JoT

{run.loop}

Been quiet for a while, but I'm still working hard on Loophole. Since the last update I've reworked UI, plus a full overhaul of the movement and forced-movement logic, among many other updates. I may not be consistent with posts, but I'm still here quietly focussed. 😀 #indiegamedev

Recently, I've been working on improvements to the camera, level transitions, hub world, buildings, and player skills. Slowly making progress towards a completed game loop. My code should make it easy for me to author new content... We'll see. #screenshotsaturday #Indiegamedev #tactics

Testing Cellular Automata for Loophole. The results so far are promising. Handcrafted maps remain core to the experience, procedural maps simply add extra variety to combat encounters. Handcrafted or generated, every map should feel alive and seamless. #screenshotsaturday #Indiegamedev #tactics

As we close out 2025 it's time to look back and realise how much the game has come along in 12 months, and overall. Looking ahead to 2026, I'll be working on map generation, redesigning the hub level, and setting up the main game loop. Merry Christmas all! #isometric #indiegamedev #tactics

Hey all! Still working away on "Loophole". Mechanically, it's improved a lot over the past 2 months, much of this is behind the scenes. It's also evolved artistically, with some amazing work from the talented @arfu.bsky.social here. Time to get back to it, see you soon. #indiegamedev #tactics

I underestimated Loophole’s timeline, but I'm confident the full game loop will be in place by year's end. I've been working tirelessly to get its systems working adequately. It's been a busy weekend in the heat, time for a nap. #indiegamedev #isometric #tactics

Spent a considerable amount of time attempting to resolve a pixel flickering issue today. Camera movement causes pixel flickering when the art is dithered. Has anyone else encountered this issue? #indiegamedev #bugs #gamemaker #pixelart

🌞 SOL CESTO - OUT NOW ON STEAM 🌞 After 2 years of hard work, Sol Cesto is finally out in Early Access! A roguelite where the eerie charm of Inscryption collides with the high-stakes thrill and explosive combos of Balatro. Please help us spread the word 🙌

When I was young, I could stare at a Game Boy screen for hours. These days, I envy those who can play games with a CRT filter on without getting a migraine. Loophole CRT would look great, but only for 5 minutes; then I'd need to lie down. #indiegamedev #CRT #retro

Another #screenshotsaturday loops around. Recently I’ve been planning UI layouts, improving map highlights, adding new chars/props/blocks in preparation for work on Map Generation. Minimal pixel art is the goal, it’s working out pretty well imo. #indiegamedev #ui #solodev #roguelike #tactics

LoopSkeet for May: ⛰️ New obstacles and defining enemy actions 🔁 2nd UI sketch, GUI shows players how to play 💡Improving highlight functionality to work alongside depth system 🫵 Positive feedback on Art style. No more directionaless drawing. 📝 Second story draft #indiegame #gamedev

Absolutely psyched to be the official host of this week's #TurnBasedThursday! #GameDev & #IndieDev: Show us your game! Players of #TurnBased games, your moves are:  ❤️ Like ► 🔁 Share  🗨️ Comment  🌠 Wishlist Get ready to capture all the amazing games below 👇💜

I’m taking the Silksong approach to updates. Here’s my skeet for April: ➰ Loophole is progressing steadily 👨‍🔧 Still working on underlying systems 🤺 Combat is playable 🗺️ Starting on map generation soon 🎮 After map gen, I’ll setup the full game loop Look forward to more soon-ish 🧐 #indiegame #gamedev

Enjoyed the battle system in the demo. It’s inspired by “Into the Breach”… aren’t we all 😉.

Following yesterday's post the telegraph highlights are done, giving me no excuse to procrastinate on testing combat Whenever I'm programming I find a way to condense code instead of working on new features. Eventually, my code will just be {run.loophole} 😅 #indiegame #gamedev #tactics #isometric

Back in time for #screenshotsaturday 🥳 I've been converting debug info into GUI. Key details are easily accessible, while additional information is hidden until needed. This setup is temporary but allows me to test combat ⚔️ gameplay without switching between debug modes. #indiegame #UI #gamedev

Feb has been my chill month. Still working on the loop. My focus is on code cleanup, story, UI, and optimisation. As the weather warms up I’ll be able to spend more time working without my hands freezing over 🥶 Tomorrow is my 30th birthday 🎈 To celebrate, support an indie dev #indiegames #gamedev

Woah! I'm hosting the official #TurnBasedThursday this week! 🎉 That means you'll find secret turn-based games in the replies, pretty neat right? If you're a turn-based #gamedev, reply with your game! Let's spread the turn-based love. ♥️ + 🔁

I've been told the majority of gamers don't enjoy time mechanics. Which is why I'm hesitant to include one in mine. Regardless, these games have influenced me in a number of other ways: 1. Majoras Mask 2. Outer Wilds The Anju & Kafei quesline in MM is a particular highlight. #gamedev #influences

It's still #WishlistWednesday somewhere in the world. So I want to shout out these two amazing #indiegames : Upcoming: 🎣The Big Catch by @filet.group store.steampowered.com/app/2146290/... Out Now: 🍄Dread Delusion by @lovelyhellplace.bsky.social store.steampowered.com/app/1574240/...

