Nina Kiel
@beurkeek.bsky.social
Game developer, journalist, researcher, diversity and inclusion advocate, IGF finalist
Research fellow at TH Köln/Cologne Game Lab, promoting accessibility in games and developing Open Educational Resources
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ they/them, sier/sien
Research fellow at TH Köln/Cologne Game Lab, promoting accessibility in games and developing Open Educational Resources
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ they/them, sier/sien
If we just continue to accept Valve's entirely arbitrary rulings, it's certain more studios will have to close. Santa Ragione's case also clearly highlights that not only adult game developers are at risk, but possibly every developer who dares to create something slightly outside of the mainstream.
November 26, 2025 at 4:03 PM
If we just continue to accept Valve's entirely arbitrary rulings, it's certain more studios will have to close. Santa Ragione's case also clearly highlights that not only adult game developers are at risk, but possibly every developer who dares to create something slightly outside of the mainstream.
Reposted by Nina Kiel
Santa Ragione are a well-known studio, covered by a great many mainstream outlets. Their latest game will not be releasing on Steam for... reasons? Steam won't tell them why, won't tell them what needs fixing, and won't communicate in general.
Every other store will carry it. Just not Steam.
Every other store will carry it. Just not Steam.
Our upcoming game HORSES was preemptively banned from Steam, with no path to appeal. The game will still launch next week on December 2nd and will be available on EGS, GOG, Humble, and Itch for $4.99. Here is a detailed FAQ covering what happened: horses.wtf/BannedFromSt...
November 25, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Santa Ragione are a well-known studio, covered by a great many mainstream outlets. Their latest game will not be releasing on Steam for... reasons? Steam won't tell them why, won't tell them what needs fixing, and won't communicate in general.
Every other store will carry it. Just not Steam.
Every other store will carry it. Just not Steam.
Reposted by Nina Kiel
This is what happened to me. Employers across the board need to be aware of how harassment campaigns work and do better to protect their employees from them. These people should not have a platform to profit off of harassment.
Two months after firing over Charlie Kirk comments, Ghost of Yotei dev blames harassment campaign, not 'bad joke'
aftermath.site/sucker-punch-c...
aftermath.site/sucker-punch-c...
November 24, 2025 at 6:50 PM
This is what happened to me. Employers across the board need to be aware of how harassment campaigns work and do better to protect their employees from them. These people should not have a platform to profit off of harassment.
Reposted by Nina Kiel
Regret to report that there has been another good linkedin post
November 22, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Regret to report that there has been another good linkedin post
Reposted by Nina Kiel
Over the next few days I'll be posting clips of my main video doing a breakdown of #TheGameAwards Accessibility category to help explain why each game was nominated.
First up today is #Atomfall
youtu.be/QB6gh77RwR4
First up today is #Atomfall
youtu.be/QB6gh77RwR4
The Game Awards Nominated Atomfall for Accessibility - Let Me Show You Why
YouTube video by Steve Saylor
youtu.be
November 19, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Over the next few days I'll be posting clips of my main video doing a breakdown of #TheGameAwards Accessibility category to help explain why each game was nominated.
First up today is #Atomfall
youtu.be/QB6gh77RwR4
First up today is #Atomfall
youtu.be/QB6gh77RwR4
Reposted by Nina Kiel
Hey folks, I often do posts calling for indie developers to link me their games so I can signal boost them. Today I want to do something similar for all trans creatives.
If you are a trans game dev, artist, writer, streamer or YouTuber, reply here with a link to your work. Only one rule: no GenAI.💜
If you are a trans game dev, artist, writer, streamer or YouTuber, reply here with a link to your work. Only one rule: no GenAI.💜
November 20, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Hey folks, I often do posts calling for indie developers to link me their games so I can signal boost them. Today I want to do something similar for all trans creatives.
If you are a trans game dev, artist, writer, streamer or YouTuber, reply here with a link to your work. Only one rule: no GenAI.💜
If you are a trans game dev, artist, writer, streamer or YouTuber, reply here with a link to your work. Only one rule: no GenAI.💜
This video offers a great breakdown of the voting process at #TheGameAwards and explains why games may end up being nominated for several categories, including categories they don't seem to qualify for.
What I don't agree with, however, is @charalanahzard.bsky.social's conclusion that...
What I don't agree with, however, is @charalanahzard.bsky.social's conclusion that...
