I have a long-standing passion for creating and modifying video games, and want the freedom to create as I see fit

Hi! I'm Simon Thomley, better known to some as "Stealth". I've been a developer by hobby since I read the AppleSoft BASIC Programmer's manual cover-to-cover at age 7, and have since been inspired to graduate from small applications to video games by awesome series like the original Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog games from the 80s/90s. Having developed a respect for the major developers of that era, I place heavy emphasis on quality in terms of performance and versatility

In my time, I've created and participated in many projects spanning various platforms, which can be classed as modifications of existing video games, some original video games, utilities for use in the modification of existing video games, and utilities for use in creating original video games. I have even been fortunate enough to land a contract that placed me as one of the two developers who were responsible for the 2013 remastered re-releases of Sonic 1 and Sonic 2 for Android and iOS, as well as having been involved in pre-production of the 2011 re-release of Sonic CD. I was very meticulous in this work, giving top priority to accuracy

My major project is the Headcannon Game Engine, which serves as both a series of developer tools used to create video game content, and a game engine within which to use that content. A game made with HCGE can be played on a variety of platforms, not the least of which are the three platforms on which the developer tools can be used - Windows, Linux, and OSX. Having begun this in 2004 as "Engine02" after salvaging base code and concepts from an abandoned project created in 1997, the Headcannon Game Engine has been in development for 11 years as of the start of this Patreon campaign, and I plan to continue its evolution for as long as possible



To-date, the amount of time and focus I've been able to dedicate to any of my personal projects has fluctuated wildly, largely due to the need to earn a living. With your support, I aim to achieve the freedom to give these projects the attention that they deserve. By funding, at minimum, my cost of living, you are guaranteeing that the bulk of my time can be spent on these projects, increasing overall productivity and quality. You will also be providing me with the freedom to take risks, such as developing any sort of game without fear of failure, or attempting to develop complex game/utility features that I'm not absolutely certain I can complete or that I may have to change in implementation multiple times. I'm hoping that the removal of these restrictions will breed better creativity and more versatile products

The more funding I receive, the more I can do. With support surpassing cost-of-living, I can afford to forgo other methods of building savings or emergency funds, and with even greater funding, I will be able to afford more development resources such as additional hardware and software, as well as pay any content creators I use up-front for faster and better service when possible

Some of my original projects may be sold for money, but it will never be necessary for anyone to pay a single cent for any "fan content" I am able to generate as an independent developer. As for HCGE, my intent is that anyone may use it freely, without restriction or charge, for any project that is not intended to generate a profit. Licensing will only be required for commercial use





My long-term plans for HCGE include improving its versatility and features, and creating a complete IDE on whose components I have already begun to work (note Crimson Editor and Graphics Gale, top-right and bottom-right, were not created by me and are being used in place of IDE elements I have not yet created). I also intend to improve the documentation and create several written and video tutorials detailing its usage, as well as many examples of using certain features, achieving certain effects/gameplay, and even creating whole games. To the extent that I can while still making my own progress, I will also provide support to users by forum and IRC



Fantastic Franklin, made using HCGE. This is a puzzle-platform game that my wife and I created for Ludum Dare and would like to complete and release commercially. Only the initial, very primitive demo is currently available, however I have already fixed several bugs in my local version, and we are planning to introduce new gameplay elements such as various gimmicks and enemies



Bone Rattle (pending title), made using HCGE. A twitch-action platformer (the above image is a test of chain physics for the character's whip mechanic) with commercial aspirations, this project is the result of a call for a semi-autonomous team to learn HCGE usage and produce a game that serves as an example of "third-party" usage. I provide direct support for this team and make contributions on occasion. With my guaranteed involvement, there's much less risk of the project failing due to lack of experience with HCGE or any deficiency in the engine/tools that may be encountered. With a notably high level of funding, it may be possible to pass funds along to team members and improve production




Mega Man: Triple Threat, a Mega Man "fan game" made using HCGE. My wife and I started creating this game in 2004 along with HCGE (then "E02"), however, other concerns have impeded its progress. With sufficient funding, we hope to dedicate some of our time to completing this game, which will be freely available to everyone upon release


Sonic Megamix, a "total conversion" modification of the original Sonic the Hedgehog made playable on SEGACD/MegaCD hardware, which is intended to become an entirely new game with new gameplay, graphics, and music. I am project lead and lead programmer for this project, and as such, team participation has relied heavily on my involvement. I have personally begun a complete tear-down and re-build of the engine with the intent of greatly improving performance and therefore allowing for more complex gameplay without so much slowdown. With sufficient funding, I hope to dedicate some of my time to completing the engine rebuild so that it may actually be used, and further drive the game itself toward completion (which is also subject to the availability of the other team members). This game will be freely available to everyone upon release



My wife and I have at least a couple of other original game concepts that we'd like to explore. With continued, sufficient funding, we hope to bring these concepts and many others to life

I have also given thought to writing or creating videos about things I'm interested in, such as technical details regarding certain games or platforms, or creating less-serious commentary-type content such as "let's plays", reviews, etc. None of these are at all guaranteed, but who knows? You'll have to let me know of the demand



I like to surprise people, and I don't like to commit to things I'm unsure of, so I have little experience with progress updates for long-term projects. If Patreon funding becomes a success, I can, at the very least, say a little something about what I've been doing around the end of each month, and I may share content that I'm comfortable with spoiling. This may develop over time

Content releases, along with where the content can be found, will be announced when the content is ready, meaning that it could occur at any time. In the event that any scheduled content is developed, it will be released on the given schedule, barring any special circumstances



I am aware that I have listed many concurrent projects. My intent is to cycle between them as they are all driven toward completion

Please realize that I will hold myself under obligation only to make a legitimate attempt to complete any particular project; I do not make claim that any particular thing will actually be completed. This is entirely subject to scheduling and actual ability

Please also realize that I will hold myself under obligation only to hear and consider suggestions, not to implement any particular suggestion. Further, any suggestion made should be made with the understanding that it may be modified as necessary, and that I must consider the presenting of such as giving me full right, without limitation or charge, to implement said suggestion and use as I see fit with or without credit. I have to protect myself from being locked out of options. You've been warned; please don't take any of this personally. Although I consider and will continue to treat these as my own projects following my own design, I am grateful for your support!

Reward tiers are subject to additions, removals, and modifications. Any changes will not be applied retroactively (reductions can not be refunded, increases will not apply penalties or back-charges)

Although I have worked with SEGA as an independent contractor to create the remastered Sonic 1 and Sonic 2 mobile versions, no other work of mine is supported by, endorsed by, or in any way related to SEGA

Any content that I generate based on an existing IP is not supported by, endorsed by, or in any way related to the owner of such IP unless so stated, explicitly and in plain sight. For example, my independent, fan works based on Sonic the Hedgehog are not supported by, endorsed by, or in any way related to SEGA, nor are my independent, fan works based on Mega Man supported by, endorsed by, or in any way related to Capcom

None of the work I am able to create that happens to be based on existing IP will ever require payment unless I am working in conjunction with the IP-holder. Otherwise, if you see any of said content for sale, it's a scam

I may, at any time, decide to take on paid jobs at my discretion. If I am to perform paid work that will take a significant amount of time, I'll announce it and suspend the Patreon campaign as appropriate



That was a lot to take in; thank you for your patience! I sincerely hope to entertain, assist, and/or educate all of you at least some of the time!