Sophie Smart
@loxeni.bsky.social
🌸 Founder at Blossom Arcade (indie game self-publishing support)
www.blossomarcade.com
🌱 Prev at No More Robots, Sumo Digital, Coatsink
🏳️🌈 Prev Leadership Team at Out Making Games
⚔ Limit Break Star Mentor
🎮 BAFTA Games Member
⭐ MCV 30 under 30
She/Her
www.blossomarcade.com
🌱 Prev at No More Robots, Sumo Digital, Coatsink
🏳️🌈 Prev Leadership Team at Out Making Games
⚔ Limit Break Star Mentor
🎮 BAFTA Games Member
⭐ MCV 30 under 30
She/Her
Pinned
Sophie Smart
@loxeni.bsky.social
· Mar 11
Just released the latest edition of Before You Launch, 🌸Blossom Arcade’s newsletter!
This month I focused on working with Content Creators. Something I've only picked up over the last couple of years, but learnt fast and have some tips for you if you’ve not worked with creators before 👍
#indiedev
This month I focused on working with Content Creators. Something I've only picked up over the last couple of years, but learnt fast and have some tips for you if you’ve not worked with creators before 👍
#indiedev
Working with Content Creators
Tips for organic and paid coverage for indie teams
open.substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Just released the latest edition of Before You Launch, 🌸Blossom Arcade’s newsletter!
This month I focused on working with Content Creators. Something I've only picked up over the last couple of years, but learnt fast and have some tips for you if you’ve not worked with creators before 👍
#indiedev
This month I focused on working with Content Creators. Something I've only picked up over the last couple of years, but learnt fast and have some tips for you if you’ve not worked with creators before 👍
#indiedev
Reposted by Sophie Smart
We’re so excited to announce our Story-Rich Showcase!
Our official showcase runs during the Summer Game Showcase 2026 timeframe, dedicated entirely to story-rich indie games with first looks, reveals, trailers, release dates, and dev-led storytelling 💝
More details soon!
🚶storyrich.games
Our official showcase runs during the Summer Game Showcase 2026 timeframe, dedicated entirely to story-rich indie games with first looks, reveals, trailers, release dates, and dev-led storytelling 💝
More details soon!
🚶storyrich.games
January 28, 2026 at 11:25 PM
We’re so excited to announce our Story-Rich Showcase!
Our official showcase runs during the Summer Game Showcase 2026 timeframe, dedicated entirely to story-rich indie games with first looks, reveals, trailers, release dates, and dev-led storytelling 💝
More details soon!
🚶storyrich.games
Our official showcase runs during the Summer Game Showcase 2026 timeframe, dedicated entirely to story-rich indie games with first looks, reveals, trailers, release dates, and dev-led storytelling 💝
More details soon!
🚶storyrich.games
So excited to see Xbox getting straight to it with showing off Forza Horizon 6.
Honestly couldnt be more excited, I have over 1000 hours logged on FH5.
Ready for my new comfort game to launch and so excited its set in Japan! 🏎
Honestly couldnt be more excited, I have over 1000 hours logged on FH5.
Ready for my new comfort game to launch and so excited its set in Japan! 🏎
January 22, 2026 at 6:06 PM
So excited to see Xbox getting straight to it with showing off Forza Horizon 6.
Honestly couldnt be more excited, I have over 1000 hours logged on FH5.
Ready for my new comfort game to launch and so excited its set in Japan! 🏎
Honestly couldnt be more excited, I have over 1000 hours logged on FH5.
Ready for my new comfort game to launch and so excited its set in Japan! 🏎
Reposted by Sophie Smart
There’s a guy on Facebook who hates the queer romance in Old Skies so much that he’s hopping on every recent thread related to the game to rant about it. Lesson learned. More queer stuff.
January 17, 2026 at 1:19 PM
There’s a guy on Facebook who hates the queer romance in Old Skies so much that he’s hopping on every recent thread related to the game to rant about it. Lesson learned. More queer stuff.
Reposted by Sophie Smart
The developers of PEAK explain pricing
January 12, 2026 at 7:01 AM
The developers of PEAK explain pricing
Enjoying lazy sunday mornings by the fire reading and writing. ✍️📖 Determined to finish editing my book this year.
January 11, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Enjoying lazy sunday mornings by the fire reading and writing. ✍️📖 Determined to finish editing my book this year.
Reposted by Sophie Smart
I've been running an indie games studio for 15 years now, and it felt like a good time to boil down what I've learned into 4 pieces of advice:
www.pentadact.com/2026-01-08-1...
I hope it's of use, not least because goddamn I forgot how long blog posts take to write.
www.pentadact.com/2026-01-08-1...