The Expedition 33 & Dispatch Game Awards drama.
YouTube video by Charalanahzard
youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:18 PM
This video offers a great breakdown of the voting process at #TheGameAwards and explains why games may end up being nominated for several categories, including categories they don't seem to qualify for.
What I don't agree with, however, is @charalanahzard.bsky.social's conclusion that...
What I don't agree with, however, is @charalanahzard.bsky.social's conclusion that...
Reposted by Nina Kiel
"I code so others can dream."
Gayming Icon and LGBTQ+ video game pioneer, Rebecca Heineman, has sadly passed away after a short, tough fight with aggressive cancer.
Read our obituary to this true industry trailblazer: gaymingmag.com/2025/11/gaym...
Gayming Icon and LGBTQ+ video game pioneer, Rebecca Heineman, has sadly passed away after a short, tough fight with aggressive cancer.
Read our obituary to this true industry trailblazer: gaymingmag.com/2025/11/gaym...
Gayming Icon and LGBTQ+ games pioneer, Rebecca Heineman, has died - Gayming Magazine
Rebecca Heineman, a trailblazing figure in the video game industry and a celebrated icon within the LGBTQ+ gaming community, has died.
gaymingmag.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:02 AM
"I code so others can dream."
Gayming Icon and LGBTQ+ video game pioneer, Rebecca Heineman, has sadly passed away after a short, tough fight with aggressive cancer.
Read our obituary to this true industry trailblazer: gaymingmag.com/2025/11/gaym...
Gayming Icon and LGBTQ+ video game pioneer, Rebecca Heineman, has sadly passed away after a short, tough fight with aggressive cancer.
Read our obituary to this true industry trailblazer: gaymingmag.com/2025/11/gaym...
Reposted by Nina Kiel
That this is even remotely legal is an egregious failure of regulation of an industry that is clearly out of control.
Make the calls. Complain to MC and Visa.
Call your reps. Tell them that payment processors should be required to process any legal transaction.
Make the calls. Complain to MC and Visa.
Call your reps. Tell them that payment processors should be required to process any legal transaction.
So yes, this is a “beginning of the end” thing for me and simple stuff like, for example, having a bank account. Now is a good time to fight this issue and do so very publicly — it’s a matter of financial life or death for me
November 17, 2025 at 10:53 PM
That this is even remotely legal is an egregious failure of regulation of an industry that is clearly out of control.
Make the calls. Complain to MC and Visa.
Call your reps. Tell them that payment processors should be required to process any legal transaction.
Make the calls. Complain to MC and Visa.
Call your reps. Tell them that payment processors should be required to process any legal transaction.
Reposted by Nina Kiel
Ana has done great work that keeps being screwed over by payment processors, frankly we need to support each other across the industry. If you've ever read an article from her over the years, give a little back so she can keep making more.
Given how bad this is getting, I've opened a Donation Tier on SubscribeStar. One-time or recurring, this is one way to help me while combating this nonsense
Content permissions being updated as I speak
subscribestar.adult/acvalens
Content permissions being updated as I speak
subscribestar.adult/acvalens
November 11, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Ana has done great work that keeps being screwed over by payment processors, frankly we need to support each other across the industry. If you've ever read an article from her over the years, give a little back so she can keep making more.
Reposted by Nina Kiel
At risk of flogging a dead horse: this whole letter is a reminder that the creative process is an end in and of itself, and vital to self-actualisation. You can’t experience BECOMING, as he puts it, by outsourcing it to ChatGPT.
In 2006 a high school English teacher asked students to write to a famous author & ask for advice.
KURT VONNEGUT - born 103yrs ago today - was the only one to respond.
His reply was a doozy.
KURT VONNEGUT - born 103yrs ago today - was the only one to respond.
His reply was a doozy.
November 11, 2025 at 10:44 AM
At risk of flogging a dead horse: this whole letter is a reminder that the creative process is an end in and of itself, and vital to self-actualisation. You can’t experience BECOMING, as he puts it, by outsourcing it to ChatGPT.
Ana has lost access to her Patreon account due to sudden content restrictions, and thus a big part of her monthly income. Please consider supporting her!
