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Sarah Elmaleh

@selmaleh.bsky.social
1.3K followers 409 following 85 posts

games x performance. acting, directing, consulting, forever advocating for joyful collaboration & sustainability for all. 1/7 of @secretlivesofgames.bsky.social

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Sarah Elmaleh @selmaleh.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
No joke I really needed specifically @realgdt.bsky.social to say fuck AI, to say rage is structural, deep, motivating, creative, focusing and transformative (as someone with some abrasively salty, deadly serious takes and famous fights.) Pan’s Labyrinth is still an exquisite treasure, go see it
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Push the Roll @pushtheroll.com · 21/09/2026
Burg Quest! We’re taking Push the Roll Live to the Main Stage this Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7PM in Williamsburg, Virginia @rossbryant.bsky.social, @ifycomedy.com, @selmaleh.bsky.social, @thingsgetdicey.bsky.social, & @cuppycup.bsky.social play improv Call of Cthulhu Come get weird with us! #burgquest
Push the Roll with Ross Bryant Live! Improv Call of Cthulhu. Burg Quest Saturday, September 26 at 7:00PM. Burg.Quest/Tickets
Cast photos of Ross Bryant, Paula Deming, Ify Nwadiwe, cuppycup, Sarah Elmaleh
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Experimental Games Showcase @exgs.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
📣 Applications are now OPEN for the 2027 Experimental Games Showcase at GDC! 📣 You have until October 23rd to send us all the weird, innovative and unique things you are working on. More info and apply here: www.experimentalgamesshowcase.com
experimentalgamesshowcase.com
Experimental Games Showcase
SUBMIT YOUR GAME TO THE
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Sarah Elmaleh @selmaleh.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
how does this game have me in a full-on chokehold again a decade later (I mean if you listen you’ll get a hint)
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The Secret Lives of Games @secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
All Systems Brough - IMBROGLIO We're joined by @nicole.pizza @eddybox.bsky.social @getdizzy.bsky.social to discuss this deck-building genre-defining brough-like, the 9th game in our yearlong coverage of @smestorp.bsky.social's wide-ranging catalogue. secretlives.games/all-systems-...
secretlives.games
The Secret Lives of Games: All Systems Brough - Imbroglio
We're joined by Nicole He (The Crush House, Kinlo Labs), Eddy Boxerman (Osmos, Karmaka, Broken Rules), and Noah Sasso (Sportsfriends, Iron Galaxy Studios) to discuss Imbroglio, a deck-building, grid-based, genre-defining brough-like. It’s the ninth installment in our yearlong special series exploring the work of Michael Brough: All Systems Brough. Next episode: Cinco Paus Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Imbroglio https://apps.apple.com/us/app/imbroglio/id969264934  868-BACK (Out now!! Go buy it!!) https://store.steampowered.com/app/3304110/868BACK/  https://finji.itch.io/868-back  Michael Brough’s Website https://www.smestorp.com/  Michael Brough’s Blog https://mightyvision.blogspot.com/ September 9th, 2026 Imbroglio Notes 14 blog post https://mightyvision.blogspot.com/2020/06/imbroglio-notes-14-mizzenmast.html  Imbroglio release blog post https://mightyvision.blogspot.com/2016/05/imbroglio.html Imbroglio Notes 6 blog post https://mightyvision.blogspot.com/2016/08/imbroglio-notes-6-meditation.html Guxt https://www.cavestory.one/pixels-works/guxt.php  Igbo Calendar https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igbo_calendar Everyday Shooter https://store.steampowered.com/app/16300/Everyday_Shooter/  Imbroglio Notes 8 blog post https://mightyvision.blogspot.com/2016/08/imbroglio-notes-8-score-o.html Vivafringe Guide to Imbroglio Boardbuilding https://vivafringe.wordpress.com/2017/03/02/a-guide-to-imbroglio-boardbuilding/ Vivafringe Izu Mode blog post  https://vivafringe.wordpress.com/2017/02/21/imbroglios-izu-mode-is-the-way-forward-for-deckbuilding/ Vivafringe Izu Mode YouTube videos https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVkyA1oDHBa_PGysiUQ_kGaCorynP21O9 Noah’s Bandcamp https://octopusinc.bandcamp.com/album/also-the-remixes Kinlo Labs (join their waitlist!) https://playkinlo.com/  I’m So Happy You’re Here – I Can’t Meditate! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ9ZwePF3_ms&si=jALBpOdXrprPI8Z_ Baba Is You: The Board Game & Party House: The Deckbuilding Game Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bitewinggamesnick/baba-is-you-the-board-game  Imbroglio in-progress blog post https://mightyvision.blogspot.com/2016/03/still-working-on-imbroglio-this-is.html Imbroglio Notes 1 blog post https://mightyvision.blogspot.com/2016/05/imbroglio-notes-1-inventory-management.htm Imbroglio Notes 3 blog post https://mightyvision.blogspot.com/2016/06/imbroglio-notes-3-monsters.html   https://secretlives.games/  https://discord.gg/tslog https://www.patreon.com/tslog
