The Gamedev.lgbt Mastodon server has initiated a collaborative project for Pride Month, bringing together its community of queer game developers. This initiative has resulted in TOWNSQUEER Vol. 1, a collection of video games and a community zine.
The bundle, priced at $20 USD, will be available on Itch.io from May 29th to June 15th. It features a comprehensive zine that introduces both the creators and the 28 included video games. Beyond the games, the collection also includes four additional zines, four PDF games, and two music albums.
Among the notable titles in the TOWNSQUEER bundle are:
- Squaekroos: Home Squeak Home by Alblune, a well-received game combining nonograms and decoration, which was a highlight of last year’s Wholesome Direct.
- Mycelium Heaven by Andalusian developer 3DGoblinDev, a puzzle game featuring mushrooms and zombies.
- Falling Starsโฆ and other celestial objects, a title released in January by Madrid-based studio From the Moon, blending automation mechanics with tower defense elements.
The individual cost of these three games alone on Itch.io exceeds $40, making the TOWNSQUEER bundle a significant value, offering approximately a 75% saving compared to the total individual price of all items.
Other featured games include Rat and Furrius, which was part of the Mermelada Jam 2023, and INSACIABLE by Juno Menager. Juno Menager’s work has been previously covered, having participated in various game jams like the Fuck Capitalism Jam, Sant Jordi Jam, MรกlagaJam, and ManualJam.
The proceeds from the TOWNSQUEER Vol. 1 bundle will serve a dual purpose: to compensate participating developers within the Gamedev.lgbt community and to fund the operational costs of the Gamedev.lgbt Mastodon server. This server, established by Bram Dingelstad, aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for game developers from marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community, who may face challenges in open online interaction.
UPDATE: It has been confirmed that Falling Starsโฆ and other celestial objects was indeed part of a game jam covered by AnaitGames: the Indie Spain Jam of 2023. This was discussed on the Podcast Reload, which also featured an interview with some of the creators behind the game MรRAME.
English Translation and Paraphrasing:
Gamedev.lgbt Community Unveils Inaugural Game Collection: TOWNSQUEER Vol. 1
The Gamedev.lgbt Mastodon server has launched its first collective project for Pride Month, bringing together its community of queer game developers. This initiative has culminated in the creation of TOWNSQUEER Vol. 1, a bundle featuring a selection of video games and a community zine.
Available on Itch.io from May 29th to June 15th for $20 USD, the TOWNSQUEER bundle aims to showcase the talent within the Gamedev.lgbt community. Accompanying the game collection is a zine that introduces both the developers and the 28 games included. The bundle also contains four additional zines, four PDF games, and two music albums.
Highlights within the TOWNSQUEER bundle include:
- Squaekroos: Home Squeak Home by Alblune, a praised nonogram and decoration game that gained recognition at last year’s Wholesome Direct.
- Mycelium Heaven, developed by 3DGoblinDev, a puzzle game centered around mushrooms and zombies.
- Falling Starsโฆ and other celestial objects, a title from Madrid-based studio From the Moon that merges automation with tower defense mechanics.
The collective value of these three highlighted games alone on Itch.io approaches $40 USD. This makes the TOWNSQUEER bundle an exceptional deal, offering a saving of approximately 75% compared to purchasing each item individually.
The bundle also features other notable titles such as Rat and Furrius, a participant in the Mermelada Jam 2023, and INSACIABLE by Juno Menager. Juno Menager’s previous works have been featured in various game jams, including the Fuck Capitalism Jam, Sant Jordi Jam, MรกlagaJam, and ManualJam.
Revenue generated from the TOWNSQUEER Vol. 1 bundle will be distributed to compensate the creators within the Gamedev.lgbt community and to support the ongoing operations of the Gamedev.lgbt Mastodon server. This server was established by Bram Dingelstad with the specific aim of providing a secure and welcoming environment for game developers who belong to marginalized groups, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, who may find it difficult to express themselves openly online.
EDIT: Juno Menager has confirmed that Falling Starsโฆ and other celestial objects was indeed part of a game jam previously covered by AnaitGames. Specifically, it was featured in the Indie Spain Jam of 2023, a topic discussed on the Podcast Reload. The same podcast also featured an interview with members of the team behind the game MรRAME.
