Dawn Rivers Taylor
@dawnrivers.bsky.social
Senior Lighting Designer in Japan💡
Previously at SquareEnix on Forspoken + FF16, Harmonix, DisneyPixar, and more!
Living in Japan with my cute family! And mostly here to share photos 📸✨️
Previously at SquareEnix on Forspoken + FF16, Harmonix, DisneyPixar, and more!
Living in Japan with my cute family! And mostly here to share photos 📸✨️
Pinned
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
Probably to no surprise 😅we've pushed TANUKI back a bit into 2026.
However, I recently finished one of my first (kinda full playthroughs) and wow, it's a nice way to end the year. To see all of the team's incredible hard work come so far and together. I'm so proud of how lil' Pon is shaping up 💌
However, I recently finished one of my first (kinda full playthroughs) and wow, it's a nice way to end the year. To see all of the team's incredible hard work come so far and together. I'm so proud of how lil' Pon is shaping up 💌
2🚨0🚨2🚨6🚨
Pon has news!? Oh, sadly, it seems he’s forgotten the name of the game... it’s not Pon’s Winter.
Thank you for your support and excitement throughout 2025. Our sincerest apologies, but we’d like a little more time to make this TANUKI adventure a truly special one!
Pon has news!? Oh, sadly, it seems he’s forgotten the name of the game... it’s not Pon’s Winter.
Thank you for your support and excitement throughout 2025. Our sincerest apologies, but we’d like a little more time to make this TANUKI adventure a truly special one!
December 24, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Probably to no surprise 😅we've pushed TANUKI back a bit into 2026.
However, I recently finished one of my first (kinda full playthroughs) and wow, it's a nice way to end the year. To see all of the team's incredible hard work come so far and together. I'm so proud of how lil' Pon is shaping up 💌
However, I recently finished one of my first (kinda full playthroughs) and wow, it's a nice way to end the year. To see all of the team's incredible hard work come so far and together. I'm so proud of how lil' Pon is shaping up 💌
Merry Christmas Eve, y'all ❤️🎄
December 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Merry Christmas Eve, y'all ❤️🎄
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
December 23, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
I say this with zero irony: if you are even tangentially a part of a retro video game community, it is your civic duty to push back against this company and shun anyone who doesn't. This is fascism tapping gently at the door and as soon as you let it in, it's going to invite its friends.
December 19, 2025 at 5:01 PM
I say this with zero irony: if you are even tangentially a part of a retro video game community, it is your civic duty to push back against this company and shun anyone who doesn't. This is fascism tapping gently at the door and as soon as you let it in, it's going to invite its friends.
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
The fact that gamers on the balance are against gen AI in games is not a surprise, but the degree to which this is skewed negative honestly shocked me.
Quantic Foundry is legit, and is an important and influential data source within the industry. This sort of data could actually have an impact.
Quantic Foundry is legit, and is an important and influential data source within the industry. This sort of data could actually have an impact.
Gamers Are Overwhelmingly Negative About Gen AI in Video Games, but Attitudes Vary by Gender, Age, and Gaming Motivations.
Learn about how gender, age, and gaming motivations shape the perception of Gen AI in video games.
quanticfoundry.com
December 20, 2025 at 2:20 AM
The fact that gamers on the balance are against gen AI in games is not a surprise, but the degree to which this is skewed negative honestly shocked me.
Quantic Foundry is legit, and is an important and influential data source within the industry. This sort of data could actually have an impact.
Quantic Foundry is legit, and is an important and influential data source within the industry. This sort of data could actually have an impact.
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
everyone dislikes genai in games, but kids and story-focused players the most.
sounds like we'll be ok. just have to stay the course here and the "inevitable" new technology nobody likes will die. again.
quanticfoundry.com/2025/12/18/g...
sounds like we'll be ok. just have to stay the course here and the "inevitable" new technology nobody likes will die. again.
quanticfoundry.com/2025/12/18/g...
Gamers Are Overwhelmingly Negative About Gen AI in Video Games, but Attitudes Vary by Gender, Age, and Gaming Motivations.
Learn about how gender, age, and gaming motivations shape the perception of Gen AI in video games.
quanticfoundry.com
December 20, 2025 at 12:53 AM
everyone dislikes genai in games, but kids and story-focused players the most.
sounds like we'll be ok. just have to stay the course here and the "inevitable" new technology nobody likes will die. again.
quanticfoundry.com/2025/12/18/g...
sounds like we'll be ok. just have to stay the course here and the "inevitable" new technology nobody likes will die. again.
quanticfoundry.com/2025/12/18/g...
