Chris Gardiner
@chrisgardiner.bsky.social
Narrative Director at Failbetter Games. He/him. Our titles include: Fallen London, Sunless Sea/Skies, and Mask of the Rose. Opinions are mine, so there.
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
i literally can't stop them from writing like this all the time
Our boiler broke at the weekend, and our house was FREEZING. But a very nice man called Barry from British Gas came around and fixed it.
Anyway today I got a text asking for feedback on Barry, and possibly I shouldn’t reply to these things while still loopy on painkillers from root-canal.
Anyway today I got a text asking for feedback on Barry, and possibly I shouldn’t reply to these things while still loopy on painkillers from root-canal.
December 3, 2025 at 3:40 PM
i literally can't stop them from writing like this all the time
Our boiler broke at the weekend, and our house was FREEZING. But a very nice man called Barry from British Gas came around and fixed it.
Anyway today I got a text asking for feedback on Barry, and possibly I shouldn’t reply to these things while still loopy on painkillers from root-canal.
Anyway today I got a text asking for feedback on Barry, and possibly I shouldn’t reply to these things while still loopy on painkillers from root-canal.
December 3, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Our boiler broke at the weekend, and our house was FREEZING. But a very nice man called Barry from British Gas came around and fixed it.
Anyway today I got a text asking for feedback on Barry, and possibly I shouldn’t reply to these things while still loopy on painkillers from root-canal.
Anyway today I got a text asking for feedback on Barry, and possibly I shouldn’t reply to these things while still loopy on painkillers from root-canal.
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
We can only describe our character designs as preposterously luscious!
Here's a detailed look at how we created the neighbours you'll be meeting in our upcoming game, Mandrake.
#indiedev #indiegames (Please do share!)
Here's a detailed look at how we created the neighbours you'll be meeting in our upcoming game, Mandrake.
#indiedev #indiegames (Please do share!)
December 2, 2025 at 12:10 PM
We can only describe our character designs as preposterously luscious!
Here's a detailed look at how we created the neighbours you'll be meeting in our upcoming game, Mandrake.
#indiedev #indiegames (Please do share!)
Here's a detailed look at how we created the neighbours you'll be meeting in our upcoming game, Mandrake.
#indiedev #indiegames (Please do share!)
It‘s always a treat to talk to @erionmakuo.bsky.social in-depth about her work.
In Mandrake, character design, writing, and illustration are so tightly knotted that it’s impossible to tell where one ends and the next begins.
Tons of gorgeous art in the link!
store.steampowered.com/news/app/371...
In Mandrake, character design, writing, and illustration are so tightly knotted that it’s impossible to tell where one ends and the next begins.
Tons of gorgeous art in the link!
store.steampowered.com/news/app/371...
Mandrake - Preposterously Luscious - Steam News
Chris Gardiner - Failbetter's Narrative Director and lead writer on Mandrake - and senior artist Erion Makuo talk about their character design process.
store.steampowered.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:42 PM
It‘s always a treat to talk to @erionmakuo.bsky.social in-depth about her work.
In Mandrake, character design, writing, and illustration are so tightly knotted that it’s impossible to tell where one ends and the next begins.
Tons of gorgeous art in the link!
store.steampowered.com/news/app/371...
In Mandrake, character design, writing, and illustration are so tightly knotted that it’s impossible to tell where one ends and the next begins.
Tons of gorgeous art in the link!
store.steampowered.com/news/app/371...
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Hob Halfling: fastidious, partial to tea. A friend.
Sometimes those details are prompted by the constraints of the illustration – the way colours might work together, or the space we need to fill. But they always try to say something about the character.
December 3, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Hob Halfling: fastidious, partial to tea. A friend.
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
I wrote this! I do hope you Fallen Londoners enjoy it.
Looking upon one's likeness is always a little uncanny. But there is some awful radiance to those eyes. As if some creature had taken your shape upon the canvas.
The Exceptional Story in Fallen London for December is Father's Oils, by @rossignol.bsky.social.
The Exceptional Story in Fallen London for December is Father's Oils, by @rossignol.bsky.social.
November 27, 2025 at 12:17 PM
I wrote this! I do hope you Fallen Londoners enjoy it.
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
In the popular end-of-year tradition, here's a thread of what you might have missed in Fallen London in 2025, and some plans for what we'll be doing in 2026.
November 26, 2025 at 1:16 PM
In the popular end-of-year tradition, here's a thread of what you might have missed in Fallen London in 2025, and some plans for what we'll be doing in 2026.
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Fallen London
November 20, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Fallen London
Oo – I’ve been looking forward to the final version of this!
Surprise, we're getting pretty close to the final version of REALIS!
ICYMI: I've been making a TTRPG about mystical moons and living spaceships and sentences that can kill you. A preview is available now (see my pinned post), but the full version draws near!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/cru...
