Zara 🏳️🌈
@zaravarin.bsky.social
Queer non-binary geek of all trades💗💛💙she/they. Marine. Neurodivergent.♾️
President & Creative Director of Dual Wield Studio ✨⚔️✨
Previously: 343 Industries | Halo | Xbox.
Unions are awesome.
🚫❌NO AI, NO NFTs❌🚫
zaravarin.com
President & Creative Director of Dual Wield Studio ✨⚔️✨
Previously: 343 Industries | Halo | Xbox.
Unions are awesome.
🚫❌NO AI, NO NFTs❌🚫
zaravarin.com
Pinned
Zara 🏳️🌈
@zaravarin.bsky.social
· Dec 12
2025 Year in Review
Hello and happy December to you; I’m Zara Varin, President and Creative Director of Dual Wield Studio. As 2025 winds down and our team prepares to enjoy our winter holiday break, we’ve taken some time...
qindwa98adztz7vi-23981491.shopifypreview.com
It's been a hell of a year; today is the last work day for Dual Wield Studio before our winter holiday break, and looking back on everything we've tackled with our small team this year alone has been intense. I wrote a short retrospective summary about it here: dualwieldstudio.com/blogs/news/2...
The only thing better than putting my fictional guy in a Situation is when the GM asks for a roll and the dice agree, this guy needs to endure a Situation
in space
with dragons
:)
it’s going GREAT in this Daggerheart campaign, y’all
in space
with dragons
:)
it’s going GREAT in this Daggerheart campaign, y’all
January 23, 2026 at 5:06 AM
The only thing better than putting my fictional guy in a Situation is when the GM asks for a roll and the dice agree, this guy needs to endure a Situation
in space
with dragons
:)
it’s going GREAT in this Daggerheart campaign, y’all
in space
with dragons
:)
it’s going GREAT in this Daggerheart campaign, y’all
AT LAST
HE HAS ARRIVED
HE HAS ARRIVED
January 22, 2026 at 12:01 AM
AT LAST
HE HAS ARRIVED
HE HAS ARRIVED
yes nearly midnight is exactly the correct time to be diving deep into what options exist for extended inclusive sizing on even the most simple garment bases that aren't awful while also plotting what it would involve to do custom cut-&-sewn garments of that ilk and beyond🤔🤔🤔
January 21, 2026 at 7:30 AM
yes nearly midnight is exactly the correct time to be diving deep into what options exist for extended inclusive sizing on even the most simple garment bases that aren't awful while also plotting what it would involve to do custom cut-&-sewn garments of that ilk and beyond🤔🤔🤔
Reposted by Zara 🏳️🌈
Moriarty: "A police officer of color who was off duty was boxed in by ICE - she's a citizen - they demanded to know who she was & see her papers. She was going to try to record it & they ripped the phone out of her hand. That happened to a cop. That's what's happening here on the streets of MN."
January 21, 2026 at 12:48 AM
Moriarty: "A police officer of color who was off duty was boxed in by ICE - she's a citizen - they demanded to know who she was & see her papers. She was going to try to record it & they ripped the phone out of her hand. That happened to a cop. That's what's happening here on the streets of MN."
Reposted by Zara 🏳️🌈
“I'm glad you have enough love in your life that that response comes naturally. If anything, you should be proud of that :)”
January 20, 2026 at 3:58 PM
“I'm glad you have enough love in your life that that response comes naturally. If anything, you should be proud of that :)”
Me, A Professional At Work talking to the team about collections I'd like for us to make:
I want us to make fujo shit
if for no other reason than because WE WANT IT
I want us to make fujo shit
if for no other reason than because WE WANT IT
January 20, 2026 at 11:57 PM
Me, A Professional At Work talking to the team about collections I'd like for us to make:
I want us to make fujo shit
if for no other reason than because WE WANT IT
I want us to make fujo shit
if for no other reason than because WE WANT IT
Got up from the couch and when I went to sit back down there’s a melted bupper in my spot
it’s her spot now
it’s her spot now
January 19, 2026 at 4:10 AM
Got up from the couch and when I went to sit back down there’s a melted bupper in my spot
it’s her spot now
it’s her spot now
Reposted by Zara 🏳️🌈
For @msnownews.bsky.social, I wrote an article about how ICE Watch is grounded in sociological theories of violence prevention.