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Cara Ellison @caraellison.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
It’s that time again where you can enter your game for recognition of excellence by a beautiful cohort of folks who know exactly how hard you worked to make your art. Please submit early so we have time to appraise your work properly! It helps us a lot.
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IWGB Game Workers Union @gameworkers.co.uk · 10/09/2026
Today marks the beginning of our trial against Rockstar to hold them accountable for firing workers who were trying to unionise. In order for us to see this through to the end, we need your support. Please donate to and share our fundraiser for the Rockstar 31: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/wWq5Omj...
crowdfunder.co.uk
Defend union rights: Support the Rockstar 31
Justice for 31 Rockstar employees who formed a union and were fired en masse
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Kirk Hamilton @kirkhamilton.com · 13/09/2026
The newest episode of Strong Songs is about “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads. 🎶🚙🏡👰⁉️ It’s out now in Patreon early access, and will hit the main feed on Friday. Hope you all dig it, and thanks as always for listening!
patreon.strongsongspodcast.com
"Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads | Strong Songs
"Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads by Strong Songs on Patreon. Join Strong Songs's community for exclusive content and updates.
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Lloyd Knott @lloydknott.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Going dark for a few weeks due to tribunal business and to avoid over-exposure to goings on. However in the meantime here's a fundraiser for legal fees so we can do this on as equal a footing as possible: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/rockstar-31
crowdfunder.co.uk
Defend union rights: Support the Rockstar 31
Justice for 31 Rockstar employees who formed a union and were fired en masse
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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Last year, Rockstar was accused of firing over 30 workers for engaging in trade union activity. The studio said they were let go for leaking confidential information. The tribunal between the two parties begins today. I'll be attending and will do my best to provide updates over the coming weeks.
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World of Warcraft Gamemakers Guild - CWA @wowgg-cwa.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
We are proud to announce the ratification of a historic contract covering nearly 1,900 workers at Blizzard Entertainment, including represented workers on the World of Warcraft team. Today we stand as One Blizzard United. cwa-union.org/news/release...
cwa-union.org
Blizzard Entertainment Workers Ratify Historic Video Game Contracts with CWA
Blizzard Entertainment workers represented by CWA voted to ratify historic union contracts with the Microsoft-owned company, securing an unprecedented victory for the video game industry following the...
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Jeff Grubb @grubb.wtf · 10/09/2026
DLSS 5 is just a lighting pass and not an ai hallucin--
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Chris Person @papapishu.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Had to get some thoughts out about the beautifully done yet vexingly placeless version of Toshirō Mifune in Onimusha: Way Of The Sword for @aftermath.site
aftermath.site
How Much Of Toshirō Mifune Survives In Onimusha?
Onimusha: Way Of The Sword uses the likeness of Toshiro Mifune for its main character. It is both very well done and oddly placeless in his life.
