Orestis F
@balthuk.bsky.social
Something something games something something culture
Based in Greece.
My projects: https://balthuk.itch.io/
Based in Greece.
My projects: https://balthuk.itch.io/
Pinned
Orestis F
@balthuk.bsky.social
· Oct 27
a black and white cartoon of skeletons dancing in a cemetery .
Alt: a black and white cartoon of skeletons dancing in a cemetery.
media.tenor.com
🧵This is my #MÖRKTOBER thread, a list of things I created for MÖRK BORG or to simply allow them take shape before being ejected into the void 💀 Perfect is the enemy of done, let's go!
Who knew Mass Effect 2 was a good game, then?
I might be (looks at calendar) 16 years late, but it's a good game.
I might be (looks at calendar) 16 years late, but it's a good game.
January 8, 2026 at 9:35 AM
Who knew Mass Effect 2 was a good game, then?
I might be (looks at calendar) 16 years late, but it's a good game.
I might be (looks at calendar) 16 years late, but it's a good game.
Reposted by Orestis F
A great piece on a game I'm very much interested in playing. Folks growing alongside their skills, their styles and preferences, resulting in more uniquely personal games that are decidedly theirs is something I hope this industry (bleh this word) and audience can foster.
Skin Deep was this year's reminder that it's a privilege to recognise a developer's handwriting
Skin Deep was one of the great games of 2025 - here's why.
www.eurogamer.net
December 28, 2025 at 3:43 PM
A great piece on a game I'm very much interested in playing. Folks growing alongside their skills, their styles and preferences, resulting in more uniquely personal games that are decidedly theirs is something I hope this industry (bleh this word) and audience can foster.
Going from The Division 1 to 2 is like eating too much candy and washing it down with an energy drink. Everything is faster, more colorful and wow it's making me not excited.
- Did it require me being sick & 9 years minus one day to watch @notquitereal.bsky.social & @austinwalker.bsky.social play The Division Survival dlc?
- Yes.
- Am I still glad?
- Oh hell yes.
The Division 1's Survival DLC is a super interesting standalone game mode with systemic spice. (1/2)
- Yes.
- Am I still glad?
- Oh hell yes.
The Division 1's Survival DLC is a super interesting standalone game mode with systemic spice. (1/2)
Waypoint Plays - The Division (December 21, 2016)
YouTube video by Waypoint
youtu.be
December 22, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Going from The Division 1 to 2 is like eating too much candy and washing it down with an energy drink. Everything is faster, more colorful and wow it's making me not excited.
I'm sure parodies of mobile games have snappier jokes than this not-explicitly-a-joke one.🫠 Just mind blowing Gaming™ happening here.
Here’s a “I didn’t play for a week and now the Christmas event stuff started and every recurring revenue system reset requiring a new pop up” version that is somehow twice as long
December 21, 2025 at 1:47 PM
I'm sure parodies of mobile games have snappier jokes than this not-explicitly-a-joke one.🫠 Just mind blowing Gaming™ happening here.
When you have a feeling and then you have an insight on that feeling, you write poetry.
When you see something and you have an insight on what you're seeing, you draw.
When you observe a system and you have an insight into a system in action, you create a game.
- Vincent Baker
Insightful discussion⬇️
When you see something and you have an insight on what you're seeing, you draw.
When you observe a system and you have an insight into a system in action, you create a game.
- Vincent Baker
Insightful discussion⬇️
"Games Will Prevail": A conversation with Meguey Baker, Vincent Baker & John Harper- Ep 77
YouTube video by Reading D&D Aloud
youtu.be
December 21, 2025 at 1:42 PM
When you have a feeling and then you have an insight on that feeling, you write poetry.
When you see something and you have an insight on what you're seeing, you draw.
When you observe a system and you have an insight into a system in action, you create a game.
- Vincent Baker
Insightful discussion⬇️
When you see something and you have an insight on what you're seeing, you draw.
When you observe a system and you have an insight into a system in action, you create a game.
- Vincent Baker
Insightful discussion⬇️
- Did it require me being sick & 9 years minus one day to watch @notquitereal.bsky.social & @austinwalker.bsky.social play The Division Survival dlc?
