David Gaider
@davidgaider.bsky.social
Co-founder and Creative Director at summerfallstudios.com. Canadian game dev who escaped the winter and is now living in Melbourne, Australia! He/Him
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David Gaider
@davidgaider.bsky.social
· Oct 20
It seems we're doing intros again, and fair enough considering all the new arrivals! Okay, then: a thread of some things I've done in reverse chronological order.
Currently: Creative Director and Co-Founder at indie dev studio Summerfall Studios in Melbourne, Australia, since 2018. Love it here.
Currently: Creative Director and Co-Founder at indie dev studio Summerfall Studios in Melbourne, Australia, since 2018. Love it here.
I’m surprised it lasted that long. 😅 Considering how many ginger snaps you make on an annual basis.
November 22, 2025 at 5:44 AM
I’m surprised it lasted that long. 😅 Considering how many ginger snaps you make on an annual basis.
I mean, there’s a third one as well. I think?
November 17, 2025 at 8:11 AM
I mean, there’s a third one as well. I think?
Finished Dispatch, since the last two episodes were released today. Gosh, how fun was THAT? The actual dispatch sim gameplay was the best part, I think, and I want more. Reactivity, too, but... yeah, I can see how that could get really expensive *really* quickly. As it was: solid season.
November 13, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Finished Dispatch, since the last two episodes were released today. Gosh, how fun was THAT? The actual dispatch sim gameplay was the best part, I think, and I want more. Reactivity, too, but... yeah, I can see how that could get really expensive *really* quickly. As it was: solid season.
Reavers are cool until you try to imagine how the ones we saw in Serenity do things like fly a ship. Do they only go full zombie when they're on a rampage? And otherwise are sipping tea and able to perform tasks like piloting and navigation? I just try not to think about it.
November 13, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Reavers are cool until you try to imagine how the ones we saw in Serenity do things like fly a ship. Do they only go full zombie when they're on a rampage? And otherwise are sipping tea and able to perform tasks like piloting and navigation? I just try not to think about it.
Which tabletop rules were these? The one by MWP still only had the one solar system... is there another?
November 13, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Which tabletop rules were these? The one by MWP still only had the one solar system... is there another?
Adding greenhouse gases still won't get you gravity and a hydrosphere... unless their terraforming tech is on the level where it's essentially magic, which certainly doesn't seem to jibe with the tech seen elsewhere in the show, even in the core. 😅
November 13, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Adding greenhouse gases still won't get you gravity and a hydrosphere... unless their terraforming tech is on the level where it's essentially magic, which certainly doesn't seem to jibe with the tech seen elsewhere in the show, even in the core. 😅
That was my thought. In a binary or trinary system, even if you had lots of planets in S-type orbits, they're going to have to compete with the gravitational forces of the extra suns. And that's ignoring the fact that, in every show where you see a sky, there's really only the one.
November 13, 2025 at 1:35 AM
That was my thought. In a binary or trinary system, even if you had lots of planets in S-type orbits, they're going to have to compete with the gravitational forces of the extra suns. And that's ignoring the fact that, in every show where you see a sky, there's really only the one.
I’m rewatching Firefly, and there’s one part of the lore that makes me twitch: it’s all in *one solar system*. Sure, dozens of planets and hundreds of moons, but I don’t care HOW much you terraform them: if they’re not in a sun’s green zone, you won’t get Earth-like planets. 😡
Also: reaver zombies.
Also: reaver zombies.
November 12, 2025 at 1:03 PM
I’m rewatching Firefly, and there’s one part of the lore that makes me twitch: it’s all in *one solar system*. Sure, dozens of planets and hundreds of moons, but I don’t care HOW much you terraform them: if they’re not in a sun’s green zone, you won’t get Earth-like planets. 😡
Also: reaver zombies.
Also: reaver zombies.
True. There’s AI which is a helper to the human, and AI where the human is the helper. The former could be a benefit in many cases, but the latter is what everyone thinks of as AI at the moment… and it’s what corporate types are salivating for.
November 12, 2025 at 6:43 AM
True. There’s AI which is a helper to the human, and AI where the human is the helper. The former could be a benefit in many cases, but the latter is what everyone thinks of as AI at the moment… and it’s what corporate types are salivating for.
You can smell the desperation, right? Look at all the AI that's been forcefully inserted into every app under the sun. It's kind of telling there's no option to disable, and even more that none of it is actually *useful* ...unless you're a student trying to cheat on your term paper, I guess.
