David Gaider
@davidgaider.bsky.social
Co-founder and Creative Director at summerfallstudios.com. Canadian game dev who escaped the winter and is now living in Melbourne, Australia! He/Him
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David Gaider
@davidgaider.bsky.social
· Oct 20
It seems we're doing intros again, and fair enough considering all the new arrivals! Okay, then: a thread of some things I've done in reverse chronological order.
Currently: Creative Director and Co-Founder at indie dev studio Summerfall Studios in Melbourne, Australia, since 2018. Love it here.
Currently: Creative Director and Co-Founder at indie dev studio Summerfall Studios in Melbourne, Australia, since 2018. Love it here.
Yes, after a bit of drunken flailing, I realized you could call the Uber driver through the app. No idea how I found the function, buried as it is, but I did and he wasn't too far away so he drove back for me.
He got a big tip.
He got a big tip.
Did you get inside?!?!
January 1, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Yes, after a bit of drunken flailing, I realized you could call the Uber driver through the app. No idea how I found the function, buried as it is, but I did and he wasn't too far away so he drove back for me.
He got a big tip.
He got a big tip.
Coming home from my NYE party, I did a dumb thing. I got out of my Uber and only after it left realized my keys had fallen out of my pocket into the back seat.
Boy did I NOT need that shot of adrenaline, drunk and alone on the roundabout outside my apartment building at 3am. 😳
Boy did I NOT need that shot of adrenaline, drunk and alone on the roundabout outside my apartment building at 3am. 😳
January 1, 2026 at 12:57 AM
Coming home from my NYE party, I did a dumb thing. I got out of my Uber and only after it left realized my keys had fallen out of my pocket into the back seat.
Boy did I NOT need that shot of adrenaline, drunk and alone on the roundabout outside my apartment building at 3am. 😳
Boy did I NOT need that shot of adrenaline, drunk and alone on the roundabout outside my apartment building at 3am. 😳
My brother and I were moaning about how it was so unseasonably grey and chilly during his visit to Melbourne. Then my Dad told us it's, like, -40C in Edmonton and we both decided to just be grateful instead. 😁
December 28, 2025 at 3:22 AM
My brother and I were moaning about how it was so unseasonably grey and chilly during his visit to Melbourne. Then my Dad told us it's, like, -40C in Edmonton and we both decided to just be grateful instead. 😁
My brother laughed at me for saying “no”, “oh”, “banana”, “tomato”, and “capsicum” (which I didn’t pronounce weird, it was more that I had to stop and think what he’d know it as), so I guess the Australian is finally seeping in. 😅
December 26, 2025 at 10:42 AM
My brother laughed at me for saying “no”, “oh”, “banana”, “tomato”, and “capsicum” (which I didn’t pronounce weird, it was more that I had to stop and think what he’d know it as), so I guess the Australian is finally seeping in. 😅
Merry Christmas, everyone! This is normally a pretty quiet time of year for me, off in Australia, but my brother and sister-in-law are visiting and so I've been running around like mad showing them the city -- and cooking! We had Christmas dinner at my place! Unprecedented. 😊
December 26, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Merry Christmas, everyone! This is normally a pretty quiet time of year for me, off in Australia, but my brother and sister-in-law are visiting and so I've been running around like mad showing them the city -- and cooking! We had Christmas dinner at my place! Unprecedented. 😊
I've always wanted to get a tattoo, but fretted at the idea of its permanency. I don't even like a song 30 days later, and I'm going to be happy with a tattoo design after 10 years? 20 years?? It'd have to be something with some real meaning, something that'd left its mark on me - in all senses.
December 4, 2025 at 10:41 PM
I've always wanted to get a tattoo, but fretted at the idea of its permanency. I don't even like a song 30 days later, and I'm going to be happy with a tattoo design after 10 years? 20 years?? It'd have to be something with some real meaning, something that'd left its mark on me - in all senses.
