Pixels & Play: Life of an Indie Game Developer

Suicide Prevention Day: You’re Not Alone

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 13:06:57 GMT

Sharing My Journey, Offering My Support—Because Everyone Deserves to Be Heard

Today is Suicide Prevention Day, and while I don’t always keep track of these awareness days, suicide prevention is something deeply important to me. I’ve known people who have tragically taken their own lives, others who have attempted it, and in moments of darkness, I’ve come close to that edge myself.

I live with daily migraines, memory problems, and chronic pain. It’s not something I talk about often because I don’t want to burden others. My past also holds its share of difficult memories—having been hurt by people I once cared about. A few years ago, when things felt overwhelming, I found myself in a moment I’ll never forget. I was commuting home from work in London, heading back to Corringham. As I reached West Ham station, I felt absent, detached from everything. When I snapped back, I was walking toward the train tracks. A second longer, and I might not be here today. That evening, I went home and broke down in tears, unsure of what was wrong—a mix of everything weighing on me.

I’m in a much better place now, and I’m lucky to have an incredible partner who loves and supports me. When I’m struggling, she’s there for me, and we help each other. We’re a team.

But I know not everyone has someone like that. Not everyone feels they have someone to turn to, and sometimes, people avoid sharing their struggles with friends or family for fear of being a burden. That’s why I always make it clear: if you’re struggling, feeling low, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here. Whether I know you or not, I’m here to listen. I’ve been through my own battles, and if I can help—whether by listening or just being present for a rant—I will.

I even created a "Support-Corner" channel on the MI Pixel Discord server, a safe space for anyone to vent, ask for help, or simply be heard. I’m often around, and I’m happy to jump on a call if you need someone to talk to.

Just remember—you’re never alone.

Always here,

Michael “MI Pixel” Ingram

Also, here are some different support numbers if you or someone you know is in need:

United Kingdom (Samaritans): Call 116 123
United States (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline): Call 988
Canada (Crisis Services Canada): Call 1-833-456-4566
Australia (Lifeline Australia): Call 13 11 14
Ireland (Samaritans Ireland): Call 116 123
New Zealand (Lifeline New Zealand): Call 0800 543 354
India (Snehi India): Call +91-22-2772 6771
South Africa (Suicide Crisis Helpline): Call 0800 567 567
Germany (Telefonseelsorge): Call 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

These organizations are available 24/7 to provide immediate support.

Defend from Candyland! Version 1.2: Exciting Updates Ahead

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:18:54 GMT

New Features, Improved Tutorials, and Enhanced Gameplay Experience

Hey everyone,

Michael here! I was hoping to get this blog post out a few days ago, but I’ve been a bit under the weather. Sorry for the delay! Anyway, I’m super excited to share all the work I’ve been doing on Defend from Candyland! I’ve got a huge update coming your way in the next few weeks. Ready for some spoilers?

First off, check this out:

As you can see, the in-game screen has had a makeover! Based on some awesome feedback, I’ve restructured the on-screen elements to make certain options more obvious while tucking away unnecessary ones. They’re still accessible but only when you need them. Notice the updated enemy waves images? The old two-box system has been replaced with these sleek banners:

Previously, you had one box showing the current enemy and another showing the next. Now, you’ll see banners for every enemy wave and their amounts, sliding to the left and disappearing when all enemies are out. This gives you a better idea of what you’re up against and when you’re nearing the end. This system also works for endless mode, updating the banners as new waves are generated. To manage the creation and destruction of so many banners, I’ve implemented a pooling system.

But that’s not all! Currently, there are seven tutorial levels that, let’s be honest, most people either ignore or forget. So, I’m replacing those with a more interactive tutorial. Don’t worry, it won’t mean more reading. Dr. Dexter will guide you through the game, teaching you as you play. Here’s a sneak peek:

Once the tutorial is done, the next step is adding a story. I’ve always had a story for Defend from Candyland! and shared it at events, but the game itself never told it. That’s about to change. I’ll be adding snippets of the story every few levels, letting you learn more about the world of Eden and its happenings. I’ve got some story parts ready, but I haven’t started integrating them into the game yet.

On top of that, I’ve added two new items to Mrs. Applebee’s shop: ‘Sweet Tracks’ and ‘Saucer Routes’.

These items help you see the paths the sweets will take. Sweet Tracks show the ground sweets’ path, while Saucer Routes display the Flying Saucers’ path. The paths update as you place your towers, making it easier to plan your defenses!

Another update is for those playing on Steam Deck. After picking one up and seeing how the game looked, I noticed the text was hard to read and the art was stretched. So, I’ve made the text more readable and created a new resolution setting specifically for Steam Deck. This setting applies automatically when the game runs on Steam Deck, and I’ve removed the other resolution options for it. I’m also working on better controls and adding controller support, aiming to include these in the 1.2 release as well.

So, there you have it! These are some of the updates coming to Defend from Candyland! in version 1.2, hopefully releasing by mid-July. I can’t wait for you all to try it out!

Have fun, everyone!

Michael “MI Pixel” Ingram

Highlights from the Medway Gaming Festival 2024

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:13:01 GMT

Showcasing Defend from Candyland! and Unveiling Exciting Updates

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share a bit about my weekend with you. I was showcasing Defend from Candyland! at the Medway Gaming Festival at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham. It was my third time exhibiting the game, but my first time at the Medway Gaming Festival. Big shoutout to Stuart De Ville for all his help and for giving me the opportunity to be part of the Indie Showcase.

The festival was spread over two days, and I met so many awesome people. I got to chat with other game developers, and met loads of folks who were there to enjoy the festival. I received some fantastic feedback on Defend from Candyland!, and I’ve already started making changes based on what I heard. One bit of feedback was about the enemy waves board and title being too big and too high up. As you can see below, I’ve resized and repositioned it, and it’ll be included in the next update!

I also talked a lot about the MI Pixel server I'm running and even had a few people join! I'm looking forward to keeping the conversations going with all the amazing people I met. Oh, and I finally met Shane in person! Shane has been a friend for years and was one of the Alpha Testers for Defend from Candyland!. It was fantastic to finally meet you, Shane!