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
Steamにて、セガ／アトラス「Steam Winter Sale」開催中！
『メタファー：リファンタジオ』や『ソニックレーシング クロスワールド』など、セガ/アトラスの人気タイトルがお買い得価格で登場します。
年末・年始のひとときに、ぜひお楽しみください！
セールは、1月6日（火）3時までとなります。
『メタファー：リファンタジオ』や『ソニックレーシング クロスワールド』など、セガ/アトラスの人気タイトルがお買い得価格で登場します。
年末・年始のひとときに、ぜひお楽しみください！
セールは、1月6日（火）3時までとなります。
SEGA WINTER SALE
store.steampowered.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:18 AM
Steamにて、セガ／アトラス「Steam Winter Sale」開催中！
『メタファー：リファンタジオ』や『ソニックレーシング クロスワールド』など、セガ/アトラスの人気タイトルがお買い得価格で登場します。
年末・年始のひとときに、ぜひお楽しみください！
セールは、1月6日（火）3時までとなります。
『メタファー：リファンタジオ』や『ソニックレーシング クロスワールド』など、セガ/アトラスの人気タイトルがお買い得価格で登場します。
年末・年始のひとときに、ぜひお楽しみください！
セールは、1月6日（火）3時までとなります。
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
We spoke to a dozen professional concept artists who are currently or have previously worked in game development about whether generative AI image tools have made their jobs any easier.
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
Concept Artists Say Generative AI References Only Make Their Jobs Harder
“The ‘early ideation stages’, when worlds are being fleshed out by writers and artists, are literally crucial to the development of a game’s vision,” said one artist.
thisweekinvideogames.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:06 PM
We spoke to a dozen professional concept artists who are currently or have previously worked in game development about whether generative AI image tools have made their jobs any easier.
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
Hello everyone! Just want to remind you that the deadline for BitSummit submissions is December 31st (submission fee: ¥2750). Late entries are open until January 16, 2026 (¥5500). Looking forward to seeing your games! For more information visit bitsummit.org.
December 17, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Hello everyone! Just want to remind you that the deadline for BitSummit submissions is December 31st (submission fee: ¥2750). Late entries are open until January 16, 2026 (¥5500). Looking forward to seeing your games! For more information visit bitsummit.org.
Sometimes, the setting and the lights are just right, and you totally understand how ghost stories came to be.
December 17, 2025 at 3:51 AM
Sometimes, the setting and the lights are just right, and you totally understand how ghost stories came to be.
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
Bruce is an absolute hero and has always inspired and supported me. It’s not a surprise as one of the top creatives this would be his response 🔥
If you need some catharsis today, I talked to Bruce Straley about generative AI in gaming:
"I don’t know who wants it, I don’t know who’s asking for it, I don’t know who’s pushing for it, but I don’t think it’s the way as a human species we need to be evolving.” www.polygon.com/bruce-strale...
"I don’t know who wants it, I don’t know who’s asking for it, I don’t know who’s pushing for it, but I don’t think it’s the way as a human species we need to be evolving.” www.polygon.com/bruce-strale...
‘I don’t think prompting is art.’ The Last of Us director tees off on generative AI
Bruce Straley doesn't think gen AI has a place in game development
www.polygon.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Bruce is an absolute hero and has always inspired and supported me. It’s not a surprise as one of the top creatives this would be his response 🔥
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
Fantastic video by Pam Walls on the increasing use of AI in board games, and the need (more than ever) to support artists, illustrators and graphic designers in the industry.
youtu.be/Ci5pOjyJknI?...
youtu.be/Ci5pOjyJknI?...
We need to talk about AI slop in board games
YouTube video by Pam Walls Game Design
youtu.be
December 15, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Fantastic video by Pam Walls on the increasing use of AI in board games, and the need (more than ever) to support artists, illustrators and graphic designers in the industry.
youtu.be/Ci5pOjyJknI?...
youtu.be/Ci5pOjyJknI?...
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
The Game Awards 2025 「Game of the Year(GOTY)」
『Clair Obscur: Expedition 33』🏆
GOTY受賞おめでとうございます！
※同作品はセガが国内向けの製造・販売を担当しています
#TheGameAwards
『Clair Obscur: Expedition 33』🏆
GOTY受賞おめでとうございます！
※同作品はセガが国内向けの製造・販売を担当しています
#TheGameAwards
【TGA ９冠 ･GOTY 受賞】『Clair Obscur: Expedition 33（クレール オブスキュール：エクスペディション33）』Thank You Update 記念Trailer
YouTube video by SEGA
www.youtube.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:35 AM
The Game Awards 2025 「Game of the Year(GOTY)」
『Clair Obscur: Expedition 33』🏆
GOTY受賞おめでとうございます！
※同作品はセガが国内向けの製造・販売を担当しています
#TheGameAwards
『Clair Obscur: Expedition 33』🏆
GOTY受賞おめでとうございます！
※同作品はセガが国内向けの製造・販売を担当しています
#TheGameAwards
This looks campy as hell, and I love it: youtu.be/0pRfaGPUGTI?...
