Ben Droste

6pm coffee what could go wrong?

I've just learned that Freeplay has removed me as a sponsor for Parallels due to an accusation from a speaker that I am a "zionist". Where did the speaker get this idea? Because Unpacking was included in a listicle in an online Jewish publication a few days ago. I didn't even know about the article.

I don't want to come on here and act like I'm telling the ABC how to do their job, but I'm pretty confident nobody needed an expert to tell them this

How I'm making my game's 3D map more intuitive to navigate. #indiegames #metroidvania youtube.com/shorts/O4XfA...

When AI kills us all it won't be because it became self aware and malicious, it will be because some idiot gave a glorified chatbot access to the launch codes. "Sorry, that's on me. I should have asked you before launching the nukes."

It’s fucking me up that the word elevate predates the invention of the elevator but the invention of the escalator predates the word escalate. It’s complete madness

Why I added objective markers to my game's map, and why I'm making sure they're not *too* helpful. #indiegames #metroidvania #gamedev youtube.com/shorts/NcDHg...

If you are an Indie that is attending Pax AUS Rising this year, can you shout out your game here so I can add it to my list? I'm not doing videos this year, but I'm still doing a list

People say AI is making people stupider but I can't help but wonder if it's doing it deliberately

I could make three more videos from the amount of BS and hacks that's going on in this part of the game 😄 The vista is just the start.

If you're exhibiting at #Paxaus for the first time and feeling a bit overwhelmed, or even if you're just a little unsure of it all, here is my epic tradeshow thread to help you out 😃 (I meant to post this weeks ago but I swear August was only like 6 days long this year...) #gamedev #indiedev #pax

Very kind of Nintendo to release new side scrolling Metroid for my birthday 🙂 youtu.be/ku-vSTDNsT8?...

The best looking Zelda games, in order, are: 1. Breath of the Wild 2. Wind Waker 3. Zelda CD-i I will not be taking questions at this time.

I added map markers to help players track down 100% of hidden pickups... but I didn't want to give everything away. #metroidvania #indiegames

Their mistake was not making it bright pink and highly emissive. It would still get missed, but it would be 100x more embarrassing.

How do you fit a massive game world into limited space? By breaking up my game's map in to little chunks I'm able to stream it in a piece at a time as you explore. #indiegames #metroidvania #puzzlegames

I think Metroid Prime's scanner is a great mechanic, but I have two big issues with it. So I made some important changes for scanning in my game. #gamedev #indiedev #indiegames #metroidprime

I was forced to find an alternative way of rendering my 3D map over the game view. The solution is simple but effective! #gamedev #indiedev #indiegames

The legit most unrealistic part about Primer, the ‘04 sci-fi thriller, is that two tech bros sat on their invention for a few years because they wanted to understand the implications of their technology and not release it to world too soon. And yes, it also includes building a Time Machine.

Starling Sonic made a video about microwave sounds (something that has been bothering me for years!), so I thought I would add my two cents about user interface design and accessibility. #sounddesign #gameaudio #gamesound

A tiny tweak to my game's camera that makes a big difference to game feel. #gamedev #indiedev #indiegames

YoGo Gorilla Mix - Bus (1995, Australia)

Do you like games?

Horrible person dies: [jokes about them being in hell, litany of the terrible things they said and did] Good person dies: [fond reminiscence of that time a character they played went to hell and it was incredibly sick, nothing but praise for their actual character]

Answering a common question about my game's auto aim system: How do you prioritize targets? It's actually super simple! #gamedev #indiedev #indiegames

We are open to new gigs, by the way! You could have this kind of thing in your game if you want 👀

This week I talk about why I decided to remove the tutorial section from my demo. Turns out it was a bad introduction to an otherwise good game, and it was turning people away before they got to the good stuff! #gamedev #indiedev #indiegames

The way my son’s shirt is folded has created a horrid little monstrosity.

This week I've been working on replacing the old temporary intro cut scene for Memory's Reach with something that better introduces the story. Here's how I made a warp speed effect for one of the new shots! #indiegames #gamedev #indiedev #gameart

Okay, generalized optimization tips for game models. 1: optimisation means 'as efficient as possible within defined constraints". The important thing before you begin optimising is the 'defined constraints' bit. What are you optimising for? Framerate? Memory? Draw calls? Artist time? Cost?

Working on a secret hidden room today... went a bit overboard with the moss and vines but you know what, it looks cool! #gamedev #indiedev

Rather happy with how this room turned out. Also enjoyed being able to spend a day just doing art for a change.

New limited-time demo update out now! Explore the City of Lys until June 30. Featuring new puzzles, lore, and secrets to find! And a huge thanks to @thinkygames.com and @puzzleshowcase.bsky.social for including Memory's Reach in the Thinky Direct 2026 and the Cerebral Puzzle Showcase 😃

We're excited to announce that the Cerebral Puzzle Showcase will begin TOMORROW and run from May 28 - June 4! Featuring discounts on a selection of excellent puzzle games, streams from our favorite streamers, demos for upcoming games & plenty more! Links below 👇 www.cerebralpuzzleshowcase.com

Alright it's Saturday, I have housework I don't want to do, a bowl full of tasty black grapes, and Schrödinger's Cat Burglar from @abandonedsheep.com I consider this a good set of decisions.

The Cerebral Puzzle Showcase begins in one week! 🧩🎉 Kicking off the event on Thursday we'll have @thinkygames.com's THINKY DIRECT, followed by 4 days of livestreams. 💸 400+ puzzle games + discounts 🧩 100+ demos to try 📦 Exclusive showcase bundles www.cerebralpuzzleshowcase.com

We have BIG NEWS... Schrodinger's Cat Burglar is OUT NOW! ⚛️ Brain-twisting quantum puzzles 👥 Play in both solo or coop 🔬Plenty of secrets and hidden areas 🎨Full cat customisation! store.steampowered.com/app/2111550/...

Every paragraph in this article is more infuriating than the last. It's almost unbelievable just how much we're being taken for a ride.

TODAY'S THE DAY! Schrodinger's Cat Burglar releases in 15 hours!

Google's "listen to this page" feature is just this and I fucking hate it.