November 12, 2025 at 2:16 AM
You can smell the desperation, right? Look at all the AI that's been forcefully inserted into every app under the sun. It's kind of telling there's no option to disable, and even more that none of it is actually *useful* ...unless you're a student trying to cheat on your term paper, I guess.
I haven't seen anyone saying that who wasn't talking about something that didn't really need the efficiency boost. In my experience, editing something bad to be better is always less efficient than simply starting over from scratch - but execs who don't understand a creative industry don't get that.
November 12, 2025 at 2:11 AM
I haven't seen anyone saying that who wasn't talking about something that didn't really need the efficiency boost. In my experience, editing something bad to be better is always less efficient than simply starting over from scratch - but execs who don't understand a creative industry don't get that.
AI enthusiasts keep saying "but it'll only get better!", as if an AI singularity is just around the corner. It just needs more money, more time, more training, and eventually it will do all the things it's promising... and until then, you better not miss out!
Miss out on what, exactly? 🤔
Miss out on what, exactly? 🤔
November 12, 2025 at 2:08 AM
AI enthusiasts keep saying "but it'll only get better!", as if an AI singularity is just around the corner. It just needs more money, more time, more training, and eventually it will do all the things it's promising... and until then, you better not miss out!
Miss out on what, exactly? 🤔
Miss out on what, exactly? 🤔
What you have right now are execs throwing AI at anything and everything it could possibly be used for in the hopes that *something* will stick. And I've yet to speak to anyone on the inside who says it's doing so well. So who'll get blamed, in the long run, when that becomes impossible to ignore?
November 12, 2025 at 2:05 AM
What you have right now are execs throwing AI at anything and everything it could possibly be used for in the hopes that *something* will stick. And I've yet to speak to anyone on the inside who says it's doing so well. So who'll get blamed, in the long run, when that becomes impossible to ignore?
I mean, let's break it down: AI doesn't produce useful assets. It doesn't produce useful code or writing. At best, you need humans to manage and edit the product to the point where it becomes mediocre (and that's generous). If mediocre is what you're aiming for... all good, I guess?
November 12, 2025 at 2:03 AM
I mean, let's break it down: AI doesn't produce useful assets. It doesn't produce useful code or writing. At best, you need humans to manage and edit the product to the point where it becomes mediocre (and that's generous). If mediocre is what you're aiming for... all good, I guess?
Sure, every* game company** is using AI... but using it well? Is it actually helping with ANYthing? Or is it driven by a need to have AI deliver early on the promise of substituting for human labour because there's no other problem it solves?
* not every, not by a long shot
** as opposed to studio
* not every, not by a long shot
** as opposed to studio
“It’s important to assume every game company is now using AI.” Nexon CEO comments on role of human creativity as AI tools become the norm
automaton-media.com/en/news/its-...
automaton-media.com/en/news/its-...
“It’s important to assume every game company is now using AI.” Nexon CEO comments on role of human creativity as AI tools become the norm - AUTOMATON WEST
In an interview following the launch of ARC Raiders, the CEO of Embark Studios' parent company Nexon shares his views on AI.
automaton-media.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Sure, every* game company** is using AI... but using it well? Is it actually helping with ANYthing? Or is it driven by a need to have AI deliver early on the promise of substituting for human labour because there's no other problem it solves?
* not every, not by a long shot
** as opposed to studio
* not every, not by a long shot
** as opposed to studio
Like I said, it took an episode or so for me to get used to him - or for him to get used to being Geralt. I remember Cavill looking really awkward in some initial still pics as well, so take that for what it's worth.
November 12, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Like I said, it took an episode or so for me to get used to him - or for him to get used to being Geralt. I remember Cavill looking really awkward in some initial still pics as well, so take that for what it's worth.
Yeah, it was a bit "we need to deal with this extra character, for some reason", involving him in a plot he didn't really need to be a part of? Meh.
November 11, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Yeah, it was a bit "we need to deal with this extra character, for some reason", involving him in a plot he didn't really need to be a part of? Meh.
Geralt's own plotline was decent, and I thought Hemsworth acquitted himself well in the big fights - especially at the end, though the introduction of the Queen of Rivia felt a bit... sudden? Meh. Whatever. It all kept my attention well enough, so I encourage anyone who's watched to keep doing so.
