Posts on shiftBacktick https://shiftbacktick.io en-us Thu Apr 16 19:01:15 CDT 2026 Greetings curators! I’m excited to share a large vertical slice of features, enhancements, and fixes for THE OMEGA REACH. This update adds a new room and ex... https://shiftbacktick.io/the-omega-reach/releases/v1.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/the-omega-reach/releases/v1.1.0.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! This hotfix solves a softlock that would occur on the destinations screen for Alpha Periphery C after collecting its first story artifa... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.1.7.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.1.7.html Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings curators! I’m excited to share my submission for the fifth-annual Games for Blind Gamers 5 jam: THE OMEGA REACH. Is it a museum simulator? a unive... https://shiftbacktick.io/the-omega-reach/releases/v1.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/the-omega-reach/releases/v1.0.0.html Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings! I’m excited to announce the release of Lost Lakes, a hiking simulator created for Comfy Jam Winter 2025. In this love letter to my annual camping... https://shiftbacktick.io/lost-lakes/releases/v1.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/lost-lakes/releases/v1.0.0.html Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 2025 was the sixth year of my game development journey. Although it was a bit slower than previous years, I continued to improve my craft and advocate for be... https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2026/01/03/happy-new-year.html https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2026/01/03/happy-new-year.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to share another batch of improvements as I work on the final expansion. This addresses your feedback since the last releas... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.1.6.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.1.6.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to share a handful of features, enhancements, and fixes inspired by showcasing Periphery Synthetic at MDEV last weekend. Th... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.1.5.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.1.5.html Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! Recently I’ve hinted that I’m focusing on the final expansion for Periphery Synthetic. I’m excited to immediately release a handful of ... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.1.4.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.1.4.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to announce that Periphery Synthetic will be returning to MDEV’s Indie Game Showcase on Friday, November 7 and Saturday, No... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2025/09/30/side-e-at-mdev.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2025/09/30/side-e-at-mdev.html Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! This release adds some quality of life improvements based on your feedback since the expansion release. Enjoy! v4.1.3 changes Repl... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.1.3.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.1.3.html Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to share the most complete version of Periphery Synthetic yet: the Endgame update. Finally, you may choose from its multipl... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.1.0.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! Thank you all for a fun and successful release weekend. This release addresses your feedback, as well as a few things that I noticed in... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.0.1.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.0.1.html Sun, 17 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to announce that Periphery Synthetic has expanded with Wards of Andromeda! After more than a year of development, it nearly... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v4.0.0.html Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to announce the release date for the first free content expansion for Periphery Synthetic, titled: Wards of Andromeda. The ... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2025/06/24/wards-of-andromeda-release-trailer.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2025/06/24/wards-of-andromeda-release-trailer.html Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! It’s been several months since my last update about Periphery Synthetic’s first free content expansion. Continue reading for an update ... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2025/05/22/side-d-progress-update.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2025/05/22/side-d-progress-update.html Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 The latest version of Kaleidophone resolves some longstanding issues with the desktop build and touch controls on mobile. Thank you to the folks on Discord f... https://shiftbacktick.io/kaleidophone/releases/v1.1.2.html https://shiftbacktick.io/kaleidophone/releases/v1.1.2.html Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Ahoy merchants! Here is a small batch of accessibility improvements for Lacus Opportunitas based on feedback received during Games for Blind Gamers 4. Thank... https://shiftbacktick.io/lacus-opportunitas/releases/v1.0.3.html https://shiftbacktick.io/lacus-opportunitas/releases/v1.0.3.html Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0600 Ahoy merchants! I’m pleased to share this vertical slice of improvements for Lacus Opportunitas ahead of the submission deadline for Games for Blind Gamers ... https://shiftbacktick.io/lacus-opportunitas/releases/v1.0.2.html https://shiftbacktick.io/lacus-opportunitas/releases/v1.0.2.html Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600 Ahoy merchants! This release addresses a rare divide-by-zero error when calculating trick scores. Thanks for understanding. Enjoy! https://shiftbacktick.io/lacus-opportunitas/releases/v1.0.1.html https://shiftbacktick.io/lacus-opportunitas/releases/v1.0.1.html Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600 Ahoy merchants! I’m excited to announce the release of Lacus Opportunitas, a lunar lake trading simulator developed for Games for Blind Gamers 4. In it, you... https://shiftbacktick.io/lacus-opportunitas/releases/v1.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/lacus-opportunitas/releases/v1.0.0.html Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m proud to announce that Periphery Synthetic is a part of the RPGs for Accessible Gaming bundle. All proceeds from this bundle will h... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2025/02/19/rpgs-for-accessible-gaming-bundle.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2025/02/19/rpgs-for-accessible-gaming-bundle.html Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600 2024 was the fifth year of my game development journey. For the first time, I was singularly focused on one project: pushing Periphery Synthetic over the fin... https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2025/01/01/happy-new-year.html https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2025/01/01/happy-new-year.html Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to share the final update for Periphery Synthetic in 2024. This release brings a vertical slice of audio and graphical enha... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.12.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.12.html Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to reveal the trailer for Side D, the first free content expansion for Periphery Synthetic. The EP launched with three musi... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/12/27/side-d-reveal-trailer.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/12/27/side-d-reveal-trailer.html Fri, 27 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! Here are a few extra improvements to share for Periphery Synthetic. These were found while storyboarding and collecting footage for an ... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.11.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.11.html Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to share another batch of accessibility enhancements for Periphery Synthetic based on your feedback. Importantly, this rele... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.10.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.10.html Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to share another round of improvements for Periphery Synthetic. These focus on improving the accessibility of its navigatio... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.9.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.9.html Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m deeply honored to announce that Periphery Synthetic has been nominated for the Indie Excellence and Best Blind / Low Vision Accessi... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/11/28/gaconf-awards-nominations.