Appy Bear Studio
@appybear.studio
SENTINEL 519: SAGA - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.AppyBearStudio.SENTINEL519
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AppyBearStudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appybearstudio
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@appybearstudio
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AppyBearStudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appybearstudio
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@appybearstudio
As the year comes to a close, it has been a year of high highs and low lows. But it has been a year of progress...ever steady progress!
For me personally, sharing my game updates is what helps keep me engaged and makes me want to keep pushing forward.
#IndieGameDev #2026 #AppyBearStudio
For me personally, sharing my game updates is what helps keep me engaged and makes me want to keep pushing forward.
#IndieGameDev #2026 #AppyBearStudio
December 24, 2025 at 7:49 PM
As the year comes to a close, it has been a year of high highs and low lows. But it has been a year of progress...ever steady progress!
For me personally, sharing my game updates is what helps keep me engaged and makes me want to keep pushing forward.
#IndieGameDev #2026 #AppyBearStudio
For me personally, sharing my game updates is what helps keep me engaged and makes me want to keep pushing forward.
#IndieGameDev #2026 #AppyBearStudio
2025: A Year in Review. 🚀
It was a year of two halves: refining the old and discovering the new.
Phase 1: The Release 📲
Focused on supporting SENTINEL 519. The goal: launch on mobile & ship the "Sentinel Invaders" update. A massive lesson in persistence.
#indiegamedev #retrospective
It was a year of two halves: refining the old and discovering the new.
Phase 1: The Release 📲
Focused on supporting SENTINEL 519. The goal: launch on mobile & ship the "Sentinel Invaders" update. A massive lesson in persistence.
#indiegamedev #retrospective
December 21, 2025 at 8:15 PM
2025: A Year in Review. 🚀
It was a year of two halves: refining the old and discovering the new.
Phase 1: The Release 📲
Focused on supporting SENTINEL 519. The goal: launch on mobile & ship the "Sentinel Invaders" update. A massive lesson in persistence.
#indiegamedev #retrospective
It was a year of two halves: refining the old and discovering the new.
Phase 1: The Release 📲
Focused on supporting SENTINEL 519. The goal: launch on mobile & ship the "Sentinel Invaders" update. A massive lesson in persistence.
#indiegamedev #retrospective
The Enemy AI is now evolving:
See Player
Draw Weapon
Read Player State
React (with a % chance of success to keep it fair)
You can see the brain working in the debug text above their head.
#indiegamedev #ai #artstyle #progress
See Player
Draw Weapon
Read Player State
React (with a % chance of success to keep it fair)
You can see the brain working in the debug text above their head.
#indiegamedev #ai #artstyle #progress
December 18, 2025 at 1:02 PM
The Enemy AI is now evolving:
See Player
Draw Weapon
Read Player State
React (with a % chance of success to keep it fair)
You can see the brain working in the debug text above their head.
#indiegamedev #ai #artstyle #progress
See Player
Draw Weapon
Read Player State
React (with a % chance of success to keep it fair)
You can see the brain working in the debug text above their head.
#indiegamedev #ai #artstyle #progress
I know the last video was leaning towards "Full Noir," but... who doesn't love a bit of colour? 🎨
I tweaked the Post Processing Asset again, and I think this "Coloured Comic" look hits the sweet spot.
But I didn't just procrastinate! There's more about the video in the next post! 👇
#indiegamedev
I tweaked the Post Processing Asset again, and I think this "Coloured Comic" look hits the sweet spot.
But I didn't just procrastinate! There's more about the video in the next post! 👇
#indiegamedev
December 18, 2025 at 1:02 PM
I know the last video was leaning towards "Full Noir," but... who doesn't love a bit of colour? 🎨
I tweaked the Post Processing Asset again, and I think this "Coloured Comic" look hits the sweet spot.
But I didn't just procrastinate! There's more about the video in the next post! 👇
#indiegamedev
I tweaked the Post Processing Asset again, and I think this "Coloured Comic" look hits the sweet spot.