Keep in mind that Patreon was an enormous source of income for me (~$350). Kindly ask folks to help donate a few dollars to my Ko-fi if able right now, as I now need to figure out how to recover from these changes
ko-fi.com/acvalens
ko-fi.com/acvalens
Buy Ana Valens a Coffee
Become a supporter of Ana Valens today!
ko-fi.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Ana has lost access to her Patreon account due to sudden content restrictions, and thus a big part of her monthly income. Please consider supporting her!
Reposted by Nina Kiel
Just to be 100% clear: do not *trust* your employers - that's super silly. The relationship is economical, not based in loyalty, trust, or kindness. There's no judgement in forming a union, just understanding that capitalism requires a risk of financial loss to get companies to do the right thing.
"Unionisation efforts just signal to employers you don’t trust them"
"Just profit share"
Have you been in the industry these past three years? Some ppl just wanna marry the boot
"Just profit share"
Have you been in the industry these past three years? Some ppl just wanna marry the boot
November 1, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Just to be 100% clear: do not *trust* your employers - that's super silly. The relationship is economical, not based in loyalty, trust, or kindness. There's no judgement in forming a union, just understanding that capitalism requires a risk of financial loss to get companies to do the right thing.
Unsere Podcastfolge zu #SilentHillF ist online!
In knapp zweieinhalb Stunden sprechen wir über die Serienkonventionen, zahlreiche Interpretationsmöglichkeiten und... schwärmen einfach gemeinsam über dieses Highlight im Gaming-Jahr 2025.
insertmoin.de/silent-hill-...
(Patreon-exklusiver Inhalt)
In knapp zweieinhalb Stunden sprechen wir über die Serienkonventionen, zahlreiche Interpretationsmöglichkeiten und... schwärmen einfach gemeinsam über dieses Highlight im Gaming-Jahr 2025.
insertmoin.de/silent-hill-...
(Patreon-exklusiver Inhalt)
October 31, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Unsere Podcastfolge zu #SilentHillF ist online!
In knapp zweieinhalb Stunden sprechen wir über die Serienkonventionen, zahlreiche Interpretationsmöglichkeiten und... schwärmen einfach gemeinsam über dieses Highlight im Gaming-Jahr 2025.
insertmoin.de/silent-hill-...
(Patreon-exklusiver Inhalt)
In knapp zweieinhalb Stunden sprechen wir über die Serienkonventionen, zahlreiche Interpretationsmöglichkeiten und... schwärmen einfach gemeinsam über dieses Highlight im Gaming-Jahr 2025.
insertmoin.de/silent-hill-...
(Patreon-exklusiver Inhalt)
Reposted by Nina Kiel
yeah, that's definitely what devs are missing these days, a sense of urgency. Everyone knows constantly feeling like you're about to lose your job ,esp in a job market such as this, is bound to produce top work
Interim Remedy CEO wants to instil 'sense of urgency' after FBC: Firebreak underperforms
Interim Remedy CEO wants to instil 'sense of urgency' after FBC: Firebreak underperforms
The Alan Wake and Control developer is attempting to course correct after its cooperative shooter missed the mark.
www.gamedeveloper.com
October 29, 2025 at 11:52 AM
yeah, that's definitely what devs are missing these days, a sense of urgency. Everyone knows constantly feeling like you're about to lose your job ,esp in a job market such as this, is bound to produce top work
Company that financially benefits from selling overpriced tickets for an event tries to guilt-trip people into buying overpriced tickets for said event.
How original.
How original.
GDC is insanely expensive
prohibitively expensive
It’s sending the message GDC is at best overpriced and at worst a scam
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/gdc-say...
prohibitively expensive
It’s sending the message GDC is at best overpriced and at worst a scam
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/gdc-say...
GDC says companies that don’t attend ‘send a message they don’t care about developers’ | VGC
GDC will undergo a revamp in 2026 as a ‘Festival of Gaming’…
www.videogameschronicle.com
October 25, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Company that financially benefits from selling overpriced tickets for an event tries to guilt-trip people into buying overpriced tickets for said event.
How original.
How original.
Reposted by Nina Kiel
Just a thought: How about we stop shaming the poor for buying things that may not be essential, and start shaming the rich for making a profit off things that are essential?
October 23, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Just a thought: How about we stop shaming the poor for buying things that may not be essential, and start shaming the rich for making a profit off things that are essential?
Reposted by Nina Kiel
For a report for Access Granted, I'm looking to speak with accessibility consultants who HAVEN'T been credited for the games they've worked on. I'm aware of this impacting future opportunities, so I can assure anonymity. Feel free to send me a message if you wish to speak about your experiences!