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/11/28/gaconf-awards-nominations.html Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to share another vertical slice of improvements for Periphery Synthetic. The main objective for this release was to improve... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.8.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.8.html Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to announce that Periphery Synthetic has been nominated for the Notable Achievement in Accessibility category at the first-... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/11/19/indie-game-awards-nomination.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/11/19/indie-game-awards-nomination.html Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! As I work on the first free content expansion, I’m continuing to make improvements to the core experience based on your feedback. I’m e... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.7.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.7.html Sun, 10 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I was delighted to be invited to speak virtually at GAconf USA on October 28, 2024. The conference was filled with a diversity of persp... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/10/28/overanalyzing-and-synthesizing-transcript.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/10/28/overanalyzing-and-synthesizing-transcript.html Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! Recently I started working exclusively on the new planet and mechanics coming in the first free content expansion. This release merges ... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.6.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.6.html Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! This release wraps up loose ends and the feedback that I received from you in the first week since release. I’m excited to read what fo... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.5.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.5.html Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! This release brings a vertical slice of new features, enhancements, and fixes based on your feedback from the first week since release.... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.4.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.4.html Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! This release addresses some feedback that was collected over the weekend from folks across various channels. Thanks again for sharing y... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.3.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.3.html Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! This release addresses the remaining issues that were reported on release day. Thanks again for your feedback and support while I worke... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.2.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.2.html Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! This release addresses the most commonly-reported issues on release day. If you are experiencing issues with audio performance, please ... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.1.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.1.html Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Grettings surveyors! I’m excited to announce that Periphery Synthetic is now available on Steam for Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck. In this chill and nonvio... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.2.0.html Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! The v3.1.2 update fixes a hard lock and progress loss that can occur after discovering all portals. I recommend upgrading to this versio... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.1.2.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.1.2.html Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to announce that Periphery Synthetic will be fully released on Steam and itch.io for Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck on Augu... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/06/24/release-date-announcement.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/06/24/release-date-announcement.html Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to announce that Periphery Synthetic will be participating in the Access-Ability Summer Showcase 2024 on Friday, June 7, 20... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/05/30/access-ability-showcase-2024.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/05/30/access-ability-showcase-2024.html Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m taking a quick break from working on the Steam release for Periphery Synthetic EP to share how it’s going. As predicted, my promise... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/05/21/progress-report.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/05/21/progress-report.html Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! The v3.1.1 update fixes a soft lock when beginning a New Game Plus. I recommend upgrading to this version if you’d like to start a new g... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.1.1.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.1.1.html Thu, 11 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to share the latest version of Periphery Synthetic EP. This update responds to the outpouring of feedback that I received a... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.1.0.html Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! Since the release of Project Ephemera, I have been taking a short break from game development for my mental health. I felt unexpectedly... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/03/14/roadmap-update.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2024/03/14/roadmap-update.html Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500 I’m excited to announce the release of Project Ephemera, a demo disc developed for SYNTH jam. In it, you choose between three diverse demos that push the lim... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v1.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v1.0.0.html Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Today I worked through a variety of wishlist items for Melody Heights. Progress included: Tweaking the footstep trail sounds. Adding the ability to jum... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.13.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.13.0.html Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Tonight I worked through a week of notes from playtesting Secret Bread. Progress included: Improving the accuracy of the gamepad controls. Adding more ... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.12.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.12.0.html Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600 This weekend I prototyped the third demo: Secret Bread. It’s basically a procedurally-generated instrument that changes each time you play it. Progress inclu... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.11.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.11.0.html Sun, 07 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600 2023 was another rewarding year for my game development journey. In my fourth year of taking it seriously, I’ve found that much of the difficult work is fina... https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2024/01/01/happy-new-year.html https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2024/01/01/happy-new-year.html Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600 Today I wrapped up Melody Heights. It was a joy how quickly the sound design and music came together! My progress included: Polishing the moon and wind s... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.10.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.10.0.html Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600 Today I made Melody Heights a bit more interactive by spawning timid fairies throughout the park. You may try sneaking up on them in this iteration! Progress... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.9.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.9.0.html Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600 Today I started work on the second demo: Melody Heights. It’s a minimalist walking simulator set on a dark mountainside where each step illuminates the world... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.8.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.8.0.html Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600 Today was a light day of polishing Harmony Falls. This included: Improving the mix. Randomizing the pulse-width of musical sounds. Exposing the film ... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.7.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.7.0.html Sat, 23 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600 The demo for Harmony Falls now has audio! Today’s progress included: Adding haptics and mouse controls to the demo. Spawning particles when the player ... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.6.