The reality is that most men will only commit public violence in extremely specific scenarios and ICE Watch disrupts the conditions necessary for escalation.
The reality is that most men will only commit public violence in extremely specific scenarios and ICE Watch disrupts the conditions necessary for escalation.
Opinion | I'm a Minneapolis sociologist who studies violence. Here's how ICE observers are helping.
Research into how violence occurs shows that disapproval from the people around you can help reduce it.
www.ms.now
January 16, 2026 at 6:55 PM
For @msnownews.bsky.social, I wrote an article about how ICE Watch is grounded in sociological theories of violence prevention.
The reality is that most men will only commit public violence in extremely specific scenarios and ICE Watch disrupts the conditions necessary for escalation.
The reality is that most men will only commit public violence in extremely specific scenarios and ICE Watch disrupts the conditions necessary for escalation.
Dagger seems to have developed a sense for when I've begun Engaging With Horrors online and she'll repeatedly boop me with her nose or physically nudge her head into my hands like, hey, refocus yourself on NOT THAT and do good things (like give pets attention & treats).
She's right every time.
She's right every time.
January 16, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Dagger seems to have developed a sense for when I've begun Engaging With Horrors online and she'll repeatedly boop me with her nose or physically nudge her head into my hands like, hey, refocus yourself on NOT THAT and do good things (like give pets attention & treats).
She's right every time.
She's right every time.
Reposted by Zara 🏳️🌈
You know, the second worst thing about the StickerMule guy is that he thinks he’s cute. He makes this shit so that he can go “oh, I just really like 90s white guy rap! *wink*” He doesn’t say anything with his full chest, he hides behind fig leaves and dog whistles.
The latest move by Sticker Mule's owner. Please don't give these people your money (or honestly send them your artwork, you never know).
January 16, 2026 at 7:38 PM
You know, the second worst thing about the StickerMule guy is that he thinks he’s cute. He makes this shit so that he can go “oh, I just really like 90s white guy rap! *wink*” He doesn’t say anything with his full chest, he hides behind fig leaves and dog whistles.
The foil & embossing on these Dragon Age prints of Solas & Rook turned out SO WELL I’m so happy 😭 the matching of the emboss detail especially, it’s SO TRICKY to get right
January 16, 2026 at 7:52 PM
The foil & embossing on these Dragon Age prints of Solas & Rook turned out SO WELL I’m so happy 😭 the matching of the emboss detail especially, it’s SO TRICKY to get right
Reposted by Zara 🏳️🌈
Does owning DLC in the PC version of Monster Hunter Wilds really improve game performance? It sounds unbelievable, but it is true in select conditions - and a mod is already available that fixes the issue:
www.digitalfoundry.net/news/2026/01...
www.digitalfoundry.net/news/2026/01...
The Latest Monster Hunter Wilds PC perf drama explained
Thousands upon thousands of DLC checks hammer the CPU.
www.digitalfoundry.net
January 16, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Does owning DLC in the PC version of Monster Hunter Wilds really improve game performance? It sounds unbelievable, but it is true in select conditions - and a mod is already available that fixes the issue:
www.digitalfoundry.net/news/2026/01...
www.digitalfoundry.net/news/2026/01...
Got a shipment for work of product samples at various stages of development and oh my gosh I'm so happy and excited about how a lot of these are coming along!!
As with all things, each of them has aspects that have been challenging to get right and our team has gotten so great at honing iterations
As with all things, each of them has aspects that have been challenging to get right and our team has gotten so great at honing iterations
January 16, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Got a shipment for work of product samples at various stages of development and oh my gosh I'm so happy and excited about how a lot of these are coming along!!
