Post Stastics
- This post has 943 words.
- Estimated read time is 4.49 minute(s).
In the perpetually changing world of indie game development, there’s a new breed of developer-influencer—coders who live-stream their work, build their community in real time, and create games in public view. One of the most visible figures in this space is Jason Thor Hall, the face of Pirate Software, and developer of the in-progress title Heartbound.
With a booming voice, engaging charisma, and a steady stream of live coding sessions, Jason has built a loyal following. He often speaks as an industry veteran and mentors newcomers with passionate monologues about the harsh realities of game development. Many of his fans credit him with inspiring them to pick up code for the first time.
But behind the spectacle lies a growing dissonance: the quality of his code doesn’t seem to reflect the experience he claims. And now, a quiet storm is building among seasoned developers—some of whom are beginning to question whether Pirate Software is offering guidance… or misinformation.
Setting Sail: Who Is Pirate Software?
Jason presents himself as a veteran with years of experience in the industry. He’s working on a custom engine from scratch in C++, while simultaneously developing Heartbound, a narrative RPG with retro visuals. His stream mixes gamedev with personal stories and passionate advice. For many, this is compelling, raw, and authentic.
However, those with deep experience in game engineering, C++, or software architecture have started asking: Why does the code look like this? Why are simple systems overcomplicated or under-engineered? Why is there so little attention to separation of concerns, maintainability, or modern safety patterns?
The answers aren’t always flattering.
The Cracks in the Hull: Code and Architecture
After several code reviews (mostly through streams and public examples), some consistent issues have emerged:
- Reinvention of systems (e.g., UI, scripting) that already exist—without gaining new benefits.
- Global state and static coupling, which make debugging and testing a nightmare.
- Minimal abstraction, with logic often tightly bound to implementation details.
- Outdated C++ practices, including manual memory management, unsafe pointer use, and lack of modern idioms like RAII and smart pointers.
- Lack of testing, CI/CD, or modern versioning discipline.
To be clear, these aren’t crimes. Every indie developer makes compromises. Many experienced engineers have shipped ugly code under deadline pressure. But when someone teaches from that code—and holds themselves up as an industry authority—the bar is much higher.
Why This Matters
1. Public Influence Carries Weight
Jason’s fanbase contains thousands of beginner developers. Many look up to him not just for inspiration, but for instruction. When someone in that position gives architectural or coding advice that flies in the face of best practices, it misleads those trying to learn.
2. Code Is Communication
Architecture isn’t just about machines—it’s about other developers. If a solo project ever becomes a team project, or needs contributors, or needs to pivot, poor architecture becomes technical debt that limits progress. It’s one thing to say, “I’m making bad code fast.” It’s another to tell others this is how it’s done.
3. Claims vs. Competence
There’s a real disconnect between the code that’s visible and the veteran status that’s claimed. This discrepancy isn’t trivial—when someone claims seniority, they’re expected to model professionalism. If the code doesn’t reflect that, the claims start to ring hollow. That doesn’t make the person a fraud, but it invites scrutiny.
So, What Should Be Done?
Let’s approach this with constructive intent—not to shame, but to elevate the conversation. Here are some suggestions both for Jason and for those who’ve learned from him:
Suggestions for Pirate Software
- Open-source the engine or subsystems
Transparency earns respect. If the engine is well-built, let it speak for itself. If not, let it grow in the open. - Use modern C++ best practices
Embrace smart pointers, avoid manual memory management, and leverage libraries like SDL, ImGui, and ECS frameworks. - Separate systems clearly
Decouple rendering, input, scripting, and game logic. Invest in clean architecture and learn from open engines like Godot or Bevy. - Drop the rhetoric, focus on results
Let the code and product speak for your expertise. Avoid blanket industry statements unless you can back them up with results. - Invite code reviews by peers
A true senior dev welcomes critique. Bringing in outsiders to review the engine would show confidence and foster learning.
Suggestions for New Developers
- Watch the code, not just the streamer
Inspiration is fine, but don’t confuse charisma with competence. Analyze code quality as objectively as you can. - Compare architectures
Look at open-source games and engines. Study their structure, abstraction layers, and testing strategies. - Don’t inherit bad habits
Global state, lack of modularity, and poor memory management might work short-term—but they are traps in larger projects. - Ask for credentials, not just stories
If someone claims to be a senior dev, look at what they’ve shipped, how they design systems, and how they teach others. - Use the opportunity to learn
Even flawed projects are useful. Use this as a case study: what works, what doesn’t, what could be improved?
Final Thoughts
Jason Hall—Pirate Software—is undeniably passionate. He’s built a strong, supportive community and inspired many to dive into code. That alone is worth celebrating.
But inspiration isn’t a substitute for engineering rigor.
In a space where newcomers hang on your every word, it’s critical to earn trust with technical quality, not just personality. Pirate Software may yet evolve and mature. But until then, the discrepancy between claim and craft deserves thoughtful, open discussion.
No condemnation. No canceling. Just clarity.
Written by: A Concerned Veteran Developer
Tags: #gamedev #piratesoftware #codingethics #softwarearchitecture #mentorship