October 24, 2025 at 6:33 PM
For a report for Access Granted, I'm looking to speak with accessibility consultants who HAVEN'T been credited for the games they've worked on. I'm aware of this impacting future opportunities, so I can assure anonymity. Feel free to send me a message if you wish to speak about your experiences!
Reposted by Nina Kiel
Anonymous adult Steam dev asked if NSFW titles can no longer be released in Early Access, Steam rep replied evaluation is “on a case-by-case basis” during build, store review
“There is no blanket policy preventing certain games from using the Early Access model of development.”
“There is no blanket policy preventing certain games from using the Early Access model of development.”
October 23, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Anonymous adult Steam dev asked if NSFW titles can no longer be released in Early Access, Steam rep replied evaluation is “on a case-by-case basis” during build, store review
“There is no blanket policy preventing certain games from using the Early Access model of development.”
“There is no blanket policy preventing certain games from using the Early Access model of development.”
Hey eveyone, we've already received very thoughtful responses from two developers, but would like to include a wider range of opinions. So if you have time to answer a few questions, please get in touch!
Dear #AdultGame devs:
For the upcoming episode of our podcast "Random Encounters", we're looking for developers who'd like to share their perspectives on depictions of sexualised violence in interactive fiction.
We'd need your answers, either in writing or as voice recordings, until October 31.
For the upcoming episode of our podcast "Random Encounters", we're looking for developers who'd like to share their perspectives on depictions of sexualised violence in interactive fiction.
We'd need your answers, either in writing or as voice recordings, until October 31.
Random Encounters – Insert Moin
insertmoin.de
October 24, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Hey eveyone, we've already received very thoughtful responses from two developers, but would like to include a wider range of opinions. So if you have time to answer a few questions, please get in touch!
Reposted by Nina Kiel
I don't inherently dislike cosy games as a concept, but what dismays me is presenting stuff as wholesome fun gameplay and totally ignoring the ethical context it comes from... cosy capitalist growth, cosy colonisation, etc ... your design is tweewashing via your assumptions of what's morally neutral
October 23, 2025 at 7:44 AM
I don't inherently dislike cosy games as a concept, but what dismays me is presenting stuff as wholesome fun gameplay and totally ignoring the ethical context it comes from... cosy capitalist growth, cosy colonisation, etc ... your design is tweewashing via your assumptions of what's morally neutral
I'm currently doing a deep dive into #SilentHillF and the more it reveals about the intricacies of its story and mechanics, the more I'm enjoying it.
In particular, players growing and learning more about the world alongside the protagonist through repeated playthroughs works incredibly well.
In particular, players growing and learning more about the world alongside the protagonist through repeated playthroughs works incredibly well.
October 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM
I'm currently doing a deep dive into #SilentHillF and the more it reveals about the intricacies of its story and mechanics, the more I'm enjoying it.
In particular, players growing and learning more about the world alongside the protagonist through repeated playthroughs works incredibly well.
In particular, players growing and learning more about the world alongside the protagonist through repeated playthroughs works incredibly well.
A regular in-person meeting is announced. Several people mention that being on-site is difficult for them due to scheduling issues. I emphasise it's also an accessibility problem, and point to e.g. commuting and COVID.
The scheduling conflicts are being addressed. My remarks are completely ignored.
The scheduling conflicts are being addressed. My remarks are completely ignored.
October 22, 2025 at 9:54 AM
A regular in-person meeting is announced. Several people mention that being on-site is difficult for them due to scheduling issues. I emphasise it's also an accessibility problem, and point to e.g. commuting and COVID.
The scheduling conflicts are being addressed. My remarks are completely ignored.
The scheduling conflicts are being addressed. My remarks are completely ignored.
Reposted by Nina Kiel
Nothin else for it
October 20, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Nothin else for it
Reposted by Nina Kiel
To the one person who saved this post
I hope your paper writing is going well 🫡
I hope your paper writing is going well 🫡
The key to a good academic paper is to open with “What’s up gamers”
Then move onto a webster’s dictionary definition of your topic.
And finally close with “but of course, I had the last laugh.”
Then move onto a webster’s dictionary definition of your topic.
And finally close with “but of course, I had the last laugh.”
October 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM
To the one person who saved this post
I hope your paper writing is going well 🫡
I hope your paper writing is going well 🫡