Erion Makuo
@erionmakuo.bsky.social
Senior Artist at Failbetter Games. Freelance fantasy illustrator. I make art for Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons.
Reposted by Erion Makuo
Essentially, I think that LLM-generated dialogue only makes sense if you believe that the product of writing is words.
But the product of writing isn't words, any more than the product of justice is prisoners, or the product of love is weddings. The product of writing is meaning.
But the product of writing isn't words, any more than the product of justice is prisoners, or the product of love is weddings. The product of writing is meaning.
I had five fascinating conversations for this RPS piece, gathering perspectives on genAI chatbots in games, as seen in Where Winds Meet. Thanks to @meghna.bsky.social, @pyrofoux.bsky.social, @maxkreminski.bsky.social, and @chrisgardiner.bsky.social www.rockpapershotgun.com/horrible-bor...
"Horrible", "boring", and "cheap": Experts pan new chatbot NPCs, but some leave room for optimism
We speak to a collection of developers and AI experts about the potential impact of LLM-powered NPCs in videogames.
www.rockpapershotgun.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Essentially, I think that LLM-generated dialogue only makes sense if you believe that the product of writing is words.
But the product of writing isn't words, any more than the product of justice is prisoners, or the product of love is weddings. The product of writing is meaning.
But the product of writing isn't words, any more than the product of justice is prisoners, or the product of love is weddings. The product of writing is meaning.
Cover for SOUL OBSESSION by Kalista Neith and Fae Crate
Thank you for having me!
I also did the page end design for this edition -- very happy with how those turned out (it's more starry snakes). I think the cover ended up being one of my favourite pieces this year.
Thank you for having me!
I also did the page end design for this edition -- very happy with how those turned out (it's more starry snakes). I think the cover ended up being one of my favourite pieces this year.
November 7, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Cover for SOUL OBSESSION by Kalista Neith and Fae Crate
Thank you for having me!
I also did the page end design for this edition -- very happy with how those turned out (it's more starry snakes). I think the cover ended up being one of my favourite pieces this year.
Thank you for having me!
I also did the page end design for this edition -- very happy with how those turned out (it's more starry snakes). I think the cover ended up being one of my favourite pieces this year.
Cover for THE TRIDENT AND THE PEARL -- upcoming romantasy book by Sarah K. L. Wilson.
Really proud of this one, especially of all the water caustics. And it's always a joy to work with Sarah!
#romantasy #illustration
Really proud of this one, especially of all the water caustics. And it's always a joy to work with Sarah!
#romantasy #illustration
October 31, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Cover for THE TRIDENT AND THE PEARL -- upcoming romantasy book by Sarah K. L. Wilson.
Really proud of this one, especially of all the water caustics. And it's always a joy to work with Sarah!
#romantasy #illustration
Really proud of this one, especially of all the water caustics. And it's always a joy to work with Sarah!
#romantasy #illustration
Delilah Briarwood for Critical Role and Everything Dice. She's on the box for the new dice set!
AD: Luke Ge & Yves Eyang
AD: Luke Ge & Yves Eyang
October 20, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Delilah Briarwood for Critical Role and Everything Dice. She's on the box for the new dice set!
AD: Luke Ge & Yves Eyang
AD: Luke Ge & Yves Eyang
Final Fantasy IX scene for Magic: The Gathering and FINAL FANTASY collaboration
AD: Matt Cavotta
AD: Matt Cavotta
September 29, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Final Fantasy IX scene for Magic: The Gathering and FINAL FANTASY collaboration
AD: Matt Cavotta
AD: Matt Cavotta
Reposted by Erion Makuo
We're making Mandrake, a rural life sim set in a beguiling new world inspired by British history and folklore.
Now we're not in the Fallen London universe (Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies), we had the opportunity to add sunshine! And trees! 😮 🧵
#wishlistwednesday
Now we're not in the Fallen London universe (Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies), we had the opportunity to add sunshine! And trees! 😮 🧵
#wishlistwednesday
September 24, 2025 at 12:05 PM
We're making Mandrake, a rural life sim set in a beguiling new world inspired by British history and folklore.
