A Huge Step for Molly the Marble
Recent graduates from the University of Memphis Department of Computer Science are helping bring a locally developed indie game into the national spotlight. Their collaborative project, Molly the Marble, got officially selected for The MIX Summer Game Showcase. The event will take place during the Summer Game Fest week in Los Angeles.
Developed in partnership with Memphis-based indie studio Dapper Duck Software, Molly the Marble began as a senior capstone project. The cozy adventure puzzle game invites players to guide a small marble through imaginative cardboard diorama levels. With its unique environments, players tilt and navigate through cleverly designed puzzles, uncovering secrets along the way.
The game will feature at The MIX’s onsite event on June 5 at the GRAMMY Museum Rooftop Terrace. This gives players, press, publishers, and industry professionals an opportunity to experience the project firsthand.
“This project gave students the opportunity to contribute to a real commercial game while it was actively being prepared for public announcement,” said Joel Gerber, President of Dapper Duck Software. He also noted that the capstone team brought “energy, problem-solving, and technical skill” to the development process.
Designed as a relaxing escape, Molly the Marble blends physics-based gameplay with a warm, nostalgic tone inspired by childhood creativity. For the students involved, the experience offered valuable insight into real-world game development, from collaboration to public presentation.
With its selection at a major indie showcase, Molly the Marble stands as a strong example of how student talent and local studios can come together to create something truly noteworthy. The game is currently available to wishlist on Steam, so go ahead and show some love for this unique adventure game.