From fired to fearsome: Dev turns layoff into brutal tentacle game – now rated 'Very Positive' on Steam
There’s a deeply personal story behind Vindefiant. Jordan Blake studied game design but left university early to pursue his dream job in AAA development. That dream came to an abrupt end in February 2023, when he was caught up in a wave of industry-wide layoffs. Rather than stepping back, he chose to move forward, starting development on his own game in June 2023. On April 4, he released Vindefiant on Steam under the label Blakey Games – not out of spite, but as a creative outlet and a personal reminder of resilience.
In Vindefiant, players take on the role of Alyx, a fiery and furious protagonist who lashes out at the corporate machine using supernatural tentacle powers. The game features a 2D perspective with a stylized pixel art style, fast-paced action and a dark sense of humor. At the core of the experience is a unique, physics-based tentacle mechanic. Alyx uses his tentacle-like limbs to swing through levels, hurl enemies around, smash obstacles and launch himself through tight spaces at breakneck speed.
The game world in Vindefiant is split into nine chapters, each designed with a structure that loosely echoes Metroidvania-style exploration. Players can discover optional collectibles, uncover hidden areas and take alternative paths through the levels. For those who enjoy a bit of extra challenge, there are optional objectives and tasks that add replay value, especially for completionists. At the same time, the game includes an invulnerability mode, offering a more accessible experience for less seasoned players without making the gameplay feel too easy.
Vindefiant has had a promising start on Steam. At the time of writing, the 2D action game has just 13 user reviews, but 92% of them are positive. Over on Reddit, the response has been similarly enthusiastic, with players praising the game’s visual style, its inventive movement mechanics and the developer’s openness – Jordan Blake is actively engaging with the community and answering questions directly in the discussion threads. The regular price for Vindefiant on Steam is around $15, but until April 18, it’s available at a 10% launch discount, bringing the price down to about $13.50.