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.6.0.html Sat, 23 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600 The first playable build of Harmony Falls came together over the past 24 hours. This included: Setting up the controls. Hooking them up with player mov... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.5.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.5.0.html Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600 Today I completed mostly dark work as I prepared for the next sprint. This included: Finalizing the game design document for the first demo. Defining t... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.4.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.4.0.html Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600 Today the interface came to life with sound! This included: Implementing cues for focusing, clicking, sliding, and toggling elements. Adding a subtle e... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.3.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.3.0.html Sun, 17 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600 I didn’t make as much progress as I had planned for today. Instead, this build sets me up for a successful day tomorrow. Progress included: Improving the... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.2.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.2.0.html Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600 Hello jammers! Thank you for joining me for SYNTH jam. For one month we’re building delightful audio toys. This is the start of my submission. Since decidi... https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/project-ephemera/releases/v0.1.0.html Fri, 15 Dec 2023 06:00:02 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to share the Side C preview update for Periphery Synthetic EP. Importantly, it significantly expands the EP with a vast new... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v3.0.0.html Fri, 15 Dec 2023 06:00:01 -0600 I’m excited to announce that S.E.A. has been rebuilt from the ground-up and released as Side C of Periphery Synthetic EP. This is an extremely sentimental r... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/devlogs/2023/12/15/sea-remake.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/devlogs/2023/12/15/sea-remake.html Fri, 15 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0600 A hotfix has been released to coincide with the remake out on December 15. This adds an nonintrusive advertisement for it and upgrades the game for modern sy... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.5.1.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.5.1.html Sun, 10 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to announce that Periphery Synthetic will be updated to version 3.0.0 on December 15, 2023. Importantly, this build include... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2023/11/20/side-c-preview-release-date.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2023/11/20/side-c-preview-release-date.html Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to announce that Periphery Synthetic EP will be participating in M+DEV’s Midwest Games Showcase on Friday, November 10, 202... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2023/10/31/side-c-at-mdev.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2023/10/31/side-c-at-mdev.html Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Recently I was rummaging through some older code repositories. There I remembered that E.X.O. had some unreleased changes. This release ties up those loose e... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v1.2.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v1.2.0.html Thu, 26 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Hi folks! I’m excited to announce that Wurmus is now available for free on Steam for Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck. This release brings a plethora of chang... https://shiftbacktick.io/wurmus/releases/v1.2.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/wurmus/releases/v1.2.0.html Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Ahoy sailors! I’m excited to announce that Fishyphus is now available for free on Steam for Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck. This release includes a few smal... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v1.0.4.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v1.0.4.html Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Please join us on Friday, December 15, for SYNTH jam, a slow jam for folks interested in interactive audio. For one month, participants will create sound toy... https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2023/09/21/announcing-synth-jam.html https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2023/09/21/announcing-synth-jam.html Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0500 I’m excited to announce that Wurmus will be released on Steam for free on Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck! This project has remained one of my favorites over ... https://shiftbacktick.io/wurmus/devlogs/2023/09/08/wishlist-wurmus-on-steam.html https://shiftbacktick.io/wurmus/devlogs/2023/09/08/wishlist-wurmus-on-steam.html Fri, 08 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0500 I’m excited to announce that Fishyphus will be released on Steam for free on Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck! I’m grateful for Imaginary Traveller who encoura... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/devlogs/2023/09/06/wishlist-fishyphus-on-steam.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/devlogs/2023/09/06/wishlist-fishyphus-on-steam.html Wed, 06 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! Several months ago I revealed the first look at Side C. Today I’m sharing with you my progress on Side C and the challenges with delive... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2023/08/25/side-c-progress-report.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2023/08/25/side-c-progress-report.html Fri, 25 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to release the build that will be available during Steam Next Fest, the week of June 19. It contains a plethora of features... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v2.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v2.1.0.html Thu, 08 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Ahoy sailors! The latest version of Fishyphus addresses a few bugs that were observed during the jam rating periods. It was my pleasure to review a plethora... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v1.0.3.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v1.0.3.html Sat, 13 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Ahoy sailors! I’m excited to announce the release of Fishyphus, a fishing horror roguelite developed for Games for Blind Gamers 2. In it, you catch fish rep... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v1.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v1.0.0.html Sat, 22 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Today I playtested Fishyphus nearly the entire day, improvising smaller holistic improvements wherever inspiration led. The assortment of random changes in t... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.12.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.12.0.html Sat, 15 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Today I started implementing the music for the reaper and subtly mixing it into the title screens. It’s not quite where I’d like it to be, but it’s a step to... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.11.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.11.0.html Fri, 14 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Today I received feedback from a friend who helped me understand what I’m still not communicating in the tutorial or game manual. I’m very grateful for that.... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.10.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.10.0.html Wed, 12 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Today I focused on polishing the user experience of Fishyphus. The ability to reset progress has found a new home amongst a few other key options on the new... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.9.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.9.0.html Tue, 11 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Today I continued to iterate on the difficulty of Fishyphus by questioning what skills it values and how it rewards skillful play. These skills are quick sou... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.8.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.8.0.html Mon, 10 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Today I questioned the core philosophy of Fishyphus and how it’s reinforced throughout the game. This led to several breakthroughs in how the reaper behaves ... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.7.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.7.0.html Sun, 09 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500 My objective for the weekend was to implement the fishing minigame. However, I was not expecting to make such substantial progress in one day, so I guess I’l... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.6.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.6.0.html Sat, 08 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500 I’ve been recovering from an illness for the past few days, so it felt good to finally return to the project! This build continues to polish the existing fea... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.5.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.5.0.html Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Last night my partner, whose gaming experience starts and ends at Stardew Valley, playtested the game for the first time. I was so delighted that they could ... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.4.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.4.0.html Tue, 04 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500 On my lunch break today, I released a v0.2.1 update which resolved a hard lock when starting the game under certain conditions. I also published the online m... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.3.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.3.0.html Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500 My objective for the first 48 hours of the jam was to produce a working prototype of the core game loop. To accomplish that, this build spawns fish througho... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.2.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.2.0.html Sun, 02 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Fishyphus is a fishing horror game being developed for Games for Blind Gamers 2. It’s a love letter to everyone who asked me to add sea critters to my game S... https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/fishyphus/releases/v0.1.0.html Sat, 01 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to finally release Side B of Periphery Synthetic EP. In its first major content expansion, you might climb a mountain, unlo... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v2.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v2.0.0.html Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500 I’m excited to announce that E.X.O. has been rebuilt from the ground-up and released as Side B of Periphery Synthetic EP. Here are the key changes: Remas... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/devlogs/2023/03/30/exo-remake.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/devlogs/2023/03/30/exo-remake.html Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to share the latest progress on the EP. In Periphery Synthetic, you explore a planetary system of musical worlds. During it... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2023/03/11/side-c-first-look.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2023/03/11/side-c-first-look.html Sat, 11 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! In my latest roadmap update I hinted that several changes were being prepared for the Side B release. I’m excited to share that progres... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v1.2.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v1.2.0.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to announce that Side B is now feature-complete! This free content expansion will introduce a new musical world to explore,... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2023/01/24/roadmap-update-faq.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2023/01/24/roadmap-update-faq.html Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! The first update of the new year addresses some lingering issues from the v1.1.0 release. Specifically, movement feels much more precis... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v1.1.2.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v1.1.2.html Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to bring you the first post-release update for Side A. This build includes a variety of enhancements that were iterated upo... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v1.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v1.1.0.html Thu, 29 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! In the upcoming free content expansion for Periphery Synthetic EP, you will scale the icy vistas of Alpha Periphery C2 to unlock new ab... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/12/22/side-b-terrain-generation.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/12/22/side-b-terrain-generation.html Thu, 22 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to share the first screenshots from my progress on Side B. In this free content expansion, you will explore the icy mountai... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/12/03/side-b-first-look.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/12/03/side-b-first-look.html Sat, 03 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! I’m proud to announce the full release of Side A for Periphery Synthetic EP. This update adds approximately 1,250 words to the percepti... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v1.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v1.0.0.html Fri, 11 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0600 Greetings surveyors! In my last update I revealed that the EP was feature-complete. Since then I’ve been refining those changes to share. This update introd... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v0.5.1.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v0.5.1.html Thu, 13 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to announce that Side A is officially feature-complete! Over the next six weeks I’ll be writing its narrative texts and app... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/09/26/roadmap-update.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/09/26/roadmap-update.html Mon, 26 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! Thanks for your feedback and patience while I was out. It was very restorative to take some time away from the project. A large number... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v0.4.4.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v0.4.4.html Sat, 17 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! Right before I was to leave for a camping trip, I learned that the game was featured on the front page of itch.io. This build has some ... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v0.4.2.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v0.4.2.html Sat, 03 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors, This update addresses some of the most immediate feedback received during the first week of alpha testing. Thank you all who have share... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v0.4.1.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/releases/v0.4.1.html Thu, 01 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to announce the immediate availability of the open alpha for Periphery Synthetic EP. It is the followup, and reimagining, o... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/08/28/join-the-alpha.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/08/28/join-the-alpha.html Sun, 28 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0500 Greetings surveyors! I’m excited to share that an important milestone has been met in the development of Periphery Synthetic EP: the core game loop is compl... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/07/26/side-a-progress-report.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/07/26/side-a-progress-report.html Tue, 26 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0500 In the first episode of Periphery Synthetic EP, pilots crash land on the boiling deserts of Alpha Periphery B with nothing but their exosuits. The planet is ... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/05/08/episode-1-first-look.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/05/08/episode-1-first-look.html Sun, 08 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500 In my announcements that soundStrider is free and S.E.A. is canceled I closed with teasers of something new: Periphery Synthetic EP. As an extended play, it... https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/04/09/introducing-periphery-synthetic-ep.html https://shiftbacktick.io/periphery-synthetic-ep/devlogs/2022/04/09/introducing-periphery-synthetic-ep.html Sat, 09 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500 After a year of post-jam updates, I regret to announce that S.E.A. is no longer under active development. https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/devlogs/2022/03/12/sea-is-canceled.