"Bullion" Ben
@ryokumas.bsky.social
Founding developer of grassroots game studio Leda Entertainment; post-it note wrangler extrodinaire; project coordinator, designer & programmer for Bullion - The Curse of the Cut-Throat Cattle (https://www.bulliongame.com)
I am not in the curry house... but my own home-cooked efforts are a decent substitute! 😋
May 12, 2025 at 6:01 PM
I am not in the curry house... but my own home-cooked efforts are a decent substitute! 😋
Okay, so even the most zealous anti-AI campaigners should be supporting this: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDpo...
I Built a Bot Army that Scams Scammers
YouTube video by Kitboga
www.youtube.com
May 10, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Okay, so even the most zealous anti-AI campaigners should be supporting this: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDpo...
Just so you know, 100% of the games previewed in Debug #9 are self-published
April 23, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Congratulations @grassomaniac.bsky.social on his affiliate anniversary, and also his publicly admitting he is "Greg"... :D :D :D
April 22, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Congratulations @grassomaniac.bsky.social on his affiliate anniversary, and also his publicly admitting he is "Greg"... :D :D :D
Latest game launched (2024): sunk into oblivion.
First game launched: still getting attention: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhPP...
I launched The Curse of Bolda in 1995 on the Atari ST. A puzzle platformer, it ended running a bit slow but I was still proud of it - and I still am!
First game launched: still getting attention: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhPP...
I launched The Curse of Bolda in 1995 on the Atari ST. A puzzle platformer, it ended running a bit slow but I was still proud of it - and I still am!
Atari ST/e ASMR: 15 Well Crafted STOS Action Arcade Games
YouTube video by Into The Vertical Blank
www.youtube.com
April 22, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Latest game launched (2024): sunk into oblivion.
First game launched: still getting attention: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhPP...
I launched The Curse of Bolda in 1995 on the Atari ST. A puzzle platformer, it ended running a bit slow but I was still proud of it - and I still am!
First game launched: still getting attention: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhPP...
I launched The Curse of Bolda in 1995 on the Atari ST. A puzzle platformer, it ended running a bit slow but I was still proud of it - and I still am!
In order to not use day-job leave while looking after my kids this Easter, today looked like this:
Get up 6am, start day-job at 6:30, brekkie with kids 8:45, work until 1pm, lunch then with kids in the afternoon/evening.
Don't think there'll be any gamedev until the weekend!
Get up 6am, start day-job at 6:30, brekkie with kids 8:45, work until 1pm, lunch then with kids in the afternoon/evening.
Don't think there'll be any gamedev until the weekend!
April 14, 2025 at 9:08 PM
In order to not use day-job leave while looking after my kids this Easter, today looked like this:
Get up 6am, start day-job at 6:30, brekkie with kids 8:45, work until 1pm, lunch then with kids in the afternoon/evening.
Don't think there'll be any gamedev until the weekend!
Get up 6am, start day-job at 6:30, brekkie with kids 8:45, work until 1pm, lunch then with kids in the afternoon/evening.
Don't think there'll be any gamedev until the weekend!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCkU...
This could be huge.
#Mobilegaming would be hosed - no bad thing, IMHO!
And it could create some interesting gaps in the AAA sector - which hopefully some of the "indie-in-name-only" games could fill, leaving some room for actual #indiegames in the indie sector...
This could be huge.
#Mobilegaming would be hosed - no bad thing, IMHO!
And it could create some interesting gaps in the AAA sector - which hopefully some of the "indie-in-name-only" games could fill, leaving some room for actual #indiegames in the indie sector...
The Law Finally Caught Up, EVERY AAA Is In Trouble
YouTube video by Bellular News
www.youtube.com
April 10, 2025 at 5:46 AM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCkU...
This could be huge.
#Mobilegaming would be hosed - no bad thing, IMHO!
And it could create some interesting gaps in the AAA sector - which hopefully some of the "indie-in-name-only" games could fill, leaving some room for actual #indiegames in the indie sector...
This could be huge.
#Mobilegaming would be hosed - no bad thing, IMHO!
And it could create some interesting gaps in the AAA sector - which hopefully some of the "indie-in-name-only" games could fill, leaving some room for actual #indiegames in the indie sector...
