Greg/Tin Heart Interactive
@tinheartint.bsky.social
Game developing vagrant.
Writer on the game #BLUD. Formerly: Unity/Big Huge Games/Candystand.com.
Writer on the game #BLUD. Formerly: Unity/Big Huge Games/Candystand.com.
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 143: Expand depth of outcomes with critical success/critical failure. 🎲
Are things just "bad"
or are they
REAL BAD™️?
Orion Trail increased a chance at success via character stats or crew members, but critical pass/fail was always a possibility.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Are things just "bad"
or are they
REAL BAD™️?
Orion Trail increased a chance at success via character stats or crew members, but critical pass/fail was always a possibility.
#GameDesign #GameDev
November 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 143: Expand depth of outcomes with critical success/critical failure. 🎲
Are things just "bad"
or are they
REAL BAD™️?
Orion Trail increased a chance at success via character stats or crew members, but critical pass/fail was always a possibility.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Are things just "bad"
or are they
REAL BAD™️?
Orion Trail increased a chance at success via character stats or crew members, but critical pass/fail was always a possibility.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 142: Utilize the pattern-seeking nature of the brain.
Repetition is a bare minimum requirement for giving feedback. Players naturally look for links between repeated sounds or assets if there is little else to go on.
Proteus had little/no guidance.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Repetition is a bare minimum requirement for giving feedback. Players naturally look for links between repeated sounds or assets if there is little else to go on.
Proteus had little/no guidance.
#GameDesign #GameDev
November 20, 2025 at 4:39 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 142: Utilize the pattern-seeking nature of the brain.
Repetition is a bare minimum requirement for giving feedback. Players naturally look for links between repeated sounds or assets if there is little else to go on.
Proteus had little/no guidance.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Repetition is a bare minimum requirement for giving feedback. Players naturally look for links between repeated sounds or assets if there is little else to go on.
Proteus had little/no guidance.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 141: A threat radius can be dependent on camera angle and art.
Increasing how far a player/enemy can deal damage is a good tool for balancing combat, but can look different in 2D, 3D, and 2.5D games (like Coors Light Refresh-Men).
#GameDesign #GameDev
Increasing how far a player/enemy can deal damage is a good tool for balancing combat, but can look different in 2D, 3D, and 2.5D games (like Coors Light Refresh-Men).
#GameDesign #GameDev
November 13, 2025 at 2:47 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 141: A threat radius can be dependent on camera angle and art.
Increasing how far a player/enemy can deal damage is a good tool for balancing combat, but can look different in 2D, 3D, and 2.5D games (like Coors Light Refresh-Men).
#GameDesign #GameDev
Increasing how far a player/enemy can deal damage is a good tool for balancing combat, but can look different in 2D, 3D, and 2.5D games (like Coors Light Refresh-Men).
#GameDesign #GameDev
This upcoming weekend is the Game Your Future Conference - are you ready?
I've been digging through the archives of screenshots/sketches/photos preparing for the #BLUD post-mortem. Join me at 11am Saturday to see how we crafted the vampire-fighting cartoon adventure game!
@exit73games.bsky.social
I've been digging through the archives of screenshots/sketches/photos preparing for the #BLUD post-mortem. Join me at 11am Saturday to see how we crafted the vampire-fighting cartoon adventure game!
@exit73games.bsky.social
November 11, 2025 at 11:55 PM
This upcoming weekend is the Game Your Future Conference - are you ready?
I've been digging through the archives of screenshots/sketches/photos preparing for the #BLUD post-mortem. Join me at 11am Saturday to see how we crafted the vampire-fighting cartoon adventure game!
@exit73games.bsky.social
I've been digging through the archives of screenshots/sketches/photos preparing for the #BLUD post-mortem. Join me at 11am Saturday to see how we crafted the vampire-fighting cartoon adventure game!
@exit73games.bsky.social
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 140: *Most* game mechanics are not subject to copyright.
The internet can be an unkind place. If you’re successful, people will look to “fast follow” your design.
If you make an homage to a classic, try to add something new or novel.
#GameDesign #GameDev
The internet can be an unkind place. If you’re successful, people will look to “fast follow” your design.
If you make an homage to a classic, try to add something new or novel.
