Blender Phone Control 📱, Switch 2 Kits Delay 🎮, Indie Dev Longevity 🕹️
📱 Revolutionizing Control: Blender Meets Android
Control Blender Objects Using Your Android Phone with Object Controller
Wanderson M. Pimenta has released Object Controller, a free Blender add-on that lets you move and rotate your 3D objects directly from your Android phone. Ideal for rigged objects and animation, it also allows baking motion into keyframes. While practical uses aren’t clear yet, this adds a playful new layer of interaction to Blender workflows. Check out this handy tool alongside Pimenta’s other useful Blender utilities.
Indie Devs Face Slow Access to Switch 2 Dev Kits Amid Launch
Indie developers are experiencing limited access to Nintendo Switch 2 development kits at launch, a scenario reminiscent of the original Switch’s debut. Nintendo appears to prioritize dev kits for games leveraging new hardware capabilities due to Switch 2’s strong backwards compatibility. Despite early support from engines like Unity and Unreal, many indies remain in the dark about when they’ll receive kits, raising concerns about the pace of new indie releases on the platform.
🏙️ Crafting Worlds: Stylized Environments and RPG Legacy
Building a Stylized Scroller Environment with Procedural Materials and UE5
Material artist Cyril Kessin shares his journey mastering procedural material creation using Substance 3D Designer and explores whether an entire static environment for 2D/3D scroller games can be created solely from procedural materials. Leveraging UE5’s Nanite tessellation, Cyril crafted a stylized troglodyte village by focusing on material-driven shapes over geometry. His deep dive offers valuable insights into procedural workflows, creative problem solving, and advice for artists eager to experiment beyond traditional pipelines.
Decades of Indie Dev: Jeff Vogel on Niche Games, Longevity & RPG Craft
Veteran solo indie developer Jeff Vogel shares hard-earned wisdom on surviving decades in the indie game space. From why niche RPGs trump commercial hits to the evolving art of marketing, Jeff dives deep into balancing creativity and business. Learn how demos, Steam refunds, and staying true to your vision can sustain success in today’s fast-paced market. A must-listen for indie devs aiming for long-term impact.
💡 Innovating in Games: Creativity and Monetization
Creative Sobriety: Unlocking Originality in Game Development
Ubisoft’s creative director Fawzi Mesmar reveals how true creativity in game development arises not from purely “original” ideas but from blending personal perspective with cultural context. Through his concept of “Creative Sobriety,” Mesmar highlights how self-imposed constraints and self-awareness can elevate creativity beyond “inevitable” ideas like Squid Game ripoffs. His insights challenge developers to rethink how they generate unique game concepts, making this essential reading for creators aiming to stand out.
Boost Mobile Game Revenue: Overcoming Monetization Challenges with Xsolla Web Shop
This video dissects common obstacles in mobile game monetization, from game difficulty and pricing mistakes to ad economics and discounting strategies. It highlights how developers can better meet player expectations and optimize revenue by reducing platform fees. Sponsored by Xsolla Web Shop, the content introduces a robust solution for selling in-game goods directly to players with access to 1,000+ payment methods worldwide. A must-watch for mobile game creators aiming to maximize earnings.