Whoever's in charge of Apple TV's series should really be put in charge of their movies as well... because, holy hannah, what a stark contrast between the two. 😐
November 28, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Whoever's in charge of Apple TV's series should really be put in charge of their movies as well... because, holy hannah, what a stark contrast between the two. 😐
Finished Dispatch, since the last two episodes were released today. Gosh, how fun was THAT? The actual dispatch sim gameplay was the best part, I think, and I want more. Reactivity, too, but... yeah, I can see how that could get really expensive *really* quickly. As it was: solid season.
November 13, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Finished Dispatch, since the last two episodes were released today. Gosh, how fun was THAT? The actual dispatch sim gameplay was the best part, I think, and I want more. Reactivity, too, but... yeah, I can see how that could get really expensive *really* quickly. As it was: solid season.
I’m rewatching Firefly, and there’s one part of the lore that makes me twitch: it’s all in *one solar system*. Sure, dozens of planets and hundreds of moons, but I don’t care HOW much you terraform them: if they’re not in a sun’s green zone, you won’t get Earth-like planets. 😡
Also: reaver zombies.
Also: reaver zombies.
November 12, 2025 at 1:03 PM
I’m rewatching Firefly, and there’s one part of the lore that makes me twitch: it’s all in *one solar system*. Sure, dozens of planets and hundreds of moons, but I don’t care HOW much you terraform them: if they’re not in a sun’s green zone, you won’t get Earth-like planets. 😡
Also: reaver zombies.
Also: reaver zombies.
Sure, every* game company** is using AI... but using it well? Is it actually helping with ANYthing? Or is it driven by a need to have AI deliver early on the promise of substituting for human labour because there's no other problem it solves?
* not every, not by a long shot
** as opposed to studio
* not every, not by a long shot
** as opposed to studio
“It’s important to assume every game company is now using AI.” Nexon CEO comments on role of human creativity as AI tools become the norm
automaton-media.com/en/news/its-...
automaton-media.com/en/news/its-...
“It’s important to assume every game company is now using AI.” Nexon CEO comments on role of human creativity as AI tools become the norm - AUTOMATON WEST
In an interview following the launch of ARC Raiders, the CEO of Embark Studios' parent company Nexon shares his views on AI.
automaton-media.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Sure, every* game company** is using AI... but using it well? Is it actually helping with ANYthing? Or is it driven by a need to have AI deliver early on the promise of substituting for human labour because there's no other problem it solves?
* not every, not by a long shot
** as opposed to studio
* not every, not by a long shot
** as opposed to studio
I watched the latest season of the Witcher, and while there's been a lot of griping about recasting Geralt with the extra Hemsworth... I didn't mind it? He seemed awkward for about an episode and a half, and then either he relaxed a bit or I just got used to him. Either way, he was fine.
November 11, 2025 at 12:42 PM
I watched the latest season of the Witcher, and while there's been a lot of griping about recasting Geralt with the extra Hemsworth... I didn't mind it? He seemed awkward for about an episode and a half, and then either he relaxed a bit or I just got used to him. Either way, he was fine.
Reposted by David Gaider
Final Fantasy 7 was so good that it pushed Bioware to reimagine what Baldur's Gate 2 could be.
That & many other fascinating reveals are available in today's interview with @davidgaider.bsky.social, Trent Oster, & Ed Greenwood. Here's a clip regarding FF7 & the full link is below.
That & many other fascinating reveals are available in today's interview with @davidgaider.bsky.social, Trent Oster, & Ed Greenwood. Here's a clip regarding FF7 & the full link is below.
November 8, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Final Fantasy 7 was so good that it pushed Bioware to reimagine what Baldur's Gate 2 could be.
That & many other fascinating reveals are available in today's interview with @davidgaider.bsky.social, Trent Oster, & Ed Greenwood. Here's a clip regarding FF7 & the full link is below.
That & many other fascinating reveals are available in today's interview with @davidgaider.bsky.social, Trent Oster, & Ed Greenwood. Here's a clip regarding FF7 & the full link is below.
Reposted by David Gaider
The interview is a celebration of Baldur's Gate 2 with @davidgaider.bsky.social, Trent Oster, and Ed Greenwood. DM Wyvern hosted the interview with me. Make sure you subscribe and hit the bell so you will be notified once it goes up!
www.youtube.com/@SlanderedGa...
www.youtube.com/@SlanderedGa...
