Bradley Grad Launches First Game on Steam

For many game designers, seeing a game launch on Steam is the culmination of years of creativity and hard work. For Bradley alumnus Ryan Swanson ’25, that milestone recently became a reality with the release of Mini Raid Leader, his first title on the world’s largest digital marketplace for PC games.

Mini Raid Leader began as a summer passion project between Swanson’s junior and senior years before taking a back seat while he focused on his capstone project. After graduation, he returned to the idea and transformed it into a finished game.

He chose to release Mini Raid Leader as a free-to-play title, prioritizing exposure over profit early in his career. “At this stage, it’s more important to get eyes on my work than the profit I would’ve made,” he said.

Swanson credits Bradley with preparing him for the collaborative nature of the game industry. While the technical skills were essential, he says one of the most valuable lessons came from working on large development teams. His senior capstone project, which involved nearly 30 students at times, taught him how to navigate competing priorities, communicate across disciplines, and contribute effectively in a professional environment. Those experiences, he says, gave him the confidence to bring his own game from concept to launch.

Play Mini Raid Leader yourself with the full release on Steam

—Emily Potts