Laid-off developer turns job loss into a hit indie game success
A laid-off game developer has turned job loss into a creative opportunity. Harrison, formerly of Turn 10 Studios, released Dungeon Bodega Simulator—a quirky indie game about a shopkeeper in a dungeon. The project began as a side hobby just months after his redundancy.
Harrison worked at Turn 10 Studios until early 2023, when layoffs hit the team. Within weeks, he started building Dungeon Bodega Simulator in his spare time. The game launched on Steam eight months later, in August 2023.
The title follows Elm Myrkwater, a former adventurer who opens a shop in a dungeon. Players sell potions, grow fruit, and brew items for passing heroes. As profits rise, they unlock new skills—crafting weapons, raising slimes, or hiring a kobold assistant. The game's charm lies in its low-poly visuals, mimicking the lo-fi aesthetic of early PlayStation titles. Passive upgrades, like a magical bag of holding, add depth to the gameplay. Harrison designed it all while searching for a new role in the industry. He recently took an entry-level QA job but remains focused on finding a systems or gameplay design position. Working with a team again is his priority.
Dungeon Bodega Simulator now sits on Steam as a testament to Harrison's resilience. The game's mix of shop management and dungeon life has found an audience. Meanwhile, he continues applying for roles that match his experience in game development.
