Backyard Zoo
@backyardzoo.bsky.social
Solo indie game dev
Currently working on my first game ‘Mayfly’, an atmospheric quiet horror game set entirely on a narrowboat
Lancashire, UK
Currently working on my first game ‘Mayfly’, an atmospheric quiet horror game set entirely on a narrowboat
Lancashire, UK
Pinned
Backyard Zoo
@backyardzoo.bsky.social
· Sep 13
Mayfly is an upcoming quiet horror set on a narrowboat where peace and tranquility slowly descend into darkness
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
November 18, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Quite pleased with this script I wrote which increases the window light emission as the player moves away.
Trying to create the illusion of eyes adjusting to the darker interior etc.
Could do with some rays to complete the effect I think?
#gamedev #madewithunity #indiedev #indiegame
Trying to create the illusion of eyes adjusting to the darker interior etc.
Could do with some rays to complete the effect I think?
#gamedev #madewithunity #indiedev #indiegame
November 6, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Quite pleased with this script I wrote which increases the window light emission as the player moves away.
Trying to create the illusion of eyes adjusting to the darker interior etc.
Could do with some rays to complete the effect I think?
#gamedev #madewithunity #indiedev #indiegame
Trying to create the illusion of eyes adjusting to the darker interior etc.
Could do with some rays to complete the effect I think?
#gamedev #madewithunity #indiedev #indiegame
A bit of early kitchen exploration as implemented so far. Need some variety on the cupboard opening noises though (or some WD-40) 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame #quiethorror
#solodev
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame #quiethorror
#solodev
November 3, 2025 at 7:14 PM
A bit of early kitchen exploration as implemented so far. Need some variety on the cupboard opening noises though (or some WD-40) 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame #quiethorror
#solodev
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame #quiethorror
#solodev
Mayfly is a short story-led quiet horror set entirely on a narrowboat in Northern England.
Very much work in progress, + missing dialogue for Caroline, but this will eventually form scene 2 of 4 before the game is finally complete.
#gamedev #screenshotsaturday #indiegame #madewithunity #horrorgame
Very much work in progress, + missing dialogue for Caroline, but this will eventually form scene 2 of 4 before the game is finally complete.
#gamedev #screenshotsaturday #indiegame #madewithunity #horrorgame
November 2, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Mayfly is a short story-led quiet horror set entirely on a narrowboat in Northern England.
Very much work in progress, + missing dialogue for Caroline, but this will eventually form scene 2 of 4 before the game is finally complete.
#gamedev #screenshotsaturday #indiegame #madewithunity #horrorgame
Very much work in progress, + missing dialogue for Caroline, but this will eventually form scene 2 of 4 before the game is finally complete.
#gamedev #screenshotsaturday #indiegame #madewithunity #horrorgame
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
It’s making me wanna hurry up and play it! Can’t wait. 😆
Steam store page coming soon for Mayfly (hopefully next few weeks)
It’s amazing how long you can spend fussing over words but what do you think of the description so far? 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame
It’s amazing how long you can spend fussing over words but what do you think of the description so far? 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame
October 25, 2025 at 10:55 AM
It’s making me wanna hurry up and play it! Can’t wait. 😆
Steam store page coming soon for Mayfly (hopefully next few weeks)
It’s amazing how long you can spend fussing over words but what do you think of the description so far? 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame
It’s amazing how long you can spend fussing over words but what do you think of the description so far? 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame
October 25, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Steam store page coming soon for Mayfly (hopefully next few weeks)
It’s amazing how long you can spend fussing over words but what do you think of the description so far? 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame
It’s amazing how long you can spend fussing over words but what do you think of the description so far? 🤔
#gamedev #indiedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiegame
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
Mayfly is an upcoming quiet horror set on a narrowboat where peace and tranquility slowly descend into darkness
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
September 13, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Mayfly is an upcoming quiet horror set on a narrowboat where peace and tranquility slowly descend into darkness
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
🎉 Live now: 100 Follower Celebration! 🥳 Join me in Minecraft—challenge me with silly tasks or help fill the Pawsitivity Book with positive words. Chaos & fun guaranteed. Zombie slaps included. 🧟♂️⚔️ #BlindGamer
www.twitch.tv/mustlovedon
www.youtube.com/justconnectteam
www.twitch.tv/mustlovedon
www.youtube.com/justconnectteam
September 21, 2025 at 8:27 AM
🎉 Live now: 100 Follower Celebration! 🥳 Join me in Minecraft—challenge me with silly tasks or help fill the Pawsitivity Book with positive words. Chaos & fun guaranteed. Zombie slaps included. 🧟♂️⚔️ #BlindGamer
www.twitch.tv/mustlovedon
www.youtube.com/justconnectteam
www.twitch.tv/mustlovedon
www.youtube.com/justconnectteam
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
Can't rest on our laurels with #Blanky releasing tomorrow.
