About Deep Dark Abyss
Creating Apps with Soul
Deep Dark Abyss Productions is a small, independent development studio focused on creating high-quality educational, puzzle, and creative apps with soul. We believe technology can be a tool for exploration — both intellectual and spiritual — and our work reflects that philosophy.
Our growing portfolio spans games, education, utilities, and wellness. From the cyberpunk block puzzles of Abysstris to the meditative calm of Riɣi, from the word challenge of Sextet to Biblical Hebrew study with Hebrew Flash, from developer tools like SFSymView and DevIconGen to the AI-powered inbox cleanup of MailKP — each app is built with intention. Our goal is to make every interaction purposeful.
Our Approach to Software
We believe in software that respects you. That means no ads, no manipulative upsells, no dark patterns, and no subscription treadmills. What you see is what you get.
Our apps use straightforward, honest pricing. Some are free with a occasional reminder to support development. Others are priced upfront or offer a genuine free tier alongside a paid upgrade with real additional capability. The model varies by app — but the principle never does: fair exchange, clearly stated.
We're not interested in extracting money through friction or frustration. If our software is useful to you, we think you'll support it. That's the only bet we're willing to make.
Looking ahead, we have several projects in active development including Lantern, a professional network diagnostics toolkit, Abyss Sudoku for puzzle enthusiasts, and additional apps across productivity, wellness, and creative expression.
Our Values
Quality Over Quantity
We focus on creating fewer, better apps rather than flooding the market with mediocre experiences.
Privacy Over Tracking
Your data stays on your device. We don't track, collect, or sell your personal information.
Creativity Over Conformity
We dare to be different, creating unique experiences that stand out from the crowd.
Honesty Over Exploitation
Fair, transparent pricing — no dark patterns, no manipulative upsells. If our software is worth something to you, we trust you to recognize that.
Mindfulness Over Speed
We take time to craft thoughtful, meaningful experiences rather than rushing to market.
Community Over Competition
We believe in building connections and fostering learning communities around our apps.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we're exploring the depths of wisdom, wonder, and the world within.
The Person Behind the Studio
Deep Dark Abyss Productions is the work of James Nerlinger, Jr. — writer, developer, contemplative, and cook. He has spent most of his life thinking about how people try to live well: through philosophy, religion, tradition, and hard-earned experience. After more than two decades managing heart failure, he received a heart transplant in 2024. Recovery returned him to the basics — real food, routine, rest, and the quiet disciplines that make ordinary life sustainable.
He writes across several projects under his own name and under the pen name Eliyahu (נר הדרשן — "Lamp of the Interpreter"), builds iOS and macOS apps through this studio, and moderates a large home-cooking community. He makes things. He asks questions. He tries to pay attention.
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