I hope it's of use, not least because goddamn I forgot how long blog posts take to write.
January 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM
I've been running an indie games studio for 15 years now, and it felt like a good time to boil down what I've learned into 4 pieces of advice:
www.pentadact.com/2026-01-08-1...
I hope it's of use, not least because goddamn I forgot how long blog posts take to write.
www.pentadact.com/2026-01-08-1...
I hope it's of use, not least because goddamn I forgot how long blog posts take to write.
Just providing my weekly Leo picture tax to you all. Here he is being a sun worshipper earlier this week. 🌞😻
January 9, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Just providing my weekly Leo picture tax to you all. Here he is being a sun worshipper earlier this week. 🌞😻
Thanks to everyone who signed up for my new self-publishing newsletter 'Before You Launch'!
I've got a massive list of about 25 topics already that I want to cover, so I've got AT LEAST two years worth of publishing best practises and how-to's to share
If you've not subscribed yet, you can here:
I've got a massive list of about 25 topics already that I want to cover, so I've got AT LEAST two years worth of publishing best practises and how-to's to share
If you've not subscribed yet, you can here:
Before You Launch Newsletter | Sophie Smart | Substack
Practical guidance for self-publishing video games - from 🌸 Blossom Arcade. Click to read Before You Launch Newsletter, by Sophie Smart, a Substack publication. Launched a day ago.
blossomarcade.substack.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Thanks to everyone who signed up for my new self-publishing newsletter 'Before You Launch'!
I've got a massive list of about 25 topics already that I want to cover, so I've got AT LEAST two years worth of publishing best practises and how-to's to share
If you've not subscribed yet, you can here:
I've got a massive list of about 25 topics already that I want to cover, so I've got AT LEAST two years worth of publishing best practises and how-to's to share
If you've not subscribed yet, you can here:
Reposted by Sophie Smart
SURPRISE! Reposts hugely appreciated! ♥️
It's 2026 and I'm starting a Substack Newsletter!
Before You Launch 🎮
Practical guidance for self-publishing video games - from🌸Blossom Arcade
Read my first post about Best Practices for Steam Next Fest here: blossomarcade.substack.com/p/best-pract...
It's 2026 and I'm starting a Substack Newsletter!
Before You Launch 🎮
Practical guidance for self-publishing video games - from🌸Blossom Arcade
Read my first post about Best Practices for Steam Next Fest here: blossomarcade.substack.com/p/best-pract...
January 5, 2026 at 4:14 PM
SURPRISE! Reposts hugely appreciated! ♥️
It's 2026 and I'm starting a Substack Newsletter!
Before You Launch 🎮
Practical guidance for self-publishing video games - from🌸Blossom Arcade
Read my first post about Best Practices for Steam Next Fest here: blossomarcade.substack.com/p/best-pract...
It's 2026 and I'm starting a Substack Newsletter!
Before You Launch 🎮
Practical guidance for self-publishing video games - from🌸Blossom Arcade
Read my first post about Best Practices for Steam Next Fest here: blossomarcade.substack.com/p/best-pract...
SURPRISE! Reposts hugely appreciated! ♥️
It's 2026 and I'm starting a Substack Newsletter!
Before You Launch 🎮
Practical guidance for self-publishing video games - from🌸Blossom Arcade
Read my first post about Best Practices for Steam Next Fest here: blossomarcade.substack.com/p/best-pract...
It's 2026 and I'm starting a Substack Newsletter!
Before You Launch 🎮
Practical guidance for self-publishing video games - from🌸Blossom Arcade
Read my first post about Best Practices for Steam Next Fest here: blossomarcade.substack.com/p/best-pract...
January 5, 2026 at 4:14 PM
SURPRISE! Reposts hugely appreciated! ♥️
It's 2026 and I'm starting a Substack Newsletter!
Before You Launch 🎮
Practical guidance for self-publishing video games - from🌸Blossom Arcade
Read my first post about Best Practices for Steam Next Fest here: blossomarcade.substack.com/p/best-pract...
It's 2026 and I'm starting a Substack Newsletter!
Before You Launch 🎮
Practical guidance for self-publishing video games - from🌸Blossom Arcade
Read my first post about Best Practices for Steam Next Fest here: blossomarcade.substack.com/p/best-pract...
First day back at the desk in 2026 and have a beautiful view. ❄️🌨
January 5, 2026 at 9:43 AM
First day back at the desk in 2026 and have a beautiful view. ❄️🌨
Had a fab time chatting to Link on the Red Tunic podcast today. Can't wait for you all to hear what we spoke about.
A lovely start to 2026. 😁👏
A lovely start to 2026. 😁👏
Had a great talk today with Sophie Smart, @loxeni.bsky.social , and am looking forward to sharing the episode with everyone in the future!
