What Are the "Prototypes and Experiments" on Graeme Borland's itch.io Page?

Updated

The "Prototypes and Experiments" section on Graeme Borland's itch.io page is a separate collection of small projects or prototypes that the developer does not really consider "finished," but that are still playable. It sits alongside the main game catalog as a distinct section, so visitors can tell these apart from the more complete games listed above it.

How the section is described

The page itself introduces the section with the line: "Bits and pieces. These are small projects or prototypes that I don't really consider 'finished', but are still playable."

That description sets two expectations:

  • Not finished: These are not presented as polished, complete releases.
  • Still playable: Unlike unreleased concepts or design notes, you can actually open and play them.

What is listed there

Based on the page, the section includes entries such as:

Title Listed genre
Slaughtering Can Shooter
Seven Doorways — (described as "an atmospheric chillout experiment about environments")
Field of Fate — (described as "two sides clash in tactical chess-like" play)

The section appears at the bottom of the page, after the main catalog of games such as Twilight Beacon, Vault of Stars, NXTWPN10, Blade & Wheel, Sort the Court!, and others.

How it differs from the main catalog

The main listings present games with a title, genre label, and often a "Play in browser" option. The prototypes section follows the same playable format but is framed by the developer as experimental work rather than finished releases. In practice, that means you should expect smaller scope and rougher edges, and you should treat them as a look at works in progress rather than as completed games.

When to start here

  • If you want to see the developer's range: The prototypes show experiments in different genres and moods, such as the environmental focus of Seven Doorways.
  • If you want a finished experience: Start with the main catalog entries instead, since the developer explicitly does not consider the prototypes finished.
  • If you are curious about process: These are the closest thing on the page to work-in-progress ideas that are still open to play.