Work on the next game has already begun. This morning I've been testing out some assets and colours for our next game.
Switching from side on to top down perspective is taking some getting used to
#VideoGames #GameDev #IndieDev
Work on the next game has already begun. This morning I've been testing out some assets and colours for our next game.
Switching from side on to top down perspective is taking some getting used to
#VideoGames #GameDev #IndieDev
September 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Can't rest on our laurels with #Blanky releasing tomorrow.
Work on the next game has already begun. This morning I've been testing out some assets and colours for our next game.
Switching from side on to top down perspective is taking some getting used to
#VideoGames #GameDev #IndieDev
Work on the next game has already begun. This morning I've been testing out some assets and colours for our next game.
Switching from side on to top down perspective is taking some getting used to
#VideoGames #GameDev #IndieDev
Mayfly is an upcoming quiet horror set on a narrowboat where peace and tranquility slowly descend into darkness
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
September 13, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Mayfly is an upcoming quiet horror set on a narrowboat where peace and tranquility slowly descend into darkness
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
#screenshotsaturday
#madewithunity #unity3d #game #gamedev #indiedev #solodev #indiegame
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
BackYard Zoo is working so hard on their first game #MayFly. Go give them a follow and keep up to date with the development progress. #Gamedev #ShareTheDonLove😍
Consistent feedback from the play tests:
- Event triggers not always clear
- Horror atmosphere could afford to be toned down even more
- Exiting the first puzzle is not as clear as could be
Over the moon with that. A massive thanks to 👉 @mustlovedon.bsky.social 👈 for being awesome too.
#gamedev
- Event triggers not always clear
- Horror atmosphere could afford to be toned down even more
- Exiting the first puzzle is not as clear as could be
Over the moon with that. A massive thanks to 👉 @mustlovedon.bsky.social 👈 for being awesome too.
#gamedev
September 11, 2025 at 12:37 PM
BackYard Zoo is working so hard on their first game #MayFly. Go give them a follow and keep up to date with the development progress. #Gamedev #ShareTheDonLove😍
It's finally starting to feel like 1999 on board the Mayfly.
God rays next...
#gamedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiedev #indiegame
God rays next...
#gamedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiedev #indiegame
September 11, 2025 at 10:24 AM
It's finally starting to feel like 1999 on board the Mayfly.
God rays next...
#gamedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiedev #indiegame
God rays next...
#gamedev #madewithunity #horrorgame #indiedev #indiegame
Play tests went so unbelievably well last week but…
“Why is Mayfly running like utter dog shit on this old MacBook?”
Humbling first time game dev experience remedied with the help of the awesome @comp3int.bsky.social
#gamedev #unity3d #indiegame #gameoptimisation
“Why is Mayfly running like utter dog shit on this old MacBook?”
Humbling first time game dev experience remedied with the help of the awesome @comp3int.bsky.social
#gamedev #unity3d #indiegame #gameoptimisation
September 9, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Play tests went so unbelievably well last week but…
“Why is Mayfly running like utter dog shit on this old MacBook?”
Humbling first time game dev experience remedied with the help of the awesome @comp3int.bsky.social
#gamedev #unity3d #indiegame #gameoptimisation
“Why is Mayfly running like utter dog shit on this old MacBook?”
Humbling first time game dev experience remedied with the help of the awesome @comp3int.bsky.social
#gamedev #unity3d #indiegame #gameoptimisation
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
I love the boating life, suits me perfectly, but the horror story potential of both the boats themselves and of our way of living is really underexplored.
There's just so much there to work with.
There's just so much there to work with.
August 14, 2025 at 3:34 PM
I love the boating life, suits me perfectly, but the horror story potential of both the boats themselves and of our way of living is really underexplored.
There's just so much there to work with.
There's just so much there to work with.
