Michał Chwistek
@kwisc.bsky.social
Lead Game Designer in Polished Games (Be My Horde). Writing about game design and game dev. Previously game journalist for over 10 years.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2499520/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2499520/
Pinned
Michał Chwistek
@kwisc.bsky.social
· Sep 18
Why I Love the Red Flowers in Silksong (When Most Players Hate Them)
Trust me—I’m not amazing at it.
open.substack.com
▶️ Why I Love the Red Flowers in Silksong (When Most Players Hate Them) 🌸
In my blog post, I take a closer look at the red flower mechanic. Why do so many players find it frustrating, while for me it was one of the best moments in the game?
#silksong #gamedesign
open.substack.com/pub/kwiscgam...
In my blog post, I take a closer look at the red flower mechanic. Why do so many players find it frustrating, while for me it was one of the best moments in the game?
#silksong #gamedesign
open.substack.com/pub/kwiscgam...
Silksong’s Singing Bugs Matter More Than You Think
As we explore the underground realms of Silksong, we come across bugs singing in their strange insect language. This not only builds atmosphere, but it also serves a deeper purpose.
#gamedev #silksong #gamedesign
open.substack.com/pub/kwiscgam...
As we explore the underground realms of Silksong, we come across bugs singing in their strange insect language. This not only builds atmosphere, but it also serves a deeper purpose.
#gamedev #silksong #gamedesign
open.substack.com/pub/kwiscgam...
September 20, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Silksong’s Singing Bugs Matter More Than You Think
As we explore the underground realms of Silksong, we come across bugs singing in their strange insect language. This not only builds atmosphere, but it also serves a deeper purpose.
#gamedev #silksong #gamedesign
open.substack.com/pub/kwiscgam...
As we explore the underground realms of Silksong, we come across bugs singing in their strange insect language. This not only builds atmosphere, but it also serves a deeper purpose.
#gamedev #silksong #gamedesign
open.substack.com/pub/kwiscgam...
▶️ Why I Love the Red Flowers in Silksong (When Most Players Hate Them) 🌸
In my blog post, I take a closer look at the red flower mechanic. Why do so many players find it frustrating, while for me it was one of the best moments in the game?
#silksong #gamedesign
open.substack.com/pub/kwiscgam...
In my blog post, I take a closer look at the red flower mechanic. Why do so many players find it frustrating, while for me it was one of the best moments in the game?
#silksong #gamedesign
open.substack.com/pub/kwiscgam...
Why I Love the Red Flowers in Silksong (When Most Players Hate Them)
Trust me—I’m not amazing at it.
open.substack.com
September 18, 2025 at 9:38 AM
▶️ Why I Love the Red Flowers in Silksong (When Most Players Hate Them) 🌸
In my blog post, I take a closer look at the red flower mechanic. Why do so many players find it frustrating, while for me it was one of the best moments in the game?
#silksong #gamedesign
open.substack.com/pub/kwiscgam...
In my blog post, I take a closer look at the red flower mechanic. Why do so many players find it frustrating, while for me it was one of the best moments in the game?
#silksong #gamedesign
open.substack.com/pub/kwiscgam...
@gamediscoverco.bsky.social would be great to see your analysis of Shinobi and Ninja Gaiden Ragebound releases. It’s rare to see so similar game released so close to each other.
Main differences:
1. Art style.
2. Marketing
How big of a difference they made? Was Shinobi 2x bigger only on Steam?
Main differences:
1. Art style.
2. Marketing
How big of a difference they made? Was Shinobi 2x bigger only on Steam?
September 4, 2025 at 11:38 AM
@gamediscoverco.bsky.social would be great to see your analysis of Shinobi and Ninja Gaiden Ragebound releases. It’s rare to see so similar game released so close to each other.
Main differences:
1. Art style.
2. Marketing
How big of a difference they made? Was Shinobi 2x bigger only on Steam?
Main differences:
1. Art style.
2. Marketing
How big of a difference they made? Was Shinobi 2x bigger only on Steam?
Na Steamie ukazała się bardzo ciekawa rzecz. "Intuitive Level Design" to taki kurs level designu w formie interaktywnej piaskownicy.
Chodzimy po lokacji i czytamy sobie różne porady dotyczące projektowania poziomów.
Byłoby fajnie, jakby więcej osób wrzucało tego typu treści. Znacie coś podobnego?
Chodzimy po lokacji i czytamy sobie różne porady dotyczące projektowania poziomów.
