iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

"You're battling someone, but the battle is actually a search for connection." Our host @sharpiepls.com sat down with Samuel Baidoo for a Dev Interview! Samuel on Plum Road Tea Dream's combat: "beautifully weird," funny, touching, and built out of their own grief. #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

screenshot from Plum Road Tea Dream
it is a strange thing to lose your memory...
i am not so sure who i am anymore.

screenshot from Plum Road Tea Dream
"enter"

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The 2026 Game Devs of Color Expo Direct is LIVE NOW!👾 The SEVENTH annual GDoCExpo Direct is packed with new announcements from dozens of amazing games by #gamedev of color. Catch exclusive reveals, the latest launches, & more updates. Share reactions with #GDoCExpo2026 🙌🏾 gdoc.events/Direct2026

2026 GAME DEVS OF COLOR EXPO Direct
September 25 6PM ET/3PM PT

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Great questions to save for later that can be great for collaboration! 🙌🏾 Keep up with Amari & Hope: www.amari-oconnor.com jisoohopeyoon.com #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

Questions to Explore Your Collaboration
Here are some introductory meeting questions-that dramaturgs use when meeting collaborators-that could be used by consultants to see if a project is ready for them:
What are you most excited about working on next? What are you most anxious about tackling/editing/working on next?
What kind of feedback are you looking for?
What kind of collaborator are you looking for? How deep/long?
Is there a "problem" you don't know how to solve?
Is there a deadline you're trying to meet, or a constraint you're trying to adapt to?

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"When you don't feel like you need that protection anymore, then these roles are kind of dispensable." Amari O'Connor & Hope Yoon on why game studios should treat narrative consultants like theater treats dramaturgs, a core creative role, not just a liability check. #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

Slide: "Liability Protection vs. Creative Value"
Under the framework of liability protection, the cultural consultant's existential value is predicated upon surrounding political conditions.

Under the framework of creative value, the dramaturg's existential value is considered inextricable from the creative value of the product itself.

At the bottom, a speech bubble contains the quote: "Maybe we need to move away from the framework of liability and towards the framework of creative value, where we understand that capable research doesn't just protect from criticism, it improves the quality of the product."

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"The details may be local, but the emotions are often universal." Judith & Masha, the creative director and producer behind Hope in the City, reveal how their team built authentic Asian representation into every layer of a mystery investigation game set in northeast China! #gdocexpo2026 #gamedev

1. Intention matters
The right collaborators will find you
2. Build with collaborators, not just consultants
Make cultural context part of the foundation
3. Specificity creates authenticity
Represent lived experiences, not abstractions
4. Local stories can be universal
Details are cultural; emotions are human
5. Authenticity is an ongoing process
Listen, learn, adapt

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Justin, David, & Samantha discuss the rise in online video game showcases, how they began, evolved & have become key elements to a game’s marketing. "I think there's enough for everyone & the more that you share amongst your friends or in your community, the better it'll be." #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

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"Survival is not random. Survival is a system." Nahir (@mizu-chin.bsky.social) from Dreams of Heaven Games on building a studio from the Global South and reframing what the industry calls "grit" as an actual, nameable skill set. #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

slide titled "07 Survival is a System." a stage photo on the right.

Slide Text: Survival is a System. Not instinct. Not luck. Skill.

A real, transferable, professional skill.
Decision-making patterns
Uncertainty tolerance
Adaptive capacity
Intentional networking
That's not weakness.That's expertise.

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"The theater didn't ask if I was ready. It just kept going and I learned how to keep up." Sound designer Roc Lee spent 10 years in live theater before game dev and says the habits it forced on him were really game audio habits all along. #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

Put it into practice
Your work is not you
After your next feedback session - did I receive that as information, or as judgment?
You're part of a team
Made a mistake? Own it. See a problem outside your department? Speak up.
One step ahead
Before your next task - what is this task actually asking?

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Steam sale devs, if you're in the Steam sale, drop your links in the replies 👀‼️ store.steampowered.com/sale/gdocexp...

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@indiegameutsav.bsky.social Indie Game Utsav is India's first-of-its-kind event dedicated exclusively to indie game developers, serving as a platform where over 40 curated Indian indie game studios showcase their creations to thousands of gamers and international publishers.

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@aapiingaming.bsky.social AAPI in Gaming is a grassroots community, platform, and Special Interest Group (SIG) of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) dedicated to elevating, amplifying, and supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander game developers and industry professionals.

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We're so grateful to our partners! 🙌🏾 @blackingaming.bsky.social The Black in Gaming Foundation (BIG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and global ecosystem dedicated to cultivating, supporting, and promoting Black leadership, innovation, and opportunity in the worldwide gaming industry.

