Stars Reach doesn’t look like you remember

I've been remiss in posting updates on Stars Reach here. I mean, the Kickstarter finished back in March (late pledges still accepted)! Today, though, I want to brag about our awesome AI and proc gen driven worlds.

Over the last few releases, we have been rolling out yet

https://www.raphkoster.com/2025/06/20/stars-reach-doesnt-look-like-you-remember/

#GameTalk #Gamemaking #ai #CellularAutomata #mmo #PlayableWorlds #sandbox #StarsReach

Time to make games!
ASM Game Jam returns to Assembly Summer 2025 with a weekend full of creativity, creation and computer magic! 👻🕹️ Tickets are now available on Eventbrite: https://asmjam25.eventbrite.fi/

#finnishgamejam #asmjam #gamingfestival #deomparty #assembly #gamejam #indiedev #gamedev #gamemaking

Second scholarship program from Finnish Game Jam in one year, what?! Yes, it is not a mistake - apply to get a stipend to travel to Warsaw, Poland, and to participate in the Slavic Game Jam!

https://forms.gle/gFqk6kiKH2gTZs9n7

#gamejam #finnishgamejam #slavicgamejam #indiedev #gamedev #gamemaking #scholarship

Every day is a good day to remind myself what a shitty software engineer I am.

#godot #dev #gamemaking #shitposting #meme

Dev Pile 2025-20

Sorry, folks, calling something of an easy mode on this one. See, this week has featured some vet visits and an election and some general bad times for sleep so I’m taking an easy route here and going to talk about a game that’s not part of the ongoing Moonshiners and Bloodwork game designs.

I’m gunna talk about revising The Botch for a new era.

[…]

https://press.invincible.ink/dev-pile-2025-20/

#cardGames #devPile #gameMaking #theBotch

Eltern, die sich Sorgen um die Bildschirmzeit ihrer Kinder machen: Es muss nicht immer negativ sein! Hier ein Beispiel, was mit #Scratch so alles möglich ist.

👉 "How i made a game by animating like the developers of Cuphead did"
https://youtu.be/jEidq9d5zH0?feature=

GAME LINK:
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/716701529/

#gamemaking #cuphead #fangame #cartoon #drawing #animating

[ kontrolerji 🎮] game making meetups

osmo/za, Wednesday, April 16 at 05:00 PM GMT+2

(english description below)

Naslednje srečanje Kontrolerjev 16.4. ob 17:00 bomo imeli open mic ter co-working session.

Open mic je reden del srečanj, kjer lahko kdorkoli dobi prostor za predstavljanje svojega projekta, teme, ki jo raziskuje ter karkoli podobnega.

Ideja so-delanja pa je da za en dan v mesecu ustvarimo imamo nek tretji prostor (third space) kjer bomo delali na naših projektih (igrah ali podobnem) ter si mogoče občasno pošpegali preko ramen ter drug drugemu pomagali.

več o kontrolerjih

skupaj z Ljudmilo bi vam rad povabil na game-making srečanja [ kontrolerji 🎮]. To so meeti za ustvarjalke_ce računalniških iger kjer bomo lahko delili znanje drug z drugim!

ethos kontrolerjev je…

1. Da so računalniške igre mlad medij z brezmejno širino. Lahko govorimo o mainstream streljačinah, dostopnih puzzle igrah za igranje na avtobusu, umetniških virtualnih svetovih, predstavljenih v galerijah, ali eksperimentalnih igrah, ki rušijo pričakovanja. 

2. Da je ustvarjanje iger je vključujoče in dostopno. Obstaja tisoče načinov in orodij ustvarjanja iger, od teh kjer se ne dotakneš programiranja do teh kjer preživiš dni v terminalu.