But I didn't just procrastinate! There's more about the video in the next post! 👇
#indiegamedev
I even grabbed some comic hit-effect assets to match the theme. Sometimes you just have to chase the "What If" and see where it goes.
Here is a vertical close-up for the mobile users!
Digging the style, or is it too much? 🐻
#indiegamedev #gamedev #unity #gameart #prototyping
Here is a vertical close-up for the mobile users!
Digging the style, or is it too much? 🐻
#indiegamedev #gamedev #unity #gameart #prototyping
December 16, 2025 at 8:15 PM
I even grabbed some comic hit-effect assets to match the theme. Sometimes you just have to chase the "What If" and see where it goes.
Here is a vertical close-up for the mobile users!
Digging the style, or is it too much? 🐻
#indiegamedev #gamedev #unity #gameart #prototyping
Here is a vertical close-up for the mobile users!
Digging the style, or is it too much? 🐻
#indiegamedev #gamedev #unity #gameart #prototyping
I failed to stick to the roadmap this weekend. 😅
I was meant to be working on the AI, but I got side-tracked testing a new Post Processing Effect Asset.
So, here is Project IS0L8T3D... as a Noir Comic Book? 🕵️♂️
#indiegamedev
I was meant to be working on the AI, but I got side-tracked testing a new Post Processing Effect Asset.
So, here is Project IS0L8T3D... as a Noir Comic Book? 🕵️♂️
#indiegamedev
December 16, 2025 at 8:15 PM
I failed to stick to the roadmap this weekend. 😅
I was meant to be working on the AI, but I got side-tracked testing a new Post Processing Effect Asset.
So, here is Project IS0L8T3D... as a Noir Comic Book? 🕵️♂️
#indiegamedev
I was meant to be working on the AI, but I got side-tracked testing a new Post Processing Effect Asset.
So, here is Project IS0L8T3D... as a Noir Comic Book? 🕵️♂️
#indiegamedev
Behind the scenes on IS0L8T3D: Fixing the "Swarm."
Originally, enemies followed the player directly. The result? They bunched up or formed a line.
To fix this, I added invisible "Markers" around the player. Enemies hunt for an open marker rather than the player's centre point.
#indiegamedev
Originally, enemies followed the player directly. The result? They bunched up or formed a line.
To fix this, I added invisible "Markers" around the player. Enemies hunt for an open marker rather than the player's centre point.
#indiegamedev
December 14, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Behind the scenes on IS0L8T3D: Fixing the "Swarm."
Originally, enemies followed the player directly. The result? They bunched up or formed a line.
To fix this, I added invisible "Markers" around the player. Enemies hunt for an open marker rather than the player's centre point.
#indiegamedev
Originally, enemies followed the player directly. The result? They bunched up or formed a line.
To fix this, I added invisible "Markers" around the player. Enemies hunt for an open marker rather than the player's centre point.
#indiegamedev
I think I'm inching closer to that "Combat Feel" with every iteration.
Added hit effects, camera shake, and launching enemies into a Ragdoll state.
Love this. Even though the models are placeholders, this is easily my favourite part of the prototyping phase! 🐻
#IS0L8T3D #prototyping #indiegamedev
Added hit effects, camera shake, and launching enemies into a Ragdoll state.
Love this. Even though the models are placeholders, this is easily my favourite part of the prototyping phase! 🐻
#IS0L8T3D #prototyping #indiegamedev
December 11, 2025 at 7:04 PM
I think I'm inching closer to that "Combat Feel" with every iteration.
Added hit effects, camera shake, and launching enemies into a Ragdoll state.
Love this. Even though the models are placeholders, this is easily my favourite part of the prototyping phase! 🐻
#IS0L8T3D #prototyping #indiegamedev
Added hit effects, camera shake, and launching enemies into a Ragdoll state.
Love this. Even though the models are placeholders, this is easily my favourite part of the prototyping phase! 🐻
#IS0L8T3D #prototyping #indiegamedev
Back in the prototyping lab for IS0L8T3D after the SENTINEL INVADERS launch!