ICYMI: I've been making a TTRPG about mystical moons and living spaceships and sentences that can kill you. A preview is available now (see my pinned post), but the full version draws near!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/cru...
Coming soon: Realis
A new tabletop roleplaying game by Austin Walker
www.kickstarter.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Oo – I’ve been looking forward to the final version of this!
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
All the best to @digitalsungames.com who are entering Early Access with Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault today!
Very charming, we can't wait to play.
Very charming, we can't wait to play.
Save 17% on Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault on Steam
Live the double life of a fearless adventurer and a crafty merchant! Dive into vibrant dimensions brimming with shiny loot and pesky enemies. Grow your shop, tinker with weapons and gadgets, as well a...
store.steampowered.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM
All the best to @digitalsungames.com who are entering Early Access with Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault today!
Very charming, we can't wait to play.
Very charming, we can't wait to play.
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Indie Marketing Tip of the day: There are VERY FEW EXCEPTIONS to the rule that you should not have a colon in your game's name
almost certainly your game does not need whatever comes after the colon
almost certainly your game does not need whatever comes after the colon
November 17, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Indie Marketing Tip of the day: There are VERY FEW EXCEPTIONS to the rule that you should not have a colon in your game's name
almost certainly your game does not need whatever comes after the colon
almost certainly your game does not need whatever comes after the colon
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
What is Nighthawks? It's a vampire game where the vampires have been exposed to the world... but it's also different in tone from most. Vampire games tend to be cold and cynical, but this time, being a light in the darkness can be the real adventure.
store.steampowered.com/app/1221950/...
store.steampowered.com/app/1221950/...
Nighthawks on Steam
The secret is out. Vampires have been exposed to the world… and you’re one of them. Seize the night as a modern monster, stepping out of the shadows to build a thriving nightclub empire through fear, ...
store.steampowered.com
October 13, 2025 at 12:48 PM
What is Nighthawks? It's a vampire game where the vampires have been exposed to the world... but it's also different in tone from most. Vampire games tend to be cold and cynical, but this time, being a light in the darkness can be the real adventure.
store.steampowered.com/app/1221950/...
store.steampowered.com/app/1221950/...
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Read more about Mandrakes, the naming of things, and how to introduce a new world to a player without going too weird, too fast in our recent blog post by @chrisgardiner.bsky.social.
And if you, too, are enthralled by the magic of the Mandrakes then please drop us a wishlist; it's a great help!
And if you, too, are enthralled by the magic of the Mandrakes then please drop us a wishlist; it's a great help!
Mandrake - A Mandrake by Any Other Name - Steam News
Narrative Director Chris is here with the history of Mandrakes in the real world, and insight into how the people of Chandley feel about Mandrakes.
store.steampowered.com
October 6, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Read more about Mandrakes, the naming of things, and how to introduce a new world to a player without going too weird, too fast in our recent blog post by @chrisgardiner.bsky.social.
And if you, too, are enthralled by the magic of the Mandrakes then please drop us a wishlist; it's a great help!
And if you, too, are enthralled by the magic of the Mandrakes then please drop us a wishlist; it's a great help!
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
Here are some real and actual facts about Mandrakes:
- Their smell could drive away demons
- It was a popular component of fertility spells
- Witches used it in the unguents which gave them the power of flight
So: the perfect plant to name our new game and its protagonist after.
#indiedev
- Their smell could drive away demons
- It was a popular component of fertility spells
- Witches used it in the unguents which gave them the power of flight
So: the perfect plant to name our new game and its protagonist after.
#indiedev
October 6, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Here are some real and actual facts about Mandrakes:
- Their smell could drive away demons
- It was a popular component of fertility spells
- Witches used it in the unguents which gave them the power of flight
So: the perfect plant to name our new game and its protagonist after.
#indiedev
- Their smell could drive away demons
- It was a popular component of fertility spells
- Witches used it in the unguents which gave them the power of flight
So: the perfect plant to name our new game and its protagonist after.
#indiedev
Big same.
If any of the folks that worked on Star Wars Outlaws follow me, I want y'all to know I'm loving your game right now. You did such a good job. Having so much fun with this game!
October 1, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Big same.
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
I did a newsletter. But more importantly I DID A VIDEO. Riiiight out of my comfort zone, but entirely inspired and necessary because Doomsong is so fucking cool. Check it out (and also get yourself a copy of Wyrd Science issue 7):
Things! GOLD TEETH Beta, Book Delay, Doomsong, Poor Old Jim
Welcome, bold adventurers, to the TEETH newsletter! This is a (sort of) weekly transmission about our explorations in the very secret land of Tabletop...
buttondown.com
September 26, 2025 at 9:33 AM
I did a newsletter. But more importantly I DID A VIDEO. Riiiight out of my comfort zone, but entirely inspired and necessary because Doomsong is so fucking cool. Check it out (and also get yourself a copy of Wyrd Science issue 7):
Refuse to live in a world where I’m expected to pretend I understand what gilts are.