- Yes.
- Am I still glad?
- Oh hell yes.
The Division 1's Survival DLC is a super interesting standalone game mode with systemic spice. (1/2)
- Yes.
- Am I still glad?
- Oh hell yes.
The Division 1's Survival DLC is a super interesting standalone game mode with systemic spice. (1/2)
Waypoint Plays - The Division (December 21, 2016)
YouTube video by Waypoint
youtu.be
December 20, 2025 at 3:09 PM
- Did it require me being sick & 9 years minus one day to watch @notquitereal.bsky.social & @austinwalker.bsky.social play The Division Survival dlc?
- Yes.
- Am I still glad?
- Oh hell yes.
The Division 1's Survival DLC is a super interesting standalone game mode with systemic spice. (1/2)
- Yes.
- Am I still glad?
- Oh hell yes.
The Division 1's Survival DLC is a super interesting standalone game mode with systemic spice. (1/2)
Reposted by Orestis F
I think a lot of the discussion around AI isn't specific enough or informed enough, and that's why this piece from @edmondtran.bsky.social is so useful and important. These are actual concept artists spelling out in clear, unambiguous terms why Gen-AI is not only unhelpful, it's a nuisance.
We spoke to a dozen professional concept artists who are currently or have previously worked in game development about whether generative AI image tools have made their jobs any easier.
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
Concept Artists Say Generative AI References Only Make Their Jobs Harder
“The ‘early ideation stages’, when worlds are being fleshed out by writers and artists, are literally crucial to the development of a game’s vision,” said one artist.
thisweekinvideogames.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:22 PM
I think a lot of the discussion around AI isn't specific enough or informed enough, and that's why this piece from @edmondtran.bsky.social is so useful and important. These are actual concept artists spelling out in clear, unambiguous terms why Gen-AI is not only unhelpful, it's a nuisance.
Reposted by Orestis F
Introducing DoomScroll - an endless feed of thousands of user-made Doom WADs from the last 32 years, all playable right in your browser.
Our goal was to make decades of work from one of the most creative communities in gaming history more accessible and visible to everyone.
Our goal was to make decades of work from one of the most creative communities in gaming history more accessible and visible to everyone.
December 11, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Introducing DoomScroll - an endless feed of thousands of user-made Doom WADs from the last 32 years, all playable right in your browser.
Our goal was to make decades of work from one of the most creative communities in gaming history more accessible and visible to everyone.
Our goal was to make decades of work from one of the most creative communities in gaming history more accessible and visible to everyone.
“Second-guessing my death” is my submission to the 72-hour Game Writing SIG Arcjam. The theme was Resilience.
It is an interactive fiction game, featuring a collection of 5 short scenes, some surreal, some less so, on life and hanging on.
balthuk.itch.io/second-guess...
It is an interactive fiction game, featuring a collection of 5 short scenes, some surreal, some less so, on life and hanging on.
balthuk.itch.io/second-guess...
Second-guessing my death by balthuk
A journey through lives
balthuk.itch.io
December 6, 2025 at 11:18 AM
“Second-guessing my death” is my submission to the 72-hour Game Writing SIG Arcjam. The theme was Resilience.
It is an interactive fiction game, featuring a collection of 5 short scenes, some surreal, some less so, on life and hanging on.
balthuk.itch.io/second-guess...
It is an interactive fiction game, featuring a collection of 5 short scenes, some surreal, some less so, on life and hanging on.
balthuk.itch.io/second-guess...
Reposted by Orestis F
🚨NEW DOC ALERT🕹️
The Making of Disco Elysium - Part One: Foundations
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH6m...
After over 18 months of research, interviews & editing our Disco Elysium series is here.
In this first episode we focus on the cultural and personal foundations of the world of Elysium.
The Making of Disco Elysium - Part One: Foundations
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH6m...
After over 18 months of research, interviews & editing our Disco Elysium series is here.
In this first episode we focus on the cultural and personal foundations of the world of Elysium.
The Making of Disco Elysium - Part One: Foundations
YouTube video by /noclip
www.youtube.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:30 PM
🚨NEW DOC ALERT🕹️
The Making of Disco Elysium - Part One: Foundations
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH6m...