My design goal is simple: Replace "Fast and floaty" with "Heavy and visceral".
Here is a test of a 7-hit combo chain. I want the player to feel the inertia of the weapon dragging the character forward.
#indiegamedev
My design goal is simple: Replace "Fast and floaty" with "Heavy and visceral".
Here is a test of a 7-hit combo chain. I want the player to feel the inertia of the weapon dragging the character forward.
#indiegamedev
December 7, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Back in the prototyping lab for IS0L8T3D after the SENTINEL INVADERS launch!
My design goal is simple: Replace "Fast and floaty" with "Heavy and visceral".
Here is a test of a 7-hit combo chain. I want the player to feel the inertia of the weapon dragging the character forward.
#indiegamedev
My design goal is simple: Replace "Fast and floaty" with "Heavy and visceral".
Here is a test of a 7-hit combo chain. I want the player to feel the inertia of the weapon dragging the character forward.
#indiegamedev
Did you know the new free content includes 2 new Achievements? 🏆
Simple: Complete the mini game!
Superhuman skill: Survive the mode without taking a single hit.
Current Completion Rate for 2nd achievement: ~0%.
Who is going to be the ONE to conquer that achievement? 🐻
#sentinel519 #indiegamedev
Simple: Complete the mini game!
Superhuman skill: Survive the mode without taking a single hit.
Current Completion Rate for 2nd achievement: ~0%.
Who is going to be the ONE to conquer that achievement? 🐻
#sentinel519 #indiegamedev
December 5, 2025 at 3:23 AM
Did you know the new free content includes 2 new Achievements? 🏆
Simple: Complete the mini game!
Superhuman skill: Survive the mode without taking a single hit.
Current Completion Rate for 2nd achievement: ~0%.
Who is going to be the ONE to conquer that achievement? 🐻
#sentinel519 #indiegamedev
Simple: Complete the mini game!
Superhuman skill: Survive the mode without taking a single hit.
Current Completion Rate for 2nd achievement: ~0%.
Who is going to be the ONE to conquer that achievement? 🐻
#sentinel519 #indiegamedev
I’m leveraging Pricing Psychology (or at least my understanding of it). 📉
After analysing the Black Friday data, I had to decide: Was the sales spike due to the "Sale Badge" (Anchoring) or the lower price point (Threshold)?
I’m leaning towards the Threshold.
#indiegamedev #pricing
After analysing the Black Friday data, I had to decide: Was the sales spike due to the "Sale Badge" (Anchoring) or the lower price point (Threshold)?
I’m leaning towards the Threshold.
#indiegamedev #pricing
December 4, 2025 at 2:32 AM
I’m leveraging Pricing Psychology (or at least my understanding of it). 📉
After analysing the Black Friday data, I had to decide: Was the sales spike due to the "Sale Badge" (Anchoring) or the lower price point (Threshold)?
I’m leaning towards the Threshold.
#indiegamedev #pricing
After analysing the Black Friday data, I had to decide: Was the sales spike due to the "Sale Badge" (Anchoring) or the lower price point (Threshold)?
I’m leaning towards the Threshold.
#indiegamedev #pricing
The SENTINEL INVADERS update is now LIVE!
So, let's have a look at the chaos.
* Shields up.
* Hydro-Cannons loaded.
* Leaderboards open.
This is a Free Content Update available now for owners of the game on Android (iOS version TBD).
📲 Play here: play.google.com/store/apps/d...
#indiegamedev
So, let's have a look at the chaos.
* Shields up.
* Hydro-Cannons loaded.
* Leaderboards open.
This is a Free Content Update available now for owners of the game on Android (iOS version TBD).
📲 Play here: play.google.com/store/apps/d...
#indiegamedev
December 2, 2025 at 3:57 PM
The SENTINEL INVADERS update is now LIVE!
So, let's have a look at the chaos.
* Shields up.
* Hydro-Cannons loaded.
* Leaderboards open.
This is a Free Content Update available now for owners of the game on Android (iOS version TBD).
