Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
@stuartjeff.bsky.social
Former AAA developer gone solo to build your next favorite strategy game! Previously spent 20+ years building games like Rise of Nations, Rise of Legends, Age of Empries III: Asian Dynasties, Dropzone, Elderscrolls Legends, and Homeworld: Vast Reaches.
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
guys love to say “dude my balatro run last night was insane” then show you a screenshot like this
March 11, 2025 at 9:50 PM
guys love to say “dude my balatro run last night was insane” then show you a screenshot like this
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Nebula nominations close in ONE week. I'm here to reminder you that Caves of Qud is eligible for Best Game Writing.
If you're an SFWA member, get a game code + more info here www.sfwa.org/forum/forum/...
Message me with any questions!
If you're an SFWA member, get a game code + more info here www.sfwa.org/forum/forum/...
Message me with any questions!
February 21, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Nebula nominations close in ONE week. I'm here to reminder you that Caves of Qud is eligible for Best Game Writing.
If you're an SFWA member, get a game code + more info here www.sfwa.org/forum/forum/...
Message me with any questions!
If you're an SFWA member, get a game code + more info here www.sfwa.org/forum/forum/...
Message me with any questions!
Great tools often make for great games.
This thread is in the context of narrative games but this has been true for all of the non-narratively driven titles I've worked on as well. Maintaining momentum and having the power to change the game quickly are so key and your tools will make or break you.
This thread is in the context of narrative games but this has been true for all of the non-narratively driven titles I've worked on as well. Maintaining momentum and having the power to change the game quickly are so key and your tools will make or break you.
Tools and process are deeply entwined. Your tools make certain things easy and others hard, which codifies certain processes as easy and others as hard. This will be apparent in the product.
If it's hard to iterate on content, fewer iterations will happen. And quality is a product of iteration.
If it's hard to iterate on content, fewer iterations will happen. And quality is a product of iteration.
February 10, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Great tools often make for great games.
This thread is in the context of narrative games but this has been true for all of the non-narratively driven titles I've worked on as well. Maintaining momentum and having the power to change the game quickly are so key and your tools will make or break you.
This thread is in the context of narrative games but this has been true for all of the non-narratively driven titles I've worked on as well. Maintaining momentum and having the power to change the game quickly are so key and your tools will make or break you.
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
...no explanation needed.
there are only 3 kinds of systems designers. I will not explain
January 28, 2025 at 10:53 PM
...no explanation needed.
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Twentieth Pick: Rise of Nations! Not only do I honestly love the game, but working on it was about 10x more educational for me than school ever was. It is the game and team that taught to be a game developer. Those lessons are still a huge part of me to this day!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rise_of...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rise_of...
Rise of Nations - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 27, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Twentieth Pick: Rise of Nations! Not only do I honestly love the game, but working on it was about 10x more educational for me than school ever was. It is the game and team that taught to be a game developer. Those lessons are still a huge part of me to this day!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rise_of...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rise_of...
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Nineteenth Pick: Manor Lords. I think Manor Lords points the way towards the future of RTS. Not more than a handful of people making systemic games that fulfill player fantasies without depending on reaction time. Slower, thoughtful, contemplative, and intricate.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manor_L...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manor_L...
Manor Lords - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 26, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Nineteenth Pick: Manor Lords. I think Manor Lords points the way towards the future of RTS. Not more than a handful of people making systemic games that fulfill player fantasies without depending on reaction time. Slower, thoughtful, contemplative, and intricate.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manor_L...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manor_L...
If there were ever a game designed especially for me to play then this might be it. Old vehicles you can live in and use to go on adventures is a bit of a thing for me.
introducing our next game:
🌲over the hill🌲
explore the world's beautiful environments in iconic offroad vehicles with friends!
developed with Strelka Games and coming to steam this year
🌲over the hill🌲
explore the world's beautiful environments in iconic offroad vehicles with friends!
developed with Strelka Games and coming to steam this year
January 25, 2025 at 6:44 PM
If there were ever a game designed especially for me to play then this might be it. Old vehicles you can live in and use to go on adventures is a bit of a thing for me.
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
I've assembled a new Indie Strategy Game, Dev & Publisher Starter Pack & Feed.
If you're an indie game dev and want to be added, just respond! Repost to share it with others.
Links for Indie Strategy Games:
Starter Pack
List
Feed
For Community, Social & Influencer Managers:
Starter Pack
List
Feed
If you're an indie game dev and want to be added, just respond! Repost to share it with others.
Links for Indie Strategy Games:
Starter Pack
List
Feed
For Community, Social & Influencer Managers:
Starter Pack
List
Feed
October 25, 2024 at 3:44 AM
I've assembled a new Indie Strategy Game, Dev & Publisher Starter Pack & Feed.
If you're an indie game dev and want to be added, just respond! Repost to share it with others.