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/devlogs/2022/03/12/sea-is-canceled.html Sat, 12 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0600 Due to mental health reasons I was unable to meet the deadline to submit soundStrider to the Bundle for Ukraine. By donating only $10 you can support two ess... https://shiftbacktick.io/soundstrider/releases/v1.1.3.html https://shiftbacktick.io/soundstrider/releases/v1.1.3.html Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0600 Last year was very productive for me. S.E.A. received a year of expansive post-jam updates. E.X.O. was one of ten excellent submissions to No Video Jam 2. An... https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2022/01/01/hiatus.html https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2022/01/01/hiatus.html Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0600 Use potions, track enemies, and enjoy fresh graphics in the first feature complete release! In Bladius players amass a deck of medieval equipment and fight t... https://shiftbacktick.io/bladius/releases/v1.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/bladius/releases/v1.0.0.html Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0600 Strike, block, parry, and dodge in the latest Bladius build! Draw a hand of equipment cards and duel opponents of increasing skill in first-person melee comb... https://shiftbacktick.io/bladius/releases/v0.3.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/bladius/releases/v0.3.0.html Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0600 Over the week I added sounds and improvements to the interface: Sounds for drawing and reshuffling the deck Animated gold total on the winnings screen ... https://shiftbacktick.io/bladius/releases/v0.2.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/bladius/releases/v0.2.0.html Sat, 13 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0600 Silently click through its menus and win battles without lifting a blade. The first playable build of Bladius is here! This build allows you to begin explor... https://shiftbacktick.io/bladius/releases/v0.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/bladius/releases/v0.1.0.html Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0600 In Bladius, gladiators assemble a deck of equipment cards which they draw upon to face opponents in real-time combat. In the base game, they will choose thre... https://shiftbacktick.io/bladius/devlogs/2021/11/07/cards-in-bladius.html https://shiftbacktick.io/bladius/devlogs/2021/11/07/cards-in-bladius.html Sun, 07 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Somehow I avoided the Dark Souls franchise for an entire decade. After playing it for the first time recently, I was reminded of a conversation where I was a... https://shiftbacktick.io/bladius/devlogs/2021/11/04/introducing-bladius.html https://shiftbacktick.io/bladius/devlogs/2021/11/04/introducing-bladius.html Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Dive into the deepest S.E.A. update yet! In S.E.A. you pilot a personal watercraft that uses sound to reveal a relaxing open world. Immerse yourself with new... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.5.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.5.0.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Recently I’ve received some questions regarding the status of S.E.A. and its next release. Rest assured that development, while slower than I had initially h... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/devlogs/2021/09/20/progress-report.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/devlogs/2021/09/20/progress-report.html Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0500 When I heard Wind Chime (After “Dream”) at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, I fell in love with the droning harmonies it produced as the wind plucked endles... https://shiftbacktick.io/chimera/releases/v1.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/chimera/releases/v1.1.0.html Sun, 29 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Today I published syngen v0.2.0 which adds new OpenSimplex noise generators, and optimizations for the existing Perlin noise generators. To celebrate, this h... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.4.5.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.4.5.html Sun, 25 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0500 The latest S.E.A. update is a small one that addresses feedback received during the Steam Next Fest. Notably it contains a few visual enhancements, including... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.4.4.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.4.4.html Sat, 17 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Wurmus has received a significant post-jam update just in time for its submission to BlindJam2! Collect power-ups that grant stability, inflict fear, and ta... https://shiftbacktick.io/wurmus/releases/v1.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/wurmus/releases/v1.1.0.html Sun, 04 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Since my last roadmap update for S.E.A. I’ve made progress and received feedback that has informed my current understanding of the state of the game, its ult... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/devlogs/2021/06/21/roadmap-update.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/devlogs/2021/06/21/roadmap-update.html Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0500 This hotfix addresses some small issues uncovered during a livestream today, including some progress on the worst known issue. Thanks for understanding. ... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.4.3.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.4.3.html Wed, 16 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Nearly a year ago I submitted Audo to GMTK Jam 2020. Since then I’ve learned a lot about myself, my aesthetic, and my craft. So with this anniversary I wante... https://shiftbacktick.io/wurmus/releases/v1.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/wurmus/releases/v1.0.0.html Sun, 13 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Today I tackled the impossible task of redesigning this site. I haven’t kept up with sharing updates here lately despite great news like several updates for ... https://shiftbacktick.io/changelog/2021/06/07/changelog-redesign.html https://shiftbacktick.io/changelog/2021/06/07/changelog-redesign.html Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0500 The latest S.E.A. update brings another vertical slice of enhancements to prepare it for Steam Next Fest. Enjoy new engine sounds, experimental changes like ... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.4.2.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.4.2.html Sun, 06 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0500 The latest S.E.A. update brings a vertical slice of enhancements and lessons learned from E.X.O. to prepare it for Steam Next Fest. Enjoy graphical enhanceme... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.4.1.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.4.1.html Sun, 23 May 2021 00:00:00 -0500 The post-jam update for E.X.O. brings a vertical slice of improvements based on pilots’ feedback since the conclusion of No Video Jam 2. Thanks to everyone w... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v1.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v1.1.0.html Thu, 13 May 2021 00:00:00 -0500 This hotfix improves upon the previous, addressing a more generalized case that can hard lock the game and corrupt saves. Pending feedback on this release, I... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v1.0.2.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v1.0.2.html Tue, 04 May 2021 00:00:00 -0500 This hotfix addresses a critical bug related to extreme rotational velocities corrupting saves. Thanks to everyone who reported this issue. Also included is ... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v1.0.1.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v1.0.1.html Fri, 30 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 The final build of E.X.O. has been uploaded for its submission to No Video Jam 2. Explore an icy exoplanet in a versatile and upgradable exosuit. A gamepad a... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v1.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v1.0.0.html Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Today I implemented a dynamic soundtrack that evolves over time and altitude. From the ground, it provides a consonant backdrop while searching for materials... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.14.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.14.0.html Sun, 25 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Today I finished implementing the unlockable movement abilities. Pilots can now unlock strafing and turning mid-flight with the correct materials. A fully up... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.13.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.13.0.html Sat, 24 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Today I completed the core game loop with the implementation of a technology tree and crafting system. In this build, pilots can choose from nine paths of up... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.12.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.12.0.html Fri, 23 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 I didn’t think I was going to release a build today. I spent some free time playtesting and ruminating about the game. Overall I’m pleased with progress thus... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.11.