September 25, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Refuse to live in a world where I’m expected to pretend I understand what gilts are.
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
hey! i have space to do some freelance work next week! you want me to look at your steam page? you want to talk about indie game marketing and get some solid advice? let's talk!!
Intro Post!
I'm Hannah; I've been at Failbetter Games for a decade and yet find it thrilling still
I cover marketing, communications, PR, events, social, newsletter: all the trimmings
I'm also freelance doing the same!
I'm Hannah; I've been at Failbetter Games for a decade and yet find it thrilling still
I cover marketing, communications, PR, events, social, newsletter: all the trimmings
I'm also freelance doing the same!
September 25, 2025 at 8:10 PM
hey! i have space to do some freelance work next week! you want me to look at your steam page? you want to talk about indie game marketing and get some solid advice? let's talk!!
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
This is what we're talking about when we say we're excited to have honest-to-goodness sunlight in our new game, Mandrake.
September 25, 2025 at 10:55 AM
This is what we're talking about when we say we're excited to have honest-to-goodness sunlight in our new game, Mandrake.
Just seen some people are trying to spell “manoeuvre“ again.
Please don’t. Someone could die.
That word is only to be spelled by trained writers working in safe conditions and using specialist equipment.
Please don’t. Someone could die.
That word is only to be spelled by trained writers working in safe conditions and using specialist equipment.
September 25, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Just seen some people are trying to spell “manoeuvre“ again.
Please don’t. Someone could die.
That word is only to be spelled by trained writers working in safe conditions and using specialist equipment.
Please don’t. Someone could die.
That word is only to be spelled by trained writers working in safe conditions and using specialist equipment.
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
I got to write another Exceptional Story for Fallen London!! Check it out!!!
A pair of assistants wheel out a metal table, upon which a writhing, screaming number seven has been strapped. Its eyes roll around in its head. "Who would like to cut it open?"
The Exceptional Story for October is here! The Shape of Infinity, by Heather Flowers.
The Exceptional Story for October is here! The Shape of Infinity, by Heather Flowers.
September 25, 2025 at 11:17 AM
I got to write another Exceptional Story for Fallen London!! Check it out!!!
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
This is your official warning that Halloween approaches and the best thing you could do with your TTRPG group for a one off blood-shrine-hunting Regency romp is to buy and read TEETH: Blood Cotillion now
If you want to support the cool TTRPG things @marshdavies.bsky.social and I are trying to do this year then it would be hugely appreciated if you purchased our amazing low-prep one-shot Blood Cotillion, or one of our other TEETH RPGs! Thanks so much.
teethrpg.itch.io/blood-cotill...
teethrpg.itch.io/blood-cotill...
BLOOD COTILLION by TEETH: A ROLEPLAYING GAME
A grotesque, single-session, standalone TTRPG
teethrpg.itch.io
September 25, 2025 at 7:36 AM
This is your official warning that Halloween approaches and the best thing you could do with your TTRPG group for a one off blood-shrine-hunting Regency romp is to buy and read TEETH: Blood Cotillion now
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
You can read a full blog post about our visual development - and give us a wishlist - on Steam. It really helps!
Mandrake - The Chaos of Nature - Steam News
Mandrake Art Director Toby Cook, who was also Lead Artist on Sunless Skies, shares our inspirations and references for the Mandrake setting.
store.steampowered.com
September 24, 2025 at 12:05 PM
You can read a full blog post about our visual development - and give us a wishlist - on Steam. It really helps!
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
We're making Mandrake, a rural life sim set in a beguiling new world inspired by British history and folklore.
Now we're not in the Fallen London universe (Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies), we had the opportunity to add sunshine! And trees! 😮 🧵
#wishlistwednesday
Now we're not in the Fallen London universe (Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies), we had the opportunity to add sunshine! And trees! 😮 🧵
#wishlistwednesday
September 24, 2025 at 12:05 PM
We're making Mandrake, a rural life sim set in a beguiling new world inspired by British history and folklore.
Now we're not in the Fallen London universe (Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies), we had the opportunity to add sunshine! And trees! 😮 🧵
#wishlistwednesday
Now we're not in the Fallen London universe (Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies), we had the opportunity to add sunshine! And trees! 😮 🧵
#wishlistwednesday
Reposted by Chris Gardiner
92% funded!
And at 100% we'll reveal the author & artist duo behind the 17,000 word bonus 'zine we're gunning to unlock as our first stretch goal...
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
And at 100% we'll reveal the author & artist duo behind the 17,000 word bonus 'zine we're gunning to unlock as our first stretch goal...
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
September 23, 2025 at 12:16 PM
92% funded!
And at 100% we'll reveal the author & artist duo behind the 17,000 word bonus 'zine we're gunning to unlock as our first stretch goal...
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
And at 100% we'll reveal the author & artist duo behind the 17,000 word bonus 'zine we're gunning to unlock as our first stretch goal...
www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...