José Pérez
@jcperezm.bsky.social
Technology enthusiast 💻 IT Support Manager.
Videogames as passion, love game development, especially game design and Pixel Art 🎨 PICO-8 Fan 🕹️
https://www.gamedevpills.com - Weekly newsletter, fuel for gamedev and its industry
Videogames as passion, love game development, especially game design and Pixel Art 🎨 PICO-8 Fan 🕹️
https://www.gamedevpills.com - Weekly newsletter, fuel for gamedev and its industry
Reposted by José Pérez
Re-sharing for #ScreenshotSaturday
For #TurnBasedThursday I am sharing a first attempt at a cloudy edge for my Dreamlands map.
#GameDev #CRPG #Dreamlands
store.steampowered.com/app/3998510/...
#GameDev #CRPG #Dreamlands
store.steampowered.com/app/3998510/...
November 15, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Re-sharing for #ScreenshotSaturday
Reposted by José Pérez
You decided to start gamedev, but you feel overwhelmed by Godot, Unity or Unreal? I understand that feeling.
You managed to make progress on Godot, but the scope of your project keeps growing? I've been there.
PICO-8 is here, create your first videogame on our workshop.
#pico8 #gamedev #indiedev
You managed to make progress on Godot, but the scope of your project keeps growing? I've been there.
PICO-8 is here, create your first videogame on our workshop.
#pico8 #gamedev #indiedev
Pico Workshop #1 - Creating UI Components
Create your first tiny PICO-8 videogame through workshops applying methodology and technical learning
open.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:10 PM
The arcade mindset never died, let's speak about the real root of videogames.
Today is the turn of Derek Yu, creator of Spelunky and UFO 50, one of my favourite devs when it comes to design, fun and enjoyment.
#gamedev #indiedev #derekyu
Today is the turn of Derek Yu, creator of Spelunky and UFO 50, one of my favourite devs when it comes to design, fun and enjoyment.
#gamedev #indiedev #derekyu
The Arcade Spirit Behind Spelunky - Masters of Indiedev
Exploring how Derek Yu turned the instant feedback of arcade play into a design process that rewards curiosity, iteration, and risk
open.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:39 PM
What’s the best game you played this October?
I just dropped our Industry Snapshot — a look at last month’s top-rated games, viral trends, and dev tools worth trying.
Our monthly recap before GTA VI is released :)
#gamedev #gameindustry #gamingnews
I just dropped our Industry Snapshot — a look at last month’s top-rated games, viral trends, and dev tools worth trying.
Our monthly recap before GTA VI is released :)
#gamedev #gameindustry #gamingnews
Videogames Industry Snapshot - October 2025
Top releases, trends and gamedev resources - state of the industry before GTA VI is released
open.substack.com
November 2, 2025 at 7:25 PM
What’s the best game you played this October?
I just dropped our Industry Snapshot — a look at last month’s top-rated games, viral trends, and dev tools worth trying.
Our monthly recap before GTA VI is released :)
#gamedev #gameindustry #gamingnews
I just dropped our Industry Snapshot — a look at last month’s top-rated games, viral trends, and dev tools worth trying.
Our monthly recap before GTA VI is released :)
#gamedev #gameindustry #gamingnews
Reposted by José Pérez
our indie game:
- hand drawn by Celeste's pixel artist
- music by Disasterpeace
- a slow-burning horror RPG
- meet (or date) 10+ charming characters
- fast-paced combat
- customize your playstyle with crafted items and combat abilities
- build a new life on a remote island
- hand drawn by Celeste's pixel artist
- music by Disasterpeace
- a slow-burning horror RPG
- meet (or date) 10+ charming characters
- fast-paced combat
- customize your playstyle with crafted items and combat abilities
- build a new life on a remote island
October 29, 2025 at 6:23 PM
our indie game:
- hand drawn by Celeste's pixel artist
- music by Disasterpeace
- a slow-burning horror RPG
- meet (or date) 10+ charming characters
- fast-paced combat
- customize your playstyle with crafted items and combat abilities
- build a new life on a remote island
- hand drawn by Celeste's pixel artist
- music by Disasterpeace
- a slow-burning horror RPG
- meet (or date) 10+ charming characters
- fast-paced combat
- customize your playstyle with crafted items and combat abilities
- build a new life on a remote island
There are only few community driven videogames on the industry, the first Project Cars is probably the most well known.
Thinking about this concept under a smaller scope. Would you like to contribute with ideas during the design process of a solo gamedev project?
Likes = Of course (1/2)
#gamedev
Thinking about this concept under a smaller scope. Would you like to contribute with ideas during the design process of a solo gamedev project?
Likes = Of course (1/2)
#gamedev
November 1, 2025 at 7:44 AM
There are only few community driven videogames on the industry, the first Project Cars is probably the most well known.