Links for Indie Strategy Games:
Starter Pack
List
Feed
For Community, Social & Influencer Managers:
Starter Pack
List
Feed
If you're an indie game dev and want to be added, just respond! Repost to share it with others.
Links for Indie Strategy Games:
Starter Pack
List
Feed
For Community, Social & Influencer Managers:
Starter Pack
List
Feed
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Eighteenth Pick: Crusader Kings II. The mix of grand strategy and palace intrigue was simply intoxicating for me. In spite of all the UX shortcomings, CK2 got me invested in the world in a way that not many other strategy games have.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusade...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusade...
Crusader Kings II - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 25, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Eighteenth Pick: Crusader Kings II. The mix of grand strategy and palace intrigue was simply intoxicating for me. In spite of all the UX shortcomings, CK2 got me invested in the world in a way that not many other strategy games have.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusade...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusade...
I love that We Love Every Game is making these sorts of infographics. Really great to see!
This infographics about the RTSes on Steam by @weloveeverygame.bsky.social is cool:
www.reddit.com/r/Steam/comm...
www.reddit.com/r/Steam/comm...
From the Steam community on Reddit: An RTS infographic, since Steam's Real-Time Strategy Fest is on
Explore this post and more from the Steam community
www.reddit.com
January 24, 2025 at 3:32 PM
I love that We Love Every Game is making these sorts of infographics. Really great to see!
I'm attending DICE for the first time and I'd love to speak with potential partners about bringing Wood Fired Games' first original title to market!
I'd also love to hang out and talk shop with old and new friends. Bonus if you'd like to discuss projects that you think could use my expertise!
I'd also love to hang out and talk shop with old and new friends. Bonus if you'd like to discuss projects that you think could use my expertise!
January 24, 2025 at 3:11 PM
I'm attending DICE for the first time and I'd love to speak with potential partners about bringing Wood Fired Games' first original title to market!
I'd also love to hang out and talk shop with old and new friends. Bonus if you'd like to discuss projects that you think could use my expertise!
I'd also love to hang out and talk shop with old and new friends. Bonus if you'd like to discuss projects that you think could use my expertise!
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Seventeenth Pick: FTL or really just Subset Games generally. What a team! They deliver consistent and incredibly unique strategy games that could not be made by any other team yet have surprisingly broad appeal. Game design drives their success and I LOVE that!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FTL:_Fa...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FTL:_Fa...
FTL: Faster Than Light - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 24, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Seventeenth Pick: FTL or really just Subset Games generally. What a team! They deliver consistent and incredibly unique strategy games that could not be made by any other team yet have surprisingly broad appeal. Game design drives their success and I LOVE that!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FTL:_Fa...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FTL:_Fa...
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Sixteenth Pick: Hotline Miami. While I do not like senseless violence, the game has such strong mechanics and it just drips with vibe. It's a game that knows exactly what it is and never flinches. Super inspiring as a creator to see a tiny team just nail a vision.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotline...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotline...
Hotline Miami - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 23, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Sixteenth Pick: Hotline Miami. While I do not like senseless violence, the game has such strong mechanics and it just drips with vibe. It's a game that knows exactly what it is and never flinches. Super inspiring as a creator to see a tiny team just nail a vision.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotline...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotline...
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Fifteenth Pick: Slay the Spire. This was the card battler that really pulled me into the genre. Roguelike deck building continues to be my favorite genre as a player which is funny since I do not like constructed as much. I really just have a thing for deck synergy.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slay_th...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slay_th...
Slay the Spire - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 22, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Fifteenth Pick: Slay the Spire. This was the card battler that really pulled me into the genre. Roguelike deck building continues to be my favorite genre as a player which is funny since I do not like constructed as much. I really just have a thing for deck synergy.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slay_th...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slay_th...
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Fourteenth Pick: NHL 94' I grew up in Alabama and hockey was not a thing. But when NHL 93 came out for Genesis and then NHL 94 hit for SNES, everyone I knew played the game. It was just what we played late night during my teens. So many fun times with friends!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NHL_%2794
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NHL_%2794
NHL '94 - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 21, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Fourteenth Pick: NHL 94' I grew up in Alabama and hockey was not a thing. But when NHL 93 came out for Genesis and then NHL 94 hit for SNES, everyone I knew played the game. It was just what we played late night during my teens. So many fun times with friends!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NHL_%2794
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NHL_%2794
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Thirteenth Pick: Final Fantasy IV. I remember renting this game from the neighborhood video store as a kid and this was by far the most epic game I had ever played! I'd only played on consoles then, but it made me think about games as something that could be more.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_F...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_F...
Final Fantasy IV - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 19, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Thirteenth Pick: Final Fantasy IV. I remember renting this game from the neighborhood video store as a kid and this was by far the most epic game I had ever played! I'd only played on consoles then, but it made me think about games as something that could be more.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_F...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_F...
