Indie games built after bedtime.
DadBod Studios is the solo game development home of Michael Watts. The studio is currently focused on Project Sunder, a narrative-driven 2.5D JRPG built in Unreal Engine with old-school inspiration and modern ambition.
Featured gameplay clip
Project Sunder
A dark fantasy 2.5D JRPG focused on atmosphere, stylized combat, and emotional stakes.
Main Project
Project Sunder
Project Sunder is the flagship project of DadBod Studios. It is a narrative-heavy 2.5D JRPG focused on atmosphere, combat identity, and emotional direction. This is the project the studio is actively building, documenting, and presenting for major opportunities.
Narrative-driven 2.5D JRPG
Combo-based combat inspired by classic PlayStation-era RPGs
Built in Unreal Engine by one developer
Designed as a serious prototype for grants, audience growth, and long-term studio development
Development Log
Consistent progress matters.
This section shows that Project Sunder is not just an idea. It is an actively built project with visible iteration and momentum.
March 2026
Combat feedback and polish pass
Improved battle feel with cleaner UI feedback, better pacing, and stronger presentation for active combo inputs.
February 2026
Core JRPG combat prototype online
Built and tested the first working version of Project Sunder's turn-based combat flow in Unreal Engine.
January 2026
Project direction locked
Committed to a 2.5D JRPG direction with Xenogears and Chrono Trigger inspiration, focusing on atmosphere, narrative, and stylized combat.
Founder
Built by one developer.
DadBod Studios is the solo development studio of Michael Watts. The studio is built around one clear goal: make games with soul, identity, and enough execution to stand on their own.
Project Sunder is being built in Unreal Engine through focused iteration, practical scope decisions, and a lot of late-night work. The studio is intentionally small, founder-led, and centered on shipping something real.
This website is designed to show proof of work: gameplay, progress, direction, and the person building it.
Other Experiment
Kiln
Kiln is a claymation-inspired action prototype exploring a different tone and combat feel. It remains part of the wider DadBod Studios creative slate, but the current primary focus is Project Sunder.