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.11.0.html Tue, 20 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Today I ended a four-day sprint which left the project in a more playable and enjoyable state. In this build pilots can now use their scanner to sonify their... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.10.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.10.0.html Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 With the jam halfway over, it was good to have a productive day. Leading into this week’s sprint, I had a lot of anxiety related to my scope. This build alle... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.9.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.9.0.html Sun, 18 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Today I reached stability with movement and world generation. Enjoy haptic feedback in supported gamepads as you explore all eight biomes. fixing some bu... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.8.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.8.0.html Sat, 17 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Today I returned to full-time development through the weekend. I made some progress on world generation, sound design, and movement mechanics with this build... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.7.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.7.0.html Fri, 16 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Today I churned and made progress on some outstanding issues with the movement system that dissatisfied me. While not perfect, it’s in a place where I can pr... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.6.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.6.0.html Thu, 15 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Today was another light day that gave me a chance to outline and experiment with the creative aspects of terrain generation. defining eight biomes and fi... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.5.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.5.0.html Wed, 14 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 As planned, today was a light day of mostly dark work. I wanted to use this time to outline some larger tasks I have planned for later in the jam, so there a... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.4.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.4.0.html Tue, 13 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Today I began implementing sounds and systems related to the player character. This build is the first to have audio. making the movement system observab... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.3.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.3.0.html Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Today I lost a lot of productivity to getting stuck on calculating reflection vectors. That’s still unresolved, but I need to move on. This build is still si... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.2.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.2.0.html Sun, 11 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 No Video Jam 2 has officially begun! To prepare for the jam I started writing a game design document over the past several days. My goal with this submissio... https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/exo/releases/v0.1.0.html Sat, 10 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500 The latest S.E.A. update has a lot to celebrate! Loading up the game, you’ll find a refreshed interface atop fully animated scenes. Feel the ocean with new ... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.4.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.4.0.html Sun, 28 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500 The largest S.E.A. update yet expands its simulation with a diurnal cycle, adding new graphical enhancements, audio cues, and tidal effects! Bask in sunrise... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.3.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.3.0.html Sun, 07 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0600 The latest S.E.A. update brings a vertical slice of fixes and improvements. v1.2.3 changes Added Gamepad Deadzone slider to Controls screen Fixed Alt+T... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.2.3.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.2.3.html Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0600 The latest update to S.E.A. continues to make performance gains. v1.2.2 changes Fixed falling from sky on new game (broken in v1.2.1) Performance optim... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.2.2.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.2.2.html Wed, 03 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0600 The latest update to S.E.A. addresses some low-hanging performance optimizations that should have made it into the previous build. Many thanks to kalmarr for... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.2.1.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.2.1.html Tue, 02 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0600 The latest update to S.E.A. introduces a variety of performance settings for lower-end machines, a calming blue sky, and a handful of fixes. This build may ... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.2.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.2.0.html Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0600 The first post-jam release of S.E.A. includes a major upgrade to its engine, a graphical heads-up-display, and more settings to tweak. Perhaps there are more... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.1.0.html Tue, 26 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0600 The latest version of Kaleidophone upgrades its desktop application to Chrome 87. This version of Chrome contains many performance and audio enhancements tha... https://shiftbacktick.io/kaleidophone/releases/v1.1.1.html https://shiftbacktick.io/kaleidophone/releases/v1.1.1.html Sat, 26 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0600 The latest version of Audo upgrades its desktop application to Chrome 87. This version of Chrome contains many performance and audio enhancements that may im... https://shiftbacktick.io/audo/releases/v1.2.1.html https://shiftbacktick.io/audo/releases/v1.2.1.html Sat, 26 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0600 The latest version of soundStrider upgrades its desktop application to Chrome 87. This version of Chrome contains many performance and audio enhancements tha... https://shiftbacktick.io/soundstrider/releases/v1.1.2.html https://shiftbacktick.io/soundstrider/releases/v1.1.2.html Fri, 25 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0600 Over the past year I’ve used web technologies to create audio games like soundStrider and participate in numerous game jams. With syngen I’m releasing my too... https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/10/31/introducing-syngen.html https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/10/31/introducing-syngen.html Sat, 31 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0500 A year ago today I submitted Soundsearcher to Ludum Dare 45. It was my first solo submission to the jam and honestly the first game I ever completed. Little ... https://shiftbacktick.io/auraboros/releases/v1.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/auraboros/releases/v1.0.0.html Tue, 06 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Devour singularities or be assimilated in this submission to Ludum Dare 47. Auraboros is an audio game that’s best experienced with headphones. https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/10/05/introducing-auraboros.html https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/10/05/introducing-auraboros.html Mon, 05 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0500 The latest version of Audo adds touch controls and accessible user documentation. Internally it has also received several changes as part of an ongoing effor... https://shiftbacktick.io/audo/releases/v1.2.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/audo/releases/v1.2.0.html Sat, 19 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500 The latest version of Kaleidophone adds mouse controls and accessible user documentation. Internally it has also received several changes as part of an ongoi... https://shiftbacktick.io/kaleidophone/releases/v1.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/kaleidophone/releases/v1.1.0.html Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Last month it was my pleasure to host the No Video Jam, an audio game jam featuring accessible games without graphics. In two weeks dozens of developers crea... https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/09/07/no-video-jam-postmortem.html https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/09/07/no-video-jam-postmortem.html Mon, 07 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Drive an experimental watercraft and explore relaxing aquatic soundscapes in this submission to No Video Jam. S.E.A. is an audio game that’s best experienced... https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/08/30/introducing-sea.html https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/08/30/introducing-sea.html Sun, 30 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 The final build of S.E.A. has been uploaded for its submission to No Video Jam. It reflects today’s progress: adding basic compass rose cues while turnin... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.0.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v1.0.0.html Sat, 29 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Today was another light day of polish, including: improving wind physics and synthesis improving physics related to catching air adding more musical ... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.14.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.14.0.html Fri, 28 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Today was a light day of polish, including: adding a filtering effect to first entering the game improving the overall mix squashing some bugs Spo... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.13.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.13.0.html Thu, 27 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Today’s progress resulted in the first feature-complete build of S.E.A., including: preventing the arrow keys from scrolling overflown data tables when t... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.12.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.12.0.html Wed, 26 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Today I continued yesterday’s progress, including: improving the game page description and tags Spoiler Warning improving the 3D prop streaming servi... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.11.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.11.0.html Tue, 25 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Today I continued yesterday’s progress, including: improving the controls for left-handed users improving the overall audio mix Spoiler Warning imp... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.10.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.10.0.html Mon, 24 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Today I made some general improvements while advancing secret features, including: revising the gamepad controls with more input models Spoiler Warnin... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.9.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.9.0.html Sun, 23 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Today I worked exclusively on secret content, including: Spoiler Warning managing the reverb impulse to react to transitioning between the surface, underw... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.8.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.8.0.html Sat, 22 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Today was another light day, including: fixing a blue note in the soundtrack Spoiler Warning investigating and correcting the underlying issues with ... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.7.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.7.0.html Fri, 21 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Today I didn’t make as much progress as I would have liked, but I did spend some time polishing the experience, including: improving wave sounds, positio... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.6.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.6.0.html Thu, 20 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Today I improved the game page and worked mostly on features hidden behind its spoiler tags, including: describing its world with additional flavor text ... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.5.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.5.0.html Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Today I gave feedback to players’ movements, including: modeling the engine sounds as the product of controller inputs and physics designing how the en... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.4.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.4.0.html Tue, 18 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 The v1.1.1 update fixes a hard lock that occurred whenever instrument unlocks were spawned. This should solve reported issues with crashes and black screens.... https://shiftbacktick.io/soundstrider/releases/v1.1.1.html https://shiftbacktick.io/soundstrider/releases/v1.1.1.html Mon, 17 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Today I gave players the ability to move: implementing the movement controls switching between normal and turbo movement modes handling the turbo tog... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.3.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.3.0.html Mon, 17 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Starting with this devlog, certain changes will be hidden behind spoiler tags. Please only reveal them when you’re ready. Today the experience began to emer... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.2.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.2.0.html Sun, 16 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Today the No Video Jam began. For the past six hours I’ve been setting up the project. This involved: finalizing my game design document, which I’ve spent... https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/sea/releases/v0.1.0.html Sat, 15 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 I’m excited to announce soundStrider’s first minor update. Since release I’ve received several suggestions to help improve its accessibility. This update add... https://shiftbacktick.io/soundstrider/releases/v1.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/soundstrider/releases/v1.1.0.html Thu, 13 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Manipulate time to explore ambient soundscapes in this submission to LOWREZJAM, Brackeys Jam, and AGJam. Kaleidophone is an audio toy designed for deep think... https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/08/04/introducing-kaleidophone.html https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/08/04/introducing-kaleidophone.html Tue, 04 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500 As promised, the latest soundStrider hotfix resolves some performance degradation issues that caused audio stuttering and drop-outs. With tactical problem so... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/07/29/soundstrider-v1.0.2.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/07/29/soundstrider-v1.0.2.html Wed, 29 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Now that GMTK Jam 2020 is officially over, please enjoy the first post-jam update. This update makes several improvements to the difficulty curve and sound d... https://shiftbacktick.io/audo/releases/v1.1.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/audo/releases/v1.1.0.html Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Nine months ago I started a solo game development journey that began with a prototype and ended in my first self-published title. It’s been an incredible jou... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/07/25/soundstrider-post-mortem.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/07/25/soundstrider-post-mortem.html Sat, 25 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Please join us on Friday, August 14, for the No Video Jam, an audio game jam featuring accessible games without graphics. Participants will create blind-frie... https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/07/16/announcing-the-no-video-jam.html https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/07/16/announcing-the-no-video-jam.html Thu, 16 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Avoid opponents and collect power-ups as you vie for the top velocity in this submission to GMTK Jam 2020. Audo is an audio game with screen reader support t... https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/07/15/introducing-audo.html https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2020/07/15/introducing-audo.html Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500 After eight months of development I’m proud to announce the release of soundStrider. With this release the game is feature complete and finally available for... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/07/14/soundstrider-released.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/07/14/soundstrider-released.html Tue, 14 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500 Last weekend I overcame my fears and shared soundStrider with a large gaming community for the first time. The feedback I received was invaluable and led to ... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/06/11/improving-soundstrider.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/06/11/improving-soundstrider.html Thu, 11 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0500 For a limited time I’m proud to offer soundStrider as part of the Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality. Please support this cause for as low as $5 USD to g... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/06/10/support-racial-justice-and-equality.