I also managed to get some more sales from the event, which was amazing. One of the highlights for me was a young boy playing Defend from Candyland! who turned to me and said, "Defend from Candyland! is the best game I have ever played, thank you!" I can't even describe how happy that made me.

Thank you again to everyone who attended the Indie Showcase and to Stuart for letting me exhibit Defend from Candyland!.

Have fun, everyone!

Michael “MI Pixel” Ingram

Meet Iasmin the Language Tree: A New Character in Defend from Candyland!

Sun, 26 May 2024 09:32:03 GMT

Celebrating a Collaboration That Brought Brazilian-Portuguese to the Game

In today's blog, I’m excited to introduce you to a new character in *Defend from Candyland!*: Iasmin the Language Tree!

The creation of Iasmin the Language Tree started with a spontaneous moment on Twitter/X. I came across a tweet from a generous young woman named Iasmin Egidio, who was offering to translate games into Brazilian-Portuguese. I decided to reach out and ask if she would be interested in translating Defend from Candyland! . To my delight, she agreed!

I quickly got to work, compiling a document with all the text from the game. It turned out to be quite a task – there was a lot more text than I initially realized! Once the document was ready, I sent it over to Iasmin. As a token of appreciation for her willingness to help, I decided to create a special character for her in the game: Iasmin the Language Tree. I designed the tree based on the existing characters in Defend from Candyland! and a picture of Iasmin from her website. She was thrilled with the character, and in no time, she sent back the translated text.

With the translations in hand, I dove into Unity to implement them. This was my first time working with Unity's localization tools, but I had recently learned about them, so I felt prepared. I added all the translations, set up the localization features, and incorporated Iasmin the Language Tree with her language options.

Thanks to Iasmin Egidio, *Defend from Candyland!* is now accessible to Brazilian-Portuguese speakers. Her hard work and generosity have made a significant impact on the game. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Iasmin once again.

For anyone in need of Brazilian-Portuguese translations, you can find Iasmin through her links below:

Twitter/X: @puppywombo

Links: kub.sh/t/puppywombo

Thank you, Iasmin, and happy gaming to all!

Reviving the Community Spirit: Introducing the MI Pixel Discord Server

Sun, 19 May 2024 08:31:13 GMT

A Fresh Space for Gamers, Creatives, and Supportive Conversations

Hello everyone,

It's been a while since I last wrote a blog post, but I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things and do this more regularly. We'll see how it goes!

Today's post is about my Discord server! Some of you might remember the "Defend from Candyland!" Discord server where fans could chat about the game, share their let's plays, and give feedback. Unfortunately, I didn't do much to promote or even use that server, so it’s been mostly dormant for the past year.

But now, I’ve decided to give it another go. I’ve revamped the server and transformed it into the **MI Pixel Discord server**. My vision is to create a vibrant community where gamers, developers, artists, and other creatives can come together and chat. "Defend from Candyland!" is still there, but it's now just one part of a larger, more dynamic community hub.

Here’s a quick overview of the main channels in the MI Pixel server:

General

This is the place for everyone to hang out, chat, and have fun. Drop in and say hello!

Retro Corner

For those of us who love nostalgia, this is the spot to talk about old games, consoles, and all things retro.

Creative Works

This channel is for creatives to share their projects or seek help with their work. As the server grows, it might even become a place where people can find contract work!

Support Corner

We all have bad days, and sometimes it helps to have a place to vent or ask for support. This is a safe space for anyone who needs to talk or seek help.

The server has only been up for a day, but we’ve already had new members join and great conversations start. Seeing this activity brings me a lot of joy, and I’m excited about the potential for this community to grow and thrive.

So why not come and join us? I look forward to seeing and chatting with all of you there. Discord.

Have fun, everyone!

Michael “MI Pixel” Ingram

Artistry Meets Gaming: Defend from Candyland!'s Steam Store Makeover

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:19:38 GMT

Enhancing the Visuals with Millie Elsdon-James

Hello everyone, Michael here, and I'm thrilled to bring you an exciting update!

In the world of Defend from Candyland!, there have been some behind-the-scenes developments, and I'm excited to share them with you. I recently had the privilege of collaborating with a talented artist named Millie Elsdon-James. You know how I've always been enthusiastic about game development, but when it comes to creating intricate artwork for larger images, I must admit, it's not my strong suit. That's where Millie stepped in to save the day.

But before we dive into the artistry, I want to give a huge shoutout to Millie and her incredible skills. You can explore all her work through this Linktree link: Millie's Linktree . If you're in need of artistic expertise, don't hesitate to reach out to her!

Now, let's talk about the fantastic journey we embarked on together. Millie was an absolute gem throughout the entire process. We had a seamless flow of ideas and concepts, making this collaboration a breeze.

First, Millie presented me with four initial concepts to choose from. Each one had its unique charm, but ultimately, one stood out as the perfect fit for Defend from Candyland!

Once we ha d our base concept selected, Millie went the extra mile by creating two secondary concepts, incorporating the game's logo. It was a tough decision, but we eventually picked the winning design, which you can see here:

With the p rimary concept in hand, Millie added the base color, and I couldn't help but be impressed by the progress.

As we move d forward, Millie brought the artwork to life with shading and even designed a brand-new logo for Defend from Candyland! I must say, the results were beyond my expectations!

In conclusion, Millie's work speaks for itself – exceptional, to say the least. Her artistic talents have elevated the Steam Store art for Defend from Candyland! to a whole new level. I'm genuinely delighted with the results, and I hope you are too! So, enjoy the revamped visuals, all thanks to the incredible Millie. And don't forget to explore her work through her Linktree!

Life Updates: Business Accelerators, Pro Indie Dev Course, and More!

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:55:09 GMT

Entrepreneurial Adventures: From the Launch-it Program to Indie Game Development

Hey everyone,

It's been a while, hasn't it? I hope you've all been doing well. I've been caught up in a whirlwind of events, work, and the ups and downs of life. But I wanted to take a moment to catch you up on what's been happening in my world.