As with all things, each of them has aspects that have been challenging to get right and our team has gotten so great at honing iterations
As with all things, each of them has aspects that have been challenging to get right and our team has gotten so great at honing iterations
Reposted by Zara 🏳️🌈
pulling this reflection on white silence/fear over here, too:
January 15, 2026 at 4:41 PM
pulling this reflection on white silence/fear over here, too:
Reposted by Zara 🏳️🌈
This is from the Vonnegut museum, and apt as ever.
January 15, 2026 at 2:44 PM
This is from the Vonnegut museum, and apt as ever.
Opened my email to see the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Monolith Edition by Laced Records has shipped !!!! AAAAAA
I'm braced to get emotional about this game once again when everything arrives and probably *will* cry thanks to that Monolith music box ;-; I just. I love this game. So damn much.
I'm braced to get emotional about this game once again when everything arrives and probably *will* cry thanks to that Monolith music box ;-; I just. I love this game. So damn much.
January 16, 2026 at 1:27 AM
Opened my email to see the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Monolith Edition by Laced Records has shipped !!!! AAAAAA
I'm braced to get emotional about this game once again when everything arrives and probably *will* cry thanks to that Monolith music box ;-; I just. I love this game. So damn much.
I'm braced to get emotional about this game once again when everything arrives and probably *will* cry thanks to that Monolith music box ;-; I just. I love this game. So damn much.
A thing I like to do for our all-hands meetings is open with a "tag yourself" meme and I made a quick one for our first big 'un today with a theme of stuff from Heated Rivalry🏒
(I am all of these but especially Ginger Ale)
(( yes I'm reposting this because I needed to fix typos ))
(I am all of these but especially Ginger Ale)
(( yes I'm reposting this because I needed to fix typos ))
January 16, 2026 at 1:20 AM
A thing I like to do for our all-hands meetings is open with a "tag yourself" meme and I made a quick one for our first big 'un today with a theme of stuff from Heated Rivalry🏒
(I am all of these but especially Ginger Ale)
(( yes I'm reposting this because I needed to fix typos ))
(I am all of these but especially Ginger Ale)
(( yes I'm reposting this because I needed to fix typos ))
Reposted by Zara 🏳️🌈
Here’s an email exchange I had with Glen Wooten, the person in charge of SDCC’s Art Show. The previous language has been in place for a couple of years & was a compromise between himself & the higher ups. This whole ruckus convinced them that they needed more forceful language, so that’s great.
January 15, 2026 at 2:22 AM
Here’s an email exchange I had with Glen Wooten, the person in charge of SDCC’s Art Show. The previous language has been in place for a couple of years & was a compromise between himself & the higher ups. This whole ruckus convinced them that they needed more forceful language, so that’s great.
Reposted by Zara 🏳️🌈
HELL YEAH!!
Look at what we did TOGETHER! Comic-con has quietly changed their language and will NOT allow GenAi imagery in their art show!
And this happened because you all wrote letters, and shared your concerns! Speaking up works EVERY time!
So congrats friends! We did this together!!!
🙌🙌💖💖💖
Look at what we did TOGETHER! Comic-con has quietly changed their language and will NOT allow GenAi imagery in their art show!
And this happened because you all wrote letters, and shared your concerns! Speaking up works EVERY time!
So congrats friends! We did this together!!!
🙌🙌💖💖💖
San Diego Comic-Con will no longer allow AI 'art' to be displayed at their event
"Material created by AI either partially or wholly, is not allowed in the art show"
This follows backlash from artists after SDCC initially indicated AI-generated work would be permitted
"Material created by AI either partially or wholly, is not allowed in the art show"
This follows backlash from artists after SDCC initially indicated AI-generated work would be permitted
January 14, 2026 at 11:41 PM
HELL YEAH!!
Look at what we did TOGETHER! Comic-con has quietly changed their language and will NOT allow GenAi imagery in their art show!
And this happened because you all wrote letters, and shared your concerns! Speaking up works EVERY time!
So congrats friends! We did this together!!!
🙌🙌💖💖💖
Look at what we did TOGETHER! Comic-con has quietly changed their language and will NOT allow GenAi imagery in their art show!
And this happened because you all wrote letters, and shared your concerns! Speaking up works EVERY time!
So congrats friends! We did this together!!!
🙌🙌💖💖💖
Reposted by Zara 🏳️🌈
The hits just keep coming. I worked at Camouflaj a lifetime ago with some hella talented folks in a tiny office with no A/C in a particularly hot Seattle summer. To see it torn down and only have the name remain makes for some real mixed emotions.
former meta employees tell me that a fourth studio, camouflaj, was also hit hard by recent layoffs. unlike the other three, it remains open, but in-development game projects have been canceled, and studio heads have been let go. ex-employees characterized it as being "effectively" shut down
January 15, 2026 at 12:55 AM
The hits just keep coming. I worked at Camouflaj a lifetime ago with some hella talented folks in a tiny office with no A/C in a particularly hot Seattle summer. To see it torn down and only have the name remain makes for some real mixed emotions.
This hits awfully; Camouflaj was one of the earliest, briefest touches I had as a game dev. I still feel so grateful thinking about what it was like to chat with the folks I met & the amazing work the team did on République. I’m so sorry to everyone impacted by this, and every other shitty layoff :c
former meta employees tell me that a fourth studio, camouflaj, was also hit hard by recent layoffs. unlike the other three, it remains open, but in-development game projects have been canceled, and studio heads have been let go. ex-employees characterized it as being "effectively" shut down
January 15, 2026 at 2:56 AM
This hits awfully; Camouflaj was one of the earliest, briefest touches I had as a game dev. I still feel so grateful thinking about what it was like to chat with the folks I met & the amazing work the team did on République. I’m so sorry to everyone impacted by this, and every other shitty layoff :c
Reposted by Zara 🏳️🌈
It looks like SDCC updated their terms on the art show! shaming works!
(and thank you @senguie.bsky.social for posting this screenshot)
(and thank you @senguie.bsky.social for posting this screenshot)
January 14, 2026 at 9:58 PM
It looks like SDCC updated their terms on the art show! shaming works!
(and thank you @senguie.bsky.social for posting this screenshot)
(and thank you @senguie.bsky.social for posting this screenshot)
One of my favorite things is figuring out how to translate a thing that only exists in a video game into a real-life functional object.
... often, one of the hardest things is figuring out how to translate a thing that only exists in a video game into a real-life functional object.
... often, one of the hardest things is figuring out how to translate a thing that only exists in a video game into a real-life functional object.
January 15, 2026 at 1:06 AM
One of my favorite things is figuring out how to translate a thing that only exists in a video game into a real-life functional object.
... often, one of the hardest things is figuring out how to translate a thing that only exists in a video game into a real-life functional object.
... often, one of the hardest things is figuring out how to translate a thing that only exists in a video game into a real-life functional object.
As a reminder, Dual Wield Studio maintains our stance against exploitative generative AI.
We will continue to support human artists, all day every day 😤
dualwieldstudio.com/blogs/news/a...
We will continue to support human artists, all day every day 😤
dualwieldstudio.com/blogs/news/a...
AI Art Theft: A Conversation with Hughes Media Law Group
So…. AI “art”, huh? If you are somehow here expecting that we’re going to be speaking kindly about AI “art” in any capacity, please know that is not the case. Instead, we wanted to take this chance t...
dualwieldstudio.com
January 14, 2026 at 11:31 PM
As a reminder, Dual Wield Studio maintains our stance against exploitative generative AI.
We will continue to support human artists, all day every day 😤
dualwieldstudio.com/blogs/news/a...
We will continue to support human artists, all day every day 😤
dualwieldstudio.com/blogs/news/a...
Reposted by Zara 🏳️🌈
in a refreshing change of pace, both bandcamp and games workshop announced this week that they've banned AI to varying extents. these stances are crucial during a time when AI is being rammed down our throats at every turn, and some people are starting to accept it
January 14, 2026 at 9:59 PM
in a refreshing change of pace, both bandcamp and games workshop announced this week that they've banned AI to varying extents. these stances are crucial during a time when AI is being rammed down our throats at every turn, and some people are starting to accept it