Ian Caisley
@iancaisley.bsky.social
Indie game dev and designer (game and graphic). Check out my current project, Shimmershoal, a retro-style cozy RPG: https://iancaisley.itch.io/shimmershoal
Other places I do things:
trippingwhale.com
caisley.design
Other places I do things:
trippingwhale.com
caisley.design
Pinned
Ian Caisley
@iancaisley.bsky.social
· Apr 24
Shimmershoal: A Cozy Island Adventure on Steam
Explore a tropical island paradise in this cozy JRPG. Battle crafty critters, solve puzzles, and learn ancient abilities to uncover the archipelago's many secrets. Adventure as apprentice Lani, and he...
store.steampowered.com
My first ever Steam page is live! It's just a coming soon with more to add later, but super excited about it. Would appreciate any early wishlist support. 🔅🌴🌊
store.steampowered.com/app/3637900/...
#gamedev #indiedev #indiegames #steam #wishlist #solodev #cozygames #jrpg
store.steampowered.com/app/3637900/...
#gamedev #indiedev #indiegames #steam #wishlist #solodev #cozygames #jrpg
Playing Elden Ring for the first time (also my first from soft game) is like looking into the DNA of so many games over the past decade. I knew these games were influential, but wow... The influences are everywhere.
#gaming #darksouls #soulslike #gamedev #gamedesign
#gaming #darksouls #soulslike #gamedev #gamedesign
October 3, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Playing Elden Ring for the first time (also my first from soft game) is like looking into the DNA of so many games over the past decade. I knew these games were influential, but wow... The influences are everywhere.
#gaming #darksouls #soulslike #gamedev #gamedesign
#gaming #darksouls #soulslike #gamedev #gamedesign
Here's a piece of game literacy I have (but don't remember how I learned):
You don't know how much fire and lava will hurt until you try them, and that amount could be from 0 to infinity damage.
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames
You don't know how much fire and lava will hurt until you try them, and that amount could be from 0 to infinity damage.
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames
Watching my wife, a non-gamer, play Shimmershoal (my game) is a fascinating experience. It makes me realize how much "literacy" is needed in gaming to understand basic elements of each genre.
#gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegames #cozygames #jrpg
#gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegames #cozygames #jrpg
October 2, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Here's a piece of game literacy I have (but don't remember how I learned):
You don't know how much fire and lava will hurt until you try them, and that amount could be from 0 to infinity damage.
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames
You don't know how much fire and lava will hurt until you try them, and that amount could be from 0 to infinity damage.
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames
Watching my wife, a non-gamer, play Shimmershoal (my game) is a fascinating experience. It makes me realize how much "literacy" is needed in gaming to understand basic elements of each genre.
#gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegames #cozygames #jrpg
#gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegames #cozygames #jrpg
October 2, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Watching my wife, a non-gamer, play Shimmershoal (my game) is a fascinating experience. It makes me realize how much "literacy" is needed in gaming to understand basic elements of each genre.
#gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegames #cozygames #jrpg
#gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegames #cozygames #jrpg
Reposted by Ian Caisley
#pixelart #solodev #gamedev #indiegame #indiegamedev #desert #metroidvania #indiedev #blood&flames
Here my current progress on the shimmering plains art
The idea is that the heat form these large shards of glass in the sand which produces those beams of light that can be seen all over the region.
Here my current progress on the shimmering plains art
The idea is that the heat form these large shards of glass in the sand which produces those beams of light that can be seen all over the region.
September 25, 2025 at 4:59 PM
#pixelart #solodev #gamedev #indiegame #indiegamedev #desert #metroidvania #indiedev #blood&flames
Here my current progress on the shimmering plains art
The idea is that the heat form these large shards of glass in the sand which produces those beams of light that can be seen all over the region.
Here my current progress on the shimmering plains art
The idea is that the heat form these large shards of glass in the sand which produces those beams of light that can be seen all over the region.
Reposted by Ian Caisley
...And done.
Once again colored pencils on black paper, this time also with some silver and gold ink. A3, probably around 20-25 hours.
#art #fantasyart #space #leopard #traditionalart #drawing
Once again colored pencils on black paper, this time also with some silver and gold ink. A3, probably around 20-25 hours.