First, let's dive into some exciting news. I recently completed the Launch-it creative-tech accelerator program, and what an incredible journey it was. I've learned so much about running my own business, made valuable connections, and even secured a few potential job opportunities along the way. At the program's conclusion, we had a big networking event where some of us pitched our ideas. I was fortunate enough to take second place, earning myself a Touchscreen laptop from Basildon Council. I'm thrilled about this because it's helping me create new pixel art sprites directly on the computer using Aseprite. It's a bit of a learning curve, but I'm enjoying every moment of it!

If you're curious about the accelerator program and the networking event, check out this video with some of the highlights:

But that's not all. I've recently enrolled in Gabriel Dal Santo's Pro Indie Dev course. This course covers game design, marketing, and many invaluable insights that are shaping the way I approach game development. I'm learning from past mistakes and gaining the knowledge needed to create better games and market them effectively in the future. It's an exciting journey of growth, and I'm grateful for the opportunity.

Speaking of game development, I know many of you are eagerly waiting for the release of "Supernatural Hunters." It's a project close to my heart, and I want to ensure that the artwork lives up to your expectations. To achieve this, I'm considering developing some smaller games with simpler art styles. This will allow me to gather the resources needed to hire an external artist to help complete "Supernatural Hunters" to the highest standards. While many game ideas are swirling in my mind, such as a sidescroller with a Greek mythology theme or a smaller roguelike featuring a slime protagonist, nothing is set in stone. I want to absorb as much knowledge as I can from Gabe's course before diving into new projects. In the meantime, I'm focusing on client work and honing my skills.

One exciting development is that I'm working on bringing "Defend from Candyland!" to the Android mobile market. The Halloween DLC is already finished and ahead of schedule. Tower Defense games have a natural fit on mobile platforms, and early testing has shown promising results. While I don't have grand expectations, I believe it's an excellent opportunity to provide players with another way to enjoy the game.

Additionally, I've taken advice to create a community on Reddit. You can find it here: MI Pixel Subreddit . I'm still figuring things out, but I'm excited to connect with you all there.

So, that's a glimpse of what's been keeping me busy lately. I look forward to sharing more of my work with you in the near future. Thanks for your continued support, and have a fantastic time, everyone!

Warm regards and have fun,

Michael "MI Pixel" Ingram

Pixel Playground: Transforming Defend from Candyland with a Halloween Art Pack

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 10:04:12 GMT

A Brush of Nostalgia: Crafting Characters' Costumes with Retro Flair

Hello everyone! I've been putting in some serious work lately. A while back, I had a bunch of folks express interest in an art pack for Defend from Candyland! To be honest, I never really saw this coming. Between my not-so-confident art skills and a personal preference against making DLC, I was initially hesitant. But hey, these folks enjoy Defend from Candyland! and they asked, so why not deliver, right?

After some contemplation, I settled on creating a Halloween-themed art pack. My original idea was to revamp the characters' looks, giving them spiffy Halloween costumes. But as my creative juices flowed, I decided to sprinkle in a bit of retro charm, drawing inspiration from old-school games and classic movies. And I'm thrilled to show you how a few of them turned out!

However, the journey didn't stop there. When my partner Kirsty and I took a closer look, we realized that more could be done. Kirsty suggested tweaking the menu background, and with her encouragement, I gave it a shot.

I reached out to Arman and asked if he could craft some Halloween-inspired music, and he was more than happy to contribute his talent to the project.

This momentum carried forward, and before I knew it, the art pack evolved into something much grander. It's more than just a makeover; it's a complete transformation, touching everything except the towers and a couple of UI elements. I even threw in some fresh new cursors for good measure!

I'm genuinely delighted with how the art pack has turned out, and to my surprise, I managed to wrap things up ahead of schedule. So, keep your eyes peeled for its release in October. I'm just waiting on Steam to review the webpage, and a few friends are giving it a test run too! As always, you can wishlist or purchase Defend from Candyland! on Steam by following this link! Defend from Candyland!

With this project now under my belt, I'm excited to refocus on Supernatural Hunters. Once I've cleared some more client work and put the finishing touches on my business pitch for September, I'll be diving back into the world of Supernatural Hunters. Trust me, the enthusiasm is real! I'm also planning to get the Steam store page up and running for it soon.

In the meantime, stay curious and keep an eye on this space for updates.

Cheers,

Michael “MI Pixel” Ingram

Defend from Candyland!: A Tale of Development, Marketing Hurdles, and Leaderboard Dreams

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:16:29 GMT

Unveiling the Journey of Crafting, Promoting, and Conquering the Candy-Coated Realm

Heya everyone, it's Michael here, and I've got an exciting update on Defend from Candyland! In this blog post, I'll be delving into the challenges of marketing this game, sharing insights into its development progress, and giving you a peek into my personal quest to conquer the leaderboard.

Let's kick things off by mentioning that Defend from Candyland! is currently on a special sale until August 21st, 2023. If you're intrigued by the game, now's your chance to grab it for less than a fiver!

Speaking of marketing challenges, I have to admit I made a rookie mistake. When I embarked on creating this game, marketing wasn't exactly at the forefront of my mind. I was purely focused on crafting an enjoyable gaming experience, drawing inspiration from the classic Flash game, Desktop Tower Defence. As development progressed, I excitedly shared the game on Twitter and Facebook, even collaborating with awesome YouTubers like ChaoticFear19 and Ember Shadow for some thrilling gameplay streams. Witnessing others enjoying the game brought me immense joy.

I also tried leveraging Steam's Curator system by distributing numerous game keys, but the results were modest, with only a handful of reviews trickling in. While the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, the game's visibility didn't witness a significant boost.

Thanks to suggestions from the Twitter community, I reached out to more content creators, including DeadGuarde98, who generously showcased the game.

The players who engaged with Defend from Candyland!, whether through private play, YouTube, or Twitch, showered it with praise. Oddly, despite this positive sentiment, I've encountered challenges in broadening the player base. It appears I'm navigating a tricky landscape due to factors like the game's genre (Tower Defence) being relatively less popular on Steam, my newcomer status, and my initial lack of marketing strategy.

