Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
@draknek.bsky.social
Personal website: https://alan.draknek.org/
Head Draknek at Draknek & Friends, making thinky puzzle games. He/him.
https://www.draknek.org/
Our latest game: Spooky Express https://store.steampowered.com/app/3352310/Spooky_Express/
Head Draknek at Draknek & Friends, making thinky puzzle games. He/him.
https://www.draknek.org/
Our latest game: Spooky Express https://store.steampowered.com/app/3352310/Spooky_Express/
Pinned
Draknek & Friends
Lovingly Crafted Puzzle Games Since 2013
www.draknek.org
Welcome to everyone joining Bluesky!
I'm Alan and I run Draknek & Friends, where we make and publish lovingly crafted puzzle games.
www.draknek.org
I'm Alan and I run Draknek & Friends, where we make and publish lovingly crafted puzzle games.
www.draknek.org
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
These are the games that I loved this year so far. I am a person of simple tastes.
November 25, 2025 at 1:06 PM
These are the games that I loved this year so far. I am a person of simple tastes.
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
I've barely posted on this kind of social media anywhere but I have a reason to now. I made a game!!
It's called nuworm and you can play it for free in the browser.
I worked on it over three years, it might take you three hours to experience. cubestudio.itch.io/nuworm
It's called nuworm and you can play it for free in the browser.
I worked on it over three years, it might take you three hours to experience. cubestudio.itch.io/nuworm
November 25, 2025 at 1:33 AM
I've barely posted on this kind of social media anywhere but I have a reason to now. I made a game!!
It's called nuworm and you can play it for free in the browser.
I worked on it over three years, it might take you three hours to experience. cubestudio.itch.io/nuworm
It's called nuworm and you can play it for free in the browser.
I worked on it over three years, it might take you three hours to experience. cubestudio.itch.io/nuworm
Both LOK Digital and Spooky Express were mentioned in @polygon.com 's latest article on mobile games. Thanks for the shout out!
www.polygon.com/game-awards-...
www.polygon.com/game-awards-...
We need to talk about The Game Awards' Best Mobile nominees
High-profile free-to-play games have transformed the category in recent years
www.polygon.com
November 23, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Both LOK Digital and Spooky Express were mentioned in @polygon.com 's latest article on mobile games. Thanks for the shout out!
www.polygon.com/game-awards-...
www.polygon.com/game-awards-...
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
Literally EVERY parent should ban Roblox
Every parent whose career has to do with online safety also bans Roblox.
Every game designer parent I know bans Roblox for their kids
November 22, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Literally EVERY parent should ban Roblox
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
Its AdventureX time! 🧡
I'll be talking about puzzles at 2.15pm!
I'll be talking about puzzles at 2.15pm!
November 22, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Its AdventureX time! 🧡
I'll be talking about puzzles at 2.15pm!
I'll be talking about puzzles at 2.15pm!
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
I owe mobile games an apology
November 20, 2025 at 11:15 PM
I owe mobile games an apology
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
OH I was not aware this piece was coming out today! Yay for Thursday!
Anyway, my first feature at what’s now @theavclubgames.bsky.social is about Spooky Express and how it made me reckon with my feeling about mobile games:
www.avclub.com/spooky-expre...
Anyway, my first feature at what’s now @theavclubgames.bsky.social is about Spooky Express and how it made me reckon with my feeling about mobile games:
www.avclub.com/spooky-expre...
Spooky Express unravels our complicated feelings about mobile games
Spooky Express, a mobile game about driving a train full of adorable monsters, has us rethinking our aversion to phone games.
www.avclub.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:05 PM
OH I was not aware this piece was coming out today! Yay for Thursday!
Anyway, my first feature at what’s now @theavclubgames.bsky.social is about Spooky Express and how it made me reckon with my feeling about mobile games:
www.avclub.com/spooky-expre...
Anyway, my first feature at what’s now @theavclubgames.bsky.social is about Spooky Express and how it made me reckon with my feeling about mobile games:
www.avclub.com/spooky-expre...
