Dumpster Baby
When friends are near, you're never far from home.
Dumpster Baby is an isometric narrative exploration game about being queer and homeless, and the unique experiences that arise from that intersection of identity and life situation. Explore the community park, public library, and the local Market's parking lot as you meet new people and learn their stories. See first-hand the importance of queer community during hard times.
Go out there and explore.
You play as Bandit, an optimistic racoon meeting new friends as he tries to find roommates. You're crashing on Betty's couch, a queer mentor who appreciates your company but can't house you forever. Time to go out and learn that you are not alone in your journey, and there are more people in similar situations to yours than you may think.
Scamper around to find items
Craft trinkets
Trade goods
Find furniture to keep while you wait to get your own apartment
Help out your friends, new and old
A community at your doorstep.
Connect with other queer homeless people in your area and foster friendships by helping each other out as you are able. Find items that you need to live, and find items that make life worth living.
Gift items to your friends
Keep track of their desires and hopes in your journal
Make a community in your new apartment together
A touching narrative.
Dumpster Baby tackles the real life issues that are at the intersection of being queer and homeless, but reminds players that there is always hope. We are stronger together, and if we cannot find queer joy, we shall create it.
Estimated play time: 2 hours
Our Story:
Developed as part of Miami University's Games + Simulation undergraduate degree program. Produced across our final 3 semesters of education from Spring 2024 - Spring 2025, Dumpster Baby was the culmination of 5 students from the 2025 graduating class as their final capstone project. A showcase of our skills as game developers in a complete, short gameplay experience.
Learn more at our website.
Developers:
Josef Arnold: Programmer
Sam Bowsher: Programmer
Tommy Bozzelli: Designer, Producer
Angel Hardy: Artist, Producer
Leah Stewart: Artist
Composer:
Sophie Arcusa