After over 18 months of research, interviews & editing our Disco Elysium series is here.
In this first episode we focus on the cultural and personal foundations of the world of Elysium.
The Making of Disco Elysium - Part One: Foundations
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH6m...
After over 18 months of research, interviews & editing our Disco Elysium series is here.
In this first episode we focus on the cultural and personal foundations of the world of Elysium.
Reposted by Orestis F
Short spoiler free story about my experience with Arco.
Back before bsky took off, I saw a post on Twitter from a game dev asking for advice because their game is reviewing extremely highly but it's not reflecting on sales. I wanna help but I gotta try it first. So I make a note to check it out. 1/
Back before bsky took off, I saw a post on Twitter from a game dev asking for advice because their game is reviewing extremely highly but it's not reflecting on sales. I wanna help but I gotta try it first. So I make a note to check it out. 1/
November 30, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Short spoiler free story about my experience with Arco.
Back before bsky took off, I saw a post on Twitter from a game dev asking for advice because their game is reviewing extremely highly but it's not reflecting on sales. I wanna help but I gotta try it first. So I make a note to check it out. 1/
Back before bsky took off, I saw a post on Twitter from a game dev asking for advice because their game is reviewing extremely highly but it's not reflecting on sales. I wanna help but I gotta try it first. So I make a note to check it out. 1/
A look at a very interesting looking indie game about death, mortality, people and places. Combining powerwashing simulator type gameplay & meaningful metaphors and a headspace reminiscent of 'a mortician's tale' (some of this team was involved in that game) is something that makes my brain tingle.
Ambrosia Sky is a first person space-cleanup/ImSim about death and memory.
We talk to @softrains.bsky.social about its creative inspirations and give our impressions of the game's recently released first act.
WATCH HERE: youtu.be/vCZbqe8r8uY
We talk to @softrains.bsky.social about its creative inspirations and give our impressions of the game's recently released first act.
WATCH HERE: youtu.be/vCZbqe8r8uY
The First Person Space-Cleanup ImSim About Death & Memory - Ambrosia Sky Feature
YouTube video by noclip_2
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 7:43 PM
A look at a very interesting looking indie game about death, mortality, people and places. Combining powerwashing simulator type gameplay & meaningful metaphors and a headspace reminiscent of 'a mortician's tale' (some of this team was involved in that game) is something that makes my brain tingle.
Trying to play The Division 1 for its Survival DLC, and I have to say, I'll never be used to controller first/third person shooters, it just feels inferior to mouse and keyboard 😔
I wanted to play this on steam deck so much but I'm so much worse at it, it's like playing on hard vs normal.
I wanted to play this on steam deck so much but I'm so much worse at it, it's like playing on hard vs normal.
November 19, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Trying to play The Division 1 for its Survival DLC, and I have to say, I'll never be used to controller first/third person shooters, it just feels inferior to mouse and keyboard 😔
I wanted to play this on steam deck so much but I'm so much worse at it, it's like playing on hard vs normal.
I wanted to play this on steam deck so much but I'm so much worse at it, it's like playing on hard vs normal.
This looks very promising and it prompts discussions that need to be had in this space.
CFP for a special issue of Eludamos. What are antifascist games? Proposal deadline is December 19.
eludamos.org/index.php/el...
eludamos.org/index.php/el...
Special Issue: WHAT ARE ANTIFASCIST GAMES?
| Eludamos: Journal for Computer Game Culture
eludamos.org
November 18, 2025 at 11:07 AM
This looks very promising and it prompts discussions that need to be had in this space.
A very well written review that echoes my own thoughts on Bahnsen Knights, a short and sweet interactive fiction game that effortlessly lifted me away from my house and into this ominous, electric, violent, attractive world.
I've yet to move on from it.
www.eurogamer.net/bahnsen-knig...
I've yet to move on from it.
www.eurogamer.net/bahnsen-knig...
November 17, 2025 at 11:28 PM
A very well written review that echoes my own thoughts on Bahnsen Knights, a short and sweet interactive fiction game that effortlessly lifted me away from my house and into this ominous, electric, violent, attractive world.
I've yet to move on from it.
www.eurogamer.net/bahnsen-knig...