Now we're not in the Fallen London universe (Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies), we had the opportunity to add sunshine! And trees! 😮 🧵
#wishlistwednesday
Now we're not in the Fallen London universe (Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies), we had the opportunity to add sunshine! And trees! 😮 🧵
#wishlistwednesday
That's the art I did for Mandrake! Thank you very much!
We're not at the end of the year yet so there is still time for some surprises but here are four of the best game key arts unveiled so far in 2025.
We'll vote for a winner in December so if you see any good new ones let me know!
Not judging the games, but specifically the key art.
We'll vote for a winner in December so if you see any good new ones let me know!
Not judging the games, but specifically the key art.
August 26, 2025 at 11:12 PM
That's the art I did for Mandrake! Thank you very much!
Was very lucky to do a cover for a reprint of GODS OF JADE AND SHADOW by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Arcadia Books 💚
July 31, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Was very lucky to do a cover for a reprint of GODS OF JADE AND SHADOW by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Arcadia Books 💚
I got interviewed by Chris, our Narrative Director and an overall fantastic human being. Working with him has been nothing short of amazing -- I really enjoy playing a part in developing these characters and the places they live in.
Where would they put their shoes?
@erionmakuo.bsky.social and @chrisgardiner.bsky.social peer in through the windows of a family home from Mandrake, and talk about how our art tells stories.
@erionmakuo.bsky.social and @chrisgardiner.bsky.social peer in through the windows of a family home from Mandrake, and talk about how our art tells stories.
Mandrake - Home and Hearth - Steam News
How do you design an NPC's home interior with an eye on how they live? Chris and Erion take a magnifying glass to village leader Rosen's family home.
store.steampowered.com
July 30, 2025 at 11:05 AM
I got interviewed by Chris, our Narrative Director and an overall fantastic human being. Working with him has been nothing short of amazing -- I really enjoy playing a part in developing these characters and the places they live in.
Reposted by Erion Makuo
cheers very much @pcgamer.com for the coverage on mandrake this month <3
![A picture of a copy of PC Gamer mag, attractively draped over a fluffy golden cushion, open on a little preview of Mandrake. It reads: "Mandrake: Even Stranger Horticulture. Release TBA, Developer Failbetter Games, Publisher Failbetter Games, [and then a Steam link]. Failbetter Games does Stardew Valley is an irresistible pitch. The Fallen London dev has revealed a new game in which you plant seeds and harvest the results, explore the world, befriend a river, and take tea with a god. There are mines in which there's sometimes stone, villagers with important skills, a home to decorate, and lots of other life sim staples with a mythological twist. Don't go out after dark." There's a lovely screenshot of the Yolf in the tree outside your house accompanying the words. He's a big fluffy catlike bearlike creature.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:e5dal24eadftpysgjeesqhsa/bafkreifyqcnhxlfcm3zeb6gunk6ikchxlcjeuyxve6rcai3hzzhkrs4coq@jpeg)
July 30, 2025 at 9:47 AM
cheers very much @pcgamer.com for the coverage on mandrake this month <3
Reposted by Erion Makuo
New artist announcement for my Q4 2025 #MTG signings! Everyone please welcome @erionmakuo.bsky.social to the MountainMage family! 🧙♂️
Get cards signed by them and 200+ other artists: MountainMageSigs.com or DM me for more info!
#MagicTheGathering
Get cards signed by them and 200+ other artists: MountainMageSigs.com or DM me for more info!
#MagicTheGathering
July 16, 2025 at 1:23 PM
New artist announcement for my Q4 2025 #MTG signings! Everyone please welcome @erionmakuo.bsky.social to the MountainMage family! 🧙♂️
Get cards signed by them and 200+ other artists: MountainMageSigs.com or DM me for more info!
#MagicTheGathering
Get cards signed by them and 200+ other artists: MountainMageSigs.com or DM me for more info!
#MagicTheGathering
Yolf!
Yolf.
Yolf.
June 8, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Yolf!
Reposted by Erion Makuo
Reposted by Erion Makuo
Announcing: Mandrake!
You play the last of the Mandrakes, a sorcerous line of gardeners.