My eclectic mix of influences lends an unhinged feel to the design and narrative of "Loophole". Continuing on the theme of childhood gaming influences: 1. Gnat Attack - Mario Paint 2. Plok 3. Mystic Quest The music from Plok and Mystic Quest deserves an extra shout-out. tbc... #gamedev #influences

Hopping into the new year with a post on pathfinding progress. Long story short, it's done. Not only that but we've hit 500 followers! 👋 I smashed my development goals for last year, so for 2025 let's aim big. #indiedev #TurnBasedThursday #gamedev #roguelike #tactics #isometric

Loophole is my first game. Spurred into development due to my need for a creative outlet, I've saved up years of wacky ideas for this moment. Here are some of my obscure game influences: 1. Bongo Bongo - Ocarina Of Time 2. You Boss - Gameboy Camera 3. Missing No - Pokemon Red / Blue tbc... #gamedev

My friend and colleague @aguycalledrevive.bsky.social is convinced I’m Bluesky famous. Who am I to let him down. Let’s make his Christmas wish come true and hit 500 followers. Oh yeah and I suppose you could follow him too, he also makes great stuff. 🤩 #indiedev #gamedev

At the start of the year all blocks were drawn as a single object, I had no layering system, and my debug text was orange. A year later, I have a fully functioning map creator, moveable characters with skills, turn orders, free "hop" movement, and UI. Thanks 2024. #indiegame #gamedev #pixelart

On average, how many attempts does it take to find your final game name? The longer the game takes to develop the more likely I’m going to change its name. #indiegamedev

#screenshotsaturday comes around quick! It's a visually uneventful week on Loophole unless you love grass and character ranges. I've been devising player classes and preparing to write Enemy AI 🤖 For the next few weeks, I'll have my head down, hopefully returning with something new. #indiegamedev

Cutting it fine on #screenshotsaturday This week I moved debug info to the main game UI, iterated on art for the basic tiles, and continued work on the combat loop to ensure NPCs wait their turn. Next up, designing classes. Aiming to avoid traditional in favour of something a bit wacky #indiegamedev

Despite working in the games industry for most of the last decade, I began my indie journey like many others—thinking I couldn’t do it. Every week still brings its challenges, but so far, I haven't encountered a problem I couldn't at least jank fix. Anyone can do it… even you. #indiegame #gamedev

Today, I tackled the pixel doubling issue I spotted after a recent post. The good news: it was an easy fix. The bad: I realized my draw-event sorting grid is now insufficient. Damn... Gotta refactor it into a more in-depth layering system... not now... maybe tomorrow. #gamedev #gamemaker

"Don't worry, one of these chests is bound to be real... right?" The temp UI is mostly finished—function first. I'm eager to finish some visual systems so I can start combat testing. However, I have a knack for getting sidetracked. #gamedev #indiegame #sidetracked

Indie development used to feel pretty isolated. But since I switched to Bluesky, I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of indie developers out there. Welcome and thanks to all my new followers! Im JoT, a solo indie dev working on my first game, “Loophole”. #gamedev #indiegame

Even if this UI is just temporary, it's made me realize how everything's coming together. There probably won't be many moments when I realise how far I've come, but this is one of the few. #gamedev #indiegames #loophole #gameui

Some of the games that have influenced the development of 'Loophole' include Into the Breach 🐛, Moonring ⚔️, and LoopHero ➰. I consider the formers design to be a near perfect condensation of tactics and puzzle. Ideas I’m aiming to expand on while keeping the core concepts intact. #indie #gamedev

As I approach the visually interesting phase of development I'll probably start posting more. I have some great ideas for art that I have no idea how to materialise so the lead up to that will probably be entertaining. #indiegame #gamedev #art

In a world where I can create anything, I'll still draw dumb faces and consider whether they'd make good battlegrounds. Drawing in iso is difficult. #gamedev #indie #isometric

Several hours later, I'm feeling better about the art design. Regardless, It's a low priority for now. But at least I can show off the title change. Next week it's back to code. Sweet, confusing, code. #loophole #indie #gamedev

Personally, the hardest part of development so far is choosing an art style. I'm still messing around with the look I want, but pixel art isn't my strong suit. Eventually, I'll land on something that fits my skill level and the game. For now, I'll stick with this #pixelart #indie #gamedev #isometric

Hey Bluesky. I’m making an isometric, tactics, rogue-like. Started at the beginning of this year but hoping to show off more next year. For now though, I’d love to see what everyone else is making. #isometric #tactical #Gamedev #roguelike

Hey, moving over to Bluesky, back to the restart. Building out the foundation of "Project Darkshot", this extended period has allowed me to iterate design ideas before implementation. Basic functionality in 2024. Mechanics in 2025. Wish me luck #GameMaker #indie #tactics #roguelike