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The #GDoCExpo Steam Sale is LIVE until Oct 2 & you'll find us featured on Steam's front page 🙌🏾 Hundreds of games with discounts, demos, & broadcasts, from #gamedev of color & supporters across the community. Share this post so your circle doesn't miss this! store.steampowered.com/sale/gdocexp...

2026
GAME DEVS OF COLOR EXPO
Steam Sale
Starts September 25 1PM ET/10AM PT

With Our Partners:
BLACK IN GAMING
AAPI IN GAMING
INDIE GAME UTSAV

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"We don't want to trivialize the depth in the game." Rhea Gupte & Prateek Saxena made Fishbowl, a slow, tender story about grief, then had to learn selling that to an algorithm built for anything but slow and tender. #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

No good or bad choices
Fishbowl observes your everyday but does not dictate how you should play it.
There are no bad endings but different paths to your journey.

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"The sad, the weird, the awkward parts of sex and physical intimacy" - that's what the team wanted "coalescent || tidal rapture" to explore, instead of another game selling you a tidy romance fantasy. @sharpiepls.com is digging in with great questions!🌊 #gamedev #GDoCExpo2026

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Get ready for a fantastic showcase of games! Our annual #GDoCExpo Direct debuts today Sept 25 at 6PM ET/3PM PT so don't forget to hit "Notify Me" on the stream's page! 🙌🏾 With announcements, exclusives, & amazing indies galore, you won't want to miss this💚🩵 gdoc.events/Direct2026 #gamedev

2026 GAME DEVS OF COLOR EXPO
Direct

September 25 6PM ET/3PM

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A middle schooler played Getting Over It and burst into tears. @gensuta.itch.io's response? Not "toughen up," but go get water, take a walk, breathe, then try again when ready. Geneva discusses teaching kids game design without burning out their joy (or yours). #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

An open eye icon next to a text box reading: "Make sure they're aware companies can exploit them! (Like Roblox)"

A megaphone icon next to a text box reading: "Teach them how to be creative without killing the planet by not using GenAI"

A lightbulb icon next to a text box reading: "Teach them about Co-ops and how to work as a team"

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They pitched the classic damsel-in-distress story to a room of 9-to-11-year-olds. The kids pushed back immediately.. "Why does the hero have to save the fairy queen?" Nathan & @rayhsiao.dev built Quest For Dendoro by actually listening to that critique (and a lot more). #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

Game Element (arrow)
Discovery (arrow)
Design Outcome
"The player has to save the fairy queen from evil raccoons..." (arrow)
Disliked classical damsel-in-distress story
(arrow)
(Artwork of corrupted queen)
Combat (arrow)
Excited about enacting violence (arrow)
(in game artwork of violence)

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Kids get treated like NPCs, programmed to act a certain way, told not to deviate from the script. @bloomzeye.bsky.social pushed back with a month-long game jam with their younger sibling, swapping AI shortcuts for real collaboration (and an excellent cat cafe mobile game!) #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

Children and NPCs have this in common:
"Do as I say; do not speak until spoken to; been seen and not heard."

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Blacksky is "a decentralized, community-governed infrastructure company and virtual third space." They're building this with safety by design: community + peer moderation specifically against misogynoir, anti-Blackness, fatphobia, and ableism, backed by human oversight. Join: blacksky.community

An infographic titled "How-to-migrate" with the web address

MOVE.BLACKSKY.COMMUNITY at the top.

The graphic provides step-by-step visual instructions on how to transfer an AT Protocol account to Blacksky.

The main steps are highlighted in a bright green box: Enter your handle (not your email).

Use the password you currently use to log in to your account.Choose your handle (it can be your current handle).

Click Migrate!

A secondary green note at the bottom right states, "Click the arrow to drop down for handle options!" showing a pop-up menu featuring domain choices such as .myatproto.social, .blacksky.app, .cryptoanarchy.network, .latinsky.app, and .afrolatinsky.app.

The bottom of the graphic includes a link for assistance:

Need help?

DOCS.BLACKSKY.COMMUNITY

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"There is no such thing as speech without consequences." @renrouna.bsky.social shared great insights at #GDoCExpo26 - breaking down how studios dodge accountability for hate speech in gaming communities while the industry continues to burn in layoffs. #gamedev

Work in good faith
Educate one another and be willing to continue to learn
Become part of a movement

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Our host @sharpiepls.com sat down with @sonstudios-dev.com to discuss Saturday AM: Battle Manga! Rather than balance, Jesse highlights "harmony," with the team focusing on making sure characters were all enjoyable to play as, and none extremely frustrating to fight against. #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

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You know what's worse than having to say no to a bad gig? It's having to say no to your dream gig because you're too burnt out or sick from taking on too much. @nehapolitan.bsky.social explored the long term repercussions of exploitive contracts & the art of saying NO! #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

FO-NO!