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Jenna "the" Yow @jannouna.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Ellen is the GREATEST to ever do it. All of the characters and charm of Young Suns comes from their work. Every time they designed a new character it was the best thing to ever happen until their next concept hit the Slack. Wildly talented and a huge sweetie!!!
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ellen 🌻 alsop @spaceellien.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Sadly I’m one of the affected members. I love KO_OP and it’s hard to imagine working anywhere else. Manifesting that they get a pitch funded soon so that the studio can keep going strong. Please play Young Suns when it hits steam! If anyone has a concept/2d artist gig after Dec, please let me know!
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Jenna "the" Yow @jannouna.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Extremely heartbroken to say that I'm one of the affected members. Working at KO_OP for four and a half years has been one of the best things to ever happen to me and I really hope that my teammates can land a pitch that can bring us all back together again.
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Sarah Elmaleh @selmaleh.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I have no idea if Daniel wants to produce VO moving forward, but he’s been an immensely capable sponge for all things SAG-AFTRA indie VO and I’d highly recommend him to you :)
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noé @celechii.itch.io · 10/09/2026
so sad to say i'm one of the devs affected by this and am leaving at the end of the month i've had an absolutely incredible time at ko_op helping ship our 3 most recent games over the 4 years i've been here. i love all my coworkers and hope that things improve and we get to work together again soon
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Sarah Elmaleh @selmaleh.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
KO_OP offers people not just respect and dignity, but agency. (And they treat their actors as collaborators, not assets, in so much more than lip service.) They’re actually doing the ‘better way’ we yearn for….even when the way is a struggle. Please hire these folks, support however you can.
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Sarah Elmaleh @selmaleh.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
LETS GO!!!!!! Really cool to get a window into the bargaining journey and so excited for these devs with their new and now enforceable protections!!!! Congratulations, friends!!!! ✊✊✊
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OneBGS - Bethesda Game Studios Union @bethesdaunion.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
There are no video games without video game developers. Trillionaire corporations will continue to treat devs as line items on a balance sheet unless we fight back. Join us on August 18th to #SaveGameWorkers, as we rally across nine studios in the US and Canada. More location details to come soon.
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sincerely, rob dubbin @robdubbin.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
this time, once the shock of being robbed in a sort of cartoon way wore off, i resolved to fight back the only way i knew how: by blasting continuous pods until i could harvest the peaches myself. one big difference from 2018? i have my own podcast now. hope these jerks are ready for a year of UFO50
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𝕵𝖎𝖒𝖒𝖞 𝕸𝖆𝖐𝖊𝖕𝖊𝖆𝖈𝖊 @jimmymakepeace.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
the bullies at school keep making me squeeze through narrow gaps so that they can seamlessly integrate cutscenes into gameplay without a loading screen.
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Sarah Elmaleh @selmaleh.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Indies w performance in their games (+ all indies of course) - submit!! There is a cohort of games-native performers and folks who touch/love game performance HUNGRY for your submissions! There are only so many awards for game performance awarded by true peers - get in there and get those nods!!
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Sarah Elmaleh @selmaleh.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
The hard truth is manmade systems do not “self”-regulate (design by evil, neglect, require your pushback.) Hard truth is no parents. But the hard truth is you CAN change things. It takes sacrifice, dealing with people. (The hidden truth is there lies priceless clarity, strength, camaraderie.)
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Sarah Elmaleh @selmaleh.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Folks and friendlies in the locales (Montreal, Maryland, Austin, Dallas), show these devs some love and support! Some were there for decades. 💜✊💜
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Remap Radio @remapradio.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
It's impossible to take Xbox seriously when it says it wants to reach one billion players per day. It's not a plan, it's red meat for shareholders
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Kim Acuff Steiner @emberdione.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
It also doesn't matter if you work on a game that's critically panned or only sells okay. I assure you, there's someone for whom that is their *favorite* game. An example: I worked on Iron Man 2, the game. It's okay. It was made under deathmarch crunch conditions and the team was harmed.
