Caryn Vainio
hellchick.bsky.social
Caryn Vainio
@hellchick.bsky.social
Mostly trying to be a painter and printmaker. Also a solo game dev. Check out my work at carynvainioart.com and shadowdoggames.com
Pinned
It's ALIVE! I pushed the big green button on Steam today to release my word puzzle app, Wordy Rain! I've got a small launch discount for you to take advantage of today. store.steampowered.com/app/3767020/... #wordgame #wordpuzzle #steam #indiegames #cozygames
Save 10% on Wordy Rain on Steam
A word-making puzzle game with an action mechanic, or a cozy chill experience. Make words from falling blocks, but don't let them get to the top! Use powerups and strategy to see how long you can go.
store.steampowered.com
Took this last night on my way out of the Nate Bargatze show.
November 8, 2025 at 4:30 PM
It's Halloween and Wordy Rain got a Halloween-themed update this month! If you missed it, check it out! store.steampowered.com/app/3767020/...
October 31, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Reposted by Caryn Vainio
every friend group has a Coıdemt, a Lergevhtiepsappe, a Guwht dade, and a Jalvodnre... if u don't know which one is the Jalvodnre... it's u 😂😂😂🤣
October 24, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Here’s another piece in my new body of work. This one is already reserved by a collector!

“And So the Infinite Division of Space and Time”
Acrylic and charcoal pencil on canvas
40” x 34”

See it here: www.carynvainioart.com/broken-arrow...
October 23, 2025 at 2:24 PM
I get just as excited by the Scholastic Book Fair catalog now when my kids get it as I did when I was 9 years old and got it.
October 22, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Reposted by Caryn Vainio
While we're finishing up Dosa Divas, we're still shopping around two smaller new projects. We wanted to let folks know with enough time and severance. Here's a spreadsheet with info on each person and I'm happy to provide any recommendations for any of them. docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Outerloop Alumni - PUBLIC Contact Info
docs.google.com
October 21, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Reposted by Caryn Vainio
We're saying goodbye to six wonderful folks on our team this week at @outerloopgames.bsky.social They've been part of the team for years and unfortunately we got hit with some unexpected US tax changes, a port cancellation, and new project pitches that are going slow. It's a rough year.
October 21, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Another piece from my new body of work!

“The Disobediences Yet to Come”
Acrylic, pencil, and oil pastel on canvas
29” x 36” x 1.5”

You can see more here! www.carynvainioart.com/broken-arrow...
October 19, 2025 at 4:23 PM
In 2023 I started created a new body of work I was really excited about. I had to set aside working on it through much of 2024 and this year I dove back into it. I'm still working on new pieces within it but I want to start showing the ones I've got as it's a cohesive set, so:
October 17, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Reposted by Caryn Vainio
When a gauge is a vibe
October 17, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Who’s posting the best Ghost of Yotei photo mode shares in this place? ‘Cause I wanna follow ‘em.
October 17, 2025 at 5:02 PM
From my archives! I've always loved this painting; when I come across it in my studio I smile. It's not like what I'm painting today but I often think about returning to some of the ideas in it. www.carynvainioart.com/lifeline?aa_...
October 16, 2025 at 10:20 PM
I started working on my next game a couple of weeks ago after letting three ideas marinate for a few weeks. That cone that I posted on a grid a week or so ago? Here's a hint as to what I envision it looking like later.
October 9, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Reposted by Caryn Vainio
If you are waiting for Forbidden Solitaire, how about trying out one of our other solitaire games.

