I am a game designer, writer, and generalist developer, with experience working in teams and on solo projects. I am constantly trying to improve and learn. In the past 5 years I have developed 2 commercial games, a few art games for exhibitions, and over 25 microgames, with each furthering my experience in different ways. I’m interested in designing novel mechanics and unique player experiences. I want to use games to explore ideas around genre, play, community, and artistic practice. The last major project I was designer and co-developer on was the game Key Fairy (2023 – 2026), a hand-drawn, pacifist, folkloric bullet-hell. I worked with my co-developer to take this project from concept to full release, fully independently. As part of a two-person indie team, I have also been responsible for production, marketing and business management required to ship a commercial game.

Tex Barnes

I am a game designer, writer, and generalist developer, with experience working in teams and on solo projects. I am constantly trying to improve and learn. In the past 5 years I have developed 2 commercial games, a few art games for exhibitions, and over 25 microgames, with each furthering my experience in different ways. I’m interested in designing novel mechanics and unique player experiences. I want to use games to explore ideas around genre, play, community, and artistic practice. The last major project I was designer and co-developer on was the game Key Fairy (2023 – 2026), a hand-drawn, pacifist, folkloric bullet-hell. I worked with my co-developer to take this project from concept to full release, fully independently. As part of a two-person indie team, I have also been responsible for production, marketing and business management required to ship a commercial game.

Available to hire

I am a game designer, writer, and generalist developer, with experience working in teams and on solo projects. I am constantly trying to improve and learn. In the past 5 years I have developed 2 commercial games, a few art games for exhibitions, and over 25 microgames, with each furthering my experience in different ways.

I’m interested in designing novel mechanics and unique player experiences. I want to use games to explore ideas around genre, play, community, and artistic practice.

The last major project I was designer and co-developer on was the game Key Fairy (2023 – 2026), a hand-drawn, pacifist, folkloric bullet-hell. I worked with my co-developer to take this project from concept to full release, fully independently. As part of a two-person indie team, I have also been responsible for production, marketing and business management required to ship a commercial game.

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Experience Level

Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Co-founder & Lead Designer / Programmer at Key Fairy
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2026
Co-founded and led design and programming for Key Fairy, a hand-drawn, pacifist bullet-hell; responsible for production, marketing, and business management to ship a commercial game. Worked in a two-person indie team to take the project from concept to full release, exploring bullet-hell mechanics by removing attacking and delivering a whimsical theme about building community in darkness and befriending monsters.
Independent Game Developer at Self-employed
January 1, 2020 - Present
Independent development creating commercial and indie projects; released over 25 micro-games on Itch.io, building prototypes and participating in jams and local Brisbane game dev communities.
Bush Regenerator at Native Plants of South-East Queensland (NPSEQ)
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2024
Bush Regeneration is a physically demanding role involving maintaining and repairing natural ecosystems. Although not game-related, the work shaped resilience, discipline, and a strong work ethic.

Education

Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments at QUT (Queensland University of Technology)
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Gaming, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet

Experience Level

Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
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