Slandered Gaming
Chill vibes and good times. Please be good to each other. Primarily focus on cRPG content but you never know what you'll see me streaming. :)
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:08 PM
The interview is a celebration of Baldur's Gate 2 with @davidgaider.bsky.social, Trent Oster, and Ed Greenwood. DM Wyvern hosted the interview with me. Make sure you subscribe and hit the bell so you will be notified once it goes up!
www.youtube.com/@SlanderedGa...
www.youtube.com/@SlanderedGa...
I did an hour-long lecture for another studio, which I’ve stressed about and fussed about for *months* …and it went great. Exactly on time, felt good, everyone seemed enthused and asked great questions!
Now I am going to collapse in a puddle and think of nothing whatsoever. 🫠
Now I am going to collapse in a puddle and think of nothing whatsoever. 🫠
November 7, 2025 at 8:57 AM
I did an hour-long lecture for another studio, which I’ve stressed about and fussed about for *months* …and it went great. Exactly on time, felt good, everyone seemed enthused and asked great questions!
Now I am going to collapse in a puddle and think of nothing whatsoever. 🫠
Now I am going to collapse in a puddle and think of nothing whatsoever. 🫠
I put some soy sauce in my bolognese, as opposed to Worcestershire sauce which I forgot to pick up, and… I’m a little surprised at how not terrible it turned out? 🤔
November 7, 2025 at 8:55 AM
I put some soy sauce in my bolognese, as opposed to Worcestershire sauce which I forgot to pick up, and… I’m a little surprised at how not terrible it turned out? 🤔
I'm disappointed that it took that long for me to guess Ella's little game: www.tiktok.com/@ellalowgren...
welcome back my DM extraordinaire #davidgaider as I annoy him with hypothetical questions. what would you rate these men out of 10? #dragonage #solas #fenris #dragonage2
TikTok video by Ella Lowgren
www.tiktok.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:58 AM
I'm disappointed that it took that long for me to guess Ella's little game: www.tiktok.com/@ellalowgren...
My favourite screen cap of @whatkatydid.bsky.social from the Summerfall Discord today. ❤️
October 29, 2025 at 6:28 AM
My favourite screen cap of @whatkatydid.bsky.social from the Summerfall Discord today. ❤️
Reposted by David Gaider
October 28, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Some lovely, and much appreciated, coverage of Malys! www.pcgamesn.com/malys/out-no...
Dragon Age creator's new demon-exorcising roguelike deckbuilder has possessed my heart with its sinister twist on the formula
Malys twists Slay the Spire's deckbuilding with a demonic exorcism mechanic, and a story and world from Dragon Age creator David Gaider.
www.pcgamesn.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:20 AM
Some lovely, and much appreciated, coverage of Malys! www.pcgamesn.com/malys/out-no...
I’ve never been to a restaurant that does one thing and one thing only, but dayum that was some fine steak frites! And the superb company certainly didn’t hurt. 😉
Thanks for the evening, Elie. Really appreciate it. ❤️
Thanks for the evening, Elie. Really appreciate it. ❤️
Happy birthday to the man, the myth, the one who makes every story (and day at work) better. Grateful I get to learn from you and laugh with you. Here’s to many more good stories and good cakes 🎂💜
@davidgaider.bsky.social
@davidgaider.bsky.social
October 25, 2025 at 11:29 AM
I’ve never been to a restaurant that does one thing and one thing only, but dayum that was some fine steak frites! And the superb company certainly didn’t hurt. 😉
Thanks for the evening, Elie. Really appreciate it. ❤️
Thanks for the evening, Elie. Really appreciate it. ❤️
Spent most of my birthday doing absolutely nothing, wrapped up in fuzzy throw blankets and watching movies. Now I'm off to dinner in the city while it rains. Sad but serene, which is pretty par for the course.
October 25, 2025 at 7:02 AM
Spent most of my birthday doing absolutely nothing, wrapped up in fuzzy throw blankets and watching movies. Now I'm off to dinner in the city while it rains. Sad but serene, which is pretty par for the course.