November 21, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Here's the November edition of Thinky Third Thursday, the monthly roundup of thinky puzzle games that have caught our eye: thinkythirdthursday.com/november-2025
Thinky Third Thursday - November 2025
Monthly game recommendations from the puzzle experts at Draknek & Friends
thinkythirdthursday.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Here's the November edition of Thinky Third Thursday, the monthly roundup of thinky puzzle games that have caught our eye: thinkythirdthursday.com/november-2025
Draknek & Friends Official Podcast Episode 41 featuring @adamdegrandis.bsky.social is out now! While Syrenne was on a much-needed vacation, Alan took the opportunity to chat to Adam for an hour about all things game dev!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=smrC...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=smrC...
Episode 41: Alan and Adam deGrandis have a rambly chat
YouTube video by Draknek & Friends
www.youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Draknek & Friends Official Podcast Episode 41 featuring @adamdegrandis.bsky.social is out now! While Syrenne was on a much-needed vacation, Alan took the opportunity to chat to Adam for an hour about all things game dev!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=smrC...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=smrC...
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
It's the fourth and final day of #CozyQuest2025 and it's a packed one!
We've got a day of the coziest puzzle games around starting right now, then join us on YouTube at 4pm GMT for the Cozy Quest Awards!
youtu.be/iFNUQzyP2is
We've got a day of the coziest puzzle games around starting right now, then join us on YouTube at 4pm GMT for the Cozy Quest Awards!
youtu.be/iFNUQzyP2is
November 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM
It's the fourth and final day of #CozyQuest2025 and it's a packed one!
We've got a day of the coziest puzzle games around starting right now, then join us on YouTube at 4pm GMT for the Cozy Quest Awards!
youtu.be/iFNUQzyP2is
We've got a day of the coziest puzzle games around starting right now, then join us on YouTube at 4pm GMT for the Cozy Quest Awards!
youtu.be/iFNUQzyP2is
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
I find this thumbnail triggering because I instinctively know this isn't a valid solution! And I know that because I've put 13 hours into Spooky Express so far, and sometimes I'm seeing tracks laid out when I close my eyes.
This spiritual successor to Cosmic Express has some satisfying, snappy puzzles!
A spiritual successor to Cosmic Express with spooktacular twists! (Spooky Express)
It hardly needs saying when its made by Draknek & Friends, but: Spooky Express is a great game! I'm a lot further in my actual playthrough and the game continues to introduce great new mechanics alongside some super satisfying, snappy puzzles. And now that I'm getting to the optional advanced puzzl
www.youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:19 PM
I find this thumbnail triggering because I instinctively know this isn't a valid solution! And I know that because I've put 13 hours into Spooky Express so far, and sometimes I'm seeing tracks laid out when I close my eyes.
It snowed today in London... You know what that means for A Good Snowman is Hard To Build ☃️
Pay what the weather is!
draknek.itch.io/a-good-snowman
Pay what the weather is!
draknek.itch.io/a-good-snowman
November 19, 2025 at 3:38 PM
It snowed today in London... You know what that means for A Good Snowman is Hard To Build ☃️
Pay what the weather is!
draknek.itch.io/a-good-snowman
Pay what the weather is!
draknek.itch.io/a-good-snowman
The year is almost over, have you had your I-want-to-be-the-kind-of-person-who-reads-this-but-it-turns-out-I'm-not-and-I-feel-bad book amnesty yet? It's time to free up that space on your bedside table!
November 17, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The year is almost over, have you had your I-want-to-be-the-kind-of-person-who-reads-this-but-it-turns-out-I'm-not-and-I-feel-bad book amnesty yet? It's time to free up that space on your bedside table!
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
I loved Strange Jigsaws and I love Fleb www.polygon.com/strange-jigs...
With Strange Jigsaw, puzzlemaker Fleb wants getting stumped to feel like a gift
'I would like people who have never played puzzle games before to be able to complete the game'
www.polygon.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:08 PM
I loved Strange Jigsaws and I love Fleb www.polygon.com/strange-jigs...
