Case Study – Modernising a Legacy HGE Game
Modernising a legacy HGE game isn't about rewriting everything — it's about targeted upgrades that make the game run well on today's hardware while preserving what made it work in...
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Dev notes, studio observations, and practical write-ups from the Relish Games lab. We cover game development workflows, engine technology, indie tooling, and the day-to-day realities of building 2D games and developer tools.
Multiplayer for Retro 2D Games: Networking Basics
Adding multiplayer to a 2D game is one of the most requested features and one of the most underestimated engineering challenges. Here's what you need to know.
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Pixel Art Pipelines: Best Tools for 2026
The pixel art tool landscape in 2026 is mature and competitive. Here's how to build an efficient pipeline from concept to game-ready sprites.
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Optimising C++ Game Code for Performance
Performance optimisation in C++ game code isn't about micro-benchmarks — it's about understanding your hardware, your data, and your profiler.
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Building a 2D Game Engine from Scratch (2026 Edition)
Building your own 2D engine is educational, sometimes practical, and always humbling. Here's what the architecture looks like and whether it's the right choice for you.
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Procedural Content Generation in 2D Games
Procedural generation can give your 2D game infinite replayability — or infinite mediocrity. Here's how to land on the right side of that line.
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AI-Generated Music for Indie Games: Top Tools of 2026
AI music tools have reached a point where they're genuinely useful for indie game soundtracks. Here's what works, what doesn't, and how to integrate them into your workflow.
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Generative AI for 2D Game Art: Tools & Techniques
Generative AI can accelerate 2D game art production — but the workflow is more nuanced than 'type a prompt and get a sprite sheet.' Here's what actually works.
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Porting HGE Games to Linux and macOS
HGE is Windows-native, but porting HGE games to Linux and macOS is achievable. Here's the practical roadmap for cross-platform HGE development.
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HGE vs Modern Engines: Choosing the Right 2D Framework
Choosing a 2D game engine isn't about finding the 'best' one — it's about finding the right one for your project, team, and goals.
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Getting Started with Haaf's Game Engine (HGE) in 2026
HGE remains a capable, lightweight choice for 2D game development. Here's how to get started with it in 2026, from setup to your first rendering loop.
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Data-Driven Game Design: Using Analytics to Improve Your Game
Analytics can reveal what playtesting misses — but only if you know what to measure and how to interpret it without killing creative instinct.
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Cross-Platform 2D Game Development (PC, Mobile, Console)
Shipping on multiple platforms doesn't have to mean multiplying your workload. Here's how to architect a 2D game for cross-platform from day one.
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Blockchain & NFTs in 2D Games: What Indies Need to Know
Blockchain gaming has cooled from its peak hype. Here's what's actually happening in 2026 and whether indie developers should pay attention.
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Cloud Gaming for Indie Studios: Opportunities and Challenges
Cloud gaming is real, but is it relevant for indie studios? We examine the practical opportunities and genuine challenges facing small developers.
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Building Dynamic NPCs with AI in 2D Games
Dynamic NPCs can transform a flat 2D world into something that feels alive. Here's how to approach NPC AI without overengineering it.
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AI Tools for Game Developers: The 2026 Edition
AI tools for game development have matured past the hype cycle. Here's what's genuinely useful for indie studios in 2026.
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Handheld Gaming Boom: Developing for 2026's On-the-Go Platforms
Handheld platforms have become a primary target for indie developers in 2026. Here's what you need to know about building games for portable play.
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Why Retro-Style and AA Games Are Dominating 2026
The resurgence of retro-style and AA games isn't nostalgia — it's a market correction. Here's why the middle ground is where the action is in 2026.
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Top Game Development Trends of 2026: What Every Indie Developer Should Know
The game development landscape in 2026 has shifted in ways few predicted. Here's what's actually mattering for indie studios this year.
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