November 11, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Geralt's own plotline was decent, and I thought Hemsworth acquitted himself well in the big fights - especially at the end, though the introduction of the Queen of Rivia felt a bit... sudden? Meh. Whatever. It all kept my attention well enough, so I encourage anyone who's watched to keep doing so.
Overall, I didn't really like that our three heroes stayed on mostly separate plotlines throughout, but even so Yennefer's plot was the real treat (and her climactic battle the highlight). Ciri's plot... well, I'm ashamed to say that the end of it made me happier than it was probably meant to. 😅
November 11, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Overall, I didn't really like that our three heroes stayed on mostly separate plotlines throughout, but even so Yennefer's plot was the real treat (and her climactic battle the highlight). Ciri's plot... well, I'm ashamed to say that the end of it made me happier than it was probably meant to. 😅
I watched the latest season of the Witcher, and while there's been a lot of griping about recasting Geralt with the extra Hemsworth... I didn't mind it? He seemed awkward for about an episode and a half, and then either he relaxed a bit or I just got used to him. Either way, he was fine.
November 11, 2025 at 12:42 PM
I watched the latest season of the Witcher, and while there's been a lot of griping about recasting Geralt with the extra Hemsworth... I didn't mind it? He seemed awkward for about an episode and a half, and then either he relaxed a bit or I just got used to him. Either way, he was fine.
Reposted by David Gaider
Final Fantasy 7 was so good that it pushed Bioware to reimagine what Baldur's Gate 2 could be.
That & many other fascinating reveals are available in today's interview with @davidgaider.bsky.social, Trent Oster, & Ed Greenwood. Here's a clip regarding FF7 & the full link is below.
That & many other fascinating reveals are available in today's interview with @davidgaider.bsky.social, Trent Oster, & Ed Greenwood. Here's a clip regarding FF7 & the full link is below.
November 8, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Final Fantasy 7 was so good that it pushed Bioware to reimagine what Baldur's Gate 2 could be.
That & many other fascinating reveals are available in today's interview with @davidgaider.bsky.social, Trent Oster, & Ed Greenwood. Here's a clip regarding FF7 & the full link is below.
That & many other fascinating reveals are available in today's interview with @davidgaider.bsky.social, Trent Oster, & Ed Greenwood. Here's a clip regarding FF7 & the full link is below.
Reposted by David Gaider
The interview is a celebration of Baldur's Gate 2 with @davidgaider.bsky.social, Trent Oster, and Ed Greenwood. DM Wyvern hosted the interview with me. Make sure you subscribe and hit the bell so you will be notified once it goes up!
www.youtube.com/@SlanderedGa...
www.youtube.com/@SlanderedGa...
Slandered Gaming
Chill vibes and good times. Please be good to each other. Primarily focus on cRPG content but you never know what you'll see me streaming. :)
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:08 PM
The interview is a celebration of Baldur's Gate 2 with @davidgaider.bsky.social, Trent Oster, and Ed Greenwood. DM Wyvern hosted the interview with me. Make sure you subscribe and hit the bell so you will be notified once it goes up!
www.youtube.com/@SlanderedGa...
www.youtube.com/@SlanderedGa...
I did an hour-long lecture for another studio, which I’ve stressed about and fussed about for *months* …and it went great. Exactly on time, felt good, everyone seemed enthused and asked great questions!
Now I am going to collapse in a puddle and think of nothing whatsoever. 🫠
Now I am going to collapse in a puddle and think of nothing whatsoever. 🫠
November 7, 2025 at 8:57 AM
I did an hour-long lecture for another studio, which I’ve stressed about and fussed about for *months* …and it went great. Exactly on time, felt good, everyone seemed enthused and asked great questions!
Now I am going to collapse in a puddle and think of nothing whatsoever. 🫠
Now I am going to collapse in a puddle and think of nothing whatsoever. 🫠
I put some soy sauce in my bolognese, as opposed to Worcestershire sauce which I forgot to pick up, and… I’m a little surprised at how not terrible it turned out? 🤔
November 7, 2025 at 8:55 AM
I put some soy sauce in my bolognese, as opposed to Worcestershire sauce which I forgot to pick up, and… I’m a little surprised at how not terrible it turned out? 🤔
To be fair, Ella does this a LOT. 😅
November 6, 2025 at 7:39 AM
To be fair, Ella does this a LOT. 😅