Street Fighter Movie - Sneak Peek
YouTube video by Street Fighter
youtu.be
December 12, 2025 at 6:24 AM
This looks campy as hell, and I love it: youtu.be/0pRfaGPUGTI?...
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
look i wasn't gonna say anything but when you hear "10 years in the making" from a game by jonathan blow just know that a game never takes 10 years because of good employee relationships and clear leadership direction
December 12, 2025 at 2:51 AM
look i wasn't gonna say anything but when you hear "10 years in the making" from a game by jonathan blow just know that a game never takes 10 years because of good employee relationships and clear leadership direction
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
don't claim it.
doesn't matter that it's free.
Don't.
doesn't matter that it's free.
Don't.
Hogwarts Legacy is free on Epic Games Store. Mystery game is the next title buff.ly/HE94Ti2
December 12, 2025 at 2:32 AM
don't claim it.
doesn't matter that it's free.
Don't.
doesn't matter that it's free.
Don't.
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
We won!!! We’re deeply honored for the Games for Impact award! Thanks to everyone who helped shape South of Midnight and to every player who saw something meaningful in our story.
December 12, 2025 at 2:40 AM
We won!!! We’re deeply honored for the Games for Impact award! Thanks to everyone who helped shape South of Midnight and to every player who saw something meaningful in our story.
Can't wait for this to be on every game lighting mood board I make for the next 10 years 🙌
December 12, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Can't wait for this to be on every game lighting mood board I make for the next 10 years 🙌
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
Here it is...the brand new "Under the Lights" trailer for People of Note, featuring Heather Gonzalez and LEXXE as Cadence!
Be sure to wishlist on Steam at store.steampowered.com/app/1626170/...!
Be sure to wishlist on Steam at store.steampowered.com/app/1626170/...!
People of Note | Under the Lights Trailer
YouTube video by Annapurna Interactive
www.youtube.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Here it is...the brand new "Under the Lights" trailer for People of Note, featuring Heather Gonzalez and LEXXE as Cadence!
Be sure to wishlist on Steam at store.steampowered.com/app/1626170/...!
Be sure to wishlist on Steam at store.steampowered.com/app/1626170/...!
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
If you missed our segment in @dayofthedevs.org today, here’s @jkooza.bsky.social and some of his pals talking about what awaits you in #AWAYSIS.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4sN...
#indiedev #gamedev
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4sN...
#indiedev #gamedev
AWAYSIS Day of the Devs Deep Dive
YouTube video by 17-BIT
www.youtube.com
December 11, 2025 at 5:57 AM
If you missed our segment in @dayofthedevs.org today, here’s @jkooza.bsky.social and some of his pals talking about what awaits you in #AWAYSIS.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4sN...
#indiedev #gamedev
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4sN...
#indiedev #gamedev
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
The potential for any person to be a billionaire is proof that they do not live in a democracy. Democracies cannot exist in worlds where a single soul can buy and manufacture consent for their personal worldview.
Elon Musk is worse at hiding it but this is the problem with all billionaires: they are a threat to democratic governance. They have an insatiable need to own and control everything. If you want to be free you have to curb their power, and demand political leaders who understand that
Elon Musk is against the European Union being the European Union —he posted this after X (fka Twitter) was fined for violations of the EU’s Digital Services Act.
December 7, 2025 at 12:01 AM
The potential for any person to be a billionaire is proof that they do not live in a democracy. Democracies cannot exist in worlds where a single soul can buy and manufacture consent for their personal worldview.
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
lowkey kinda love this pope?
December 6, 2025 at 6:01 AM
lowkey kinda love this pope?
Reposted by Dawn Rivers Taylor
That much money financing games by actual game developers would have financed 150+ of the highest budget AAA games, and the several orders of magnitude more jobs to produce them. Instead it was burned failing to produce advertiser-safe Second Life.
Mark Zuckerberg’s gamble on the "Metaverse" has lost his company more than $77 billion.
December 6, 2025 at 2:09 AM
That much money financing games by actual game developers would have financed 150+ of the highest budget AAA games, and the several orders of magnitude more jobs to produce them. Instead it was burned failing to produce advertiser-safe Second Life.