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Sarah Elmaleh @selmaleh.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
(I'm not dead, just not in my posting era for sure, & happy/anxious to be busy, mainly with directing! If you're a pal I would *love* to be thought of for acting or directing, mainly in the fall & beyond. This has been my at-this-rate annual? social media post. I still love games, & still love you!)
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Sarah Elmaleh @selmaleh.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Friends! I'm dang proud n honored to be directing a meditation mini-series for @ashlyburch.bsky.social 's I'm Happy You're Here! Puppets??!! Mental health encouragement n good info with silly goofs n cozy lighting n music???? THIS SHOW HAS EVERYTHING, and is made by lovely humans! Pls go watch!
youtu.be
Meditation Ain't as Hard as You Think!
YouTube video by I'm Happy You're Here
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The Secret Lives of Games @secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
All Systems Brough: A Chat with Michael We’re joined by @smestorp.bsky.social himself to celebrate the launch of 868-BACK (out now!), as we discuss his journey to launch, how his process has changed over the years, his impressions of our series so far, and more. secretlives.games/all-systems-...
secretlives.games
The Secret Lives of Games: All Systems Brough - A Chat with Michael
We're joined by Michael Brough himself for a bonus chat on the thrilling occasion of 868-BACK’s release day. Don’t worry, we don’t spoil the new game at all (except to say it’s fantastic! Go buy it no...
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Sarah Elmaleh @selmaleh.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Zeke and I are up at 12:33 PDT I think! A little less than 2 hours. Tune in all day today and tomorrow for inspiration from folks across the industry doing the good good work ✊💜
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Game Workers Conference @gameworkerscon.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
TALK ANNOUNCEMENT📢 Sarah Elmaleh & Zeke Alton | SAG-AFTRA In this talk, Sarah & Zeke provide insight into how performers do their jobs, share details from the 2024/2025 Interactive Strike, and answer some questions from their fellow Game Workers
Game Workers Conference May 22 - May 23, 2026 
Performers Are Game Workers: SAG-AFTRA Answers Our Questions!
Sarah Elmaleh & Zeke Alton | SAG-AFTRA
gameworkersconference.org
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The Secret Lives of Games @secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
All Systems Brough - Corrypt We're joined by @halfrobot.com and @flantz.bsky.social to discuss the 5th game in our yearlong coverage of @smestorp.bsky.social's beguiling oeuvre. secretlives.games/all-systems-...
secretlives.games
The Secret Lives of Games: All Systems Brough - Corrypt
We're joined by Naomi Clark (NYU Game Center, Consentacle, A Game Design Vocabulary) and Frank Lantz (Q-UP, Universal Paperclips, also NYU Game Center) to discuss Corrypt, a totally normal block-movin...
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Chris Plante @plante.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Why you should try Post Games: - An NPR-quality weekly podcast on video games - Hosted by a 19-year games media veteran - Rare interviews with the most interesting people in gaming, from philosophers to CEOs, sex game designers to Dunkey - And scripts, editing, and music that respect your time!
postgame.substack.com
5 Must-Listen Episodes: The Post Games Starter Pack
Where to start with your new favorite podcast
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Richard Lemarchand @rich-lem.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
The 868-BACK launch date trailer is here! The game releases 28 May 🥳 Congratulations, @smestorp.bsky.social ! youtu.be/IUr6WiT3KX8
youtu.be
868-BACK | Official Launch Date Announcement Trailer
YouTube video by Finji
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Laura Eek!! Hall @lauraehall.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Quick lil strawpoll, because I'm curious - are you in a club? (More qs: In person or online? What type is it? How often do you meet? How did you hear about it? Tell me all about it, I wanna know!)