Huge thanks to Sophie for their time! Be sure to check them out and follow for more info on the episode release in the future!
Huge thanks to Sophie for their time! Be sure to check them out and follow for more info on the episode release in the future!
January 3, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Had a fab time chatting to Link on the Red Tunic podcast today. Can't wait for you all to hear what we spoke about.
A lovely start to 2026. 😁👏
A lovely start to 2026. 😁👏
Seeing the year out with my beautiful wife who makes elite level cheese boards. 😋🧀
December 31, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Seeing the year out with my beautiful wife who makes elite level cheese boards. 😋🧀
Started reading this book series the day before yesterday that my wife got me for Christmas and am already part way through the second book. Honestly one of the best YA distopian series I've ever read. So excited to continue! #YAfiction #Scythe #NealShusterman
December 29, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Started reading this book series the day before yesterday that my wife got me for Christmas and am already part way through the second book. Honestly one of the best YA distopian series I've ever read. So excited to continue! #YAfiction #Scythe #NealShusterman
Wow, lots of new followers overnight. Welcome all!
Please have a picture of my cat Leo after the excitement of new toys for Christmas yesterday.
Main content I post is game dev, publishing and cats.
🎮🐈🐈⬛️✌️
Please have a picture of my cat Leo after the excitement of new toys for Christmas yesterday.
Main content I post is game dev, publishing and cats.
🎮🐈🐈⬛️✌️
December 26, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Wow, lots of new followers overnight. Welcome all!
Please have a picture of my cat Leo after the excitement of new toys for Christmas yesterday.
Main content I post is game dev, publishing and cats.
🎮🐈🐈⬛️✌️
Please have a picture of my cat Leo after the excitement of new toys for Christmas yesterday.
Main content I post is game dev, publishing and cats.
🎮🐈🐈⬛️✌️
Leo's ready for Christmas 😄🎄👏
December 20, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Leo's ready for Christmas 😄🎄👏
Reposted by Sophie Smart
🚨 The UK Video Games Industry Census closes 19 Dec.
Run by Ukie & Dr Mark Taylor, it’s the most comprehensive survey of the UK games workforce, exploring:
🔹 Industry mood & outlook
🔹 Layoffs, visas & training
🔹 Careers of women in games
Open to all UK games workers. Take part: zurl.co/yfMwu
Run by Ukie & Dr Mark Taylor, it’s the most comprehensive survey of the UK games workforce, exploring:
🔹 Industry mood & outlook
🔹 Layoffs, visas & training
🔹 Careers of women in games
Open to all UK games workers. Take part: zurl.co/yfMwu
December 10, 2025 at 11:14 AM
🚨 The UK Video Games Industry Census closes 19 Dec.
Run by Ukie & Dr Mark Taylor, it’s the most comprehensive survey of the UK games workforce, exploring:
🔹 Industry mood & outlook
🔹 Layoffs, visas & training
🔹 Careers of women in games
Open to all UK games workers. Take part: zurl.co/yfMwu
Run by Ukie & Dr Mark Taylor, it’s the most comprehensive survey of the UK games workforce, exploring:
🔹 Industry mood & outlook
🔹 Layoffs, visas & training
🔹 Careers of women in games
Open to all UK games workers. Take part: zurl.co/yfMwu
Reposted by Sophie Smart
Halls of Torment Review
#Xbox #XboxSeriesX #gamePass #XboxGamePass
www.thexboxhub.com/halls-of-tor...
#Xbox #XboxSeriesX #gamePass #XboxGamePass
www.thexboxhub.com/halls-of-tor...
Halls of Torment Review | TheXboxHub
Review - If you’re fine with threadbare rewards from your Survivors-a-like or dungeon crawler, then Halls of Torment isn’t much of a risk.
www.thexboxhub.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Halls of Torment Review
#Xbox #XboxSeriesX #gamePass #XboxGamePass
www.thexboxhub.com/halls-of-tor...
#Xbox #XboxSeriesX #gamePass #XboxGamePass
www.thexboxhub.com/halls-of-tor...
Rather than going to bed early and waking up early to watch the Las Vegas Grand Prix, my wife and I have decided to pull an all nighter and I'm struggling already. 😴😴🥱 Carlos qualifying P3 is keeping the spirits alive though. 🏎 #LasVegasGP
November 23, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Rather than going to bed early and waking up early to watch the Las Vegas Grand Prix, my wife and I have decided to pull an all nighter and I'm struggling already. 😴😴🥱 Carlos qualifying P3 is keeping the spirits alive though. 🏎 #LasVegasGP
Reposted by Sophie Smart
How Will You Lead? The Critically Acclaimed Suzerain Awaits Your Decisions on Xbox
#Suzerain #Xbox #XboxSeriesX
www.thexboxhub.com/how-will-you...
