Dumpster Baby is an impressive debut narrative game that treats themes of community and identity with genuine care. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, giving each character a distinct voice that feels real. Scavenging, crafting, and trading mechanics add fun layers to exploration and support the game’s focus on cooperation. The simple visuals and UI match the intimate tone, and the environments each give off a feeling of warmth and welcome. The game’s emotional moments are well-structured and actually hit—there’s real heart behind it. I stayed invested from start to finish. Josef Arnold, Sam Bowsher, Tommy Bozzelli, Angel Hardy, and Leah Stewart have done an amazing job, and I hope they all continue to make more soul-touching games in the future.
Dumpster Baby
- Release Date:
- Jun 17, 2025
- Developer:
- Angel Hardy, Leah Stewart, Sam Bowsher, Tommy Bozzelli, Josef Arnold
- Publisher:
- Angel Hardy, Leah Stewart, Sam Bowsher, Tommy Bozzelli, Josef Arnold
- Platforms:
- Windows
Game Tags
About This Game
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:
Developers:
Josef Arnold: Programmer
Sam Bowsher: Programmer
Tommy Bozzelli: Designer, Producer
Angel Hardy: Artist, Producer
Leah Stewart: Artist
Composer:
Sophie Arcusa
Screenshots
User Reviews
System Requirements
Minimum
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel i5 Quad-Core
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
- Storage: 1 GB available space
FAQ
How much does Dumpster Baby cost?
Dumpster Baby costs $4.99.
What are the system requirements for Dumpster Baby?
Minimum: Minimum: OS: Windows 10 Processor: Intel i5 Quad-Core Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Storage: 1 GB available space
What platforms is Dumpster Baby available on?
Dumpster Baby is available on Windows PC.
Is Dumpster Baby worth buying?
Dumpster Baby has 100% positive reviews from 1 players.
When was Dumpster Baby released?
Dumpster Baby was released on Jun 17, 2025.
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