3. Da želimo ustvariti skupnost ustvarjalk_cev na geografskem področju Slovenije, ki cenijo širino medija ter drug drugega. Srečanja so namenjena tako tem, ki ravno končujejo svoj magnum opus, kot tistim, ki ustvarjajo majhne igre v Bitsyju ter tem, ki še ne vedo kje začeti. 

akcijski plan

1. redna in brezplačna srečanja za udeleženke_ce z različnimi predznanji

2. izmenjava game-making znanja (demonstracije, show-and-tell projektov, predstavitve orodij)

3. praktično ustvarjanje (coworking, mini game-jami), torej prinesi laptop da se lahko učiš v praksi

principi delovanja

1. deljenje odgovornosti / odprtost za skupnostno delovanje – več ljudi “organizira/vodi”

2. raznolikost: varni prostori za ženske, ne-binarne in trans osebe

3. pravila obnašanja: berlincodeofconduct.org

ENGLISH:

the next kontrolerji meetup will be on the 16th of April at 17:00 and will feature an open mic and a co-working session.

Open mic is a recurring part of the meetups where anyone can present what they are working on, a topic they are interesting in or anything simillar.

The coworking session is trying to create a third space, where we can work on our projects (games or simillar) and occasionally peek over each others shoulders, bounce ideas and create an environemnt where we encourage each other and move our projects forwards.

more about kontrolerji

together with Ljudmila we would like to invite you to game-making meetups [ kontrolerji 🎮]. these are meetups for (future) game-makers where we can share our knowledge with each other and further our practice.

quick notes:

the first meetup will be on the 19th of February at 18:00 in osmo/za with the next ones being every third Wednesday in a month. We will introduce each other and our practice (or desire) of making games and cap off the meeting by learning a small tool called pocket platformer where we will make a simple platformer game.

ps: bring a laptop or let us know if you don’t have one.

sing-ups

for an easier time of coordinating the meetups please confirm your participation by letting us know that you would like to attend at katja@ljudmila.org

the [ kontrolerji 🎮] ethos is…

1. that games are a young medium with untapped potential. we can be making mainstream shooters, accessible puzzle games for phones, art pieces for museums and galleries or experimental games that break our expectations.

2. that game making is accessible and inclusive. there are thousands of ways to make a game and all are equally valid. you can use tools where you spend nights in the terminal or tools where you don’t need to touch the code editor, you are still making a game.

3. that we want to create a community on the geographical space of Slovenia that values its participants as well as the width and diversity of the medium. the meetups are intended for those that are finishing their magnum opus just as well as those that are making their first game in Bitsy

plan of action

1. once-a-month free to participate meetups for participants of all skill levels

2. exchange of game-making knowledge (demos, show-and-tells, workshops)

3. praxis and learning by making (co-working sessions, game jams) therefore bring a laptop

principles of operation

1. self-organisation; we work on the meetups together and share responsibility

2. diversity; this is safe space for women, non-binary and trans individuals

3. rules of conduct: https://berlincodeofconduct.org/

https://koledar.kompot.si/event/kontrolerji-game-making-meetups-2

One week of Stars Reach Kickstarter

Wow, it has been an intense six days.

We launched on Tuesday, which feels like an eternity ago. It's a mad scramble to get everything done, make sure you have all the content ready, to answer the huge inflow of questions, find all the spots where you weren't quite clear enough... but you just sur

https://www.raphkoster.com/2025/03/03/one-week-of-stars-reach-kickstarter/

#GameTalk #Gamemaking #kickstarter #PlayableWorlds #StarsReach #starsreach

If you prefer watching a video, here it is on YouTube. Learn how to bring artwork to life in Godot Engine!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4WcxkyOgQg

#Godot #OpenSource #EdTech #GameMaking #ProjectBasedLearning #GameDesign #GodotEngine #GameDev

Educators, want to bring your students' artwork to life in Godot Engine? 🎨🎮

Our step-by-step guide shows your students how to easily integrate custom visuals, whether it’s a background or an interactive game element.

https://www.endlessos.org/post/how-to-add-your-own-artwork-into-godot-a-step-by-step-guide?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social

#Godot #OpenSource #EdTech #GameMaking #ProjectBasedLearning #GameDesign #GodotEngine #GameDev

STARS REACH Kickstarter funded in 1 hour

I can't tell you how much of a rollercoaster yesterday was. We hoped to see a strong Kickstarter but reaching our goal is less than one hour is just amazing, and a real expression of support from the community. Thank you all so much. (You can check out the Kickstarter here!)