Byłoby fajnie, jakby więcej osób wrzucało tego typu treści. Znacie coś podobnego?
September 3, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Na Steamie ukazała się bardzo ciekawa rzecz. "Intuitive Level Design" to taki kurs level designu w formie interaktywnej piaskownicy.
Chodzimy po lokacji i czytamy sobie różne porady dotyczące projektowania poziomów.
Byłoby fajnie, jakby więcej osób wrzucało tego typu treści. Znacie coś podobnego?
Chodzimy po lokacji i czytamy sobie różne porady dotyczące projektowania poziomów.
Byłoby fajnie, jakby więcej osób wrzucało tego typu treści. Znacie coś podobnego?
First, the French made a jRPG better than the Japanese. Now it looks like the Poles have made a Bethesda-style RPG better than Bethesda’s latest one 😉
Tainted Grail has already hit almost 25k (!) peak players and 90% (!!) positive among the latest 2000!
Bethesda fans don’t care about bugs 😉
Tainted Grail has already hit almost 25k (!) peak players and 90% (!!) positive among the latest 2000!
Bethesda fans don’t care about bugs 😉
May 25, 2025 at 9:13 PM
First, the French made a jRPG better than the Japanese. Now it looks like the Poles have made a Bethesda-style RPG better than Bethesda’s latest one 😉
Tainted Grail has already hit almost 25k (!) peak players and 90% (!!) positive among the latest 2000!
Bethesda fans don’t care about bugs 😉
Tainted Grail has already hit almost 25k (!) peak players and 90% (!!) positive among the latest 2000!
Bethesda fans don’t care about bugs 😉
Had enough of remasters? How about a remaster of a game that came out in Early Access just a year ago? 😄
Be My Horde got a “small” facelift today. What do you think? Last screenshot ofc;)
On top of that, we’ve added a few new perks, introduced the “No Perk Mode” and more.
#indiegames #indiedev
Be My Horde got a “small” facelift today. What do you think? Last screenshot ofc;)
On top of that, we’ve added a few new perks, introduced the “No Perk Mode” and more.
#indiegames #indiedev
March 27, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Had enough of remasters? How about a remaster of a game that came out in Early Access just a year ago? 😄
Be My Horde got a “small” facelift today. What do you think? Last screenshot ofc;)
On top of that, we’ve added a few new perks, introduced the “No Perk Mode” and more.
#indiegames #indiedev
Be My Horde got a “small” facelift today. What do you think? Last screenshot ofc;)
On top of that, we’ve added a few new perks, introduced the “No Perk Mode” and more.
#indiegames #indiedev
My indie game:
Beginning VS Ending
The intensity changes a little 😉
PS. I recommend watching with the sound on! :)
#bemyhorde
#indiedev #indiegames #gamedesign #gamedev #games
Beginning VS Ending
The intensity changes a little 😉
PS. I recommend watching with the sound on! :)
#bemyhorde
#indiedev #indiegames #gamedesign #gamedev #games
February 7, 2025 at 9:47 PM
My indie game:
Beginning VS Ending
The intensity changes a little 😉
PS. I recommend watching with the sound on! :)
#bemyhorde
#indiedev #indiegames #gamedesign #gamedev #games
Beginning VS Ending
The intensity changes a little 😉
PS. I recommend watching with the sound on! :)
#bemyhorde
#indiedev #indiegames #gamedesign #gamedev #games
🧵 What They Don’t Teach About Game Design #2
GOOD FEEDBACK: Critiquing the Right Way
Providing GOOD feedback in the RIGHT way is a crucial skill for any designer. And it’s not just about design feedback.
PS: At the end, I’m sharing some practical tips.
#gamedev #gamedesign #indiedev
GOOD FEEDBACK: Critiquing the Right Way
Providing GOOD feedback in the RIGHT way is a crucial skill for any designer. And it’s not just about design feedback.
PS: At the end, I’m sharing some practical tips.
#gamedev #gamedesign #indiedev
a stuffed animal with the words i 'm going to sit and complain below it
ALT: a stuffed animal with the words i 'm going to sit and complain below it
media.tenor.com
January 26, 2025 at 8:41 PM
🧵 What They Don’t Teach About Game Design #2
GOOD FEEDBACK: Critiquing the Right Way
Providing GOOD feedback in the RIGHT way is a crucial skill for any designer. And it’s not just about design feedback.
PS: At the end, I’m sharing some practical tips.
