About
Hoel Studios
Hoel Studios is an independent development studio focused on building systems-driven games, creative software and interactive experiences.
Founded by developer John Collins, the studio exists as a home for projects that prioritise depth, player agency and meaningful interaction.
Our Philosophy
Why Hoel Studios Exists
Hoel Studios exists because our founder simply had a deep longing to play games that simply didn't exist yet. The simple solution to that problem was to make them!
We see the industry and see far too often the tendency for developers and studios to produce games that focus on playing the way "its meant to be played". Those controlled expernences destroy creativity and fun.
Hoel Studios takes a different approach, socusing on systems that interact naturally and create stories through player descisions.
Whether developing games, woldbuilding tools, or experimenting with new software, the goal remains the same: create experiences that reward curiosity, creativity and stategic thinking.
What i focus on
Hoel Studios focuses on systems-driven design across games, tools and interactive software.
Game Development
Designing systems-led games built around tension, choice and meaningful player consequence.
Creative Tools
Software designed to support writers, worldbuilding and creators in bringing ideas to life.
Interactive Systems
Experiments, prototypses and technologies exploring new ways for players to interact with digital worlds.
Current Project
Current project
Hoel Studios is currently focused on Project Deadlock. A turn-based tactical survival game featuring a dynamic threat system that reacts to player behavious.
Alongside game deveopment, the studio is also developing creative software projects such as Write Arcana.
Our Aprroach
How We Work
Systems First
Strong systems create better stories than scripted events. Projects are designed around mechanics than interact, evolve and generate unique outcomes.
Build Publicly
Development progress, design descisions and technical challenges are shared through regular devlog updates.
Sustainable Scope
Projects are developed with a focus on maintainability, LTS and realistic production goals.