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Chris Plante @plante.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
$1 gets you access to Video Game Journalism 101. I adapted my NYU course into a 5-part video series. You'll learn the history of games media from the '80s to today. And you'll learn about writing, editing, and how the biz actually works. Plus, the rest of Post Games! Sale ends Monday at midnight.
patreon.com
Video Game Journalism 101 | Collection from Post Games | 5 posts | Patreon
Get more from Post Games on Patreon
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The Secret Lives of Games @secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Ep. 156: Filling Buckets with Tonda Ros (Blue Prince) We’re joined by the creator of Blue Prince (on the one-year anniversary of its release) to discuss the game’s yearslong development process, the power and peril of hunches, and staying a step ahead of players. secretlives.games/156-filling-...
secretlives.games
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Chris Plante @plante.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
I got to chat about one of my favorite games with a squad of brilliant game designers! In sports broadcasting, you'd call me the color commentary
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James GHOULizio 👻 @theswweet.myatproto.social · 28/03/2026
Every time I see someone say "indies will save us", I think about all the game dev mutuals I have who have made it very clear the same problems facing AAA funding are impacting indies, too.
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Sarah Elmaleh @selmaleh.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
The Venn diagram is a picture of my face and so into the cart it goes Into the cart and onto the deck (and home before dark)
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Ian Danskin @innuendostudios.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Part One of my Extremely Overdetermined Adventure Game Tier List, in which we sort 50 adventure games into tiers using MATH and GOOD TASTE. made w/ @questingrefuge.bsky.social, featuring @selmaleh.bsky.social & @pamd.bsky.social, thumbnail art by @highlandkall.bsky.social youtu.be/yxl7BD1rCjE
youtu.be
Extremely Overdetermined Adventure Game Tier List | Part 1: Re-ranking the Top 20
YouTube video by Innuendo Studios
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Gundroog @gundroog.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
It might be more helpful to replace the AAA/indie labels with a freakometer to see how freaky the game is
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Sarah Elmaleh @selmaleh.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Folks! @secretlivesofgames.bsky.social is podcasting from the very show floor today 10-11:30am (bottom of south lobby escalators) Will it be perversely fun to observe us like hamsters in what I believe is a glass box while we pod? Perhaps! Be you listener, friend or both it’d be nice to see ya
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Meredith Gran @meredithgran.com · 11/03/2026
During the festival, Perfect Tides: Station to Station is part of a bundle with other IGF Narrative Award nominees. Some of these (including PT) are also discounted so it's a really good deal! store.steampowered.com/bundle/68612...
store.steampowered.com
Save 25% on IGF Excellence in Narrative Bundle 2026 on Steam
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Teddy Dief @teddydief.com · 11/03/2026
IGF AWARD REHEARSAL @karriebear.bsky.social @robdubbin.bsky.social
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Game Developer @gamedeveloper.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Capcom accused of ditching union contracts on Mega Man: Dual Override
gamedeveloper.com
Capcom accused of ditching union contracts on Mega Man: Dual Override
Performer union SAG-AFTRA has told members to avoid working on the title because the Japanese publisher will not provide union terms.
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The Secret Lives of Games @secretlivesofgames.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
GDC! See you tomorrow! (?)
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NYU Game Center @nyugamecenter.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
NEXT THURSDAY "Why did I make this?" NYU Game Center Lecture Series Presents Bennett Foddy March 5th 7pm - 8:30pm RSVP: bennettfoddylectureseries.eventbrite.com (Also live streaming at twitch.tv/nyugamecenter) Join us for a career retrospective with @foddy.net! Poster by @cromsferatu.bsky.social
Poster art for Bennett Foddy's Lecture Series event with the NYU Game Center. Features characters from QWOP, Getting Over It, and Baby Steps. Text reads:
NYU Game Center Lecture Series Presents
Bennett Foddy
Creator of QWOP, Getting Over It, and Baby Steps
Why did I make this?

7:00pm, March 5th, 2026
Room 202, 370 Jay St. Brooklyn, NY
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