Thinking about this concept under a smaller scope. Would you like to contribute with ideas during the design process of a solo gamedev project?
Likes = Of course (1/2)
#gamedev
Thinking about this concept under a smaller scope. Would you like to contribute with ideas during the design process of a solo gamedev project?
Likes = Of course (1/2)
#gamedev
Reposted by José Pérez
Continuing to develop my solo indie game and the demo is still live on Steam! Next steps are implementing feedback, refactoring code, and squashing bugs.
If you love uncomfortable horror, give it a play and let me know what you think!
#screenshotsaturday #gamedev #indiegames #indiedev #godot #icky
If you love uncomfortable horror, give it a play and let me know what you think!
#screenshotsaturday #gamedev #indiegames #indiedev #godot #icky
If you're looking for a quick Halloween play, check out my anxiety-riddled sci-fi horror visual novel demo! It's short, free, replayable... and it'll make you distinctly uncomfortable!
Claim it now on Steam:
store.steampowered.com/app/4093290/...
#visualnovel #horrorgame #indiedev #gamedev #godot
Claim it now on Steam:
store.steampowered.com/app/4093290/...
#visualnovel #horrorgame #indiedev #gamedev #godot
November 1, 2025 at 6:57 AM
Continuing to develop my solo indie game and the demo is still live on Steam! Next steps are implementing feedback, refactoring code, and squashing bugs.
If you love uncomfortable horror, give it a play and let me know what you think!
#screenshotsaturday #gamedev #indiegames #indiedev #godot #icky
If you love uncomfortable horror, give it a play and let me know what you think!
#screenshotsaturday #gamedev #indiegames #indiedev #godot #icky
Gamedev Inventory:
8BitDo Retro Keyboard - www.8bitdo.com/retro-mechan...
Miyoo Mini Plus as Pico-8 console - officialmiyoomini.com/es/
Tiny scope + creativity boost = Unique Projects completed
#gamedev #indiedev
8BitDo Retro Keyboard - www.8bitdo.com/retro-mechan...
Miyoo Mini Plus as Pico-8 console - officialmiyoomini.com/es/
Tiny scope + creativity boost = Unique Projects completed
#gamedev #indiedev
October 29, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Gamedev Inventory:
8BitDo Retro Keyboard - www.8bitdo.com/retro-mechan...
Miyoo Mini Plus as Pico-8 console - officialmiyoomini.com/es/
Tiny scope + creativity boost = Unique Projects completed
#gamedev #indiedev
8BitDo Retro Keyboard - www.8bitdo.com/retro-mechan...
Miyoo Mini Plus as Pico-8 console - officialmiyoomini.com/es/
Tiny scope + creativity boost = Unique Projects completed
#gamedev #indiedev
As a kid I turned a bedroom into my playground, I was the king of pirates.
Years later, I learned there was a concept for that feeling: The Magic Circle.
My new post dives into what happens when imagination, space, and rules turn into play.
#gamedesign #playfulthinking #gamedev
Years later, I learned there was a concept for that feeling: The Magic Circle.
My new post dives into what happens when imagination, space, and rules turn into play.
#gamedesign #playfulthinking #gamedev
Inside the Magic Circle: Understanding Why We Play
A reflection on space, rules, joy, challenge, and the invisible boundaries of play
open.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM
As a kid I turned a bedroom into my playground, I was the king of pirates.
Years later, I learned there was a concept for that feeling: The Magic Circle.
My new post dives into what happens when imagination, space, and rules turn into play.
#gamedesign #playfulthinking #gamedev
Years later, I learned there was a concept for that feeling: The Magic Circle.
My new post dives into what happens when imagination, space, and rules turn into play.
#gamedesign #playfulthinking #gamedev
Ever played a game that made you want to make games?
For me, that was Fez.
This week I explored its art, gameplay and development process
Bonus: Fez reimagined on Pico-8 Palette 🎨
#gamedev #indiedev #Fez #pixelart
For me, that was Fez.
This week I explored its art, gameplay and development process
Bonus: Fez reimagined on Pico-8 Palette 🎨
#gamedev #indiedev #Fez #pixelart
A Masterpiece Lost in Its Own Dimension, The Making Of Fez - Masters of Indiedev
The beauty of Fez and the fury of its creator
www.gamedevpills.com
October 19, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Learning game development isn’t about finding the perfect engine or watching endless tutorials
it’s about small wins, patience, and discipline. Because it is a complex area.
I’ve gathered a few lessons and reflections that might help you stay on track too.
#gamedev #indiedev #learning
it’s about small wins, patience, and discipline. Because it is a complex area.
I’ve gathered a few lessons and reflections that might help you stay on track too.