📲 Play here: play.google.com/store/apps/d...
#indiegamedev
So, let's have a look at the chaos.
* Shields up.
* Hydro-Cannons loaded.
* Leaderboards open.
This is a Free Content Update available now for owners of the game on Android (iOS version TBD).
📲 Play here: play.google.com/store/apps/d...
#indiegamedev
Onboarding is always a tricky balance. 🤷♂️
Since SENTINEL INVADERS is much faster than the main story, I added a tutorial to highlight the new HUD, weapon decay, and Dashing logic.
Hopefully, this helps players master the mechanics before hitting the Leaderboards! 🚀
#gamedev #indiegamedev #solodev
Since SENTINEL INVADERS is much faster than the main story, I added a tutorial to highlight the new HUD, weapon decay, and Dashing logic.
Hopefully, this helps players master the mechanics before hitting the Leaderboards! 🚀
#gamedev #indiegamedev #solodev
November 30, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Onboarding is always a tricky balance. 🤷♂️
Since SENTINEL INVADERS is much faster than the main story, I added a tutorial to highlight the new HUD, weapon decay, and Dashing logic.
Hopefully, this helps players master the mechanics before hitting the Leaderboards! 🚀
#gamedev #indiegamedev #solodev
Since SENTINEL INVADERS is much faster than the main story, I added a tutorial to highlight the new HUD, weapon decay, and Dashing logic.
Hopefully, this helps players master the mechanics before hitting the Leaderboards! 🚀
#gamedev #indiegamedev #solodev
Might be late to the Black Friday party, but I brought gifts. 🎁
For the next 3 days, SENTINEL 519 is down to AUD $1.99 on Google Play!
🌌 Story-Driven Sci-Fi
🚫 No Ads / No IAP
📴 100% Offline
Waiting for a sign (or a sale), this is it. play.google.com/store/apps/d...
#blackfriday #indiegamedev
For the next 3 days, SENTINEL 519 is down to AUD $1.99 on Google Play!
🌌 Story-Driven Sci-Fi
🚫 No Ads / No IAP
📴 100% Offline
Waiting for a sign (or a sale), this is it. play.google.com/store/apps/d...
#blackfriday #indiegamedev
November 26, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Might be late to the Black Friday party, but I brought gifts. 🎁
For the next 3 days, SENTINEL 519 is down to AUD $1.99 on Google Play!
🌌 Story-Driven Sci-Fi
🚫 No Ads / No IAP
📴 100% Offline
Waiting for a sign (or a sale), this is it. play.google.com/store/apps/d...
#blackfriday #indiegamedev
For the next 3 days, SENTINEL 519 is down to AUD $1.99 on Google Play!
🌌 Story-Driven Sci-Fi
🚫 No Ads / No IAP
📴 100% Offline
Waiting for a sign (or a sale), this is it. play.google.com/store/apps/d...
#blackfriday #indiegamedev
Current status: Heavy Iteration 🛠️
This includes adding visual timers to pickups and tweaking UI.
It’s the kind of work I could get hooked on indefinitely (the trap of endless polish), but I know I have to stop and ship eventually.
The game is getting better, one step at a time. 🐻
#indiegamedev
This includes adding visual timers to pickups and tweaking UI.
It’s the kind of work I could get hooked on indefinitely (the trap of endless polish), but I know I have to stop and ship eventually.
The game is getting better, one step at a time. 🐻
#indiegamedev
November 24, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Current status: Heavy Iteration 🛠️
This includes adding visual timers to pickups and tweaking UI.
It’s the kind of work I could get hooked on indefinitely (the trap of endless polish), but I know I have to stop and ship eventually.
The game is getting better, one step at a time. 🐻
#indiegamedev
This includes adding visual timers to pickups and tweaking UI.
It’s the kind of work I could get hooked on indefinitely (the trap of endless polish), but I know I have to stop and ship eventually.