We're not stopping here. As I write

https://www.raphkoster.com/2025/02/26/stars-reach-kickstarter-funded-in-1-hour/

#GameTalk #Gamemaking #PlayableWorlds #StarsReach

[ kontrolerji 🎮] game making meetups

osmo/za, Wednesday, March 19 at 05:00 PM GMT+1

(eng version below)

skupaj z Ljudmilo bi vam rad povabil na game-making srečanja [ kontrolerji 🎮]. To so meeti za ustvarjalke_ce računalniških iger kjer bomo lahko delili znanje drug z drugim!

na hitro

drugo srečanje bo 19.03. ob 17:00 v osmo/zi, naslednja pa vsako trejto sredo v mesecu. Brin bo predstavil potek procesa ustvarjanja iger iz njegovih izkušenj ter omenil orodja različnih težavnosti, ki se lahko uporabljajo za ustvarjanje iger.

p.s.: prinesi lapto oz. nas kontaktiraj če ga nimaš.

prijave (!!!)

za lažjo organizacijo srečanj, prosimo, da svojo udeležbo javite na: katja@ljudmila.org ali pa jo javite v discord kanalu

ethos kontrolerjev je…

1. Da so računalniške igre mlad medij z brezmejno širino. Lahko govorimo o mainstream streljačinah, dostopnih puzzle igrah za igranje na avtobusu, umetniških virtualnih svetovih, predstavljenih v galerijah, ali eksperimentalnih igrah, ki rušijo pričakovanja. 

2. Da je ustvarjanje iger je vključujoče in dostopno. Obstaja tisoče načinov in orodij ustvarjanja iger, od teh kjer se ne dotakneš programiranja do teh kjer preživiš dni v terminalu.

3. Da želimo ustvariti skupnost ustvarjalk_cev na geografskem področju Slovenije, ki cenijo širino medija ter drug drugega. Srečanja so namenjena tako tem, ki ravno končujejo svoj magnum opus, kot tistim, ki ustvarjajo majhne igre v Bitsyju ter tem, ki še ne vedo kje začeti. 

akcijski plan

1. redna in brezplačna srečanja za udeleženke_ce z različnimi predznanji

2. izmenjava game-making znanja (demonstracije, show-and-tell projektov, predstavitve orodij)

3. praktično ustvarjanje (coworking, mini game-jami), torej prinesi laptop da se lahko učiš v praksi

principi delovanja

1. deljenje odgovornosti / odprtost za skupnostno delovanje – več ljudi “organizira/vodi”

2. raznolikost: varni prostori za ženske, ne-binarne in trans osebe

3. pravila obnašanja: berlincodeofconduct.org

English

together with Ljudmila we would like to invite you to game-making meetups [ kontrolerji 🎮]. these are meetups for (future) game-makers where we can share our knowledge with each other and further our practice.

quick notes:

the first meetup will be on the 19th of February at 18:00 in osmo/za with the next ones being every third Wednesday in a month. We will introduce each other and our practice (or desire) of making games and cap off the meeting by learning a small tool called pocket platformer where we will make a simple platformer game.

ps: bring a laptop or let us know if you don’t have one.

sing-ups

for an easier time of coordinating the meetups please confirm your participation by letting us know that you would like to attend at katja@ljudmila.org

the [ kontrolerji 🎮] ethos is…

1. that games are a young medium with untapped potential. we can be making mainstream shooters, accessible puzzle games for phones, art pieces for museums and galleries or experimental games that break our expectations.

2. that game making is accessible and inclusive. there are thousands of ways to make a game and all are equally valid. you can use tools where you spend nights in the terminal or tools where you don’t need to touch the code editor, you are still making a game.

