From Embers
Indie game shipped end-to-end on Steam under the CindieForge label by one developer, covering gameplay, systems, art pipeline, audio, store page, and Steamworks integration.
Client: CindieForge · Timeline: 2026-04-20 · Role: Solo developer, design, code, art, audio, Steamworks
Stack: C#, Game Engine, Steamworks SDK, Steam Pipe, Solo development, Steamworks integration, Full-lifecycle delivery
Problem
- Prove full product ownership by shipping a commercial title end-to-end as a sole developer.
- Navigate Steamworks setup, depot configuration, and Valve certification without a team to delegate to.
Approach
- Scoped the title tight enough to finish, then held the release date through scope cuts and triage.
- Handled design, engineering, art pipeline integration, audio, store copy, capsules, and trailer in-house.
- Set up Steamworks: app configuration, depots, build branches, achievements, pricing, and review submission.
Results
- Live on Steam as of April 20, 2026. One developer, one full product lifecycle from prototype to launch.
- Steamworks integration covers achievements, depots, and branch-based build pipeline for post-launch patches.
- Closed scope, held the date, and shipped rather than iterating indefinitely.
What you can verify
- Public Steam store page with reviews, trailer, and capsule art.
- Post-launch patches delivered through Steam default and beta branches.
- Proof of end-to-end shipping experience, past the prototype stage.