Celebrating Black Game Developers: Spotlight on Geneva Heyward & Catt Small
In honor of Black History Month, DMG Loot is proud to shine the spotlight on two remarkable indie developers Geneva Heyward and Catt Small whose creativity, dedication, and community focus embody the future of gaming. From poignant storytelling to trailblazing design work, these two innovators exemplify why representation matters in our ever-evolving industry.
1. Geneva Heyward
Who She Is
Geneva Heyward is an indie game developer and artist known for her bright, heartfelt approach to game design. She creates titles that balance fun mechanics with inclusive narratives, often spotlighting LGBTQ+ themes.
Notable Project: Skate & Date
- Overview: A roller derby rhythm dating sim where you skate, flirt, and groove to the beat.
- Key Features:
- A diverse cast of characters and authentic representation.
- Catchy soundtrack to match the fast-paced roller derby action.
- Unique blend of rhythm mechanics and relationship-building.
- Play It: Skate & Date on Itch.io
Why Geneva Matters
Geneva’s work stands out for its playful sense of humor, vibrant art direction, and commitment to showcasing underrepresented voices. She has been vocal about the importance of including personal experiences in game narratives—an approach that invites wider audiences to feel seen and heard in digital worlds.
2. Catt Small
Who She Is
Catt Small is a product designer, developer, and artist with a deep passion for creating inclusive user experiences—both in and outside the gaming sphere. She co-founded the Code Liberation Foundation, an organization dedicated to teaching women, non-binary, and femme-identifying people how to program video games.
Notable Project: SweetXheart (SXd)
- Overview: A narrative-driven game that follows a young Black woman navigating everyday microaggressions and personal growth.
- Key Features:
- Choice-driven storytelling that highlights social challenges.
- Hand-drawn art style that adds warmth and authenticity.
- Encourages empathy and conversation around important cultural experiences.
- Play It: SweetXheart on Itch.io
Why Catt Matters
Catt’s dedication to fostering inclusivity in tech and gaming sets her apart. Beyond her design work and indie projects, she’s also an influential educator and community leader, amplifying marginalized voices and inspiring others to tell their own stories through interactive media.
The Importance of Representation
Both Geneva Heyward and Catt Small showcase how diverse perspectives fuel gaming with fresh ideas, immersive storytelling, and a genuine heart. Bringing their lived experiences to the forefront reminds us that game development isn’t just about high scores or next-gen graphics; it’s about connectivity, empathy, and community.
When we uplift Black creators, we expand the horizons of what gaming can be innovating gameplay mechanics, exploring new themes, and inviting more players to see themselves in the medium.
Celebrate & Support
- Follow Their Work:
- Play Their Games:
- Skate & Date (Geneva Heyward)
- SweetXheart (SXd) (Catt Small)
- Spread the Word: Share these titles with friends, family, and your gaming community to help grow their audiences.
Join the Conversation
As we celebrate Black History Month, tell us about other Black developers or games that have inspired you. Drop a comment below to keep the conversation going, and stay tuned to DMG Loot for more spotlights on the innovators shaping the future of gaming.
Ready to discover more indie gems and industry trailblazers? Subscribe to DMG Loot for your regular dose of game insights, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes access to the stories that matter. Let’s uplift and empower the voices that keep our community thriving.
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