Ben Zeigler
@doublebuffered.bsky.social
JZig | DoubleBuffered. He/him/whatever. Gamedev programmer on Unreal Engine 5 with a bonus degree in Psychology. Neurodiverse and trying to make the internet better
If anyone needs help with profiling and optimizing #UnrealEngine games, I just published a new tutorial walking through how to use Memory Insights and Mem Report. There isn't a lot of first hand information on how to profile so I thought I would write some down:
dev.epicgames.com/community/le...
dev.epicgames.com/community/le...
Profiling Game Memory and Performance | Tutorial
Tutorial explaining how to use the engine's built in Memory Profiling tools along with Unreal Insights
dev.epicgames.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:10 PM
If anyone needs help with profiling and optimizing #UnrealEngine games, I just published a new tutorial walking through how to use Memory Insights and Mem Report. There isn't a lot of first hand information on how to profile so I thought I would write some down:
dev.epicgames.com/community/le...
dev.epicgames.com/community/le...
Reposted by Ben Zeigler
Oh my god some fucking tech dingdong posted this on Twitter with the caption "AI games are going to be amazing" totally seriously, you have to watch it. You have to. In full screen.
October 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Oh my god some fucking tech dingdong posted this on Twitter with the caption "AI games are going to be amazing" totally seriously, you have to watch it. You have to. In full screen.
Obviously the country has bigger problems, but today I'm mad at Trump for ruining the start of my vacation. Flying is a complete mess right now
October 10, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Obviously the country has bigger problems, but today I'm mad at Trump for ruining the start of my vacation. Flying is a complete mess right now
Right now I'm playing a 2D souls-inspired metroidvania sequel. That's right, I'm playing Ender Magnolia which I'm really enjoying. Wait did some other game come out?
store.steampowered.com/app/2725260/...
store.steampowered.com/app/2725260/...
ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist on Steam
Decades after the events of ENDER LILIES, Homunculi — sorrowful, artificial life forms — roam the land. In this dark fantasy Metroidvania, face formidable enemies and explore a bewitching post-apocaly...
store.steampowered.com
September 5, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Right now I'm playing a 2D souls-inspired metroidvania sequel. That's right, I'm playing Ender Magnolia which I'm really enjoying. Wait did some other game come out?
store.steampowered.com/app/2725260/...
store.steampowered.com/app/2725260/...
To focus on the important part: Trump has ordered every state's national guard to organize dedicated units devoted to "quelling civil disturbances" which is a terrifyingly vague goal
New Executive Order (Aug. 25, 2025) - despite its name - reaches far beyond DC in potential use of the U.S. military inside and across the United States.
Link: www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Highlight of some key provisions⬇️
Link: www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Highlight of some key provisions⬇️
August 25, 2025 at 6:40 PM
To focus on the important part: Trump has ordered every state's national guard to organize dedicated units devoted to "quelling civil disturbances" which is a terrifyingly vague goal
Here's an interesting report on using #AI in #gamedev, but you should click through to read the report because the headline is a bit deceptive. They are counting all development of games with procedural generation or dynamic difficulty as using AI agents: www.gamesindustry.biz/87-of-game-d...
87% of game developers are using AI agents in their workflows, says new survey
A new survey by Google Cloud and The Harris Poll has found that 87% of developers are using AI agents in their workflow…
www.gamesindustry.biz
August 18, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Here's an interesting report on using #AI in #gamedev, but you should click through to read the report because the headline is a bit deceptive. They are counting all development of games with procedural generation or dynamic difficulty as using AI agents: www.gamesindustry.biz/87-of-game-d...
I bought myself a new PC today even though my current one is working fine. I'm guessing prices will start to go up fairly soon for enthusiast PC parts because of www.reuters.com/world/china/... as the smaller companies won't know be able to suck up to Trump the way that Apple/Nvidia are now
Trump says US to levy 100% tariff on imported chips, but some firms exempt
President Donald Trump said the United States will impose a tariff of about 100% on imports of semiconductors but offered up a big exemption - it will not apply to companies that are manufacturing in the U.S. or have committed to do so.
www.reuters.com
August 8, 2025 at 7:22 PM
I bought myself a new PC today even though my current one is working fine. I'm guessing prices will start to go up fairly soon for enthusiast PC parts because of www.reuters.com/world/china/... as the smaller companies won't know be able to suck up to Trump the way that Apple/Nvidia are now
I just 100% completed Death Stranding 2 on normal, Platinum and all milestones. It was the perfect game to play over my last few weeks of semi-vacation. Good mix of Kojima bullshit and satisfying deliveries.