Horticulture is a cursed practice... except to you. Your family line is steeped in the green and growing arts, so you’re able to grow such marvels as: runner beans! Cherry trees! The humble turnip! 🌳
You play the last of the Mandrakes, a sorcerous line of gardeners.
Horticulture is a cursed practice... except to you. Your family line is steeped in the green and growing arts, so you’re able to grow such marvels as: runner beans! Cherry trees! The humble turnip! 🌳
Mandrake || PC Gaming Show 2025 Announcement Trailer
YouTube video by Failbetter Games
www.youtube.com
June 8, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Announcing: Mandrake!
You play the last of the Mandrakes, a sorcerous line of gardeners.
Horticulture is a cursed practice... except to you. Your family line is steeped in the green and growing arts, so you’re able to grow such marvels as: runner beans! Cherry trees! The humble turnip! 🌳
You play the last of the Mandrakes, a sorcerous line of gardeners.
Horticulture is a cursed practice... except to you. Your family line is steeped in the green and growing arts, so you’re able to grow such marvels as: runner beans! Cherry trees! The humble turnip! 🌳
Nidhogg's Eye for Magic: The Gathering and FINAL FANTASY collaboration
AD: Merideth Mulroney
Like many, I grew up playing FF, so it still feels surreal that I was so lucky as to paint for it.
AD: Merideth Mulroney
Like many, I grew up playing FF, so it still feels surreal that I was so lucky as to paint for it.
May 19, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Nidhogg's Eye for Magic: The Gathering and FINAL FANTASY collaboration
AD: Merideth Mulroney
Like many, I grew up playing FF, so it still feels surreal that I was so lucky as to paint for it.
AD: Merideth Mulroney
Like many, I grew up playing FF, so it still feels surreal that I was so lucky as to paint for it.
✴ A tip-in illustration of Zoya and Juris for King of Scars, written by Leigh Bardugo and published by LitJoy crate
✴ Thank you for having me! The scales were a lot of fun to paint ❤️
✴ Thank you for having me! The scales were a lot of fun to paint ❤️
May 13, 2025 at 10:26 AM
✴ A tip-in illustration of Zoya and Juris for King of Scars, written by Leigh Bardugo and published by LitJoy crate
✴ Thank you for having me! The scales were a lot of fun to paint ❤️
✴ Thank you for having me! The scales were a lot of fun to paint ❤️
Illustration for an omnibus hardcover of BLUEBEARD'S SECRET by Sarah K.L. Wilson
The winter landscape was a nice change of pace to design ⛄
The winter landscape was a nice change of pace to design ⛄
May 6, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Illustration for an omnibus hardcover of BLUEBEARD'S SECRET by Sarah K.L. Wilson
The winter landscape was a nice change of pace to design ⛄
The winter landscape was a nice change of pace to design ⛄
Cover art for PRINCESS OF BLOOD, the second book in dark and sensual Fae romantasy series from Sarah Hawley and Ace Books Publishing (coming September 30th, 2025)
AD: Katie Anderson
Very thankful for the opportunity to keep painting these covers, the borders are very fun to arrange ♥️
AD: Katie Anderson
Very thankful for the opportunity to keep painting these covers, the borders are very fun to arrange ♥️
May 6, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Cover art for PRINCESS OF BLOOD, the second book in dark and sensual Fae romantasy series from Sarah Hawley and Ace Books Publishing (coming September 30th, 2025)
AD: Katie Anderson
Very thankful for the opportunity to keep painting these covers, the borders are very fun to arrange ♥️
AD: Katie Anderson
Very thankful for the opportunity to keep painting these covers, the borders are very fun to arrange ♥️
Reposted by Erion Makuo
It's back! The PC Gaming Show returns on Sunday June 8
⏰ 12pm PDT / 3pm EDT / 8pm BST / 9pm CEST / 3am CST
⭐️ First partners announced Ubisoft, Failbetter Games, Astra Logical, Devolver Digital
📺 Join us on X, Twitch, YouTube and Steam
⁉️ Hosts and lots more still to be announced
pcgamingshow.com
⏰ 12pm PDT / 3pm EDT / 8pm BST / 9pm CEST / 3am CST
⭐️ First partners announced Ubisoft, Failbetter Games, Astra Logical, Devolver Digital
📺 Join us on X, Twitch, YouTube and Steam
⁉️ Hosts and lots more still to be announced
pcgamingshow.com
April 30, 2025 at 3:01 PM
It's back! The PC Gaming Show returns on Sunday June 8
⏰ 12pm PDT / 3pm EDT / 8pm BST / 9pm CEST / 3am CST
⭐️ First partners announced Ubisoft, Failbetter Games, Astra Logical, Devolver Digital
📺 Join us on X, Twitch, YouTube and Steam
⁉️ Hosts and lots more still to be announced
pcgamingshow.com
⏰ 12pm PDT / 3pm EDT / 8pm BST / 9pm CEST / 3am CST
⭐️ First partners announced Ubisoft, Failbetter Games, Astra Logical, Devolver Digital
📺 Join us on X, Twitch, YouTube and Steam
⁉️ Hosts and lots more still to be announced
pcgamingshow.com
Reposted by Erion Makuo
Hey dearest Bluesky, it was my Birthday yesterday! 🥳✨
I've been working non-stop on the new Arcane portraits series so it'll be an amazing gift if you shared this post 💜
Prints are also up for grabs, as well as Patre💫n bonuses!