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/06/10/support-racial-justice-and-equality.html Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0500 The latest soundStrider beta adds a new quest type and a variety of enhancements. In its Synthesis quests, adventurers search for musical components to repai... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/05/29/soundstrider-v0.16.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/05/29/soundstrider-v0.16.0.html Fri, 29 May 2020 00:00:00 -0500 After six months and over 650 hours of development I’m excited to announce that the soundStrider beta—its largest update yet—has arrived! In the Mountain pa... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/05/21/soundstrider-beta.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/05/21/soundstrider-beta.html Thu, 21 May 2020 00:00:00 -0500 The latest soundStrider alpha adds a dynamic traffic system and a new palette to support it. In the Urban palette, players will navigate streets of various l... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/05/07/soundstrider-v0.14.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/05/07/soundstrider-v0.14.0.html Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 -0500 The latest soundStrider alpha adds a new palette and a surprise new quest type. In the Aquatic palette, players venture into the depths of the ocean to swim ... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/05/02/soundStrider-v0.13.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/05/02/soundStrider-v0.13.0.html Sat, 02 May 2020 00:00:00 -0500 The latest soundStrider update improves the overall state of the game and its codebase. Included with this update are major performance optimizations, improv... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/04/22/soundstrider-v0.12.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/04/22/soundstrider-v0.12.0.html Wed, 22 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0500 It’s been a busy six weeks as I’ve worked to fill soundStrider with content and prepared for its June release. Regretfully, I’ve been so busy that I’ve negle... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/04/15/soundstrider-progress.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/04/15/soundstrider-progress.html Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0500 The latest version of soundStrider introduces its industrial and storm palettes which leverage a variety of game systems to create evolving musical textures.... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/03/13/soundstrider-v0.7.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/03/13/soundstrider-v0.7.0.html Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0500 The latest version of soundStrider expands its textures with the addition of its tundra and astral palettes. Bridging the gap between its desert and elementa... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/03/02/soundstrider-v0.6.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/03/02/soundstrider-v0.6.0.html Mon, 02 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0600 After three months of development, the soundStrider demo has arrived! In this demo of the elemental palette, players can explore infinite soundscapes of peac... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/02/23/soundstrider-demo.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/02/23/soundstrider-demo.html Sun, 23 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0600 The latest version of soundStrider doubles its number of sounds with the addition of its beach and desert palettes. Combined with its new dynamic wind system... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/02/15/soundstrider-v0.5.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/02/15/soundstrider-v0.5.0.html Sat, 15 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0600 After nearly fifty hours of development, the latest version of soundStrider has arrived at its destination. Its features include the beginnings of a procedur... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/02/08/soundstrider-v0.4.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/02/08/soundstrider-v0.4.0.html Sat, 08 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0600 Development on soundStrider has continued at a strong and steady pace since my last update. Culminating over sixty hours of development, its latest minor ver... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/01/27/soundstrider-v0.3.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/01/27/soundstrider-v0.3.0.html Mon, 27 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0600 Since announcing soundStrider I have dedicated over thirty hours to its development and received an outpouring of support from empathetic friends and piqued ... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/01/10/soundstrider-v0.2.0.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2020/01/10/soundstrider-v0.2.0.html Fri, 10 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0600 When I created Soundsearcher earlier this year, I hadn’t anticipated the radical enthusiasm for game development it sparked in me. It demonstrated to me the ... https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2019/12/19/announcing-sounstrider.html https://shiftbacktick.io/devlog/2019/12/19/announcing-sounstrider.html Thu, 19 Dec 2019 06:00:01 -0600 Recently my position at my workplace was eliminated. Honestly? It was the best worst news. What was destined to be a difficult decision—taking a year off to... https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2019/12/19/hello-sabbatical.html https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2019/12/19/hello-sabbatical.html Thu, 19 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0600 Last month I participated in Ludum Dare 45. Over its 48 arduous hours there were many challenges to overcome and insights to gain as I built a game completel... https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2019/11/03/building-soundsearcher.html https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2019/11/03/building-soundsearcher.html Sun, 03 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500 Explore a procedurally-generated world of synthesized sounds in this submission for Ludum Dare 45. Soundsearcher is designed for playing with your eyes close... https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2019/10/27/introducing-soundsearcher.html https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2019/10/27/introducing-soundsearcher.html Sun, 27 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0500 Today I installed Python for the first time. Whenever I learn something new I like to stay motivated with a small project. A friend and data engineer told m... https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2019/09/22/a-day-with-python.html https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2019/09/22/a-day-with-python.html Sun, 22 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0500 Unlimited data and processing power is a privilege. Ignoring this privilege adversely affects: user experience because true performance is the foundation of... https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2019/09/07/web-performance.html https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2019/09/07/web-performance.html Sat, 07 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0500 Lazy loading is one of the best accessibility wins available to front-end developers. By deferring the loading of assets until we need them, we save our user... https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2019/08/17/lazily-lazy-loading.html https://shiftbacktick.io/code/2019/08/17/lazily-lazy-loading.html Sat, 17 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0500 I was inspired by nownownow.com to create my own now page. Essentially it’s the latest snapshot of my life. It’s a place for me to be purposeful and transpa... https://shiftbacktick.io/changelog/2019/06/30/changelog-now.html https://shiftbacktick.io/changelog/2019/06/30/changelog-now.html Sun, 30 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0500 The thing I miss most about the web before social media was everyone having their own blog or personal site. It was decentralized and punk. The URL made it ... https://shiftbacktick.io/changelog/code/2019/06/16/changelog-links.html https://shiftbacktick.io/changelog/code/2019/06/16/changelog-links.html Sun, 16 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0500 Some folks were surprised to see they / them pronouns on my about page. What’s your pronoun? has always been a difficult question to answer. Do I have to ha... https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2019/06/02/gendervague.html https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2019/06/02/gendervague.html Sun, 02 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0500 https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2019/05/30/let-there-be-light.html https://shiftbacktick.io/random/2019/05/30/let-there-be-light.html Thu, 30 May 2019 00:00:00 -0500