#Suzerain #Xbox #XboxSeriesX
www.thexboxhub.com/how-will-you...
How Will You Lead? The Critically Acclaimed Suzerain Awaits Your Decisions on Xbox | TheXboxHub
The desk of the president is clear, the nation of Sordland is in turmoil, and every decision you make will shape its future as Suzerain comes to Xbox.
www.thexboxhub.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:15 AM
How Will You Lead? The Critically Acclaimed Suzerain Awaits Your Decisions on Xbox
#Suzerain #Xbox #XboxSeriesX
www.thexboxhub.com/how-will-you...
#Suzerain #Xbox #XboxSeriesX
www.thexboxhub.com/how-will-you...
Reposted by Sophie Smart
Big day! Reposts appreciated ✨
It’s my first day running Blossom Arcade full time! 🌸
If you’re an indie dev looking for help self-publishing, my DMs are open 💌 (11 years experience in production, marketing and publishing)
Also my wife and SIL made these Blossom Arcade cakes, how good are they! 🧁❤️
It’s my first day running Blossom Arcade full time! 🌸
If you’re an indie dev looking for help self-publishing, my DMs are open 💌 (11 years experience in production, marketing and publishing)
Also my wife and SIL made these Blossom Arcade cakes, how good are they! 🧁❤️
October 20, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Big day! Reposts appreciated ✨
It’s my first day running Blossom Arcade full time! 🌸
If you’re an indie dev looking for help self-publishing, my DMs are open 💌 (11 years experience in production, marketing and publishing)
Also my wife and SIL made these Blossom Arcade cakes, how good are they! 🧁❤️
It’s my first day running Blossom Arcade full time! 🌸
If you’re an indie dev looking for help self-publishing, my DMs are open 💌 (11 years experience in production, marketing and publishing)
Also my wife and SIL made these Blossom Arcade cakes, how good are they! 🧁❤️
Big day! Reposts appreciated ✨
It’s my first day running Blossom Arcade full time! 🌸
If you’re an indie dev looking for help self-publishing, my DMs are open 💌 (11 years experience in production, marketing and publishing)
Also my wife and SIL made these Blossom Arcade cakes, how good are they! 🧁❤️
It’s my first day running Blossom Arcade full time! 🌸
If you’re an indie dev looking for help self-publishing, my DMs are open 💌 (11 years experience in production, marketing and publishing)
Also my wife and SIL made these Blossom Arcade cakes, how good are they! 🧁❤️
October 20, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Big day! Reposts appreciated ✨
It’s my first day running Blossom Arcade full time! 🌸
If you’re an indie dev looking for help self-publishing, my DMs are open 💌 (11 years experience in production, marketing and publishing)
Also my wife and SIL made these Blossom Arcade cakes, how good are they! 🧁❤️
It’s my first day running Blossom Arcade full time! 🌸
If you’re an indie dev looking for help self-publishing, my DMs are open 💌 (11 years experience in production, marketing and publishing)
Also my wife and SIL made these Blossom Arcade cakes, how good are they! 🧁❤️
Reposted by Sophie Smart
1. Pick a viable genre
Chris Zukowski from How to Market a Game does a fantastic job of breaking down which genres are popular on Steam. It is not a coincidence that Little Rocket Lab is a simulation game and RPG, both of which rank high on median revenue, while low on number of games released.
Chris Zukowski from How to Market a Game does a fantastic job of breaking down which genres are popular on Steam. It is not a coincidence that Little Rocket Lab is a simulation game and RPG, both of which rank high on median revenue, while low on number of games released.
October 15, 2025 at 3:45 AM
1. Pick a viable genre
Chris Zukowski from How to Market a Game does a fantastic job of breaking down which genres are popular on Steam. It is not a coincidence that Little Rocket Lab is a simulation game and RPG, both of which rank high on median revenue, while low on number of games released.
Chris Zukowski from How to Market a Game does a fantastic job of breaking down which genres are popular on Steam. It is not a coincidence that Little Rocket Lab is a simulation game and RPG, both of which rank high on median revenue, while low on number of games released.
Reposted by Sophie Smart
Proud to announce Deviant Legal’s Game Developer’s Guide to Publishing Agreements: a free resource for developers wanting to learn about publishing deals. Publicly accessible, without requiring to provide your data: deviantlegal.com/guide/game-d...
October 8, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Proud to announce Deviant Legal’s Game Developer’s Guide to Publishing Agreements: a free resource for developers wanting to learn about publishing deals. Publicly accessible, without requiring to provide your data: deviantlegal.com/guide/game-d...