Yet, amidst these obstacles, Defend from Candyland! isn't lacking in dedicated fans. Some players have even approached me with requests for DLC packs. This was an unexpected turn, as I hadn't initially considered this avenue. But here's the twist—I've opted to create a Halloween DLC art pack, purely visual and unrelated to gameplay mechanics. I've poured creative energy into designing costumes for Flying Saucers, Gummy Bears, and other candy-coated characters. With everything nearly set, I'm thrilled to announce this DLC's impending release for Halloween. I hope you enjoy these whimsical additions as much as I enjoyed creating them.

Now, let's talk about the leaderboard. An enigmatic contender named Cocoa has taken the spotlight, achieving an astounding 680 waves on Defend from Candyland!'s Endless Mode. While I'm still in the dark about Cocoa's identity, their impressive feat has motivated me to push my limits. I've managed to elevate my highscore from around 360 to an impressive 392, inching closer to that elusive 400 mark. My determination is unwavering, and I'm steadfastly aiming to dethrone Cocoa from the leaderboard's peak.

To Cocoa, if you're reading this, hats off to you! Your remarkable achievement has ignited a competitive fire within me. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my journey to dominate the leaderboard and enhance Defend from Candyland! Happy gaming, everyone!

Michael “MI Pixel” Ingram

From Muggles to Magic: Celebrating Four Years at Warner Bros Studio

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 11:47:04 GMT

Four Years of Love and Laughter, Unveiled at The Making of Harry Potter

Hello everyone! Kirsty and I just celebrated our wonderful four-year journey together, and for this enchanting anniversary, we chose a truly magical destination: the Warner Bros Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter.

While I had visited this captivating place once before, many years ago when it was a novelty with tickets priced around £30, Kirsty had never experienced it and had always dreamt of doing so. We stumbled upon a fantastic deal that included a three-day, two-night hotel stay with breakfast, early entrance tickets to the tour at 10 am, and free parking both at the hotel and the WB Studio. All of this was just £424, quite a steal. As we embarked on our drive from Essex to Hatfield on a Monday, excitement buzzed in the air. Typical us, we arrived at the hotel well before check-in time, around 11 am, so we decided to explore the Galleria shopping centre. A spontaneous detour led us to a TK Maxx, where Halloween decor quickly caught our attention – it’s just normal home decor for us, isn’t it? However, I did have a comical encounter with those pesky Flying Saucers…

Eventually, we made our way back to the hotel, checked in, settled our bags, and finally relaxed. The next day, we were up early and headed straight to the Warner Bros Studio tour – we couldn't wait. The place had transformed significantly since my last visit, featuring a magnificent dragon in the main hall, colossal brooms and chess pieces outside, a Starbucks, and many other additions. The tour commenced with a well-organized yet fascinating video introduction by some of the cast and crew before we stepped into the iconic Great Hall.

Surprising ly, we breezed through the entire tour faster than expected, wrapping it up in about three hours. Of course, we couldn't miss the opportunity to try Butterbeer – a must, right? Personally, I loved it, but Kirsty wasn't quite convinced; she found it a tad too eccentric for her taste.

Upon returning to the hotel, an overwhelming sense of relaxation enveloped us, leading to a spontaneous nap. Being away from Essex, even for a short while, worked wonders. My persistent headaches subsided, our general tension eased, and smiles seemed to take over. The best part of those few days wasn't just the destination or the activities – it was the escape from our familiar surroundings, embracing each other's company. Our state of ease was palpable; we ate less, felt less discomfort, and happiness radiated. It was simply perfect.

I had been aware that Essex affected Kirsty, but I had underestimated its impact on me too. Sometimes, your mental well-being can be profoundly influenced by your surroundings.

So, let's conclude this post on a high note, just as we started it! All in all, our getaway was an incredible experience. We cherished celebrating our four years together and look forward to countless more.

Cheers to the adventures that lie ahead!

Michael "MI Pixel" Ingram

Spooktacular Surprises Await: Introducing the Halloween Art Pack for Defend from Candyland!

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 15:31:32 GMT

Trick or Treat with Defend from Candyland!: Embrace the Spooky Spirit with New Costumes.

Hello everyone! I've got some exciting news to share, and a little spoiler too!

Many players of Defend from Candyland! have asked me about the possibility of DLC, specifically optional art packs. They expressed interest in having additional content to support me further beyond the base game.

Now, when it comes to DLC, I must admit I'm not a big fan, especially when it introduces necessary elements like new levels or characters. However, optional cosmetic art packs are a different story. They provide an opportunity for some creative fun!

While I haven't received much direction on what people want in terms of art packs, there was a special request from ChaoticFear19 for a Dragon Ball art pack. Although I haven't created that specific pack, I did draw a Super Saiyan Jellybean for them before. What do you think of this Super Saiyan Jellybean?

In ligh t of the upcoming Halloween season, I've decided to create a Halloween art pack for Defend from Candyland! But here's the twist: instead of simply swapping the tree characters for spooky versions, I've chosen to dress up the different characters as iconic video game and horror movie characters. Most of the hero characters are already dressed up, with only Mrs. Applebee remaining. And of course, the evil candy will also get a Halloween makeover!

What do you think of their costumes so far?

But that's not all! I've spoken to Arman, and he's working on some Halloween-themed music to accompany the art pack. This means the characters will not only look different but also have a new soundtrack. I'm determined to release this pack before Halloween, and it's also my first time coding a DLC pack. Exciting times ahead!

So, what do you think? Are you eagerly anticipating this Halloween art pack? Let me know your thoughts!

An Eventful Day at Develop:Brighton: Networking, Laughter, and Memorable Encounters

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 16:33:02 GMT

Exploring the Expo, Connecting with Industry Professionals, and Unforgettable Moments of Fun

Woo, back to business as usual! Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending Develop:Brighton, and what an incredible day it turned out to be! My day started early as I dropped off my other half at work before making my way to Brighton to meet my friend George. The excitement was building as I grabbed a delicious breakfast at McDonald's along the way. Arriving at George's around 9:15, we made our way to the Expo and got inside by 9:30. It had already been a busy morning with all the driving involved.