#gamedev #indiedev #learning
What I Learned After Failing, Restarting, and Building Games Again
How I turned frustration into progress through discipline, limitations, and small wins
open.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Reposted by José Pérez
game design is such an embarrassingly human endeavor. you stumble through iterations, lost in the woods like 20 times even tho this happened on your last game. The real magical games somehow feel like… the result of that process. Something was FOUND after the SEARCHING. So cool. Let’s keep doing it
October 13, 2025 at 7:01 AM
game design is such an embarrassingly human endeavor. you stumble through iterations, lost in the woods like 20 times even tho this happened on your last game. The real magical games somehow feel like… the result of that process. Something was FOUND after the SEARCHING. So cool. Let’s keep doing it
We don’t just remember the games — we remember how they felt in our hands.
My new post dives into how controllers shaped our connection with games.
Read more here 👇
#gamedev #gamefeel
My new post dives into how controllers shaped our connection with games.
Read more here 👇
#gamedev #gamefeel
Design Starts in Your Hands: How Input Shapes Play
Understanding the silent dialogue between player and controller
open.substack.com
October 12, 2025 at 4:34 PM
I really like videogames demos, they are just a tiny version of a whole experience but with a really thoughtful approach, they want you as future player.
I’ve been waiting news about Skate Story and demo is available now!
The aesthetics and abstract essence is selling the game by itself 🤓
I’ve been waiting news about Skate Story and demo is available now!
The aesthetics and abstract essence is selling the game by itself 🤓
Skate Story on Steam
Ollie, kickflip, and grind your way through the ash and smoke of the Underworld as you take on a seemingly impossible quest. Skate fast to destroy demons and save other tortured souls on your journey ...
store.steampowered.com
October 10, 2025 at 7:11 PM
I really like videogames demos, they are just a tiny version of a whole experience but with a really thoughtful approach, they want you as future player.
I’ve been waiting news about Skate Story and demo is available now!
The aesthetics and abstract essence is selling the game by itself 🤓
I’ve been waiting news about Skate Story and demo is available now!
The aesthetics and abstract essence is selling the game by itself 🤓
Most unfinished games don’t fail because of code — they fail because there’s no structure behind the ideas.
Before art, before code, comes documentation — the invisible bridge between creativity and completion.
My management skills at your service, for free. 👇
#gamedev #indiedev #methodology
Before art, before code, comes documentation — the invisible bridge between creativity and completion.
My management skills at your service, for free. 👇
#gamedev #indiedev #methodology
Every Great Game Starts with Words, Not Code
Turning ideas into structure through documentation and pre-production, our secret handcrafted Game Dev Framework
open.substack.com
October 9, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Most unfinished games don’t fail because of code — they fail because there’s no structure behind the ideas.
Before art, before code, comes documentation — the invisible bridge between creativity and completion.
My management skills at your service, for free. 👇
#gamedev #indiedev #methodology
Before art, before code, comes documentation — the invisible bridge between creativity and completion.
My management skills at your service, for free. 👇
#gamedev #indiedev #methodology
Before Steam sales are over (Oct 6th)
I would like to highlight some interesting tools for those willing to do some #gamedev and #art 🧵(1/3)
PicoCAD created by @johanpeitz.com is a tiny tool to create low-poly assets, developed with Pico-8 limitations is a really good creativity playground.
I would like to highlight some interesting tools for those willing to do some #gamedev and #art 🧵(1/3)
PicoCAD created by @johanpeitz.com is a tiny tool to create low-poly assets, developed with Pico-8 limitations is a really good creativity playground.
Save 40% on picoCAD on Steam
A tiny modeler for tiny models! Unleash your creativity in retro 3D and find a fun, easy, and accessible way into 3D modelling by focusing on the bare essentials.
store.steampowered.com
October 5, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Before Steam sales are over (Oct 6th)
I would like to highlight some interesting tools for those willing to do some #gamedev and #art 🧵(1/3)
PicoCAD created by @johanpeitz.com is a tiny tool to create low-poly assets, developed with Pico-8 limitations is a really good creativity playground.
I would like to highlight some interesting tools for those willing to do some #gamedev and #art 🧵(1/3)
PicoCAD created by @johanpeitz.com is a tiny tool to create low-poly assets, developed with Pico-8 limitations is a really good creativity playground.
Reposted by José Pérez
Reconnect Recommends:
This Hit Viral Game From The Early 2000s Is Making A Comeback Next Year
#gaming #videogames
This Hit Viral Game From The Early 2000s Is Making A Comeback Next Year
#gaming #videogames
This Hit Viral Game From The Early 2000s Is Making A Comeback Next Year
This article has been curated by Reconnect, the games writing discovery platform.
www.timeextension.com
October 4, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Reconnect Recommends:
This Hit Viral Game From The Early 2000s Is Making A Comeback Next Year
#gaming #videogames
This Hit Viral Game From The Early 2000s Is Making A Comeback Next Year
#gaming #videogames
September by the numbers.
Top Releases, Trending Games, and a few ouch price changes.
Dive into the full Game Dev Pills Industry Snapshot
#gamedev #gamingnews #indiedev #steam
Top Releases, Trending Games, and a few ouch price changes.
Dive into the full Game Dev Pills Industry Snapshot
#gamedev #gamingnews #indiedev #steam
Videogames Industry Snapshot - September 2025
From releases trends to pricing — the state of the industry before GTA VI’s release.
www.gamedevpills.com
October 4, 2025 at 4:45 PM
September by the numbers.
Top Releases, Trending Games, and a few ouch price changes.
Dive into the full Game Dev Pills Industry Snapshot
#gamedev #gamingnews #indiedev #steam
Top Releases, Trending Games, and a few ouch price changes.
Dive into the full Game Dev Pills Industry Snapshot
#gamedev #gamingnews #indiedev #steam
Sadly, most conversations about the games industry these days feel negative — layoffs, uncertainty, broken launches.
Now add $80 releases and subscription hikes on top.
I wrote about why pricing became the scariest part of 2025.
#GameIndustry #gamedev
Now add $80 releases and subscription hikes on top.
I wrote about why pricing became the scariest part of 2025.
#GameIndustry #gamedev
The True Horror Lurking in the Industry: Rising Costs
From Game Pass math to Nintendo’s $90 cartridges, here’s why pricing feels more frightening than ever.
open.substack.com
October 1, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Sadly, most conversations about the games industry these days feel negative — layoffs, uncertainty, broken launches.
Now add $80 releases and subscription hikes on top.
I wrote about why pricing became the scariest part of 2025.
#GameIndustry #gamedev
Now add $80 releases and subscription hikes on top.
I wrote about why pricing became the scariest part of 2025.
#GameIndustry #gamedev
Reposted by José Pérez
Don't mind me, just setting up my new Dreamcast memory card in the year (checks notes)...2025.
September 28, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Don't mind me, just setting up my new Dreamcast memory card in the year (checks notes)...2025.
Most studios dream of one breakout.
Sokpop just keeps dropping experiments — and they all feel connected.
That’s identity. That’s coherence.
#gamedev #indiedev #Sokpop #GameDesign
Sokpop just keeps dropping experiments — and they all feel connected.
That’s identity. That’s coherence.
#gamedev #indiedev #Sokpop #GameDesign
Visual Unity, Playful Spirit: The Sokpop Collective Way
A lens on how Sokpop Collective crafts a recognizable identity across dozens of small games.
open.substack.com
September 27, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Most studios dream of one breakout.
Sokpop just keeps dropping experiments — and they all feel connected.
That’s identity. That’s coherence.
#gamedev #indiedev #Sokpop #GameDesign
Sokpop just keeps dropping experiments — and they all feel connected.
That’s identity. That’s coherence.
#gamedev #indiedev #Sokpop #GameDesign
Games aren’t just rules and mechanics—they’re freedom and creativity. I explored this question in my latest post
How would you define play?
#gamedev #playful #toys
How would you define play?
#gamedev #playful #toys
What Is The Definition of Play?
Exploring the essence of interaction, fun, and meaning in games
open.substack.com
September 25, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Ever noticed how Gran Turismo isn’t called “The Real Racing Simulator”?
It’s “The Real Driving Simulator.”
A small detail — but connected with the way Japanese Culture make things.
www.gamedevpills.com/p/reading-th...
#gamedev #gamedesign #racing
It’s “The Real Driving Simulator.”
A small detail — but connected with the way Japanese Culture make things.
www.gamedevpills.com/p/reading-th...
#gamedev #gamedesign #racing
Reading the Game: The Japanese Spirit Behind Gran Turismo Saga
A journey through Japanese design, spirituality, and the birth of The Real Driving Simulator.
www.gamedevpills.com
September 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Ever noticed how Gran Turismo isn’t called “The Real Racing Simulator”?
It’s “The Real Driving Simulator.”
A small detail — but connected with the way Japanese Culture make things.
www.gamedevpills.com/p/reading-th...
#gamedev #gamedesign #racing
It’s “The Real Driving Simulator.”
A small detail — but connected with the way Japanese Culture make things.
www.gamedevpills.com/p/reading-th...
#gamedev #gamedesign #racing
Reposted by José Pérez
been working on some castle ruins tilesets today. big teslagrad vibes
September 19, 2025 at 5:24 PM
been working on some castle ruins tilesets today. big teslagrad vibes