Decided that instead of trying to refactor all that old code to handle variable frame rates, it would be a better bet to try writing new base classes designed to allow the game classes to lift-n-shift (as close as possible) onto them.
Thanks @embershadow.bsky.social for the co-work discord hangout!
Thanks @embershadow.bsky.social for the co-work discord hangout!
April 6, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Decided that instead of trying to refactor all that old code to handle variable frame rates, it would be a better bet to try writing new base classes designed to allow the game classes to lift-n-shift (as close as possible) onto them.
Thanks @embershadow.bsky.social for the co-work discord hangout!
Thanks @embershadow.bsky.social for the co-work discord hangout!
[Thread]
Never expected interest in a half-joking post about remastering my old games! But I've had a few replies, so here's some info.
First: if this happens, it'll be for shits-n-giggles - I'm a broke solodev! So out of respect for artists (and I love you guys), I wanted to get that out there...
Never expected interest in a half-joking post about remastering my old games! But I've had a few replies, so here's some info.
First: if this happens, it'll be for shits-n-giggles - I'm a broke solodev! So out of respect for artists (and I love you guys), I wanted to get that out there...
April 4, 2025 at 4:48 AM
[Thread]
Never expected interest in a half-joking post about remastering my old games! But I've had a few replies, so here's some info.
First: if this happens, it'll be for shits-n-giggles - I'm a broke solodev! So out of respect for artists (and I love you guys), I wanted to get that out there...
Never expected interest in a half-joking post about remastering my old games! But I've had a few replies, so here's some info.
First: if this happens, it'll be for shits-n-giggles - I'm a broke solodev! So out of respect for artists (and I love you guys), I wanted to get that out there...
Okay, so I now have an official request to remaster my old Atari ST games from 30+ years ago...
Gee, thanks @antaeus000.co.uk!
Anyone fancy doing some 2D art/animation for shits and giggles? Remastering Curse and Kev's would be a blast, but I need better art...
Gee, thanks @antaeus000.co.uk!
Anyone fancy doing some 2D art/animation for shits and giggles? Remastering Curse and Kev's would be a blast, but I need better art...
April 2, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Okay, so I now have an official request to remaster my old Atari ST games from 30+ years ago...
Gee, thanks @antaeus000.co.uk!
Anyone fancy doing some 2D art/animation for shits and giggles? Remastering Curse and Kev's would be a blast, but I need better art...
Gee, thanks @antaeus000.co.uk!
Anyone fancy doing some 2D art/animation for shits and giggles? Remastering Curse and Kev's would be a blast, but I need better art...
It's #AutismAcceptanceMonth / #AutismAwarenessDay - time to blow some minds...
- Evolution does not stop
- Progress requires trying multiple approaches
- The brain is the key to the human species' success
Conclusion: Autism is evolution trying to figure out humanity's next step.
#NeuroEvolved
- Evolution does not stop
- Progress requires trying multiple approaches
- The brain is the key to the human species' success
Conclusion: Autism is evolution trying to figure out humanity's next step.
#NeuroEvolved
April 2, 2025 at 7:04 AM
It's #AutismAcceptanceMonth / #AutismAwarenessDay - time to blow some minds...
- Evolution does not stop
- Progress requires trying multiple approaches
- The brain is the key to the human species' success
Conclusion: Autism is evolution trying to figure out humanity's next step.
#NeuroEvolved
- Evolution does not stop
- Progress requires trying multiple approaches
- The brain is the key to the human species' success
Conclusion: Autism is evolution trying to figure out humanity's next step.
#NeuroEvolved
Have I ever mentioned how much I loathe the clock changes?
... okay, maybe I haven't on here!
... okay, maybe I haven't on here!
March 31, 2025 at 5:24 AM
Have I ever mentioned how much I loathe the clock changes?
... okay, maybe I haven't on here!
... okay, maybe I haven't on here!
Back after nearly 10 days completely unplugged in Spain drinking rum... wonder if that's gonna make that old code easier or harder to work with!
March 27, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Back after nearly 10 days completely unplugged in Spain drinking rum... wonder if that's gonna make that old code easier or harder to work with!
First major stumbling block... all that old code was based on a fixed frame rate of 30fps, and all the updates work by counting the number of frames rather than actual times... this is gonna take some work to fix!