3. that we want to create a community on the geographical space of Slovenia that values its participants as well as the width and diversity of the medium. the meetups are intended for those that are finishing their magnum opus just as well as those that are making their first game in Bitsy

plan of action

1. once-a-month free to participate meetups for participants of all skill levels

2. exchange of game-making knowledge (demos, show-and-tells, workshops)

3. praxis and learning by making (co-working sessions, game jams) therefore bring a laptop

principles of operation

1. self-organisation; we work on the meetups together and share responsibility

2. diversity; this is safe space for women, non-binary and trans individuals

3. rules of conduct: https://berlincodeofconduct.org/

https://koledar.kompot.si/event/kontrolerji-game-making-meetups-1

🦄 JamJam 2025!

✨JamJam brings together game jammers, jam organizers, game making enthusiasts and creatives for unique experience.

💙 Help us make it happen! We’re looking for volunteers and sponsors. Contact us via LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/finnish-game-jam/)
EVERY BIT OF SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

🎉 Experience the magic of community with creative workshops, insightful talks, and meaningful connections.

#finnishgamejam #jamjam #summerfestival #gamemaking #indiegames #indiedev #gamejam

👾 FOR THE JAMMERS, ALWAYS - THANK YOU! 👾

🎮 Without you, there would be no jams!

✨ Thank you for bringing your creativity and passion, and making this jam a record breaker, AGAIN!

🏅 #FGJ25 gathered 1088 jammers, who made a total of 325 games!

💙 We’re grateful to have you in this amazing community. Here’s to many more games, friendships, and late-night brainstorming sessions! 💙

#FinnishGameJam #GlobalGameJam #indiedev #gamemaking #gamemakers #indiecommunity #indiegames

[ kontrolerji 🎮] game making meetups

https://koledar.kompot.si/event/kontrolerji-game-making-meetups

[ kontrolerji 🎮] game making meetups

https://dogodki.kompot.si/events/d0dc6cf1-a563-4dc4-be78-4ebdb2fda679

📢 SHOUTOUT TO ALL ARISTS, CODERS, DESIGNERS, STORYTELLERS, GAME MAKERS, AND THEIR EMOTIONAL SUPPORT BUDDIES!

🎉 FGJ starts tomorrow meaning that registration ends tonight at 23:59! Remember to register to one of FGJ sites ( 🎫 https://www.eventbrite.fi/o/finnish-game-jam-ry-6802261839) and bring friends along!

#finnishgamejam #globalgamejam #indiedev #indiegames #gamemaking

📢 Two more #FGJ25 sites are open to join! The Global Game Jam starts next Monday and most Finnish sites start jamming next Friday, so grab your ticket ASAP!

⭐ FGJ Metaplay https://www.eventbrite.fi/e/fgj-metaplay-tickets-1144045453749
⭐ FGJ Ylivieska https://www.eventbrite.fi/e/fgj-ylivieska-tickets-1144050498839

You can find the list of all currently open sites on our website finnishgamejam.com

#finnishgamejam #globalgamejam #indiegamedev #indiedev #gamemaking

Microgrants applications are starting to roll in, yay! You have a month left to apply!

Guidelines and application form: https://iftechfoundation.org/committees/grants/grants-guidelines/

See the projects we funded last year: https://iftechfoundation.org/committees/grants/past-grants/2024/

#IF #InteractiveFiction #GameMaking #IndieGaming #FOSS #OpenSource

Old movement stuff for STARS REACH

When it comes to interim stages of game dev, I am a bit of a packrat. I have paper maps from when I was doing Ultima Online, and UI sketches for Star Wars Galaxies... of course, for my current thing, Stars Reach, I have a whole pile of images and videos going back to the very earliest d

https://www.raphkoster.com/2024/08/28/old-movement-stuff-for-stars-reach/

#GameTalk #Gamemaking #GameDesign #PlayableWorlds #playableworlds #StarsReach #starsreach