#art #fantasyart #space #leopard #traditionalart #drawing
September 25, 2025 at 8:11 PM
...And done.
Once again colored pencils on black paper, this time also with some silver and gold ink. A3, probably around 20-25 hours.
#art #fantasyart #space #leopard #traditionalart #drawing
Once again colored pencils on black paper, this time also with some silver and gold ink. A3, probably around 20-25 hours.
#art #fantasyart #space #leopard #traditionalart #drawing
New enemy just dropped! (You will hate them)
What do you think they do?
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg
What do you think they do?
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg
September 23, 2025 at 12:00 AM
New enemy just dropped! (You will hate them)
What do you think they do?
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg
What do you think they do?
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg
I died while testing my game, Shimmershoal. This taught me I forgot to add auto saves for the past... while. Ouch 😅
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #bugs #gametesting #behindthescenes
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #bugs #gametesting #behindthescenes
September 2, 2025 at 7:01 PM
I died while testing my game, Shimmershoal. This taught me I forgot to add auto saves for the past... while. Ouch 😅
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #bugs #gametesting #behindthescenes
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #bugs #gametesting #behindthescenes
Shimmershoal now has game pad support!
I was worried it might hard to implement in the engine I'm using, but it was pretty painless. 😀
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg
I was worried it might hard to implement in the engine I'm using, but it was pretty painless. 😀
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg
Shimmershoal: A Cozy Island Adventure on Steam
Explore a tropical island paradise in this cozy JRPG. Battle crafty critters, solve puzzles, and learn ancient abilities to uncover the archipelago's many secrets. Adventure as apprentice Lani, and he...
s.team
August 25, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Shimmershoal now has game pad support!
I was worried it might hard to implement in the engine I'm using, but it was pretty painless. 😀
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg
I was worried it might hard to implement in the engine I'm using, but it was pretty painless. 😀
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg
Reposted by Ian Caisley
Final Profit's on sale! 🍎
My opinion doesn't mean much. So instead, excerpts from recent reviews:
"One of the best games I have ever played Period."
"Went into this with no expectations and was blown away."
"My addiction was real."
store.steampowered.com/app/1705140/...
🎮 #indiegames #shopsim
My opinion doesn't mean much. So instead, excerpts from recent reviews:
"One of the best games I have ever played Period."
"Went into this with no expectations and was blown away."
"My addiction was real."
store.steampowered.com/app/1705140/...
🎮 #indiegames #shopsim
Save 40% on Final Profit: A Shop RPG on Steam
FINAL PROFIT is a story driven shop-sim RPG. Gather products and find customers. Spend your hard-earned profits on upgrades and investments. Make far-reaching choices as you expand your business. And ...
store.steampowered.com
August 24, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Final Profit's on sale! 🍎
My opinion doesn't mean much. So instead, excerpts from recent reviews:
"One of the best games I have ever played Period."
"Went into this with no expectations and was blown away."
"My addiction was real."
store.steampowered.com/app/1705140/...
🎮 #indiegames #shopsim
My opinion doesn't mean much. So instead, excerpts from recent reviews:
"One of the best games I have ever played Period."
"Went into this with no expectations and was blown away."
"My addiction was real."
store.steampowered.com/app/1705140/...
🎮 #indiegames #shopsim
Very gratifying experience today watching an old friend really enjoy playing Shimmershoal. Can't wait for more people to see what I've been cooking. 🌴
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday
August 24, 2025 at 4:53 AM
Very gratifying experience today watching an old friend really enjoy playing Shimmershoal. Can't wait for more people to see what I've been cooking. 🌴
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday
Reposted by Ian Caisley
There are still 59 spots left, everybody! All #GameDevs are welcome no matter your skill level or specialty!
#SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames #Python #3DArtists #PixelArtists #GameMaker #C+ #Coding
#SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames #Python #3DArtists #PixelArtists #GameMaker #C+ #Coding
August 18, 2025 at 6:37 PM
There are still 59 spots left, everybody! All #GameDevs are welcome no matter your skill level or specialty!
#SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames #Python #3DArtists #PixelArtists #GameMaker #C+ #Coding
#SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames #Python #3DArtists #PixelArtists #GameMaker #C+ #Coding
Reposted by Ian Caisley
I'm not sure how visible these are without digging, so if you're looking for indies to follow and support, check below 🙌🏻
Indie Studios: go.bsky.app/EbnyA2d
Solo Indies: go.bsky.app/46HSs4C
Indie Studios: go.bsky.app/EbnyA2d
Solo Indies: go.bsky.app/46HSs4C
August 14, 2025 at 7:50 AM
I'm not sure how visible these are without digging, so if you're looking for indies to follow and support, check below 🙌🏻
Indie Studios: go.bsky.app/EbnyA2d
Solo Indies: go.bsky.app/46HSs4C
Indie Studios: go.bsky.app/EbnyA2d
Solo Indies: go.bsky.app/46HSs4C
Reposted by Ian Caisley
It is time! If you are involved with #GameDev, this pack is for you! The last one filled up in just over 48 hours, so get your spot while it's hot!
#GameDev #SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames #Python #3DArtists #PixelArtists
#GameDev #SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames #Python #3DArtists #PixelArtists
August 13, 2025 at 9:24 PM
It is time! If you are involved with #GameDev, this pack is for you! The last one filled up in just over 48 hours, so get your spot while it's hot!
#GameDev #SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames #Python #3DArtists #PixelArtists
#GameDev #SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames #Python #3DArtists #PixelArtists
Reposted by Ian Caisley
#indiegamedev #pixelart #solodev #bandit #gamedev #indiedev #indiegame #bossbattle #shotgun #giant
My games feature a large number of bosses with all kinds of wacky concepts and movesets.
Irredeamable features both bombastic chapter bosses and rival bosses that get stronger with each fight.
My games feature a large number of bosses with all kinds of wacky concepts and movesets.
Irredeamable features both bombastic chapter bosses and rival bosses that get stronger with each fight.
August 11, 2025 at 1:57 PM
#indiegamedev #pixelart #solodev #bandit #gamedev #indiedev #indiegame #bossbattle #shotgun #giant
My games feature a large number of bosses with all kinds of wacky concepts and movesets.
Irredeamable features both bombastic chapter bosses and rival bosses that get stronger with each fight.
My games feature a large number of bosses with all kinds of wacky concepts and movesets.
Irredeamable features both bombastic chapter bosses and rival bosses that get stronger with each fight.
Reposted by Ian Caisley
August 12, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Reposted by Ian Caisley
Reposted by Ian Caisley
Welcome all you beginners & pros, coders & artists, composers & promoters! 🙋♂️
Ask to be included in this pack and I will add you. A "👍" on your request comment means you're in!
#GameDev #SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames
Ask to be included in this pack and I will add you. A "👍" on your request comment means you're in!
#GameDev #SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames
August 4, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Welcome all you beginners & pros, coders & artists, composers & promoters! 🙋♂️
Ask to be included in this pack and I will add you. A "👍" on your request comment means you're in!
#GameDev #SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames
Ask to be included in this pack and I will add you. A "👍" on your request comment means you're in!
#GameDev #SoloDev #IndieDev #GameAudio #GameArt #GameDesign #Godot #UnrealEngine #Unity #Blender #Gaming #IndieGames
Reposted by Ian Caisley
We just filled up half the pack! If you’re a indie dev and want to join the pack, we welcome you with open arms!
All these devs are really cool, so please make sure to check them out as well! ✨♥️
#gamedev #indiegamedev #videogame #bluesky #solodev #indiegame #sologamedev #starterpack
All these devs are really cool, so please make sure to check them out as well! ✨♥️
#gamedev #indiegamedev #videogame #bluesky #solodev #indiegame #sologamedev #starterpack
If you aren’t part of the previous starter packs, feel free to leave a comment and join the wonderful gamedev community starter pack here! 😄✨
(I’ll like your comment once you’ve been added!) 👍
Latest pack (4th):
go.bsky.app/NLKVhoK
#gamedev #indiegame #indiegamedev #videogame #Bluesky
(I’ll like your comment once you’ve been added!) 👍
Latest pack (4th):
go.bsky.app/NLKVhoK
#gamedev #indiegame #indiegamedev #videogame #Bluesky
August 8, 2025 at 12:57 PM
We just filled up half the pack! If you’re a indie dev and want to join the pack, we welcome you with open arms!