March 17, 2025 at 7:10 PM
First major stumbling block... all that old code was based on a fixed frame rate of 30fps, and all the updates work by counting the number of frames rather than actual times... this is gonna take some work to fix!
Getting deep into the weeds of this old @monogame.net code now...
OH MY GOD WHAT THE FECK-FECKING-FECK WAS I THINKING!!!
Inheritance chains six-plus layers deep!
Horrible variable naming conventions!
A total mish-mash of bits cobbled together!
... I'm in danger of having fun with this! 🤣😱
OH MY GOD WHAT THE FECK-FECKING-FECK WAS I THINKING!!!
Inheritance chains six-plus layers deep!
Horrible variable naming conventions!
A total mish-mash of bits cobbled together!
... I'm in danger of having fun with this! 🤣😱
March 14, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Getting deep into the weeds of this old @monogame.net code now...
OH MY GOD WHAT THE FECK-FECKING-FECK WAS I THINKING!!!
Inheritance chains six-plus layers deep!
Horrible variable naming conventions!
A total mish-mash of bits cobbled together!
... I'm in danger of having fun with this! 🤣😱
OH MY GOD WHAT THE FECK-FECKING-FECK WAS I THINKING!!!
Inheritance chains six-plus layers deep!
Horrible variable naming conventions!
A total mish-mash of bits cobbled together!
... I'm in danger of having fun with this! 🤣😱
Well, the 13+ year old code is... readable, I'll give it that: I can see what it's doing and how it all hangs together.
Structurally and best-practice-wise, it's utter dogshit, but.. I can read it!
Okay, so step 1 is to get it working again. Then we can refactor and sort out the mess!
Structurally and best-practice-wise, it's utter dogshit, but.. I can read it!
Okay, so step 1 is to get it working again. Then we can refactor and sort out the mess!
March 6, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Well, the 13+ year old code is... readable, I'll give it that: I can see what it's doing and how it all hangs together.
Structurally and best-practice-wise, it's utter dogshit, but.. I can read it!
Okay, so step 1 is to get it working again. Then we can refactor and sort out the mess!
Structurally and best-practice-wise, it's utter dogshit, but.. I can read it!
Okay, so step 1 is to get it working again. Then we can refactor and sort out the mess!
So let me get this straight - an "independent" publisher that publishes "independent" games (thus creating a dependency) is now owned by - and therefore is dependent on - an investment company?
... a Princess Bride quote springs to mind...
... a Princess Bride quote springs to mind...
BIG NEWS: Secret Mode is now a fully independent publisher!
Find out more at wearesecretmode.com/news/emona-c...
#IndieGames #SecretMode
Find out more at wearesecretmode.com/news/emona-c...
#IndieGames #SecretMode
March 5, 2025 at 6:38 AM
So let me get this straight - an "independent" publisher that publishes "independent" games (thus creating a dependency) is now owned by - and therefore is dependent on - an investment company?
... a Princess Bride quote springs to mind...
... a Princess Bride quote springs to mind...
Great time at Bristol VGE yesterday: 1st gaming con in 10+ years I've not been exhibiting at! Great job all involved, esp. @debug.org.uk for the indies.
Top moment: watching kids trying to play R-Type on the PC Engine & getting absolutely schooled! 😆
Top moment: watching kids trying to play R-Type on the PC Engine & getting absolutely schooled! 😆
March 2, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Great time at Bristol VGE yesterday: 1st gaming con in 10+ years I've not been exhibiting at! Great job all involved, esp. @debug.org.uk for the indies.
Top moment: watching kids trying to play R-Type on the PC Engine & getting absolutely schooled! 😆
Top moment: watching kids trying to play R-Type on the PC Engine & getting absolutely schooled! 😆
Time for some #BristolVGE! My first event for over a decade where I'm not exhibiting a game! Gonna be a nice change of pace and it's not too far to travel...
www.bristolvge.com
www.bristolvge.com
BristolVGE/VGE Events
Address: Hengrove Leisure Centre, Bristol, BS14 0DE
There is a multi-storey car park, run by the Leisure Centre - directly across from the venue itself. Parking is charged at only £5 for the full day ...
www.bristolvge.com
March 1, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Time for some #BristolVGE! My first event for over a decade where I'm not exhibiting a game! Gonna be a nice change of pace and it's not too far to travel...
www.bristolvge.com
www.bristolvge.com
Decided to scratch an itch and see if I could get some old retro/arcade games I wrote for mobile working on PC. Written in @monogame.net, code is 13+ years old...