Future opportunities!

New Skill Sets
Jobs outside of field
Yes to the new future gig

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Instead of asking "Is this done?" try "What do you need in order to do this well?" Namkha explored & demonstrated how to build a studio like a community through reciprocal obligation, collaborative decision-making, and compassionate leadership! #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

HOW WE APPLY THIS
Reciprocol Obligation
Collaborative Decisionmaking
Compassionate leadership

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Joe Duçens discusses decoloniality and how traditional cultures can be represented in gaming. He shares the difference between fidelity and abstraction and explores validated strategies for representing cultures while avoiding cultural appropriation. #gamedev #GDoCExpo2026

Fidelity
X
Abstraction
NEEDS Cultural approval/Consultancy
Work made WITH or BY the represented group
Can be inspired/based on a culture
Need to avoid
Stereotype Threat
So, needs research and Consultancy still

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Tanya explores an intersection of cozy production, professional care, accessibility, and shared responsibility. Journaling away from a screen can help with self actualization and seeing the bigger picture. Bookmark some of these prompts to try them for yourself! #gamedev #GDoCExpo2026

3.2. Journal prompt: goal-setting
A sample set of production journal prompts (~20-30 min):
1. What is your primary goal next week?
2. What is something you can make the most progress in within 25 min?
3. What are some challenges, concerns, or limitations I should make space for?
4. What are you feeling grateful for the last few months?
5. What is your primary goal for the rest of this year?
Try: When doing the Pomodoro technique of 25 min of work followed by 5 min of break, write down and actualize what you will successfully complete within that time.

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A good foundation will help you to grow and nuture your business. @asaraviapt.bsky.social and Jesenia Vargas dig into setting the right building blocks to make the best use of available resources.

Slide titled "Building Your Consultancy" outlining five steps to start and scale a consulting business (get legal, define services, use local resources, cross-industry clients, grow sustainably)

Text:
BUILDING YOUR CONSULTANCY
Here is how these building blocks can connect for emerging entrepreneurs and service-providers in games
Establish the Business First
Get legal, and get incorporated. Use Launchbox, SBDC, or your local Small Business Center before you pitch a single client.
Define Your Services, Not Your Projects
You're not just a producer, a narrative strategist, a project manager. Remember that your services can exist inside and outside of games.
Use Free Local Resources to Scale
Certifications, accelerators, and local business chambers unlock grants, networks, and credibility that games-only channels do not.
Build a Client Base Across Industries
Translate your skills horizontally. Attend local business events. Don't be afraid to grow roots beyond one sector for stability and resilience.
Grow Sustainably, Not Just Reactively
A diverse business plan, agnostic from any single title or contract, is what makes a consultancy, and business, last.
THESE ARE THINGS TO CONSIDER IF YOU'RE A...
Student & Junior
Building their own business without knowing what free services exist or where to start
Solopreneur
Ready to formalize services and grow a client base
Minority-Owned Founder
Seeking certifications and programs that Increase eligibility
Freelancer & Contractor
Looking to expand services beyond the games industry

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"If there's anything you've ever wanted to do but you couldn't because it was too weird, I want that!" Chris & Nadia discuss the formation of Ghoul School, Skinscribing's influences, and the reality of starting a game studio in an era of downturns in the games industry. #gamedev #GDoCExpo2026

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Host @sharpiepls.com sits down with Toge Productions to explore the creative vision, dev process, & the big ideas behind Kriegsfront Tactics. The game is a procedural turn-based mecha tactics RPG set in an alternate 1970s during an era of conflict in Southeast Asia. #gamedev #GDoCExpo2026

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You Can’t Start Here: 13 Years of Building a Creator Program How Supercell built a creator program reaching 200,000 creators, & what they'd tell a studio starting from 0. For devs who work with creators, and creators who want to work with Supercell 👀 Thanks for sharing your insights! #gdocexpo2026

Invite only global game launch
players invited by creators: 690k
Total video Views: 51M

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Kicking off the expo with talks from one of our sponsors, Supercell! In this talk, they share how they think about belonging and bring it into their everyday work through four interconnected pillars: Talent, Culture, Players, and Industry. #gamedev #GDoCExpo2026

what we believe
independence & responsibility:
independent game cells drive our culture, focused on responsibility, collaboration, and a supercell-first mindset for player and long-term success.
ambition & risk taking:
we aim high, creating industry-defining games, embracing risks, killing weak projects, and celebrating big dreams and failures.
kindness & humility:
we stay humble, value teamwork, embrace curiosity, and treat everyone with respect and empathy.