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
So many ways a generally cosy, chill life could be twisted into the darkest of nightmares.
One of the reasons I'm so eagerly awaiting @backyardzoo.bsky.social's game release.
I'm fascinated to see what they've come up with.
One of the reasons I'm so eagerly awaiting @backyardzoo.bsky.social's game release.
I'm fascinated to see what they've come up with.
August 14, 2025 at 3:34 PM
So many ways a generally cosy, chill life could be twisted into the darkest of nightmares.
One of the reasons I'm so eagerly awaiting @backyardzoo.bsky.social's game release.
I'm fascinated to see what they've come up with.
One of the reasons I'm so eagerly awaiting @backyardzoo.bsky.social's game release.
I'm fascinated to see what they've come up with.
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
Here's the trailer for #Blanky
A young boy named Jacob journeys through a nightmarish world full of horrors.
With his trusty blanket "Blanky" by his side, Jacob must find a courage he never knew he had to face his biggest fear.
store.steampowered.com/app/3870300/...
#pixelart #indiegame
A young boy named Jacob journeys through a nightmarish world full of horrors.
With his trusty blanket "Blanky" by his side, Jacob must find a courage he never knew he had to face his biggest fear.
store.steampowered.com/app/3870300/...
#pixelart #indiegame
July 22, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Here's the trailer for #Blanky
A young boy named Jacob journeys through a nightmarish world full of horrors.
With his trusty blanket "Blanky" by his side, Jacob must find a courage he never knew he had to face his biggest fear.
store.steampowered.com/app/3870300/...
#pixelart #indiegame
A young boy named Jacob journeys through a nightmarish world full of horrors.
With his trusty blanket "Blanky" by his side, Jacob must find a courage he never knew he had to face his biggest fear.
store.steampowered.com/app/3870300/...
#pixelart #indiegame
I’ve been testing Mayfly with a few family & friends for a while now - but for pure unadulterated honesty I am thinking:
>> Actual play tests with people I don’t know and eventually a demo release. <<
Uncharted territory here and it’s quite daunting. 😱🤢
#gamedev #indiegame #unity3d
>> Actual play tests with people I don’t know and eventually a demo release. <<
Uncharted territory here and it’s quite daunting. 😱🤢
#gamedev #indiegame #unity3d
August 14, 2025 at 12:31 PM
I’ve been testing Mayfly with a few family & friends for a while now - but for pure unadulterated honesty I am thinking:
>> Actual play tests with people I don’t know and eventually a demo release. <<
Uncharted territory here and it’s quite daunting. 😱🤢
#gamedev #indiegame #unity3d
>> Actual play tests with people I don’t know and eventually a demo release. <<
Uncharted territory here and it’s quite daunting. 😱🤢
#gamedev #indiegame #unity3d
After some really useful feedback I've added:
- Audio mixer/channel prefs
- Text size pref
- Dark UI elements such as the dropdown
Deffo needs another pass cos the positioning + spacing is way out in places. PITA to implement, but it WORKS!
#gamedev #indiedev #uidesign #gameui #gamesaccessibility
- Audio mixer/channel prefs
- Text size pref
- Dark UI elements such as the dropdown
Deffo needs another pass cos the positioning + spacing is way out in places. PITA to implement, but it WORKS!
#gamedev #indiedev #uidesign #gameui #gamesaccessibility
July 31, 2025 at 1:19 PM
After some really useful feedback I've added:
- Audio mixer/channel prefs
- Text size pref
- Dark UI elements such as the dropdown
Deffo needs another pass cos the positioning + spacing is way out in places. PITA to implement, but it WORKS!
#gamedev #indiedev #uidesign #gameui #gamesaccessibility
- Audio mixer/channel prefs
- Text size pref
- Dark UI elements such as the dropdown
Deffo needs another pass cos the positioning + spacing is way out in places. PITA to implement, but it WORKS!
#gamedev #indiedev #uidesign #gameui #gamesaccessibility
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
Look at these new items we prepared for the future release 🏡
#cozygames #gamingpc #indiegames #lofi #ゲーム制作
#cozygames #gamingpc #indiegames #lofi #ゲーム制作
July 13, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Look at these new items we prepared for the future release 🏡
#cozygames #gamingpc #indiegames #lofi #ゲーム制作
#cozygames #gamingpc #indiegames #lofi #ゲーム制作
After nearly 3 years of trying to attach a suitable horror sub-genre to Mayfly I finally found it.