I was thri lled to be back at Develop:Brighton after seven years, and this time, it was for myself and my own company. Not knowing what to expect, I was grateful to have George by my side. It had been a few years since we last saw each other, but as soon as we met, it felt like no time had passed. We started chatting right away, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

Me at Develop 7 years ago with DETc

Once insid e the Metropole, it didn't take long for me to start cracking bad jokes. In fact, even while my badge was being printed, I entertained the clerk with my repertoire of humor, eliciting a mix of eye rolls, laughter, and face palms. You know a bad joke is good when it evokes such reactions, right?

The Expo itself was a sight to behold, filled with an abundance of stalls and people. The energy was contagious, but it quickly got hot, and I regretted not wearing shorts. George and I made our way around, engaging with different individuals and companies. One highlight was my conversation with the folks at Chillblast, showcasing their intriguing PC. It looked more like a car engine, and I couldn't help but consider getting one in the future! We also had a delightful chat with the team running the Wargaming and DPS Games stand, who kindly gifted me a tote bag filled with goodies, including socks!

George and I continued our journey through the Expo, meeting and conversing with numerous individuals. George was particularly interested in learning how to enter the games industry and inquiring about job opportunities for junior starters. He gathered valuable information and even made some contacts. I wish him the best of luck in pursuing his passion, and I'll be teaching him Unity and C# coding to support his journey.

After spending a few hours exploring the Expo, George and I headed to Primal Burgers for lunch. We couldn't resist stopping by Brighton Rocks as well, where I picked up some Rock for my mother and other half. The burger at Primal Burgers was absolutely amazing. If you ever find yourself in Brighton, I highly recommend paying them a visit!

Returning to the Expo, I had the pleasure of bumping into different people and engaging in delightful conversations. I met Clare Ellis, a talented concept artist whose work you should definitely check out on ArtStation (artstation.com/claremeli). I also had the opportunity to chat with Jacob Yeo, a sound designer from Bath.

Conversations continued to flow throughout the Expo. Jacky Collins, who found me on LinkedIn, sought me out and we had a great discussion about how her company could potentially assist MI Pixel. While it may not be feasible for me at the moment, I'm definitely keeping it in mind for the future.

While exploring, I had the pleasure of meeting a friendly individual named Ollie McLoughlin, who truly understood the challenges of being an Indie Dev. We instantly connected, and I happily accepted his LinkedIn connection request. I look forward to more conversations with him in the future.

I also spent a significant amount of time at the Supermassive Games stand. Being a huge fan of the Dark Pictures series, Until Dawn, and The Quarry, I couldn't resist expressing my gratitude for their amazing games. Our discussions took some interesting turns, reflecting how my brain works. Currently undergoing testing for ADHD, my brain often makes unconventional connections that seem perfectly normal to me. As we delved into topics like psychological horror and scaring people, I ended up sharing the story of the honey and milk execution from years ago with the lovely lady I spoke to (apologies for not remembering your name; I have everyone's business cards except hers as I write this).

Lastly, I want to highlight the wonderful conversation I had with Kevin Davey. It turns out we had been chatting on Twitter a few days prior, although I didn't recognize him from his profile pictures. We discussed mental health, the games industry, and he generously offered to help me with event information. As I'm not well-versed in the different events that exist, his advice was invaluable. Kevin is an amazing person, and I'm grateful for our interaction.

After the Expo concluded, George and I went to get some dinner. Acting upon my Personal Trainer's ( Antonio Carluccio o f Aeternal Fitness ) recommendation, I tried JB's Diner, and I'm so glad I did. I indulged in another delicious burger (I have a weakness for burgers) and a Peanut Butter milkshake. The burger was perfection, f rom the juicy patty to the perfectly cooked chips. And the milkshake was a peanut butter lover's dream—it felt like savoring a pot of Sunpat through a straw. I'm definitely going back to JB's Diner the next time I'm in Brighton.

Once I dropped George off at his place, we chatted a bit longer, cherishing the time spent together, before I finally headed home. I arrived around half past ten, exhausted and thirsty. After hugging and kissing my beautiful other half, I enjoyed a cup of tea and relaxed before heading to bed. It was an absolutely brilliant day from start to finish.

Reviving Connections and Making Strides: Develop:Brighton Beckons

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 16:23:04 GMT

Discover my anticipation for this year's event, the challenges I faced, and the unexpected surprises that await

Hello everyone! I have an exciting blog post to share with you today. I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be attending Develop:Brighton on Wednesday! It's an event I've been eagerly anticipating. While I've been to Develop:Brighton before, this time it's different as I'll be going on my own, representing my own company.

Recently, I received 500 business cards with QR codes linking to my website and the Steam page for my game, Defend from Candyland. I'm really pleased with how they turned out, so a big thanks to Vistaprint for that! However, there's a small hiccup—I just found out that the shirts I ordered won't be delivered in time. Despite Streetshirts' promise of same or next-day dispatch, they informed me that the shirts won't be printed until next week and won't arrive in time. It's frustrating, and now I'm scrambling to find a solution for the day. If all else fails, I might just have to rock up in a Dragon Ball shirt since it's a staple in my wardrobe. xD

Nevertheless, I'm genuinely excited for this Expo. Unfortunately, I'll only be able to attend on Wednesday as I have a business course on Thursday. The drive from Brighton to my course takes about an hour and a half to two hours, making it challenging to make it back in time. My main goal at the Expo is to meet new people and have engaging conversations. I'm eager to learn about others' projects, share updates on my own work, and hopefully establish meaningful connections. Let's see what unfolds!

In addition to the excitement of the event, I received a pleasant surprise when I posted on Facebook about my upcoming trip to Brighton. A good friend of mine, George, whom I haven't seen in years and coincidentally lives in Brighton, will also be meeting me there. It's fantastic to have the opportunity to reconnect with George during my visit!

If any of you are attending Develop:Brighton, I can't wait to see you there! It's going to be an incredible experience filled with networking and gaming discussions. Let's make the most of it!

