Worcester-based independent game company Red Rabbit Games, consisting of just eight members, has made its mark with the launch of its first title, “Unsent.” Producer Alex Supron, 26, reflects on the challenges and triumphs of developing a game with a small team, contrasting their experience with that of larger companies like Nintendo, which employs over 8,000 people. “It takes time and effort, but if you put your mind to it and work as a team with people that you’re close with and work well with, you can create amazing things,” he says.
“Unsent,” a 3D platforming game featuring a protagonist named Valentine—a postman with a heart for a head—was released in October. Players embark on a quest to deliver unsent letters while navigating a colorful world filled with coins, stamps, and various platforms. Supron notes that in one of the game’s levels, Valentine must traverse an archive room cluttered with scattered books.
Despite selling fewer than 1,000 copies thus far, a number below the team’s initial expectations, Supron expresses pride in what his small crew has achieved. The studio, located on the second floor of Clark University’s Center for Media Arts, Computing and Design, is adorned with posters and drawings of Valentine, along with other characters like ‘Signface,’ a grumpy figure with a wooden sign for a face.
The game is currently available on Steam in an early access format, allowing players to provide feedback on its incomplete story and gameplay elements. Positive responses have been received, particularly after showcasing “Unsent” at notable events such as PAX East and PAX West. “It’s really nice to actually release a product,” Supron remarked, emphasizing the significance of sharing their work with the world.
Supron’s journey into game development began in 2008 with his first video game, “Age of Mythology.” His interest in gaming expanded over the years to include titles such as “Minecraft,” “Team Fortress 2,” and “Counter-Strike.” For Supron, who has ADHD, video games serve as both a source of entertainment and a means to enhance focus. He describes gaming as a “good dopamine release tool.”
Initially, Supron hadn’t envisioned a career in game development. However, his trajectory changed in 2021 after the closure of Becker College, which led to the establishment of the Becker School of Design & Technology at Clark University. Encouraged by his passion for games and the community around them, he decided to pursue a degree in game design.
His enrollment in Clark University in 2022 marked a pivotal moment in his life as he met fellow student Max Miller, who would later become the lead engineer for Red Rabbit Games. The two formed a friendship while serving as commentators for competitive matches in “Overwatch” and collaborated on the student chapter of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), significantly increasing its membership.
In 2024, Supron partnered with his friend Brien Rondeau to produce “Unsent.” Initially, they faced financial hurdles but found support in alumnus Matt Rubin, who proposed founding an independent game company that would also serve as an incubator for other developers. This collaboration led to the establishment of Red Rabbit Games in May 2024, with Rubin’s backing enabling the project to move forward.
The timeline for “Unsent” aimed for a six-month development cycle, a goal that reflects the team’s ambition to demonstrate the feasibility of producing profitable games within a short timeframe. However, as development progressed, Supron faced challenges in keeping the team aligned and on target. “It was just hard to get people to stay on track to create the thing we needed to create,” he noted regarding his role as a producer.
The team is currently preparing to release a complete version of “Unsent” while also developing a new title, “Reel Tiny,” which features a small shrew fishing in the Appalachian Mountains. Supron aims for a release within six months and recognizes the need to enhance their social media marketing efforts, a lesson learned from the launch of “Unsent.”
As Red Rabbit Games looks to the future, Supron remains open to exploring diverse game concepts. “I like working with people,” he states, emphasizing the collaborative nature that drives his passion for game development. The journey so far underscores the potential for small teams to create impactful experiences in the gaming industry, and Supron is excited to continue building on that foundation.
