afford to be toned down even more
- Exiting the first puzzle is not as clear as could be
Over the moon with that. A massive thanks to 👉 @mustlovedon.bsky.social 👈 for being awesome too.
#gamedev
September 11, 2025 at 12:37 PM
BackYard Zoo is working so hard on their first game #MayFly. Go give them a follow and keep up to date with the development progress. #Gamedev #ShareTheDonLove😍
It's finally starting to feel like 1999 on board the Mayfly.
God rays next...
#gamedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiedev #indiegame
God rays next...
#gamedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiedev #indiegame
September 11, 2025 at 10:24 AM
It's finally starting to feel like 1999 on board the Mayfly.
God rays next...
#gamedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiedev #indiegame
God rays next...
#gamedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiedev #indiegame
Play tests went so unbelievably well last week but…
“Why is Mayfly running like utter dog shit on this old MacBook?”
Humbling first time game dev experience remedied with the help of the awesome @comp3int.bsky.social
#gamedev #unity3d #indiegame #gameoptimisation
“Why is Mayfly running like utter dog shit on this old MacBook?”
Humbling first time game dev experience remedied with the help of the awesome @comp3int.bsky.social
#gamedev #unity3d #indiegame #gameoptimisation
September 9, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Play tests went so unbelievably well last week but…
“Why is Mayfly running like utter dog shit on this old MacBook?”
Humbling first time game dev experience remedied with the help of the awesome @comp3int.bsky.social
#gamedev #unity3d #indiegame #gameoptimisation
“Why is Mayfly running like utter dog shit on this old MacBook?”
Humbling first time game dev experience remedied with the help of the awesome @comp3int.bsky.social
#gamedev #unity3d #indiegame #gameoptimisation
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
I love the boating life, suits me perfectly, but the horror story potential of both the boats themselves and of our way of living is really underexplored.
There's just so much there to work with.
There's just so much there to work with.
August 14, 2025 at 3:34 PM
I love the boating life, suits me perfectly, but the horror story potential of both the boats themselves and of our way of living is really underexplored.
There's just so much there to work with.
There's just so much there to work with.
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
So many ways a generally cosy, chill life could be twisted into the darkest of nightmares.
One of the reasons I'm so eagerly awaiting @backyardzoo.bsky.social's game release.
I'm fascinated to see what they've come up with.
One of the reasons I'm so eagerly awaiting @backyardzoo.bsky.social's game release.
I'm fascinated to see what they've come up with.
August 14, 2025 at 3:34 PM
So many ways a generally cosy, chill life could be twisted into the darkest of nightmares.
One of the reasons I'm so eagerly awaiting @backyardzoo.bsky.social's game release.
I'm fascinated to see what they've come up with.
One of the reasons I'm so eagerly awaiting @backyardzoo.bsky.social's game release.
I'm fascinated to see what they've come up with.
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
Here's the trailer for #Blanky
A young boy named Jacob journeys through a nightmarish world full of horrors.
With his trusty blanket "Blanky" by his side, Jacob must find a courage he never knew he had to face his biggest fear.
store.steampowered.com/app/3870300/...
#pixelart #indiegame
A young boy named Jacob journeys through a nightmarish world full of horrors.
With his trusty blanket "Blanky" by his side, Jacob must find a courage he never knew he had to face his biggest fear.
store.steampowered.com/app/3870300/...
#pixelart #indiegame
July 22, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Here's the trailer for #Blanky
A young boy named Jacob journeys through a nightmarish world full of horrors.
With his trusty blanket "Blanky" by his side, Jacob must find a courage he never knew he had to face his biggest fear.
store.steampowered.com/app/3870300/...
#pixelart #indiegame
A young boy named Jacob journeys through a nightmarish world full of horrors.
With his trusty blanket "Blanky" by his side, Jacob must find a courage he never knew he had to face his biggest fear.
store.steampowered.com/app/3870300/...
#pixelart #indiegame
I’ve been testing Mayfly with a few family & friends for a while now - but for pure unadulterated honesty I am thinking:
>> Actual play tests with people I don’t know and eventually a demo release. <<
Uncharted territory here and it’s quite daunting. 😱🤢
#gamedev #indiegame #unity3d
>> Actual play tests with people I don’t know and eventually a demo release. <<
Uncharted territory here and it’s quite daunting. 😱🤢
#gamedev #indiegame #unity3d
August 14, 2025 at 12:31 PM
I’ve been testing Mayfly with a few family & friends for a while now - but for pure unadulterated honesty I am thinking:
>> Actual play tests with people I don’t know and eventually a demo release. <<
Uncharted territory here and it’s quite daunting. 😱🤢
#gamedev #indiegame #unity3d
>> Actual play tests with people I don’t know and eventually a demo release. <<
Uncharted territory here and it’s quite daunting. 😱🤢
#gamedev #indiegame #unity3d
After some really useful feedback I've added:
- Audio mixer/channel prefs
- Text size pref
- Dark UI elements such as the dropdown
Deffo needs another pass cos the positioning + spacing is way out in places. PITA to implement, but it WORKS!
#gamedev #indiedev #uidesign #gameui #gamesaccessibility
- Audio mixer/channel prefs
- Text size pref
- Dark UI elements such as the dropdown
Deffo needs another pass cos the positioning + spacing is way out in places. PITA to implement, but it WORKS!
#gamedev #indiedev #uidesign #gameui #gamesaccessibility
July 31, 2025 at 1:19 PM
After some really useful feedback I've added:
- Audio mixer/channel prefs
- Text size pref
- Dark UI elements such as the dropdown
Deffo needs another pass cos the positioning + spacing is way out in places. PITA to implement, but it WORKS!
#gamedev #indiedev #uidesign #gameui #gamesaccessibility
- Audio mixer/channel prefs
- Text size pref
- Dark UI elements such as the dropdown
Deffo needs another pass cos the positioning + spacing is way out in places. PITA to implement, but it WORKS!
#gamedev #indiedev #uidesign #gameui #gamesaccessibility
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
Look at these new items we prepared for the future release 🏡
#cozygames #gamingpc #indiegames #lofi #ゲーム制作
#cozygames #gamingpc #indiegames #lofi #ゲーム制作
July 13, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Look at these new items we prepared for the future release 🏡
#cozygames #gamingpc #indiegames #lofi #ゲーム制作
#cozygames #gamingpc #indiegames #lofi #ゲーム制作