The game is getting better, one step at a time. 🐻
#indiegamedev
Update on the new "SENTINEL INVADERS" mini-game mode. 🛠️
Today's focus: The Hydro-Cannon
Wanted an ice weapon that respected physics (mostly). It ejects water which violently boils in the vacuum of space, freezing and condensing into a devastating ice projectile.
See it in action. 👇
#indiegamedev
Today's focus: The Hydro-Cannon
Wanted an ice weapon that respected physics (mostly). It ejects water which violently boils in the vacuum of space, freezing and condensing into a devastating ice projectile.
See it in action. 👇
#indiegamedev
November 21, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Update on the new "SENTINEL INVADERS" mini-game mode. 🛠️
Today's focus: The Hydro-Cannon
Wanted an ice weapon that respected physics (mostly). It ejects water which violently boils in the vacuum of space, freezing and condensing into a devastating ice projectile.
See it in action. 👇
#indiegamedev
Today's focus: The Hydro-Cannon
Wanted an ice weapon that respected physics (mostly). It ejects water which violently boils in the vacuum of space, freezing and condensing into a devastating ice projectile.
See it in action. 👇
#indiegamedev
A shameless plug, but if you haven't played SENTINEL 519: SAGA - GENESIS on iOS yet, here is a QR code to the App Store!
#iosgaming #sentinel519 #offline #compactstory #scifi #indiegamedev #mobilegaming
#iosgaming #sentinel519 #offline #compactstory #scifi #indiegamedev #mobilegaming
November 17, 2025 at 11:54 PM
A shameless plug, but if you haven't played SENTINEL 519: SAGA - GENESIS on iOS yet, here is a QR code to the App Store!
#iosgaming #sentinel519 #offline #compactstory #scifi #indiegamedev #mobilegaming
#iosgaming #sentinel519 #offline #compactstory #scifi #indiegamedev #mobilegaming
Jumping back to prototyping! Space is fun... really fun! But what about when a character needs to move on land?
Here we've plucked the protagonist from the void of space and onto solid ground. It's a more low-key update, but progress is progress!
#indiegamedev #wip #movement #madewithunity
Here we've plucked the protagonist from the void of space and onto solid ground. It's a more low-key update, but progress is progress!
#indiegamedev #wip #movement #madewithunity
November 17, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Jumping back to prototyping! Space is fun... really fun! But what about when a character needs to move on land?
Here we've plucked the protagonist from the void of space and onto solid ground. It's a more low-key update, but progress is progress!
#indiegamedev #wip #movement #madewithunity
Here we've plucked the protagonist from the void of space and onto solid ground. It's a more low-key update, but progress is progress!
#indiegamedev #wip #movement #madewithunity
Though it would have been awesome to wait to build a whole game around this mechanic, it was too fun to keep locked away for a long period of time.
To that end, look forward to this mechanic making its way in a NEW shooter mini-game update for SENTINEL 519: SAGA - GENESIS instead!
#indiegamedev
To that end, look forward to this mechanic making its way in a NEW shooter mini-game update for SENTINEL 519: SAGA - GENESIS instead!
#indiegamedev
November 11, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Though it would have been awesome to wait to build a whole game around this mechanic, it was too fun to keep locked away for a long period of time.
To that end, look forward to this mechanic making its way in a NEW shooter mini-game update for SENTINEL 519: SAGA - GENESIS instead!
#indiegamedev
To that end, look forward to this mechanic making its way in a NEW shooter mini-game update for SENTINEL 519: SAGA - GENESIS instead!
#indiegamedev
Soooo, a random thought occurred to me. What if I ran a bit with this concept, added some indestructible drones, and let the player swing that sword in space?
...Well, here is that random thought come to life on an iPhone 12 mini!
#newconcept #indiegamedev #wip #madewithunity #appybearstudio #ios
...Well, here is that random thought come to life on an iPhone 12 mini!
#newconcept #indiegamedev #wip #madewithunity #appybearstudio #ios
November 10, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Soooo, a random thought occurred to me. What if I ran a bit with this concept, added some indestructible drones, and let the player swing that sword in space?