#gamedev #gamedesign #indiedev
GOOD FEEDBACK: Critiquing the Right Way
Providing GOOD feedback in the RIGHT way is a crucial skill for any designer. And it’s not just about design feedback.
PS: At the end, I’m sharing some practical tips.
#gamedev #gamedesign #indiedev
I haven’t played such a well-written and directed game as 1000xResist in a long time. I’ve only spent 2-3h on it so far, but it’s a pleasure to watch (great framing) and listen to (full VO).
Brilliant ideas, directing , and storytelling.
Great job @sunsetvisitor.studio and @fellowtraveller.games
Brilliant ideas, directing , and storytelling.
Great job @sunsetvisitor.studio and @fellowtraveller.games
January 26, 2025 at 9:06 AM
I haven’t played such a well-written and directed game as 1000xResist in a long time. I’ve only spent 2-3h on it so far, but it’s a pleasure to watch (great framing) and listen to (full VO).
Brilliant ideas, directing , and storytelling.
Great job @sunsetvisitor.studio and @fellowtraveller.games
Brilliant ideas, directing , and storytelling.
Great job @sunsetvisitor.studio and @fellowtraveller.games
🧵What They Don’t Teach About Game Design #1 :
THE POWER OF ARGUMENTS
There are many guides on how to make or design games, but they often skip key skills. One of the most vital is the ability to argue and accept arguments - lets see why it’s key in game design. 1/9
#gamedev #gamedesign #indiedev
THE POWER OF ARGUMENTS
There are many guides on how to make or design games, but they often skip key skills. One of the most vital is the ability to argue and accept arguments - lets see why it’s key in game design. 1/9
#gamedev #gamedesign #indiedev
January 24, 2025 at 10:22 PM
🧵What They Don’t Teach About Game Design #1 :
THE POWER OF ARGUMENTS
There are many guides on how to make or design games, but they often skip key skills. One of the most vital is the ability to argue and accept arguments - lets see why it’s key in game design. 1/9
#gamedev #gamedesign #indiedev
THE POWER OF ARGUMENTS
There are many guides on how to make or design games, but they often skip key skills. One of the most vital is the ability to argue and accept arguments - lets see why it’s key in game design. 1/9
#gamedev #gamedesign #indiedev
Over a year ago, I almost gave up on looking for a job in game dev. Today, I’ve officially become the Lead Designer at @polishedgames 😊
Last 14 month were amazing and I m super lucky that I can work with such a great team on Be My Horde. Indie studio are the best:)
#gamedev #gamedesign #indiedev
Last 14 month were amazing and I m super lucky that I can work with such a great team on Be My Horde. Indie studio are the best:)
#gamedev #gamedesign #indiedev
January 23, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Over a year ago, I almost gave up on looking for a job in game dev. Today, I’ve officially become the Lead Designer at @polishedgames 😊
Last 14 month were amazing and I m super lucky that I can work with such a great team on Be My Horde. Indie studio are the best:)
#gamedev #gamedesign #indiedev
Last 14 month were amazing and I m super lucky that I can work with such a great team on Be My Horde. Indie studio are the best:)
#gamedev #gamedesign #indiedev
1️⃣ How Can Time Limits in Dawnwalker Transform Gaming Decisions?
When a player has a limited number of days to complete a game, starting a quest—or choosing INACTION—becomes a decision in itself. This is something many games lack.
#gamedesign #gamedev #games #RPG #Dawnwaker
When a player has a limited number of days to complete a game, starting a quest—or choosing INACTION—becomes a decision in itself. This is something many games lack.
#gamedesign #gamedev #games #RPG #Dawnwaker
January 17, 2025 at 6:45 PM
1️⃣ How Can Time Limits in Dawnwalker Transform Gaming Decisions?
When a player has a limited number of days to complete a game, starting a quest—or choosing INACTION—becomes a decision in itself. This is something many games lack.
#gamedesign #gamedev #games #RPG #Dawnwaker
When a player has a limited number of days to complete a game, starting a quest—or choosing INACTION—becomes a decision in itself. This is something many games lack.
#gamedesign #gamedev #games #RPG #Dawnwaker
It took some time, but we finally made it—90% positive reviews overall on Steam! 😊
The list of milestones to conquer is getting smaller.
Next up: 1000 reviews and Overwhelmingly Positive overall!
#BeMyHorde #indiedev #gamedev
The list of milestones to conquer is getting smaller.
Next up: 1000 reviews and Overwhelmingly Positive overall!
#BeMyHorde #indiedev #gamedev
January 17, 2025 at 12:45 PM
It took some time, but we finally made it—90% positive reviews overall on Steam! 😊
The list of milestones to conquer is getting smaller.
Next up: 1000 reviews and Overwhelmingly Positive overall!
#BeMyHorde #indiedev #gamedev
The list of milestones to conquer is getting smaller.
Next up: 1000 reviews and Overwhelmingly Positive overall!
#BeMyHorde #indiedev #gamedev
Reposted by Michał Chwistek
When I taught interactive narrative at a university, the students had a month for their final projects (group). My course was structured as a workshop where the assignments were like tasks you’d be assigned as a junior narrative designer in a studio… /1
December 29, 2024 at 7:07 PM
When I taught interactive narrative at a university, the students had a month for their final projects (group). My course was structured as a workshop where the assignments were like tasks you’d be assigned as a junior narrative designer in a studio… /1
During Christmas, Be My Horde reached 20,000 copies sold and 700 reviews! Who said a game about necromancy can’t be a Christmas game 😉
#gamedev #indiegames #games
#gamedev #indiegames #games
The best holiday gift we could ask for: 20,000 COPIES OF BE MY HORDE SOLD! 😳
Thank you all so much for your incredible support. This project wouldn’t have been possible without you. Take care and of course… PRAISE BE MORIANA!
Thank you all so much for your incredible support. This project wouldn’t have been possible without you. Take care and of course… PRAISE BE MORIANA!
December 27, 2024 at 9:27 PM
During Christmas, Be My Horde reached 20,000 copies sold and 700 reviews! Who said a game about necromancy can’t be a Christmas game 😉
#gamedev #indiegames #games
#gamedev #indiegames #games
The stories are rather simple and not very clever, but the world and the artwork are pure mastery 😮 Strong Dark Souls or Berserk vibes, but this time from Argentina. Highly recommended as an album. The comic „Liquid Steel” (Acera Liquido).
#comic #darksouls #art
#comic #darksouls #art
December 26, 2024 at 11:03 AM
The stories are rather simple and not very clever, but the world and the artwork are pure mastery 😮 Strong Dark Souls or Berserk vibes, but this time from Argentina. Highly recommended as an album. The comic „Liquid Steel” (Acera Liquido).
#comic #darksouls #art
#comic #darksouls #art
Really nice thread about gamedev organization and decision making. I especially recommend it to people outside of game development.
But it will also be useful for beginners to better understand the root of certain problems they deal with.
#gamedev
But it will also be useful for beginners to better understand the root of certain problems they deal with.
#gamedev
It occurs to me, after reading posts getting it spectacularly wrong, that there are a lot of misconceptions over how game studios organize and, in particular, who makes the actual decisions about what ends up in your game. Much of it is by folks who don't *try* to get it... but not all, surely. 1/🧵
December 22, 2024 at 7:58 AM
Really nice thread about gamedev organization and decision making. I especially recommend it to people outside of game development.
But it will also be useful for beginners to better understand the root of certain problems they deal with.
#gamedev
But it will also be useful for beginners to better understand the root of certain problems they deal with.
#gamedev
New achievement unlocked for the Be My Horde review bingo! ;)
P.S. Almost 6 hours played, so our fun factor proved stronger than his anti-DEI stance 😊
#steam #indiedev #indiegames #games
P.S. Almost 6 hours played, so our fun factor proved stronger than his anti-DEI stance 😊
#steam #indiedev #indiegames #games
December 21, 2024 at 12:49 PM
New achievement unlocked for the Be My Horde review bingo! ;)
P.S. Almost 6 hours played, so our fun factor proved stronger than his anti-DEI stance 😊
#steam #indiedev #indiegames #games
P.S. Almost 6 hours played, so our fun factor proved stronger than his anti-DEI stance 😊
#steam #indiedev #indiegames #games
Amazing wideo. Many great animations and everything well explained. I don’t like Witcher 3 combat but totally agree that Geralt animations are top notch.
Unfortunately I won’t use this knowledge in Be My Horde. Moriana doesn’t stoop to dodging attacks—that’s what her servants are for;)
#gamedesign
Unfortunately I won’t use this knowledge in Be My Horde. Moriana doesn’t stoop to dodging attacks—that’s what her servants are for;)
#gamedesign
Which video game has the best dodge animation?
Yes it's a silly question, just roll with it.
youtu.be/cdu5yLO9lkc
Yes it's a silly question, just roll with it.
youtu.be/cdu5yLO9lkc
Which Game Has the Best Dodge Animation?
YouTube video by New Frame Plus
youtu.be
December 16, 2024 at 8:34 AM
Amazing wideo. Many great animations and everything well explained. I don’t like Witcher 3 combat but totally agree that Geralt animations are top notch.
Unfortunately I won’t use this knowledge in Be My Horde. Moriana doesn’t stoop to dodging attacks—that’s what her servants are for;)
#gamedesign
Unfortunately I won’t use this knowledge in Be My Horde. Moriana doesn’t stoop to dodging attacks—that’s what her servants are for;)
#gamedesign
Game devs, post your first shipped game and your latest shipped game.
Only one game for now and in early acces, but at least two different artworks 😅
#indiedev #indiegames
Only one game for now and in early acces, but at least two different artworks 😅
#indiedev #indiegames
December 15, 2024 at 12:47 PM
Game devs, post your first shipped game and your latest shipped game.
Only one game for now and in early acces, but at least two different artworks 😅
#indiedev #indiegames
Only one game for now and in early acces, but at least two different artworks 😅
#indiedev #indiegames
Visually “Intergalactic” is absolutely stunning. Love the art direction 😮
#games #intergalactic #tga #thegameawards
#games #intergalactic #tga #thegameawards
December 13, 2024 at 7:43 AM
Visually “Intergalactic” is absolutely stunning. Love the art direction 😮
#games #intergalactic #tga #thegameawards
#games #intergalactic #tga #thegameawards
Don’t play Tiny Rogues! You won’t be able to stop. It’s Balatro level drug 🥲
Congrats @rubydev.bsky.social You created a monster;)
I hope Be My Horde will have similar level of repleyability in the future.
#indiedev #indiegames #roguelike #games
Congrats @rubydev.bsky.social You created a monster;)
I hope Be My Horde will have similar level of repleyability in the future.
#indiedev #indiegames #roguelike #games
December 12, 2024 at 9:56 PM
Don’t play Tiny Rogues! You won’t be able to stop. It’s Balatro level drug 🥲
Congrats @rubydev.bsky.social You created a monster;)
I hope Be My Horde will have similar level of repleyability in the future.
#indiedev #indiegames #roguelike #games
Congrats @rubydev.bsky.social You created a monster;)
I hope Be My Horde will have similar level of repleyability in the future.
#indiedev #indiegames #roguelike #games
Wow! Be My Horde made it to the TOP 8 Polish games of 2024 according to biggest polish magazine @magazyncdaction.bsky.social 😍
Moriana landed in some pretty good company: Frostpunk 2, Manor Lords, SIlent Hill 2 Remake :)
Feels amazing!
#indiegames #indiedev #games #bemyhorde
Moriana landed in some pretty good company: Frostpunk 2, Manor Lords, SIlent Hill 2 Remake :)
Feels amazing!
#indiegames #indiedev #games #bemyhorde
December 12, 2024 at 2:39 PM
Wow! Be My Horde made it to the TOP 8 Polish games of 2024 according to biggest polish magazine @magazyncdaction.bsky.social 😍
Moriana landed in some pretty good company: Frostpunk 2, Manor Lords, SIlent Hill 2 Remake :)
Feels amazing!
#indiegames #indiedev #games #bemyhorde
Moriana landed in some pretty good company: Frostpunk 2, Manor Lords, SIlent Hill 2 Remake :)
Feels amazing!
#indiegames #indiedev #games #bemyhorde
Today a game LOK by @letibus.bsky.social was released on Steam. The most interesting part is that the game is also available in a paper and it looks amazing! You can download PDF free.
Inside you’ll find many puzzles, but you’ll have to figure out the rules on your own.
#games #indiegames #indiedev
Inside you’ll find many puzzles, but you’ll have to figure out the rules on your own.
#games #indiegames #indiedev
December 11, 2024 at 7:33 PM
Today a game LOK by @letibus.bsky.social was released on Steam. The most interesting part is that the game is also available in a paper and it looks amazing! You can download PDF free.
Inside you’ll find many puzzles, but you’ll have to figure out the rules on your own.
#games #indiegames #indiedev
Inside you’ll find many puzzles, but you’ll have to figure out the rules on your own.
#games #indiegames #indiedev