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Press START (on Day 3!) 👾 The GDoC Expo 2026 enamel pin is ready for your jacket, bag, or lanyard. Shop's open until Monday 9/28. theyetee.com/gamedevsofco... #gdocexpo2026

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click clack click clack ⌨ That's the GDoC Expo keycap keychain. It comes fully assembled, so the clicking can start the day it arrives. Limited run, available until 9/28: theyetee.com/gamedevsofco...

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Skillful balancing of gameplay and animation can make a huge impact on your player. 2025 Game Devs of Color Grant winner, Mays Dweiri, shared the iterative journey of transforming a branching animation into an immersive experience in her talk. #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

Screenshot of A Heavy Morning, caption: "you can lock it into space, into its dedicated place." (explaining gameplay)

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Heard of "Caribbean Noir?" @chasebethea.bsky.social pioneered it! Chase found the bassline for Duppy Detective Tashia when walking into a guitar store & playing the bass for the 1st time. 🤯 He demonstrated & discussed how stepping out of traditional workflows creates a boon. #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

Chase Bethea playing bass for the first time in a guitar store, finding inspiration in an unlikely place.

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People love experiencing communities centered around their favorite games, whether it's a meetup or a Discord server! This talk from Scott Popular discussed how experiences create impact. #gamedev #GDoCExpo2026

Community Is Part of the Game
A game doesn't just start when someone presses "Play."
It also starts when they:
Join your Discord
Follow your social media
Attend your event
Get involved with your game
Meet another fan
Share Information
Help each other
Community isn't just marketing. It isn't just one thing. It's all of us.

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Our host Sharpie @sharpiepls.com sat down with Zaire Lanier @zeestermeester.bsky.social to talk about their work on games like Unknown Worlds' Subnautica: Below Zero and Compulsion Games' South of Midnight. #gamedev #GDocExpo2026

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Grief & creativity do not have to be opposed. @marskye.com discussed crafting a South Asian inspired soundtrack for Dosa Divas from the perspective of the Palestinian Diaspora. He shared how he navigated the profound grief post October 7th while still showing up to create. #gdocexpo2026 #gamedev

What I learned

"Grief and creativity are not opposed, they can move together"

"Art IS grief"

"Grief reorganizes meaning"

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⭐ Aseprite ⭐ The Tween Machine ⭐ Juice FX ⭐ Dithering Brushes & Patterns ⭐ Sprite Skinning These 5 tools shared by @suduwana.bsky.social are GREAT for pixel artists and animators! Are there any you favor? #gamedev #gdocexpo

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Fantastic talk with Technical Artist Fiona Jeeva! She covered how the team overcame technical constraints while creating dense, reactive fungus species in their environments to meet art, design and gameplay goals. #gdocexpo2026 #gamedev

$Three 3D models inside wireframe bounding boxes. A caption under the central model that reads: "The fracturing needed to cooperate with our voxel system to avoid piece pivots in adjacent voxels." A stylized number 2 logo next to the text: "GPU-driven solutions."$

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There's more than meets the eye for a game trailer! Game trailer director @derek-lieu.com walked us through the concept & creation for Skin Deep by Blendo Games. He explored researching & playing the game, finding the creative direction, gathering tools for easier capture, & executing. #gdocexpo

Insurance Commando Protecting Cats in Space

Die Hard in Space
* Glass in your feet
* Tactile guns
* Sneaking around
* Frantic situations
* Walkie talkies to defuse alarms
* Jump on guards backs
* Make guards sneeze
* Throwing guards into space

Funny & Campy Tone
* Talking Cats
* Skullsaver Mechanic
* Sneeze meter
* Limited use of guns
* Story & characters
* Guards slip on banana peels
* Make guards & yourself sneeze
* Wonky Space

Immersive Sim
* First person
* Stealth
* Contiguous spaces
* Flush guards into space
* Peeking around corners
* Alert status
* Limited inventory
* Flushable Toilets
* Throwable objects
* Crawling through vents
* Breakable things
* Pick pocketing
* Setting things on fire

Derek-Lieu.com | Game Devs of Color - More Than Skin Deep | © 2026

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From Donna Haraway’s Staying with the Trouble: "It matters what matters we use to think other matters with." @harps1.bsky.social explores how working with physical textures and emphasizing their artificiality can create a different kind of immersion. #gamedev #gdocexpo2026

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