The soundtrack for Malys, by the lovely @belindacoomes.bsky.social, is sooo good! I'm not tempted to turn off the exorcism music, even after all this time!
Check out the title track, with music and lyrics by the amazing @actualmontaigne.bsky.social : www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKos...
Check out the title track, with music and lyrics by the amazing @actualmontaigne.bsky.social : www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKos...
01. Malys (feat Montaigne) - (Malys Music | Belinda Coomes)
YouTube video by Belinda Coomes
www.youtube.com
October 24, 2025 at 5:33 AM
The soundtrack for Malys, by the lovely @belindacoomes.bsky.social, is sooo good! I'm not tempted to turn off the exorcism music, even after all this time!
Check out the title track, with music and lyrics by the amazing @actualmontaigne.bsky.social : www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKos...
Check out the title track, with music and lyrics by the amazing @actualmontaigne.bsky.social : www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKos...
A bit of Summerfall Studios lore:
One day in 2019, and we were all very exhausted and punchy at the time, Liam responded to a long work thread on Slack with "praise Satan" but autocorrect corrected that to "praise Sarah" and the rest of us were VERY confused. Who is Sarah? What do you mean by that?
One day in 2019, and we were all very exhausted and punchy at the time, Liam responded to a long work thread on Slack with "praise Satan" but autocorrect corrected that to "praise Sarah" and the rest of us were VERY confused. Who is Sarah? What do you mean by that?
October 23, 2025 at 11:43 PM
A bit of Summerfall Studios lore:
One day in 2019, and we were all very exhausted and punchy at the time, Liam responded to a long work thread on Slack with "praise Satan" but autocorrect corrected that to "praise Sarah" and the rest of us were VERY confused. Who is Sarah? What do you mean by that?
One day in 2019, and we were all very exhausted and punchy at the time, Liam responded to a long work thread on Slack with "praise Satan" but autocorrect corrected that to "praise Sarah" and the rest of us were VERY confused. Who is Sarah? What do you mean by that?
Malys is out of Early Access! The final release is out as of... right now? *checks Steam* Yes, right now!
It's my birthday tomorrow. Me, I'll be collapsed in exhaustion, but if you could maybe check out our little game it'd be super appreciated. ❤️
It's my birthday tomorrow. Me, I'll be collapsed in exhaustion, but if you could maybe check out our little game it'd be super appreciated. ❤️
🔥 Malys is OUT NOW in 1.0! 🔥
For a game about demons, you've all been absolute angels - thank you for your support along the way & we're so happy to share Malys' full release with you 🖤
Check out the launch trailer and then get exorcising below!
For a game about demons, you've all been absolute angels - thank you for your support along the way & we're so happy to share Malys' full release with you 🖤
Check out the launch trailer and then get exorcising below!
Malys 1.0 Launch Trailer
Malys is OUT NOW on Steam!Play the game via bit.ly/playmalysExorcise the infernal and exact vengeance in this unholy roguelite deckbuilder from David Gaider ...
www.youtube.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Malys is out of Early Access! The final release is out as of... right now? *checks Steam* Yes, right now!
It's my birthday tomorrow. Me, I'll be collapsed in exhaustion, but if you could maybe check out our little game it'd be super appreciated. ❤️
It's my birthday tomorrow. Me, I'll be collapsed in exhaustion, but if you could maybe check out our little game it'd be super appreciated. ❤️
I’ve playtested Malys so much this weekend I’m hearing the exorcism music every time I close my eyes. It’s so close. 🫠
BRRRR ITS COLD IN HERE THERE MUST BE - AN IMPENDING RELEASE OF A DEMONIC ROGUELITE - IN THE ATMOSPHERE 🔥
I SAID -
Light your candles for warmth AND to banish your foes in Malys on October 24!
https://bit.ly/playmalys
I SAID -
Light your candles for warmth AND to banish your foes in Malys on October 24!
https://bit.ly/playmalys
October 20, 2025 at 7:36 AM
I’ve playtested Malys so much this weekend I’m hearing the exorcism music every time I close my eyes. It’s so close. 🫠