If this whole programming thing doesn't work out, maybe I should be a logistics manager.
If this whole programming thing doesn't work out, maybe I should be a logistics manager.
August 7, 2025 at 8:29 PM
I just 100% completed Death Stranding 2 on normal, Platinum and all milestones. It was the perfect game to play over my last few weeks of semi-vacation. Good mix of Kojima bullshit and satisfying deliveries.
If this whole programming thing doesn't work out, maybe I should be a logistics manager.
If this whole programming thing doesn't work out, maybe I should be a logistics manager.
Saw credits for Death Stranding 2 and I kind of just want to play more as it opened up a bunch of other content. It turns out I really like a mix of logistics challenges and Kojima-style bullshit. The plot still doesn't really make sense but the cutscenes were all pretty great
July 20, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Saw credits for Death Stranding 2 and I kind of just want to play more as it opened up a bunch of other content. It turns out I really like a mix of logistics challenges and Kojima-style bullshit. The plot still doesn't really make sense but the cutscenes were all pretty great
Reposted by Ben Zeigler
We ran a randomized controlled trial to see how much AI coding tools speed up experienced open-source developers.
The results surprised us: Developers thought they were 20% faster with AI tools, but they were actually 19% slower when they had access to AI than when they didn't.
The results surprised us: Developers thought they were 20% faster with AI tools, but they were actually 19% slower when they had access to AI than when they didn't.
July 10, 2025 at 7:47 PM
We ran a randomized controlled trial to see how much AI coding tools speed up experienced open-source developers.
The results surprised us: Developers thought they were 20% faster with AI tools, but they were actually 19% slower when they had access to AI than when they didn't.
The results surprised us: Developers thought they were 20% faster with AI tools, but they were actually 19% slower when they had access to AI than when they didn't.
Reposted by Ben Zeigler
Matt Turnbull, Executive Producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing - after the Microsoft layoffs - suggesting on Linkedin that may maybe people who have been let go should turn to AI for help. He seriously thought posting this would be a good idea.
![Post from Matt Turnbull:
These are really challenging times, and if you’re navigating a layoff or even quietly preparing for one, you’re not alone and you don’t have to go it alone.
I know these types of tools engender strong feelings in people, but I'd be remiss in not trying to offer the best advice I can under the circumstances. I’ve been experimenting with ways to use LLM AI tools (like ChatGPT or Copilot) to help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss.
Here are some prompt ideas and use cases that might help if you're feeling overwhelmed:
Career Planning Prompts:
“Act as a career coach. I’ve been laid off from a [role] in the game industry. Help me build a 30-day plan to regroup, research new roles, and start applying without burning out.”
“What kinds of game industry jobs could I pivot to with experience in [Production/Narrative/LiveOps/etc.]?”
Resume & LinkedIn Help
“Here’s my current resume. Give me three tailored versions: one for AAA, one for platform/publishing roles, and one for startup/small studio leadership.”
“Rewrite this resume bullet to highlight impact and metrics.”
“Draft a new LinkedIn ‘About Me’ section that focuses on my leadership style, shipped titles, and vision for game development.”
Networking & Outreach
“Draft a friendly message I can send to old coworkers letting them know I’m exploring new opportunities.”
“Write a warm intro message for reaching out to someone at [studio name] about a job posting.”
Emotional Clarity & Confidence
“I’m struggling with imposter syndrome after being laid off. Can you help me reframe this experience in a way that reminds me what I’m good at?”
No AI tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience. But at a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help get you unstuck faster, calmer, and with more clarity.
If this helps, feel free to share with others in your network.
Stay kind, stay smart, stay connected.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:qpbuxrel3f3njvjw5rakf532/bafkreiei32dnyvihcdgifb5niw7rf65o2obawz5nschbc4czojo4ecgz4u@jpeg)
July 4, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Matt Turnbull, Executive Producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing - after the Microsoft layoffs - suggesting on Linkedin that may maybe people who have been let go should turn to AI for help. He seriously thought posting this would be a good idea.