Load it up and OH MY GOD WHAT WAS I THINKING BACK THEN?!?!?
It's readable - but the structure...
Still - it adds to the fun! 😅
Load it up and OH MY GOD WHAT WAS I THINKING BACK THEN?!?!?
It's readable - but the structure...
Still - it adds to the fun! 😅
February 28, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Decided to scratch an itch and see if I could get some old retro/arcade games I wrote for mobile working on PC. Written in @monogame.net, code is 13+ years old...
Load it up and OH MY GOD WHAT WAS I THINKING BACK THEN?!?!?
It's readable - but the structure...
Still - it adds to the fun! 😅
Load it up and OH MY GOD WHAT WAS I THINKING BACK THEN?!?!?
It's readable - but the structure...
Still - it adds to the fun! 😅
Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I saw there were precious few self-financed/published nominees at the @debug.org.uk awards last nights, and no winners... which is disappointing.
Lots of talk about how "anyone can make games" - true, but precious few can afford to promote them.
Lots of talk about how "anyone can make games" - true, but precious few can afford to promote them.
February 22, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I saw there were precious few self-financed/published nominees at the @debug.org.uk awards last nights, and no winners... which is disappointing.
Lots of talk about how "anyone can make games" - true, but precious few can afford to promote them.
Lots of talk about how "anyone can make games" - true, but precious few can afford to promote them.
It's been a while...
Bullion is dead: my game promo knowledge is way out of date and we've not found anyone to assist; it's not covering costs to keep it going so that's that. Gonna try and keep it on stores, but can't make any promises.
Thanks all who believed - we tried!
Bullion is dead: my game promo knowledge is way out of date and we've not found anyone to assist; it's not covering costs to keep it going so that's that. Gonna try and keep it on stores, but can't make any promises.
Thanks all who believed - we tried!
February 5, 2025 at 7:06 AM
It's been a while...
Bullion is dead: my game promo knowledge is way out of date and we've not found anyone to assist; it's not covering costs to keep it going so that's that. Gonna try and keep it on stores, but can't make any promises.
Thanks all who believed - we tried!
Bullion is dead: my game promo knowledge is way out of date and we've not found anyone to assist; it's not covering costs to keep it going so that's that. Gonna try and keep it on stores, but can't make any promises.
Thanks all who believed - we tried!
If you're a true #indiedev ie: no dependency on funding grants or publishers - the Debug team are well worth talking to!
Shout out to indie devs, big and small. Don’t forget to submit your game for Debug’s Indie Game Awards
No, not that one… The one we started last year with a similar name and colour scheme 👀
Our ceremony celebrates #indiegames #indiedev with physical trophies in the real world!
www.debugawards.com
No, not that one… The one we started last year with a similar name and colour scheme 👀
Our ceremony celebrates #indiegames #indiedev with physical trophies in the real world!
www.debugawards.com
November 23, 2024 at 11:52 AM
If you're a true #indiedev ie: no dependency on funding grants or publishers - the Debug team are well worth talking to!
I'm old enough to remember when Google's search first came online and "don't be evil" was actually believable... I remember about 10 years ago saying "Google has become the new Microsoft" and getting all kinds of crap in response.
"Judge Mehta" is a tad ironic.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
"Judge Mehta" is a tad ironic.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Google must sell Chrome to end search monopoly, says US justice department
Court filing comes after landmark ruling in August and judge will consider arguments from both sides next year
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2024 at 8:05 AM
I'm old enough to remember when Google's search first came online and "don't be evil" was actually believable... I remember about 10 years ago saying "Google has become the new Microsoft" and getting all kinds of crap in response.
"Judge Mehta" is a tad ironic.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
"Judge Mehta" is a tad ironic.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Update: got a rental car, took the "courtesy" car back and told the guy (who was with another customer at the time, what a shame!) that if my car wasn't ready by next week I'd have my money back.
November 15, 2024 at 2:46 PM
Update: got a rental car, took the "courtesy" car back and told the guy (who was with another customer at the time, what a shame!) that if my car wasn't ready by next week I'd have my money back.