Bennett Foddy Discusses Baby Steps and Gaming Habits in 2026

Bennett Foddy, the developer behind titles like Baldur's Gate 3—though he is better known for his own projects—recently shared insights into his current gaming habits and the development of Baby Steps. While industry discussions often shift toward the massive scope of Larian Studios titles like BG3, Foddy remains focused on the niche mechanics that defined his career. As a prominent figure in the indie space, his perspective on what he plays in 2026 provides a look at the personal preferences of a creator who has spent years perfecting physics-based frustration.

The Creative Journey of Baby Steps

Baby Steps, released on September 22, 2025, represents a six-year development cycle for Foddy, alongside co-creators Gabe Cuzillo and Maxi Boch. The title serves as a larger-scale evolution of the physics-based concepts first introduced in his earlier work, such as QWOP. During the development process, the team expressed concerns regarding how the audience would interpret the game's challenging control scheme.

"We were worried that people wouldn't get the ideas we were putting in there, that it would come off as a rage game," Foddy stated. Despite these initial apprehensions, the game found an audience that appreciated its specific design philosophy. Foddy noted that the project resonated with players, leaving him satisfied with the creative outcome of the endeavor.

Bennett Foddy Interview About PC Gaming Habits 2026

In a recent discussion regarding his personal PC setup and gaming routine, Foddy described a period of recovery following the conclusion of his long-term work on Baby Steps. When asked about his current gaming habits, he explained that while he samples various new releases as they appear on the market, few titles have managed to maintain his interest for extended periods.

Instead of the high-profile AAA titles that dominate current discourse, Foddy has returned to the roguelike genre. He highlighted Brogue as a primary focus for his current gaming hours, citing its open-source nature and automated features. Additionally, he noted the significance of the recent release of NetHack five, marking the first major point release for the classic title in nearly two decades.

Formative Gaming Experiences

Foddy’s history with computer games began at the age of five on a ZX Spectrum, which he credits for his ongoing interest in the medium across all platforms. His transition to PC gaming was marked by playing Zork on a computer borrowed from his parents' workplace and engaging with NetHack alongside his sister. He recalls his sister printing out game FAQs on dot matrix paper, a detail he identifies as a formative memory in his development as both a player and a creator.

The Evolution of Physics-Based Gameplay

Foddy’s career is defined by his interest in unusual control schemes, beginning with the 2006 programming work that led to the release of QWOP in 2008. This interest continued with GIRP in 2011 and Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy in 2017. His design philosophy centers on creating experiences that challenge the player through intentional, often difficult, mechanics. For more on the evolution of indie design, see our indie games coverage.

What Are Friendslop Games According to Bennett Foddy?

While Foddy has not explicitly defined a category called "friendslop," his work often sits at the intersection of single-player challenge and community-driven observation. The "Sisyphean" nature of his games—where players are tasked with repetitive, difficult motions—often leads to a communal experience where viewers watch others struggle with the same obstacles. This shared experience of frustration is a core component of how his games are consumed in the modern streaming era.

Future Projects and Industry Outlook

As of 2026, Foddy is in the early stages of brainstorming for his next project. Having spent six years on Baby Steps, he is currently allowing himself time to recover from the burnout associated with such a long development cycle. While he remains an active participant in the PC gaming scene, he is not currently attached to any major upcoming releases. For further updates on developer movements, follow our developer news coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Baby Steps developer Bennett Foddy working on new games? Bennett Foddy is currently in a period of recovery from his six-year project, Baby Steps, and is in the early stages of exploring ideas for his next title.
• Why did Bennett Foddy stop playing Baldur's Gate 3? The provided source material does not state that Bennett Foddy stopped playing Baldur's Gate 3, but rather that he is currently focusing his gaming time on roguelike titles like Brogue and NetHack.
• What games does Bennett Foddy play in 2026? In 2026, Bennett Foddy is primarily spending his gaming time with the open-source roguelike Brogue and the newly released NetHack five.