The Things Left Behind

The Things Left Behind is a soft, narrative-driven, 2D indie game about the little moments of Queer and Disabled life, the ways our identities intersect, and the love, humor, tenderness, and care woven into our everyday experiences.

Told through a collection of intimate, playable slice-of-life vignettes, the game invites you into the worlds of Queer and Disabled characters as they navigate friendship, identity, intimacy, overwhelm, joy, and simply being together. These are stories drawn from our own lived experiences, woven together by a community of Queer and Disabled creators.

Every level is its own little world, lovingly crafted by Queer and Disabled artists, writers, musicians, and game designers. Each vignette features its own distinct art style, original music, story, and interactive mechanics, reflecting the unique creative voices and experiences behind it. Some moments are funny, some are messy, some are vulnerable, and some are wonderfully ordinary. All are grounded in the ways we find care, connection, and belonging in one another.

Rather than asking you to win, overcome, or fix anything, The Things Left Behind invites you to slow down, be present, and share in these small, meaningful moments of Queer and Disabled life.

Come Along With Us for Playable, Raw Moments

Move through a child’s birthday party in So Much World, All At Once as sound builds and escape into their imagination to help them ground themselves as those that love them can be just a little too loud celebrating them… Breathe in… Breathe out…

Journey through a forest alongside two friends, sharing quiet conversations, discovering little trinkets, and finding joy in simply being together. As you wander, one friend, a transfemme individual subtly transitions in appearance. It's never announced or explained; it's simply a part of her life, embraced within the warmth and familiarity of their friendship. Through it all, their affection, honest conversations, and shared joys remain. Do you think things will always be like this? What do you mean? Like… will things always get to be this way?

Step into the messy, meandering day of a transmasc person in Harried , where finding a little executive function is easier said than done. Try to tackle a seemingly endless list of tasks, get pulled into distractions, and watch as time slips away. Amid the frustration, unfinished chores, and small everyday struggles, find humor, tenderness, and comfort in the care of a loving partner. Why did I let it get so bad in here…

Each story stands on its own, with distinct art styles, mechanics, and tone. Together, they form a growing collection of playable experiences grounded in lived reality.

Designed Around Care

• Narrative-driven 2D gameplay • Short, self-contained vignette structure • Dialogue and exploration-focused interaction • Distinct art styles and mechanics per level • No fail states, no score pressure • Keyboard, mouse, and controller support • Built in Unity

A Community-Centered Design Process

The Things Left Behind is a game made by Queer and Disabled people, about Queer and Disabled lives, for anyone willing to spend a little time in our worlds.

The Things Left Behind is created through partnerships with disability and LGBTQIA2S+ organizations that support workforce development and inclusive creative practice. Collaborators are brought into the project from the beginning. Partners begin by learning Unity-based game development, contributing to design and narrative decisions, and participating in play-testing and iteration. This is not a game about marginalized communities made from the outside. It is a game co-designed and built by Queer and Disabled creators, with paid roles, mentorship, and shared authorship baked in from the beginning. Lived experience shapes every step of the game- from concept to completion.

These are our little stories. We're happy to share them with you.