- Regency Solitaire 1 & 2 have a nice story.
- Shadowhand and Ancient Enemy have a story and also solitaire combat and RPG-style stats.

store.steampowered.com/developer/Gr...
Steam Developer: Grey Alien Games
All games that Grey Alien Games has created or published.
store.steampowered.com
October 6, 2025 at 10:48 AM
The Fall Steam sale ends in a few hours, so grab Wordy Rain and its new Halloween content at 20% off while you still can! store.steampowered.com/news/app/376...
Wordy Rain - The Halloween Update! - Steam News
Check out the new Halloween background and find ten new spooky secret words.
store.steampowered.com
October 6, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Just in time for the Steam Fall Sale, my game Wordy Rain is 20% off today AAAAND has a new Halloween update! New background scene, new VFX, new music in each mode with the new scene, and ten new spooky secret words to find! MacOS and Windows!

store.steampowered.com/news/app/376...
Wordy Rain - The Halloween Update! - Steam News
Check out the new Halloween background and find ten new spooky secret words.
store.steampowered.com
October 5, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Had my closest encounter ever with a bear since I began living here in the PNW in 2007. Was on the dog walk through the woods nearby, had my AirPods in and a podcast on -- which I should have turned down in these woods because bears live there! Dog was doing his business and then perked up...
September 30, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Reposted by Caryn Vainio
Regency Solitaire II, cosy as heck, 97% positive, on sale at 53% off. You'll love it.

store.steampowered.com/app/2137470/...
Save 53% on Regency Solitaire II on Steam
Revisit romantic Regency Britain to build a glorious garden, in this charming solitaire sequel. Tour historic hotspots, silence gossips, and host the season’s most anticipated soiree. Play your cards ...
store.steampowered.com
September 30, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Wordy Rain is 20% off during Steam's Fall Sale! Grab it if you were thinking about it and didn't pick it up -- especially since I'm planning a little themed update later this week that might be Halloween related...

store.steampowered.com/app/3767020/...
Save 20% on Wordy Rain on Steam
A word-making puzzle game with an action mechanic, or a cozy chill experience. Make words from falling blocks, but don't let them get to the top! Use powerups and strategy to see how long you can go.
store.steampowered.com
September 30, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Reposted by Caryn Vainio
Hi Internet! I'm Drew and THIS IS MY FACE.

If this GIF has ever brought you joy in the past, I humbly ask you to consider making a donation to the National MS Society. It would mean a lot to me and to those I know affected by the disease!

Donate at blinkingguy.com
September 26, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Reposted by Caryn Vainio
I share other people's indie games more often than our own, so for once, here's our one!

Please wishlist Forbidden Solitaire if you fancy playing a cursed CD-ROM game from 1995.

store.steampowered.com/app/3414580/...
Forbidden Solitaire on Steam
Forbidden Solitaire is a card-slashing horror game about unearthing the contents of a cryptic 1995 CD-ROM that should have never existed. From the creators of Ancient Enemy and Home Safety Hotline.
store.steampowered.com
September 26, 2025 at 1:15 PM
September is almost over, and I MIGHT be working on a new themed update for Wordy Rain for October. Which means there's only a few more days to find the hidden words for September (and get the Steam achievement on Windows). Have you found any?? store.steampowered.com/app/3767020/...
September 26, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Reposted by Caryn Vainio
Prune, my bonsai puzzle game and love letter to trees, is finally out on Steam for its 10th anniversary!

store.steampowered.com/app/3903490/...
Save 38% on Prune on Steam
Grow and shape your tree into the sunlight while avoiding the dangers of a hostile world. Bring life to a forgotten landscape and uncover a story hidden deep beneath the soil.
store.steampowered.com
September 25, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Reposted by Caryn Vainio
Ghost of Yotei is a masterpiece. It ruled over my waking and sleeping moments for a week.

There's so much love and attention poured into this game, so much artistry on display, so I tried to do the same with my review for @rollingstone.com.

www.rollingstone.com/culture/rs-g...
'Ghost of Yōtei' Is an Emotionally Gripping and Meditative Samurai Revenge Saga
'Ghost of Yōtei' improves on every aspect of 'Ghost of Tsushima,' and is one of PS5's best games
www.rollingstone.com
September 25, 2025 at 1:11 PM
🧵Deep dive on yarn making!

One of the things I do: I make yarn and textiles. And this week I'm starting a new project from the animal up: a short lightweight sweater to throw over summer dresses (I know, the season is almost over) made with alpaca from my herd. Here's my quick sketch:
September 24, 2025 at 9:44 PM