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
Again I have to advocate for this game on the basis that the zombies say "traaaains" when you pick them up. Also because it's very cute and lots of fun. (I was gifted a key)
It's #ScreenshotSaturday & here's a look at our recently released puzzle game, Spooky Express!
All the passengers are dying to ride! Don’t let them miss their stops: they may be monsters, but they still have places to be and people to eat– er, we mean meet!
store.steampowered.com/app/3352310/...
All the passengers are dying to ride! Don’t let them miss their stops: they may be monsters, but they still have places to be and people to eat– er, we mean meet!
store.steampowered.com/app/3352310/...
November 15, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Again I have to advocate for this game on the basis that the zombies say "traaaains" when you pick them up. Also because it's very cute and lots of fun. (I was gifted a key)
It's #ScreenshotSaturday & here's a look at our recently released puzzle game, Spooky Express!
All the passengers are dying to ride! Don’t let them miss their stops: they may be monsters, but they still have places to be and people to eat– er, we mean meet!
store.steampowered.com/app/3352310/...
All the passengers are dying to ride! Don’t let them miss their stops: they may be monsters, but they still have places to be and people to eat– er, we mean meet!
store.steampowered.com/app/3352310/...
November 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
It's #ScreenshotSaturday & here's a look at our recently released puzzle game, Spooky Express!
All the passengers are dying to ride! Don’t let them miss their stops: they may be monsters, but they still have places to be and people to eat– er, we mean meet!
store.steampowered.com/app/3352310/...
All the passengers are dying to ride! Don’t let them miss their stops: they may be monsters, but they still have places to be and people to eat– er, we mean meet!
store.steampowered.com/app/3352310/...
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
This is one of my favorite puzzle games!! Wonderful style and atmosphere, effortlessly enjoyable.
The temperature is getting colder here in London, so this is an excellent time to remind you that every hour, the monster goes out to the weather station in London to check the temperature and sets the price for A Good Snowman is Hard to Build to match the weather.
draknek.itch.io/a-good-snowman
draknek.itch.io/a-good-snowman
A Good Snowman Is Hard To Build by Draknek & Friends, Benjamin Davis
Pay what the temperature is: 16.3°C = $16.30!
draknek.itch.io
November 14, 2025 at 3:47 PM
This is one of my favorite puzzle games!! Wonderful style and atmosphere, effortlessly enjoyable.
The temperature is getting colder here in London, so this is an excellent time to remind you that every hour, the monster goes out to the weather station in London to check the temperature and sets the price for A Good Snowman is Hard to Build to match the weather.
draknek.itch.io/a-good-snowman
draknek.itch.io/a-good-snowman
A Good Snowman Is Hard To Build by Draknek & Friends, Benjamin Davis
Pay what the temperature is: 16.3°C = $16.30!
draknek.itch.io
November 14, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The temperature is getting colder here in London, so this is an excellent time to remind you that every hour, the monster goes out to the weather station in London to check the temperature and sets the price for A Good Snowman is Hard to Build to match the weather.
draknek.itch.io/a-good-snowman
draknek.itch.io/a-good-snowman
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
Friends! We updated the Existential Treads demo! Presenting the Towerful Demo Update; four new tower upgrade buildings that allow you to better defend your settlement. And we also have a bunch of bug fixes and QoL tweaks as well. 🤘
store.steampowered.com/app/3580340/Ash__Adams_Existential_Treads/
store.steampowered.com/app/3580340/Ash__Adams_Existential_Treads/
November 13, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Friends! We updated the Existential Treads demo! Presenting the Towerful Demo Update; four new tower upgrade buildings that allow you to better defend your settlement. And we also have a bunch of bug fixes and QoL tweaks as well. 🤘
store.steampowered.com/app/3580340/Ash__Adams_Existential_Treads/
store.steampowered.com/app/3580340/Ash__Adams_Existential_Treads/
We've just rolled out a minor patch for Spooky Express which fixes a number of reported audio bugs, and some iteration on the initial onboarding.