From Broken Bones to Brighter Horizons: Our Journey to Recovery

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 21:41:30 GMT

Triumphing over Medical Neglect, Strengthening Bonds, and Building Rainbows in Terraria

Greetings, everyone! Today, I want to share a heartfelt blog post about the challenges my partner, Kirsty, and I have faced this month. To be honest, it hasn't been an easy journey. On May 13th, during my Nuclear Race event, Kirsty unfortunately broke her hand. Dealing with the healthcare system has been quite frustrating, as we've faced numerous scheduling conflicts and miscommunications among doctors, leading to delays in her treatment. It turns out that her previous hand injury, which occurred a few years ago, was not properly addressed by the hospital at the time. They only conducted one X-ray before discharging her, neglecting to follow proper procedures. Now, it appears that she not only has a fracture but also a cyst in her scaphoid bone. Surprisingly, the suggested course of action from the doctors has been to do nothing and hope for the issue to resolve on its own. It's disheartening to think that the initial mishandling of her injury may have contributed to this current complication.

Meanwhile, I underwent dental surgery recently, which may not be classified as a major procedure, but my fear of dentists made it quite daunting for me. Due to past negative experiences and my high resistance to most forms of local anesthesia, I had been waiting for this surgery for several years. Over time, I was referred to multiple dental clinics without success in finding a suitable form of sedation or anesthesia. Additionally, I finally had a sleep nasendoscopy to address my sleep apnea, a condition I've been living with since I was 16. For 18 years, I've sought answers from my hospital regarding the cause of my sleep apnea, only to be met with dismissive responses emphasizing weight as the primary issue. It reached a breaking point a few years ago when a doctor agreed to investigate if I consistently used a CPAP mask for three months. Yet, after completing this requirement, he reneged on his promise and returned to the familiar refrain of "You're overweight, use your CPAP machine." Frustrated, I sought help elsewhere and eventually underwent a sleep nasendoscopy. The results revealed that my nose had been broken internally, likely during childhood, and left untreated. This has caused a significant blockage in my airways, necessitating three separate surgical interventions: repairing my nose, undergoing a tonsillectomy, and having my uvula raised and throat widened. Once these procedures are completed, I will likely be free from sleep apnea. Furthermore, it's become apparent that the CPAP machine provided minimal assistance due to the underlying issue, and weight loss has been exceedingly challenging for me.

Reflecting on these health-related challenges, it's evident that this month has taken a toll on both Kirsty and me. However, we've been there for each other throughout these difficulties. Our love for one another is profound and has played an instrumental role in shaping the people we are today. It's important to remember that we are not alone in facing life's troubles. Recently, I've had conversations with individuals on Twitter and at the gym who have their own share of problems. While Kirsty and I have been feeling down, we decided to reignite our passion for a game we both adore—a game that she actually introduced me to: Terraria. Funny enough, she managed to trick me into playing it a few years ago. Knowing my fondness for pixel art games, side-scrollers, and hack-and-slash adventures, she presented Terraria as a game where we could indulge in all those elements together. Little did I know that while I embarked on killing sprees, she would focus on constructing elaborate buildings. You see, Kirsty possesses a genuine love for building and crafting games like The Sims and House Flipper,

while I thrive on the thrill of platforming and combat. Together, we form an incredible team within the world of Terraria. We've decided to start fresh with new characters once again, this time tackling Master Mode in a Drunk world—a combination that promises an adventurous experience. And during this playthrough, Kirsty has crafted a delightful Rainbow Pride house, which seems fitting to share with all of you on the final day of Pride month.

Take a moment to appreciate this charming little house. Additionally, I sincerely hope that all of you are doing well. Remember, my email inbox and Twitter DMs are always open. If you need someone to talk to or lend a listening ear, feel free to reach out.

Sending love to all,

Michael "MI Pixel" Ingram

Embracing Nostalgia: The Journey of MI Pixel

183:922148042 (Michael Ingram) — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 15:39:09 GMT

Unveiling a Retro-Inspired Website and the Power of Collaboration

Hello everyone! Michael and Kirsty here, joining forces to bring you an exciting update on our latest endeavors. We couldn't contain our excitement, so we had to write this blog post together to share the news with all of you. Are you ready? Here it is: We've done a thing!

You may have noticed some changes around here. That's right, we've given our website a makeover, and guess what? Kirsty is now an integral part of MI Pixel! Although she has always been working behind the scenes, supporting me with her incredible design ideas for projects like Defend from Candyland!, we felt it was time to shine the spotlight on her and officially acknowledge her role in this creative journey.

Our website has undergone a transformation to reflect our shared passion for building games with a retro twist. As someone who grew up immersed in the world of 80s, 90s, and 00s gaming, I've always felt a deep connection to that era. In fact, I still proudly own a collection of classic consoles, including some that I didn't even have the chance to experience as a child, like the NES, SNES, and Atari.

With the revamped website, we aim to showcase more of our games with nostalgic themes and provide a clearer focus on our mission. Building upon the success of our previous projects, we're determined to bring even more games to light. But it doesn't stop there! We're also committed to delivering outstanding results for the contracts we undertake, ensuring that our clients' visions become reality.

So, what's next? Buckle up and keep your eyes on this space because we're determined to bring you an array of exciting games, packed with retro charm and captivating gameplay. Whether you're a fellow enthusiast of bygone gaming eras or simply seeking new adventures, we've got you covered.

We're grateful for your continued support and encouragement on this journey. Your enthusiasm fuels our passion, and we're thrilled to have you alongside us. Together, we'll explore the depths of nostalgia and create unforgettable gaming experiences.

Stay tuned, folks. The future holds endless possibilities, and we can't wait to embark on this thrilling adventure with all of you!

Cheers,

Michael and Kirsty

Overwhelmed Mind: Venting and Seeking Balance

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:56:44 GMT

Navigating a Multitude of Challenges and Questions

Heya readers! Today's blog post is going to be a bit different from the usual. Consider it a venting session with some thought-provoking questions. Feel free to share your thoughts if you'd like, but no pressure!

Lately, I've been feeling overwhelmed with everything on my mind. It's not necessarily all bad, just a lot to handle. When I try to focus on work, my mind tends to wander, making it difficult to be productive. I'm trying to find a way to navigate through it all, but these things won't just disappear overnight.