All these devs are really cool, so please make sure to check them out as well! ✨♥️
#gamedev #indiegamedev #videogame #bluesky #solodev #indiegame #sologamedev #starterpack
All these devs are really cool, so please make sure to check them out as well! ✨♥️
#gamedev #indiegamedev #videogame #bluesky #solodev #indiegame #sologamedev #starterpack
Meet the Monsters of the South Shore!
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday #lore #worldbuilding #monsters
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday #lore #worldbuilding #monsters
August 9, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Meet the Monsters of the South Shore!
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday #lore #worldbuilding #monsters
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygame #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday #lore #worldbuilding #monsters
Reposted by Ian Caisley
One shader can make a difference.
Quick lava effect vs final lava shader after a bit of experimentation to see what works with the scene.
If you like what you see wishlist:
store.steampowered.com/app/3727480/...
#gamedev #art #shader #techart #indiedev #puzzlegame #gameart #cartoon
Quick lava effect vs final lava shader after a bit of experimentation to see what works with the scene.
If you like what you see wishlist:
store.steampowered.com/app/3727480/...
#gamedev #art #shader #techart #indiedev #puzzlegame #gameart #cartoon
July 27, 2025 at 8:21 PM
One shader can make a difference.
Quick lava effect vs final lava shader after a bit of experimentation to see what works with the scene.
If you like what you see wishlist:
store.steampowered.com/app/3727480/...
#gamedev #art #shader #techart #indiedev #puzzlegame #gameart #cartoon
Quick lava effect vs final lava shader after a bit of experimentation to see what works with the scene.
If you like what you see wishlist:
store.steampowered.com/app/3727480/...
#gamedev #art #shader #techart #indiedev #puzzlegame #gameart #cartoon
I worked with a colorblind friend to improve the #accessibility of this puzzle. Waaaay better!
The lesson is you should avoid be using color alone to signify a state change.
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday
The lesson is you should avoid be using color alone to signify a state change.
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday
July 27, 2025 at 12:52 AM
I worked with a colorblind friend to improve the #accessibility of this puzzle. Waaaay better!
The lesson is you should avoid be using color alone to signify a state change.
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday
The lesson is you should avoid be using color alone to signify a state change.
Wishlist Shimmershoal: s.team/a/3637900
#gamedev #solodev #indiedev #indiegames #cozygames #jrpg #screenshotsaturday
Steam curator list focused on improving visibility for #RPGMaker devs! It's a great thing to support a small dev scene so go show it some love. 😄
store.steampowered.com/curator/4569...
#gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegames #jrpg
store.steampowered.com/curator/4569...
#gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegames #jrpg
Steam Curator: RPGMaker Kino
RPGmaker games I think other people should check out.
This page is solely to help create visibility for RPGMaker games as I feel Steam does not do a very good job of making them visible.
store.steampowered.com
July 22, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Steam curator list focused on improving visibility for #RPGMaker devs! It's a great thing to support a small dev scene so go show it some love. 😄
store.steampowered.com/curator/4569...
#gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegames #jrpg
store.steampowered.com/curator/4569...
#gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegames #jrpg
Support a #solodev! They just released their awesome new visual novel and it's really well written. Check it out. 😄
GET IN THE CAR RIGHT NOW!!!!! Veins Like Tapeworms has OFFICIALLY RELEASED!!!!!!!!! You can buy it right now for a launch discount of 10% off!!!!
store.steampowered.com/app/3106780/...
#RPGMaker #visualnovel #VeinsLikeTapeworms #gamedev #horror #horrorVN #RPGMAKERHORROR
store.steampowered.com/app/3106780/...
#RPGMaker #visualnovel #VeinsLikeTapeworms #gamedev #horror #horrorVN #RPGMAKERHORROR
Save 10% on Veins Like Tapeworms on Steam
While working at their dead-end job and dreaming of what could’ve been, Demian Zhao discovers a flesh-eating parasite who promises to help them finally live free. If you let them, they'll become the m...
store.steampowered.com
July 15, 2025 at 4:06 AM
Support a #solodev! They just released their awesome new visual novel and it's really well written. Check it out. 😄