Thanks so much to everyone who has played and given feedback (or left us a review) so far!
spooky.express
Thanks so much to everyone who has played and given feedback (or left us a review) so far!
spooky.express
November 12, 2025 at 5:01 PM
We've just rolled out a minor patch for Spooky Express which fixes a number of reported audio bugs, and some iteration on the initial onboarding.
Thanks so much to everyone who has played and given feedback (or left us a review) so far!
spooky.express
Thanks so much to everyone who has played and given feedback (or left us a review) so far!
spooky.express
We're thrilled by this excellent review of Spooky Express from @thinkygames.com 🎃
"The superb Halloween theme of Spooky Express acts as conductor for its train puzzles, bringing the whole game together into a seasonally-appropriate, varied, and delightful outing."
thinkygames.com/games/spooky...
"The superb Halloween theme of Spooky Express acts as conductor for its train puzzles, bringing the whole game together into a seasonally-appropriate, varied, and delightful outing."
thinkygames.com/games/spooky...
Spooky Express · Thinky Games
Control the path of a ghost train and dispatch ghoulish creatures to their resting place.
thinkygames.com
November 9, 2025 at 11:15 AM
We're thrilled by this excellent review of Spooky Express from @thinkygames.com 🎃
"The superb Halloween theme of Spooky Express acts as conductor for its train puzzles, bringing the whole game together into a seasonally-appropriate, varied, and delightful outing."
thinkygames.com/games/spooky...
"The superb Halloween theme of Spooky Express acts as conductor for its train puzzles, bringing the whole game together into a seasonally-appropriate, varied, and delightful outing."
thinkygames.com/games/spooky...
If you've picked up the latest copy of EDGE, keep an eye out for an excellent 9/10 review of Spooky Express in there:
“Whether you're a mere mortal or a puzzle demon, then, you're all but guaranteed to enjoy the ride.”
“Whether you're a mere mortal or a puzzle demon, then, you're all but guaranteed to enjoy the ride.”
November 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM
If you've picked up the latest copy of EDGE, keep an eye out for an excellent 9/10 review of Spooky Express in there:
“Whether you're a mere mortal or a puzzle demon, then, you're all but guaranteed to enjoy the ride.”
“Whether you're a mere mortal or a puzzle demon, then, you're all but guaranteed to enjoy the ride.”
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
There's a round of GOTY discussion going around, and I realized that a lot of my favourite games this year have been absolute Sicko Picks.
So here's a few games I've loved so far in 2025, starting with a mild one: Babushka's Glitch Dungeon. A scrunkly lil' puzzle-metroidvania with so many fun verbs
So here's a few games I've loved so far in 2025, starting with a mild one: Babushka's Glitch Dungeon. A scrunkly lil' puzzle-metroidvania with so many fun verbs
Save 50% on Babushka's Glitch Dungeon on Steam
Oh hello dearie.. Babushka needs to clean up her big magical cellar. Use hag magic, or just hit stuff with your broom.
store.steampowered.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:13 AM
There's a round of GOTY discussion going around, and I realized that a lot of my favourite games this year have been absolute Sicko Picks.
So here's a few games I've loved so far in 2025, starting with a mild one: Babushka's Glitch Dungeon. A scrunkly lil' puzzle-metroidvania with so many fun verbs
So here's a few games I've loved so far in 2025, starting with a mild one: Babushka's Glitch Dungeon. A scrunkly lil' puzzle-metroidvania with so many fun verbs
Reposted by Alan Hazelden / Draknek & Friends
The Godot 2025 showreel is out! We're so grateful for every submission, vote, and support from our community 💙
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZwE...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZwE...
Godot Engine – 2025 Showreel
YouTube video by Godot Engine
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:03 PM
The Godot 2025 showreel is out! We're so grateful for every submission, vote, and support from our community 💙
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZwE...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZwE...