The latest articles on DEV Community by Loreleaf_dev (@loreleaf). https://dev.to/loreleaf https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F3357136%2F70dd803f-55e2-4137-8491-fdcc7a0d79ec.png https://dev.to/loreleaf en Loreleaf_dev Fri, 01 Aug 2025 04:39:33 +0000 https://dev.to/loreleaf/day-5-narrative-essence-gamification-without-pressure-1c8c https://dev.to/loreleaf/day-5-narrative-essence-gamification-without-pressure-1c8c <p>Loreleaf introduces a passive resource called <strong>Narrative Essence</strong> — it builds up as you read, and you can tap a “Harvest” button when you feel like it.</p> <p>This is my version of optional idle game mechanics. No timers. No push. Just cozy feedback.</p> <p>Curious if readers or gamers find this valuable.<br> <a href="https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=800%2Cheight=%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cgravity=auto%2Cformat=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fab0fh4wcs044p1gs3rop.png" class="article-body-image-wrapper"><img src="https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=800%2Cheight=%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cgravity=auto%2Cformat=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fab0fh4wcs044p1gs3rop.png" alt="Narrative Essence" width="800" height="800"></a></p> buildinpublic cozygames gamedev indiedev Loreleaf_dev Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:52:19 +0000 https://dev.to/loreleaf/day-1-what-im-building-as-a-solo-dev-2l09 https://dev.to/loreleaf/day-1-what-im-building-as-a-solo-dev-2l09 <p>I'm creating <strong>Loreleaf</strong>, a cozy reading app that turns time spent on web novels into visual progress — your own little digital garden. 🌸</p> <p>The core loop?</p> <ul> <li>In-app browser to read your favorite novels</li> <li>Your garden grows with time</li> <li>Passive essence to collect</li> <li>A gentle companion that reacts to your progress</li> </ul> <p>I’m building this to test if readers like you want <em>meaningful digital feedback</em> from your time spent reading. Let's see if it resonates. ✨</p> buildinpublic cozygames solodev