The Republicans just passed the worst tax bill in decades, which is very bad but is also an opportunity to point out all the ways they have betrayed their own constituents. Voters will not be happy with this bill when it starts to actually change the way they live in America
July 3, 2025 at 7:35 PM
The Republicans just passed the worst tax bill in decades, which is very bad but is also an opportunity to point out all the ways they have betrayed their own constituents. Voters will not be happy with this bill when it starts to actually change the way they live in America
Reposted by Ben Zeigler
AI in the wild? This tray tissue I was given at a restaurant is full of errors and hallucinations…!
June 25, 2025 at 5:46 PM
AI in the wild? This tray tissue I was given at a restaurant is full of errors and hallucinations…!
Just saw credits on Expedition 33 (not done with side stuff), and the last few hours of that game are amazing. There was a certain narrative point where I kind of wanted to stop playing, but a few hours after that the pace picks up and doesn't really stop until the end
June 23, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Just saw credits on Expedition 33 (not done with side stuff), and the last few hours of that game are amazing. There was a certain narrative point where I kind of wanted to stop playing, but a few hours after that the pace picks up and doesn't really stop until the end
Reposted by Ben Zeigler
I'm trying to comment on this without being hyperbolic.
As a manager, insisting on deadlines that you and your ICs straight up don't believe are possible almost GUARANTEES that a) their work will be thrown out or completely redone and b) you will put them in danger of burning out.
As a manager, insisting on deadlines that you and your ICs straight up don't believe are possible almost GUARANTEES that a) their work will be thrown out or completely redone and b) you will put them in danger of burning out.
June 11, 2025 at 9:25 PM
I'm trying to comment on this without being hyperbolic.
As a manager, insisting on deadlines that you and your ICs straight up don't believe are possible almost GUARANTEES that a) their work will be thrown out or completely redone and b) you will put them in danger of burning out.
As a manager, insisting on deadlines that you and your ICs straight up don't believe are possible almost GUARANTEES that a) their work will be thrown out or completely redone and b) you will put them in danger of burning out.
Reposted by Ben Zeigler
Introducing Snap & Grab - the new game from No Goblin where you get to do cool crimes using just your camera and your crew!
youtu.be/26GgiiiP5Po
youtu.be/26GgiiiP5Po
Snap & Grab - Announce Trailer
YouTube video by No Goblin
youtu.be
June 6, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Introducing Snap & Grab - the new game from No Goblin where you get to do cool crimes using just your camera and your crew!
youtu.be/26GgiiiP5Po
youtu.be/26GgiiiP5Po
Great video about the tech of the #UnrealFest demo yesterday, Digital Foundry isn't easy to impress. They also talk about some of the compromises needed to hit 60fps on a PS5 and some areas for improvement in the future
The Witcher 4 tech demo running on Unreal Engine 5 - 60fps on the standard PlayStation 5. Alex and I share some initial thoughts: youtu.be/5PIyPpB83Vw
June 4, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Great video about the tech of the #UnrealFest demo yesterday, Digital Foundry isn't easy to impress. They also talk about some of the compromises needed to hit 60fps on a PS5 and some areas for improvement in the future
The full 4k capture of The Witcher 4 tech demo at #UnrealFest shows off the great content that @cdprojektred.com built and the Unreal Engine improvements that are available to all games (most of them are in 5.6). Yes this is a smooth 60fps on a real PS5:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aorR...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aorR...
The Witcher 4 Unreal Engine 5 Tech Demo 4K | State of Unreal | Unreal Fest Orlando
YouTube video by Unreal Engine
www.youtube.com
June 3, 2025 at 5:20 PM
The full 4k capture of The Witcher 4 tech demo at #UnrealFest shows off the great content that @cdprojektred.com built and the Unreal Engine improvements that are available to all games (most of them are in 5.6). Yes this is a smooth 60fps on a real PS5:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aorR...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aorR...
I can personally confirm that demo was 100% realtime and in engine. Some of it was on rails but the part in the middle was real movement and town gameplay with lots of simulation happening in the background. This will be a lot closer to the final game experience than other demos I've worked on!