#Arcane #arcaneseason2 #vi #viktor
I've been working non-stop on the new Arcane portraits series so it'll be an amazing gift if you shared this post 💜
Prints are also up for grabs, as well as Patre💫n bonuses!
#Arcane #arcaneseason2 #vi #viktor
February 28, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Hey dearest Bluesky, it was my Birthday yesterday! 🥳✨
I've been working non-stop on the new Arcane portraits series so it'll be an amazing gift if you shared this post 💜
Prints are also up for grabs, as well as Patre💫n bonuses!
#Arcane #arcaneseason2 #vi #viktor
I've been working non-stop on the new Arcane portraits series so it'll be an amazing gift if you shared this post 💜
Prints are also up for grabs, as well as Patre💫n bonuses!
#Arcane #arcaneseason2 #vi #viktor
Inej for the special OwlCrate edition of The Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo. Was very lucky to get to paint such a fun scene!
January 6, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Inej for the special OwlCrate edition of The Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo. Was very lucky to get to paint such a fun scene!
Reposted by Erion Makuo
Character sketches for practice
January 1, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Character sketches for practice
*SPOILERS for The Stormlight Archive*
Was very lucky to collaborate with Dragonsteel to create several illustrations for the recently revealed Story Deck, specifically Jasnah's story. This is the first one out of six -- more to come later!
AD: Anna Earley
Prints: www.inprnt.com/gallery/erio...
Was very lucky to collaborate with Dragonsteel to create several illustrations for the recently revealed Story Deck, specifically Jasnah's story. This is the first one out of six -- more to come later!
AD: Anna Earley
Prints: www.inprnt.com/gallery/erio...
December 26, 2024 at 10:53 PM
*SPOILERS for The Stormlight Archive*
Was very lucky to collaborate with Dragonsteel to create several illustrations for the recently revealed Story Deck, specifically Jasnah's story. This is the first one out of six -- more to come later!
AD: Anna Earley
Prints: www.inprnt.com/gallery/erio...
Was very lucky to collaborate with Dragonsteel to create several illustrations for the recently revealed Story Deck, specifically Jasnah's story. This is the first one out of six -- more to come later!
AD: Anna Earley
Prints: www.inprnt.com/gallery/erio...
Cover illustration for Tusk Love, a Critical Role novel by Thea Guanzon and published by Penguin Random House.
AD: Ella Laytham and David Stevenson
AD: Ella Laytham and David Stevenson
December 8, 2024 at 3:52 PM
Cover illustration for Tusk Love, a Critical Role novel by Thea Guanzon and published by Penguin Random House.
AD: Ella Laytham and David Stevenson
AD: Ella Laytham and David Stevenson
Archfey Warlock for D&D 2024 Player's Handbook.
AD: Emi Tanji
AD: Emi Tanji
November 25, 2024 at 12:17 PM
Archfey Warlock for D&D 2024 Player's Handbook.
AD: Emi Tanji
AD: Emi Tanji