Recently, I had my sleep nasendoscopy, which revealed the cause of my sleep apnea and the need for three surgeries to fix it. While I'm relieved to see an end to this condition, the doctor mentioned that until I undergo the surgeries, weight loss is unlikely. This news was disheartening, as I've been hitting the gym to shed those extra pounds. It feels demotivating, but I'll continue working on my strength until the surgery comes. Hopefully, fixing the sleep apnea will also alleviate my migraines, poor memory, depression, and concentration issues. However, the waiting game is frustrating.

In addition, I've been referred somewhere for a possible ADHD diagnosis. Many of the symptoms described in videos about living with ADHD resonate with me. I even scored high on the ADHD paper test. So now, I'm waiting for the referral to progress, which has been a few months.

On top of everything, I have two companies contracting me for work, which is fantastic! However, my self-doubt starts to creep in, worrying about meeting both companies' needs. While the work I've done so far has been manageable, my self-esteem takes a hit. I fear losing the opportunity.

Therapy has been a part of my life recently, although we haven't started the planned Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy yet. In my last session, my therapist questioned whether this was the right time for therapy, considering the current load on my plate. It's disheartening to hear that I should wait until other things are sorted out before addressing my concerns. I've hoped therapy would help me prevent situations like this, but it seems like a familiar pattern of delay and uncertainty.

Furthermore, I'm awaiting acceptance into a 10-week business building course. This is an opportunity I genuinely hope to pursue. If I can get the support and make progress, I believe my stress levels will decrease. Fingers crossed!

There are other concerns on my mind, but I won't delve into all of them today. One thing that bothers me is not having enough time to work on my projects, such as Supernatural Hunters and other games. It's a constant nagging thought in the back of my mind.

I simply have a lot going on at the moment, and much of it feels out of my control, which frustrates me. I need to find ways to handle it all mentally, so I can navigate through my day without getting easily distracted.

Apologies for unloading more than intended. Maybe it's time for a little break, a game session, and then I can write a more pleasant blog post about that experience. Let's see how it goes!

Thank you for reading, and have a great day!

Michael "MI Pixel" Ingram

A Long-Awaited Arrival: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 12:31:50 GMT

From Online Spoilers to Blu-Ray Bliss: My Adventure with Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

Hello everyone! Today, something exciting happened that brought a smile to my face. A knock on my door brought me the long-awaited arrival of my Special Edition copy of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero! I've been eagerly anticipating this moment for quite some time.

When the film initially hit theaters, I made my best effort to avoid spoilers, but the ever-present social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook proved to be a minefield. It was nearly impossible to shield myself from the hints and discussions about the movie. Regrettably, I succumbed to watching a low-quality version online. Looking back, I wish I had exercised more patience and experienced it in all its glory. Lesson learned!

Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. It was a treat to witness Gohan and Piccolo back in action, complete with Piccolo's cunning schemes to get Gohan to fight. The movie effectively captured the essence of the original Dragon Ball series, blending humor and action seamlessly. It was refreshing to see a Dragon Ball installment where Goku and Vegeta took a backseat, reminding us that others can step up to face challenges.

The reintroduction of the Red Ribbon Army was an inevitable nostalgic trip for fans of the original series. As for the villain, Cell Max, I'm still processing my thoughts on that choice. Overall, it was an interesting film, and I'm thrilled to watch it again in much better quality, not to mention the exciting extras that come with the Blu-Ray!

Personally, when it comes to the Dragon Ball Super movies, I must admit that I have a soft spot for the Broly film. The breathtaking animation during the fight scenes was truly awe-inspiring, and Frieza's performance was a memorable highlight (if you know, you know xD).

In other news, I finally got my hand tattoo colored in! Although there's still some work to be done, such as adding the Latin scripture and figuring out how to seamlessly connect it to the rest of my arm, it's a step closer to creating one epic sleeve. Any talented artists out there up for the challenge? xD

Aside from these exciting developments, I've been diligently working on a Shader Graph course and building a website for another company. I'm hoping to carve out more time soon to focus on coding for Supernatural Hunters, as I have a strong desire to make progress in that area (less art, more coding...xD).

Wishing you all a fantastic day filled with joy and fun!

Michael "MI Pixel" Ingram

Welcome to your Doom: Tamsin's 1000th Victory

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 20:30:21 GMT

A Thousand Demonic Triumphs: Unveiling the Secrets of Tamsin's Warlock Domination

Hey, everyone! I've got some exciting news to share from my gaming world. As a passionate Hearthstone player, Warlock has always been my favorite class. Lately, I've been experimenting with a unique deck that's been performing quite well in ranked matches. And guess what? I was on the verge of achieving a significant milestone—my 1000th victory as a Warlock in Ranked mode!

I couldn't contain my excitement, so I recorded the match for you all to see. Check out the gameplay video here:

And yes, spoiler alert (although the title of this blog post might have already given it away)—I emerged victorious, reaching my long-awaited 1000th victory! It's an accomplishment I'm really proud of, as I've officially joined the elite club of Warlock players who have conquered 1000 ranked battles in Hearthstone.

To celebrate this monumental achievement, I've unlocked an awesome Warlock character skin called Shadow Gul'dan, who's now taking over as the face of my deck, replacing Summoner Tamsin. It adds a cool new vibe to my gameplay and serves as a constant reminder of the hard work and dedication I've put into mastering the Warlock class.

Reaching this milestone is a testament to the strategies I've honed and the enjoyment I find in the game. While the ranked ladder can be a challenging journey, achieving 1000 victories as a Warlock is a feat that exceeds my expectations and fills me with immense pride.

With this achievement unlocked, I'm already eyeing my next challenge. Maybe I'll aim for 1000 ranked victories with my Druid class next! The adventure continues, and I can't wait to see what's in store.

Thanks for being part of this exciting journey with me. Stay tuned for more updates, gaming insights, and tales from my digital escapades. May your Hearthstone battles be filled with fun, strategy, and plenty of wins!

Have fun everyone!