The Witcher 4 tech demo at State of Unreal is running at 60 FPS with raytracing on a standard PS5
June 3, 2025 at 2:28 PM
I can personally confirm that demo was 100% realtime and in engine. Some of it was on rails but the part in the middle was real movement and town gameplay with lots of simulation happening in the background. This will be a lot closer to the final game experience than other demos I've worked on!
Also looking forward to Ari's presentation, I helped out with the research for this and there's more improvements on the way
When hunting hitches in your games, you'll need the tools of the trade. And any hitch-hunter worth their salt carries with them a Lantern of Insights at all times.
See this mystical lantern in action in "The Great Hitch Hunt" at Unreal Fest Orlando on June 4th, 3:30 PM ET in North Session Room 5!
See this mystical lantern in action in "The Great Hitch Hunt" at Unreal Fest Orlando on June 4th, 3:30 PM ET in North Session Room 5!
May 28, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Also looking forward to Ari's presentation, I helped out with the research for this and there's more improvements on the way
Spent the last day before vacation debugging a weird issue where garbage collection caused a large game thread stall exactly 1% of the time.
Pretty sure that's fixed properly now, and I'm looking forward to watching the State of Unreal presentation next week www.unrealengine.com/en-US/state-...
Pretty sure that's fixed properly now, and I'm looking forward to watching the State of Unreal presentation next week www.unrealengine.com/en-US/state-...
The State of Unreal 2025
Coming June 3! Find out what’s next for Unreal Engine and the Epic ecosystem.
www.unrealengine.com
May 28, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Spent the last day before vacation debugging a weird issue where garbage collection caused a large game thread stall exactly 1% of the time.
Pretty sure that's fixed properly now, and I'm looking forward to watching the State of Unreal presentation next week www.unrealengine.com/en-US/state-...
Pretty sure that's fixed properly now, and I'm looking forward to watching the State of Unreal presentation next week www.unrealengine.com/en-US/state-...
Just saw credits in Assassin's Creed Shadows and overall really enjoyed it. Felt a bit disjointed like basically every AC game, but I loved exploring the world. Definitely made me excited to go back to Japan later this year
May 22, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Just saw credits in Assassin's Creed Shadows and overall really enjoyed it. Felt a bit disjointed like basically every AC game, but I loved exploring the world. Definitely made me excited to go back to Japan later this year
Reposted by Ben Zeigler
My current theory is that the main difference between open source and closed source when it comes to the adoption of “AI” tools is that open source projects generally have to ship working code, whereas closed source only needs to ship code that runs.
If AI is so good at coding … where are the open source contributions?
pivot-to-ai.com/2025/05/13/i... - text
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPu_... - video
pivot-to-ai.com/2025/05/13/i... - text
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPu_... - video
If AI is so good at coding … where are the open source contributions?
You can hardly get online these days without hearing some AI booster talk about how AI coding is going to replace human programmers. AI code is absolutely up to production quality! Also, you’re all…
pivot-to-ai.com
May 14, 2025 at 9:16 AM
My current theory is that the main difference between open source and closed source when it comes to the adoption of “AI” tools is that open source projects generally have to ship working code, whereas closed source only needs to ship code that runs.
Reposted by Ben Zeigler
Was at a conference dinner a while back and one guy said "The future is AI. It doesn't replace senior developers, but no more need for juniors."
To which i replied:
"Where do you think senior developers come from. Straight from the womb?"
He went quiet, then wandered off to a different huddle.
To which i replied:
"Where do you think senior developers come from. Straight from the womb?"
He went quiet, then wandered off to a different huddle.
Yesterday it was a middle aged woman in my gym doing the same thing. Talking a young man’s ear off about how much chatGPT helps her do her work. Charts and writing — “i’m not good at that and now i don’t need someone in the org flow to do it”.
On the C train in Manhattan, two women — middle age, business look, clearly lawyers from the conversation — going on and on about ChatGPT. Helping them do research, write briefs, even plant a garden at home! So quick and easy!
Ugghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Ugghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
May 9, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Was at a conference dinner a while back and one guy said "The future is AI. It doesn't replace senior developers, but no more need for juniors."
To which i replied:
"Where do you think senior developers come from. Straight from the womb?"
He went quiet, then wandered off to a different huddle.
To which i replied:
"Where do you think senior developers come from. Straight from the womb?"
He went quiet, then wandered off to a different huddle.