...Well, here is that random thought come to life on an iPhone 12 mini!
#newconcept #indiegamedev #wip #madewithunity #appybearstudio #ios
...Well, here is that random thought come to life on an iPhone 12 mini!
#newconcept #indiegamedev #wip #madewithunity #appybearstudio #ios
A quick "work-in-progress" update. Here's an early look at some new gameplay mechanics being prototyped for the next concept.
It's always a great feeling when an idea starts to take shape.
#gamedev #indiegamedev #prototyping #wip #appybearstudio
It's always a great feeling when an idea starts to take shape.
#gamedev #indiegamedev #prototyping #wip #appybearstudio
November 7, 2025 at 12:57 AM
A quick "work-in-progress" update. Here's an early look at some new gameplay mechanics being prototyped for the next concept.
It's always a great feeling when an idea starts to take shape.
#gamedev #indiegamedev #prototyping #wip #appybearstudio
It's always a great feeling when an idea starts to take shape.
#gamedev #indiegamedev #prototyping #wip #appybearstudio
After releasing SENTINEL 519: SAGA, I wanted to see what the reviews were like from Google Search's perspective.
Pretty happy with that result and so thankful to everyone who left a review on Google Play! Though it's an AI summary, I'm happy it's showing it in a positive light!
#indiegamedev
Pretty happy with that result and so thankful to everyone who left a review on Google Play! Though it's an AI summary, I'm happy it's showing it in a positive light!
#indiegamedev
October 31, 2025 at 7:45 AM
After releasing SENTINEL 519: SAGA, I wanted to see what the reviews were like from Google Search's perspective.
Pretty happy with that result and so thankful to everyone who left a review on Google Play! Though it's an AI summary, I'm happy it's showing it in a positive light!
#indiegamedev
Pretty happy with that result and so thankful to everyone who left a review on Google Play! Though it's an AI summary, I'm happy it's showing it in a positive light!
#indiegamedev
No flashy update. Development is deep in R&D: prototyping mechanics, testing assets, finding a title, and exploring narratives. It's quiet, foundational work. As a peek, here's an early title for a new concept.
Could be scrapped but a bit of transparency on the process!
Stay tuned!
#indiegamedev
Could be scrapped but a bit of transparency on the process!
Stay tuned!
#indiegamedev
October 30, 2025 at 1:03 AM
No flashy update. Development is deep in R&D: prototyping mechanics, testing assets, finding a title, and exploring narratives. It's quiet, foundational work. As a peek, here's an early title for a new concept.
Could be scrapped but a bit of transparency on the process!
Stay tuned!
#indiegamedev
Could be scrapped but a bit of transparency on the process!
Stay tuned!
#indiegamedev
How do you add multiplayer to an offline game? 🤔
With Apple Game Center Challenges!
Challenge your friends directly to beat your high score on the leaderboards!
1️⃣ Select Your Game Center profile
2️⃣ Tap "Play Together"
3️⃣ Setup the Challenge & invite!
apps.apple.com/us/app/senti...
#indiegamedev
With Apple Game Center Challenges!
Challenge your friends directly to beat your high score on the leaderboards!
1️⃣ Select Your Game Center profile
2️⃣ Tap "Play Together"
3️⃣ Setup the Challenge & invite!
apps.apple.com/us/app/senti...
#indiegamedev
October 27, 2025 at 3:27 AM
How do you add multiplayer to an offline game? 🤔
With Apple Game Center Challenges!
Challenge your friends directly to beat your high score on the leaderboards!
1️⃣ Select Your Game Center profile
2️⃣ Tap "Play Together"
3️⃣ Setup the Challenge & invite!
apps.apple.com/us/app/senti...
#indiegamedev
With Apple Game Center Challenges!
Challenge your friends directly to beat your high score on the leaderboards!
1️⃣ Select Your Game Center profile
2️⃣ Tap "Play Together"
3️⃣ Setup the Challenge & invite!
apps.apple.com/us/app/senti...
#indiegamedev