#GameDesign #GameDev
November 10, 2025 at 4:01 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 140: *Most* game mechanics are not subject to copyright.
The internet can be an unkind place. If you’re successful, people will look to “fast follow” your design.
If you make an homage to a classic, try to add something new or novel.
#GameDesign #GameDev
The internet can be an unkind place. If you’re successful, people will look to “fast follow” your design.
If you make an homage to a classic, try to add something new or novel.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 139: Breadcrumb your desired player experience so they can see where to follow.
Achievement Unlocked was all about, well, achievements!
A savvy player could earn several at a time once they understood what was being asked of them.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Achievement Unlocked was all about, well, achievements!
A savvy player could earn several at a time once they understood what was being asked of them.
#GameDesign #GameDev
November 6, 2025 at 6:39 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 139: Breadcrumb your desired player experience so they can see where to follow.
Achievement Unlocked was all about, well, achievements!
A savvy player could earn several at a time once they understood what was being asked of them.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Achievement Unlocked was all about, well, achievements!
A savvy player could earn several at a time once they understood what was being asked of them.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 138: Make the first collectible impossible to miss.
Santa’s Sleigh Dash was a touchscreen window display game at the NYC Macy’s, Christmas 2014. The sleigh was HUGE on screen, helping the everyone learn the game and pick up collectables.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Santa’s Sleigh Dash was a touchscreen window display game at the NYC Macy’s, Christmas 2014. The sleigh was HUGE on screen, helping the everyone learn the game and pick up collectables.
#GameDesign #GameDev
November 4, 2025 at 3:40 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 138: Make the first collectible impossible to miss.
Santa’s Sleigh Dash was a touchscreen window display game at the NYC Macy’s, Christmas 2014. The sleigh was HUGE on screen, helping the everyone learn the game and pick up collectables.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Santa’s Sleigh Dash was a touchscreen window display game at the NYC Macy’s, Christmas 2014. The sleigh was HUGE on screen, helping the everyone learn the game and pick up collectables.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Happy Halloween!
I was thrilled for the chance to re-imagine @atari.com’s game Witch Hunt! This spooky season, I invite you to explore the abandoned grounds around the witch's mansion.
Built in Portal’s no-code engine, it’s playable for free now in your browser!
I was thrilled for the chance to re-imagine @atari.com’s game Witch Hunt! This spooky season, I invite you to explore the abandoned grounds around the witch's mansion.
Built in Portal’s no-code engine, it’s playable for free now in your browser!
October 31, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Happy Halloween!
I was thrilled for the chance to re-imagine @atari.com’s game Witch Hunt! This spooky season, I invite you to explore the abandoned grounds around the witch's mansion.
Built in Portal’s no-code engine, it’s playable for free now in your browser!
I was thrilled for the chance to re-imagine @atari.com’s game Witch Hunt! This spooky season, I invite you to explore the abandoned grounds around the witch's mansion.
Built in Portal’s no-code engine, it’s playable for free now in your browser!
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 137: Have enemies counter kiting.
If an enemy's speed < player speed & they indefinitely follow the player, your bad guys line up to be destroyed.
Enemies spawn around the player In Holdout., eventually forcing a different tactic.
#GameDesign #GameDev
If an enemy's speed < player speed & they indefinitely follow the player, your bad guys line up to be destroyed.
Enemies spawn around the player In Holdout., eventually forcing a different tactic.
#GameDesign #GameDev
October 30, 2025 at 2:59 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 137: Have enemies counter kiting.
If an enemy's speed < player speed & they indefinitely follow the player, your bad guys line up to be destroyed.
Enemies spawn around the player In Holdout., eventually forcing a different tactic.
#GameDesign #GameDev
If an enemy's speed < player speed & they indefinitely follow the player, your bad guys line up to be destroyed.
Enemies spawn around the player In Holdout., eventually forcing a different tactic.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 136: Multiple, valid choices doesn’t always increase the chance of success.
Gunstringer: Dead Man Running had obstacles with many ways to get around them. These split-second decisions could lead to analysis paralysis. (Freezing instead of deciding.)
#GameDesign #GameDev
Gunstringer: Dead Man Running had obstacles with many ways to get around them. These split-second decisions could lead to analysis paralysis. (Freezing instead of deciding.)
#GameDesign #GameDev
October 28, 2025 at 2:39 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 136: Multiple, valid choices doesn’t always increase the chance of success.
Gunstringer: Dead Man Running had obstacles with many ways to get around them. These split-second decisions could lead to analysis paralysis. (Freezing instead of deciding.)
#GameDesign #GameDev
Gunstringer: Dead Man Running had obstacles with many ways to get around them. These split-second decisions could lead to analysis paralysis. (Freezing instead of deciding.)
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 135: Start from where your player can understand.
Affordances are often discussed in designing physical goods.
Can a player know what to do by looking?
Onomastica’s based play on using words as the nouns or verbs they represent.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Affordances are often discussed in designing physical goods.
Can a player know what to do by looking?
Onomastica’s based play on using words as the nouns or verbs they represent.
#GameDesign #GameDev
October 24, 2025 at 6:08 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 135: Start from where your player can understand.
Affordances are often discussed in designing physical goods.
Can a player know what to do by looking?
Onomastica’s based play on using words as the nouns or verbs they represent.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Affordances are often discussed in designing physical goods.
Can a player know what to do by looking?
Onomastica’s based play on using words as the nouns or verbs they represent.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 134: Reduce all distractions during key attacks.
Lots of games will set the timescale close to zero to slow down the impact of a big moment.
Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker effectively does the same, as all enemies stop attacking to dance along.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Lots of games will set the timescale close to zero to slow down the impact of a big moment.
Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker effectively does the same, as all enemies stop attacking to dance along.
#GameDesign #GameDev
October 23, 2025 at 1:46 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 134: Reduce all distractions during key attacks.
Lots of games will set the timescale close to zero to slow down the impact of a big moment.
Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker effectively does the same, as all enemies stop attacking to dance along.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Lots of games will set the timescale close to zero to slow down the impact of a big moment.
Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker effectively does the same, as all enemies stop attacking to dance along.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 133: Embrace the happy accidents.
It’s not a bug, it’s a feature! 😉
While I didn’t work on Suddenly, Thousands I could see how controlling multiple characters with 1 input could be accidentally emergent design when trying local multiplayer. #GameDesign #GameDev
It’s not a bug, it’s a feature! 😉
While I didn’t work on Suddenly, Thousands I could see how controlling multiple characters with 1 input could be accidentally emergent design when trying local multiplayer. #GameDesign #GameDev
October 22, 2025 at 7:22 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 133: Embrace the happy accidents.
It’s not a bug, it’s a feature! 😉
While I didn’t work on Suddenly, Thousands I could see how controlling multiple characters with 1 input could be accidentally emergent design when trying local multiplayer. #GameDesign #GameDev
It’s not a bug, it’s a feature! 😉
While I didn’t work on Suddenly, Thousands I could see how controlling multiple characters with 1 input could be accidentally emergent design when trying local multiplayer. #GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 132: Friendly fire establishes boundaries of cooperation.
Are players invincible to each other?
Do they take collateral damage?
Can they die?
A playful nudge in Battleblock Theater could complete a level or knock you to your doom. #GameDesign #GameDev
Are players invincible to each other?
Do they take collateral damage?
Can they die?
A playful nudge in Battleblock Theater could complete a level or knock you to your doom. #GameDesign #GameDev
October 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 132: Friendly fire establishes boundaries of cooperation.
Are players invincible to each other?
Do they take collateral damage?
Can they die?
A playful nudge in Battleblock Theater could complete a level or knock you to your doom. #GameDesign #GameDev
Are players invincible to each other?
Do they take collateral damage?
Can they die?
A playful nudge in Battleblock Theater could complete a level or knock you to your doom. #GameDesign #GameDev
These aren’t your Grandpa’s balls. They’re BALLZ. With a Z on the end! Play now for free on the web: tinheartinteractive.itch.io/fallin-ballz
#indiedev #gamedev #itchio
#indiedev #gamedev #itchio
October 17, 2025 at 6:14 PM
These aren’t your Grandpa’s balls. They’re BALLZ. With a Z on the end! Play now for free on the web: tinheartinteractive.itch.io/fallin-ballz
#indiedev #gamedev #itchio
#indiedev #gamedev #itchio
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 131: Briefly limit choices to challenge adaptation.
What happens when you take something away?
Once at a mall kiosk, the controller’s trigger was broken. Without the ability to shoot, my choices were: run, melee, or grenade. Fun!
#GameDesign #GameDev
What happens when you take something away?
Once at a mall kiosk, the controller’s trigger was broken. Without the ability to shoot, my choices were: run, melee, or grenade. Fun!
#GameDesign #GameDev
October 14, 2025 at 2:26 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 131: Briefly limit choices to challenge adaptation.
What happens when you take something away?
Once at a mall kiosk, the controller’s trigger was broken. Without the ability to shoot, my choices were: run, melee, or grenade. Fun!
#GameDesign #GameDev
What happens when you take something away?
Once at a mall kiosk, the controller’s trigger was broken. Without the ability to shoot, my choices were: run, melee, or grenade. Fun!
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 130: State-based loot tables keeps things balanced as play evolves.
A health pack when wounded > a mountain of bullets.
Do players have a chance to get what they need when they need it?
No one needs a blue shell in 1st place.
#GameDesign #GameDev
A health pack when wounded > a mountain of bullets.
Do players have a chance to get what they need when they need it?
No one needs a blue shell in 1st place.
#GameDesign #GameDev
October 13, 2025 at 3:16 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 130: State-based loot tables keeps things balanced as play evolves.
A health pack when wounded > a mountain of bullets.
Do players have a chance to get what they need when they need it?
No one needs a blue shell in 1st place.
#GameDesign #GameDev
A health pack when wounded > a mountain of bullets.
Do players have a chance to get what they need when they need it?
No one needs a blue shell in 1st place.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 129: Allow local multiplayer to be a spectacle.
On the convention show floor, local multiplayer games garner the most attention. However, a crowd isn’t likely to appear in the living room.
It took a big event to beat the 6-person X-Men arcade game.
#GameDesign #GameDev
On the convention show floor, local multiplayer games garner the most attention. However, a crowd isn’t likely to appear in the living room.
It took a big event to beat the 6-person X-Men arcade game.
#GameDesign #GameDev
October 10, 2025 at 1:36 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 129: Allow local multiplayer to be a spectacle.
On the convention show floor, local multiplayer games garner the most attention. However, a crowd isn’t likely to appear in the living room.
It took a big event to beat the 6-person X-Men arcade game.
#GameDesign #GameDev
On the convention show floor, local multiplayer games garner the most attention. However, a crowd isn’t likely to appear in the living room.
It took a big event to beat the 6-person X-Men arcade game.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 128: Make movement enjoyable.
The thing your player does - more than combat or crafting or anything else - is MOVE.
Is there rhythm in tapping to run faster?
Chaotic dodge-rolling all over the place?
Spider-Man 2 nailed web-slinging.
#GameDesign #GameDev
The thing your player does - more than combat or crafting or anything else - is MOVE.
Is there rhythm in tapping to run faster?
Chaotic dodge-rolling all over the place?
Spider-Man 2 nailed web-slinging.
#GameDesign #GameDev
October 8, 2025 at 2:59 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 128: Make movement enjoyable.
The thing your player does - more than combat or crafting or anything else - is MOVE.
Is there rhythm in tapping to run faster?
Chaotic dodge-rolling all over the place?
Spider-Man 2 nailed web-slinging.
#GameDesign #GameDev
The thing your player does - more than combat or crafting or anything else - is MOVE.
Is there rhythm in tapping to run faster?
Chaotic dodge-rolling all over the place?
Spider-Man 2 nailed web-slinging.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 127: Diverge/converge puzzles to pace gameplay.
Presenting multiple puzzles to give players freedom on where to start. Funnel down to just 1 puzzle along with story beats.
Clockwork Tales: Of Glass and Ink weaved puzzles+locations to great effect.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Presenting multiple puzzles to give players freedom on where to start. Funnel down to just 1 puzzle along with story beats.
Clockwork Tales: Of Glass and Ink weaved puzzles+locations to great effect.
#GameDesign #GameDev
October 7, 2025 at 7:29 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 127: Diverge/converge puzzles to pace gameplay.
Presenting multiple puzzles to give players freedom on where to start. Funnel down to just 1 puzzle along with story beats.
Clockwork Tales: Of Glass and Ink weaved puzzles+locations to great effect.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Presenting multiple puzzles to give players freedom on where to start. Funnel down to just 1 puzzle along with story beats.
Clockwork Tales: Of Glass and Ink weaved puzzles+locations to great effect.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 126: Anticipate repeated or erratic inputs.
Can a move be interrupted to begin another?
What happens when button spamming?
Batman trained to be the best, but your player hasn’t.
Understand their inputs so they feel like Batman.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Can a move be interrupted to begin another?
What happens when button spamming?
Batman trained to be the best, but your player hasn’t.
Understand their inputs so they feel like Batman.
#GameDesign #GameDev
October 6, 2025 at 5:48 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 126: Anticipate repeated or erratic inputs.
Can a move be interrupted to begin another?
What happens when button spamming?
Batman trained to be the best, but your player hasn’t.
Understand their inputs so they feel like Batman.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Can a move be interrupted to begin another?
What happens when button spamming?
Batman trained to be the best, but your player hasn’t.
Understand their inputs so they feel like Batman.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 125: Test on device.
The hardware performance could vary greatly on the target platform.
It’s good that the game works on your machine, but do you know where people aren’t going to play your game?
On *your* computer.
#GameDesign #GameDev
The hardware performance could vary greatly on the target platform.
It’s good that the game works on your machine, but do you know where people aren’t going to play your game?
On *your* computer.
#GameDesign #GameDev
October 3, 2025 at 1:41 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 125: Test on device.
The hardware performance could vary greatly on the target platform.
It’s good that the game works on your machine, but do you know where people aren’t going to play your game?
On *your* computer.
#GameDesign #GameDev
The hardware performance could vary greatly on the target platform.
It’s good that the game works on your machine, but do you know where people aren’t going to play your game?
On *your* computer.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 124: A shader can signal interactions while preserving atmosphere.
Nobody likes stumbling around in the dark for more ammo.
The Bioshock series (among others) balances a moody world with clear pickups thanks to a brief flash.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Nobody likes stumbling around in the dark for more ammo.
The Bioshock series (among others) balances a moody world with clear pickups thanks to a brief flash.
#GameDesign #GameDev
October 2, 2025 at 2:31 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 124: A shader can signal interactions while preserving atmosphere.
Nobody likes stumbling around in the dark for more ammo.
The Bioshock series (among others) balances a moody world with clear pickups thanks to a brief flash.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Nobody likes stumbling around in the dark for more ammo.
The Bioshock series (among others) balances a moody world with clear pickups thanks to a brief flash.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 123: “Dead” genres are likely just sleeping.
Even when “point & click adventure games were dead”, the escape room genre was popular on the web.
While games like Bear Escape were story-light, the inventory puzzles were on point.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Even when “point & click adventure games were dead”, the escape room genre was popular on the web.
While games like Bear Escape were story-light, the inventory puzzles were on point.
#GameDesign #GameDev
October 1, 2025 at 4:05 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 123: “Dead” genres are likely just sleeping.
Even when “point & click adventure games were dead”, the escape room genre was popular on the web.
While games like Bear Escape were story-light, the inventory puzzles were on point.
#GameDesign #GameDev
Even when “point & click adventure games were dead”, the escape room genre was popular on the web.
While games like Bear Escape were story-light, the inventory puzzles were on point.
#GameDesign #GameDev
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 122: Consider a white label version of your game.
“White Label” is a neutral version that can be branded in different ways.
Licensing isn’t for every studio. It also doesn’t have to be commercial.
Can you build a charity version?
#GameDesign #GameDev
“White Label” is a neutral version that can be branded in different ways.
Licensing isn’t for every studio. It also doesn’t have to be commercial.
Can you build a charity version?
#GameDesign #GameDev
September 30, 2025 at 2:19 PM
#BiteSizeGameDesign Lesson 122: Consider a white label version of your game.
“White Label” is a neutral version that can be branded in different ways.
Licensing isn’t for every studio. It also doesn’t have to be commercial.
Can you build a charity version?
#GameDesign #GameDev
“White Label” is a neutral version that can be branded in different ways.
Licensing isn’t for every studio. It also doesn’t have to be commercial.
Can you build a charity version?
#GameDesign #GameDev