Abstract: For small developers, there can be many bumps along the road, as well as many rewards, while creating a commercially viable game. This talk is a rare opportunity to peek into the development process of an independent video game -- while it's still going on. The discussion will center around the design and development of the game Melting Point, which is a game about global warming. We'll talk about the game concept, design, prototyping, and how the game has evolved during 7 months of development. We'll also discuss business models, financing development, distractions, and even a few successes, and the prospects for the future.