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Hey strategy game dev, do not forget to submit your recently released or upcoming title to TactiCon call for games. It will close at the end of the month!
forms.gle/1TPt4APnoCMZ...
forms.gle/1TPt4APnoCMZ...
January 17, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Hey strategy game dev, do not forget to submit your recently released or upcoming title to TactiCon call for games. It will close at the end of the month!
forms.gle/1TPt4APnoCMZ...
forms.gle/1TPt4APnoCMZ...
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Twelfth Pick: Fallout. I'm talking 1997 here. This game was the first time I felt like I could actually do whatever I wanted to do in a game. That agency was intoxicating especially when paired with such an innovative (at the time) setting. What an accomplishment!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallout...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallout...
Fallout (video game) - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 17, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Twelfth Pick: Fallout. I'm talking 1997 here. This game was the first time I felt like I could actually do whatever I wanted to do in a game. That agency was intoxicating especially when paired with such an innovative (at the time) setting. What an accomplishment!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallout...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallout...
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Eleventh Pick: The Long Dark. Playing the sandbox mode fairly early on in their development was one of the most magical gaming experiences I've ever had. The combination of strong systems design, incredible atmosphere, and a palpable sense of dread makes for great!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lon...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lon...
The Long Dark - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 16, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Eleventh Pick: The Long Dark. Playing the sandbox mode fairly early on in their development was one of the most magical gaming experiences I've ever had. The combination of strong systems design, incredible atmosphere, and a palpable sense of dread makes for great!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lon...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lon...
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
By popular demand, here's a full level from my vertical dungeon precision platformer!
The demo is coming soon, stay tuned!
Wishlist now:
store.steampowered.com/app/2426280/...
#madewithunity #gamedev #indiedev #indiegame #solodev
The demo is coming soon, stay tuned!
Wishlist now:
store.steampowered.com/app/2426280/...
#madewithunity #gamedev #indiedev #indiegame #solodev
January 15, 2025 at 4:04 PM
By popular demand, here's a full level from my vertical dungeon precision platformer!
The demo is coming soon, stay tuned!
Wishlist now:
store.steampowered.com/app/2426280/...
#madewithunity #gamedev #indiedev #indiegame #solodev
The demo is coming soon, stay tuned!
Wishlist now:
store.steampowered.com/app/2426280/...
#madewithunity #gamedev #indiedev #indiegame #solodev
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Tenth Pick: Dwarf Fortress. This is a game that has influenced me more conceptually than from playing it a lot. Just the notion of this deep simulation developed over a decade that can produce such lovely narratives is awe inspiring.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_F...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_F...
Dwarf Fortress - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 15, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Tenth Pick: Dwarf Fortress. This is a game that has influenced me more conceptually than from playing it a lot. Just the notion of this deep simulation developed over a decade that can produce such lovely narratives is awe inspiring.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_F...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_F...
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Ninth Pick: Destiny. This is kind of a strange one since I do not play Destiny. What Destiny did for me is change how I think about UI. Their UI is so beautiful that I'm confident its influence can be see today throughout the industry.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destiny...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destiny...
Destiny (video game) - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 13, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Ninth Pick: Destiny. This is kind of a strange one since I do not play Destiny. What Destiny did for me is change how I think about UI. Their UI is so beautiful that I'm confident its influence can be see today throughout the industry.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destiny...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destiny...
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Eighth Pick: Everquest! I started playing in beta after playing muds and Ultima Online for about a decade prior. To this day I think EQ might be my most played game. Playing a game like that with all those other real humans positively blew my mind!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EverQuest
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EverQuest
EverQuest - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 12, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Eighth Pick: Everquest! I started playing in beta after playing muds and Ultima Online for about a decade prior. To this day I think EQ might be my most played game. Playing a game like that with all those other real humans positively blew my mind!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EverQuest
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EverQuest
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Seventh Pick: Diablo! I immediately fell hard for this game and continue to love the series. Lots to love but their procedural loot system really impressed me right out of the gate. Incredible stuff in the late 90s.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diablo_...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diablo_...
Diablo (video game) - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 11, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Seventh Pick: Diablo! I immediately fell hard for this game and continue to love the series. Lots to love but their procedural loot system really impressed me right out of the gate. Incredible stuff in the late 90s.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diablo_...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diablo_...
Reposted by Stuart Jeff | Wood Fired Games
Sixth Pick: Brogue! It is the roguelike that first pulled me into the genre and I still play it occasionally today. Sadly, I have never completed a run but the systems design here has been foundational for me.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brogue_...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brogue_...
Brogue (video game) - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
January 10, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Sixth Pick: Brogue! It is the roguelike that first pulled me into the genre and I still play it occasionally today. Sadly, I have never completed a run but the systems design here has been foundational for me.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brogue_...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brogue_...