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:

Dumpster Baby was developed by 5 students as their capstone video game for Miami University's Games + Simulation undergraduate degree program. Created over the final 3 semesters of the program from Spring '24 to Spring '25, this game is a showcase of our skills as game developers in a complete gameplay experience.

Learn more at our website: dumpsterbabygame.wixsite.com/dumpsterbabygame

Developers: 

• Josef Arnold: Programmer
• Sam Bowsher: Programmer
• Tommy Bozzelli: Designer, Producer
• Angel Hardy: Artist, Producer
• Leah Stewart: Artist

Composer: 

• Sophie Arcusa

Resources & Organizations for Supporting LGBTQ+ Young People Experiencing Homeless or Housing Instability:

NationalHomeless.org

National Runaway Safeline (1-800-786-2929 / www.1800runaway.org)

The Ali Forney Center – Housing for Homeless LGBT Youth

Larkin Street Youth Services

NAEHCY | The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth

My Friend’s Place

National Network for Youth

True Colors United | Housing & Supportive Services Directory

New Alternatives

Carolinas CARE Partnership - Adult