I've yet to move on from it.
www.eurogamer.net/bahnsen-knig...
Reposted by Orestis F
The 17th November symbolically marks the fall of the Greek military junta of 1967. Each year the deeply fascist Greek state trots out the same boring, fascism apologia, denying the many dead and wounded and arguing about whether this brought on the end of the junta or not. Nazis fuck off.
November 17, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The 17th November symbolically marks the fall of the Greek military junta of 1967. Each year the deeply fascist Greek state trots out the same boring, fascism apologia, denying the many dead and wounded and arguing about whether this brought on the end of the junta or not. Nazis fuck off.
Reposted by Orestis F
I am rational enough to understand that crop circles are not celestial keys to unlocking forgotten arcane knowledge, but romantic enough to imagine a world in which they are.
October 1, 2025 at 1:40 PM
I am rational enough to understand that crop circles are not celestial keys to unlocking forgotten arcane knowledge, but romantic enough to imagine a world in which they are.
This is the one and only business & tech podcast you should be into. The transcript speaks for itself!
anniemueller.com/posts/my-new...
anniemueller.com/posts/my-new...
My new business + tech podcast - annie's blog
After reading1 the recent news about the unsurprising lack of diversity in podcasting — “64% of the hosts of the most popular US podcasts of 2024 were men…Shows with video...
anniemueller.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:36 PM
This is the one and only business & tech podcast you should be into. The transcript speaks for itself!
anniemueller.com/posts/my-new...
anniemueller.com/posts/my-new...
Reposted by Orestis F
The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain has filed a legal claim against Rockstar Games after the company laid off over 30 employees. www.endlessmode.com/video-games/...
Rockstar Faces Union-Busting Accusations as Union Files Formal Legal Claim
The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain has filed a legal claim against Rockstar Games after the company laid off over 30 employees.
www.endlessmode.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:50 PM
The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain has filed a legal claim against Rockstar Games after the company laid off over 30 employees. www.endlessmode.com/video-games/...
Reposted by Orestis F
This is my new pinned post to show my different commission types:
Character sheets: £40
Individual character: £10 (+£5 to include a simple background).
Please send me a message if you would like one, thank you very much.
Character sheets: £40
Individual character: £10 (+£5 to include a simple background).
Please send me a message if you would like one, thank you very much.
June 4, 2025 at 3:40 PM
This is my new pinned post to show my different commission types:
Character sheets: £40
Individual character: £10 (+£5 to include a simple background).
Please send me a message if you would like one, thank you very much.
Character sheets: £40
Individual character: £10 (+£5 to include a simple background).
Please send me a message if you would like one, thank you very much.
Sentimental Value is a gem of a movie. Mature, measured and deeply affecting, it is a clear recommendation from me. Family, parenthood, trauma, acting and art, every piece handled with the respect they deserve.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentime...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentime...
Sentimental Value - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Sentimental Value is a gem of a movie. Mature, measured and deeply affecting, it is a clear recommendation from me. Family, parenthood, trauma, acting and art, every piece handled with the respect they deserve.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentime...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentime...
Another great album here.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAB5...
I've been trying to move away from auto-recommended stuff and random playlists and focus on albums more, and it seems to be working. I'm enjoying music more.
Same for browsing through discogs with no/minimal intention of bying anything.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAB5...
I've been trying to move away from auto-recommended stuff and random playlists and focus on albums more, and it seems to be working. I'm enjoying music more.
Same for browsing through discogs with no/minimal intention of bying anything.
Portishead - Dummy 1994 | UK
YouTube video by Space Cowboy
www.youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Another great album here.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAB5...
I've been trying to move away from auto-recommended stuff and random playlists and focus on albums more, and it seems to be working. I'm enjoying music more.
Same for browsing through discogs with no/minimal intention of bying anything.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAB5...
I've been trying to move away from auto-recommended stuff and random playlists and focus on albums more, and it seems to be working. I'm enjoying music more.
Same for browsing through discogs with no/minimal intention of bying anything.
What a stunning album this is.
Massive Attack - Mezzanine
Listen to Mezzanine on TIDAL
tidal.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:27 PM
What a stunning album this is.