I’ll be using this #quiethorror description copiously to make up for lost time. 🤫
#gamemarketing #gamedev #indiegame #horrorgame
I’ll be using this #quiethorror description copiously to make up for lost time. 🤫
#gamemarketing #gamedev #indiegame #horrorgame
July 26, 2025 at 9:19 PM
After nearly 3 years of trying to attach a suitable horror sub-genre to Mayfly I finally found it.
I’ll be using this #quiethorror description copiously to make up for lost time. 🤫
#gamemarketing #gamedev #indiegame #horrorgame
I’ll be using this #quiethorror description copiously to make up for lost time. 🤫
#gamemarketing #gamedev #indiegame #horrorgame
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
Reposts appreciated!
I made a starter pack for indie horror devs who are cool people (no racism, no sexism, and no hate against the LGBTQIA+ community)
Also no AI and no porn.
If you want to join, please tell me about the cool horror game you're working on😊
#gamedev #horrorgame
go.bsky.app/3bvzpEK
I made a starter pack for indie horror devs who are cool people (no racism, no sexism, and no hate against the LGBTQIA+ community)
Also no AI and no porn.
If you want to join, please tell me about the cool horror game you're working on😊
#gamedev #horrorgame
go.bsky.app/3bvzpEK
July 7, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Reposts appreciated!
I made a starter pack for indie horror devs who are cool people (no racism, no sexism, and no hate against the LGBTQIA+ community)
Also no AI and no porn.
If you want to join, please tell me about the cool horror game you're working on😊
#gamedev #horrorgame
go.bsky.app/3bvzpEK
I made a starter pack for indie horror devs who are cool people (no racism, no sexism, and no hate against the LGBTQIA+ community)
Also no AI and no porn.
If you want to join, please tell me about the cool horror game you're working on😊
#gamedev #horrorgame
go.bsky.app/3bvzpEK
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
July 19, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Reposted by Backyard Zoo
Eagerly awaiting this game.
It's top of my want list.
Going to play the hell out of this.
It's top of my want list.
Going to play the hell out of this.
WIP - Here's the first minute or so of Mayfly gameplay, the calm before the storm 🌞
Completely refactored almost every system under the hood
Blue subtitles = voice audio, not yet recorded 🎙️
Sound levels are all over the place so I apologise to your ears in advance 👂
#gamedev #solodev #indiegame
Completely refactored almost every system under the hood
Blue subtitles = voice audio, not yet recorded 🎙️
Sound levels are all over the place so I apologise to your ears in advance 👂
#gamedev #solodev #indiegame
July 17, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Eagerly awaiting this game.
It's top of my want list.
Going to play the hell out of this.
It's top of my want list.
Going to play the hell out of this.
A bit of #fridayui for Mayfly.
I've built separate Inventory, Journal & Notes menus alongside the standard Pause menu. All fully keyboard navigable.
Still WIP and once again I apologise for the sound levels - but what do you folks think?
#gamedev #solodev #indiegame #gameui #uidesign
I've built separate Inventory, Journal & Notes menus alongside the standard Pause menu. All fully keyboard navigable.
Still WIP and once again I apologise for the sound levels - but what do you folks think?
#gamedev #solodev #indiegame #gameui #uidesign
July 18, 2025 at 2:52 PM
WIP - Here's the first minute or so of Mayfly gameplay, the calm before the storm 🌞
Completely refactored almost every system under the hood
Blue subtitles = voice audio, not yet recorded 🎙️
Sound levels are all over the place so I apologise to your ears in advance 👂
#gamedev #solodev #indiegame
Completely refactored almost every system under the hood
Blue subtitles = voice audio, not yet recorded 🎙️
Sound levels are all over the place so I apologise to your ears in advance 👂
#gamedev #solodev #indiegame
July 17, 2025 at 11:29 AM
WIP - Here's the first minute or so of Mayfly gameplay, the calm before the storm 🌞
Completely refactored almost every system under the hood
Blue subtitles = voice audio, not yet recorded 🎙️
Sound levels are all over the place so I apologise to your ears in advance 👂
#gamedev #solodev #indiegame
Completely refactored almost every system under the hood
Blue subtitles = voice audio, not yet recorded 🎙️
Sound levels are all over the place so I apologise to your ears in advance 👂
#gamedev #solodev #indiegame