Michael "MI Pixel" Ingram

From Protein Bagels to Silver Screen Delights: An Eventful Week

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 13:39:02 GMT

Protein Bagels and Movie Magic: Unraveling the Week's Tales

Hello, everyone! It's time for another update on my blog. Despite feeling a bit under the weather, I managed to have a pretty fun week. Well, maybe the illness was partly self-inflicted since I ate some questionable protein bagels... Oops, my bad! ��

While I haven't been at my best health-wise this week, I didn't let that stop me from enjoying some Hearthstone shenanigans with my amazing fiancée, Kirsty. We actually stumbled upon an interesting combo that ended up breaking the game. Let me explain.

I have this Big Warlock deck that I love playing in Hearthstone. Little did I know that two cards in my deck, Mal'Ganis and The Jailer, could create an unstoppable combo. Mal'Ganis grants immunity to your Hero, while The Jailer's Battlecry destroys your deck and makes all your minions immune. When Kirsty and I faced each other using the same deck, it resulted in a complete stalemate. Neither of us could inflict any damage on each other. It was a truly bizarre and unexpected turn of events. I wonder if the developers foresaw this when they introduced both of these cards... ��

Aside from breaking Hearthstone, I also had the chance to catch up on a few films I've been wanting to see for a while. Let me share my thoughts on them!

Matrix Revolutions (Warning: Spoilers ahead!)

This film took a different direction than I anticipated. To be honest, I'm not even sure what I was expecting since I thought the original trilogy wrapped up nicely. However, I found the idea of a program deciding to create its own version of the Matrix with its own designs quite intriguing. Of course, the program's plan wouldn't last forever, but it was fascinating to see its attempt to account for every possibility, as often happens in sci-fi films. Overall, it's definitely worth watching, although it didn't quite reach the level of the original films.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (Warning: Spoilers ahead!)

I can't find any faults with this film. If you're a fan of the original Ghostbusters movies, you're in for a treat. I loved seeing how the relationships evolved and the impact it had on Spengler's family. Right from the opening scenes, I instantly knew that Pheobe was Spengler's granddaughter. She was perfectly cast, capturing both the essence and appearance of the character. All in all, it was an amazing film that did justice to the franchise. ��

Venom: Let There Be Carnage (Warning: Spoilers ahead!)

I was a fan of the first Venom film with Tom Hardy, but I've always had a soft spot for Carnage. The Carnage I remember from the old Megadrive game and animated Spiderman series was an insane character. If I recall correctly, it was a symbiote that attached itself to a person with multiple personality disorder, resulting in a truly chaotic being. In the old animated series' multiverse arc, while other characters had their own ambitions, Carnage simply wanted to destroy all the universes for the sheer thrill of it. Unfortunately, the Carnage portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the film didn't quite match up to that level of insanity. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the film and found the relationship between Venom and Eddie to be, well... rather peculiar! ��

Morbius (Warning: Spoilers ahead!)

Once again, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this film. My knowledge of the Morbius character mainly comes from his appearances as a side character or villain in Spiderman stories. I understand the underlying motivations of the characters—one determined to overcome his condition and help others who suffer, and the other seeking revenge against the "able-bodied" world for always looking down on him. It's a somewhat clichéd premise, and the film itself was just okay for me. I wouldn't rate it much higher than that.

So, this week was filled with watching films, breaking Hearthstone, and catching up on much-needed sleep. At one point, I got so delirious from lack of sleep that I thought Sentinels were out to get me! �� But now, I'm back to about 90% and ready to dive back into work.

As I continue juggling various projects, including my solo game Supernatural Hunters and freelance work for others, I've realized the importance of effective time management or the possibility of hiring staff in the future. Exciting things may be on the horizon, and I can't wait to see what unfolds!

Thank you all for tuning in and listening to my updates. As always, stay kind and have fun!

Kind regards,

Michael "MI Pixel" Ingram

Embracing New Beginnings: A Blog, a Milestone, and the Journey Within

Sun, 28 May 2023 13:51:56 GMT

A new blog and a new accomplishment!

Hello, wonderful readers! Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter as I embark on this blogging adventure. I'm thrilled to have you join me on this journey as we delve into the enchanting world of pixels and play together. So, without further ado, let's jump right into my very first post!

As I sit here, pouring my thoughts onto this screen, I can't help but reflect on the profound significance of personal achievements and the transformations they bring. Today, I have the absolute pleasure of sharing a momentous milestone I recently accomplished at the gym—a triumph that left me grinning like a kid for a long time, as you can see in the above image.

I'm absolutely delighted to announce that I successfully conquered the Leg Press machine, lifting a whopping 300 kilograms for 6 reps! I'm still filled with a mix of excitement and disbelief at what I've achieved. It's hard to imagine that just a year ago, when I first embarked on my fitness journey, I could only manage a humble 90 kilograms on the Leg Press machine. Looking back, I'm genuinely amazed at the remarkable progress I've made. It's a humbling reminder that consistency and hard work truly pay off. I can't express enough how grateful I am for the positive impact this journey has had on my overall well-being.

Now, it's important to acknowledge that my path hasn't always been one of pushing limits and embracing physical challenges. In fact, I've encountered my fair share of struggles when it comes to weight and physical fitness. But today, I stand before you, stronger and more determined than ever, proving that transformation is within reach when we commit ourselves to self-improvement.

Through this blog, my heartfelt desire is to inspire others who may have faced similar obstacles on their own wellness journeys. Together, let's celebrate victories, both big and small, and provide unwavering support as we navigate the twists and turns of life.

As I pour my experiences into these digital pages, you'll witness not only my growth as an indie game developer but also my ongoing transformation in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. With unwavering transparency and vulnerability, I'm committed to sharing the triumphs, the setbacks, and the invaluable lessons I've learned along the way.

Dear readers, thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining me on this inaugural blog post. Your presence and support mean the world to me. Keep an eye out for more updates, insights, and captivating stories from the realm of pixels and play. Together, let's embrace new beginnings, conquer challenges, and continue to strive for personal growth.

Here's to an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.

Warmest regards,

Michael "MI Pixel" Ingram