Former UX Designer Launches Hit Browser Game After Leaving Corporate Role

Industry Pulse News Desk · 2026-09-26

Kelsey Fiegle transitioned to independent game development after agency layoffs, creating a title that drew millions of plays.

Former Chicago user experience designer Kelsey Fiegle transitioned to independent video game development after resigning from a corporate agency position, subsequently launching a web-based game that recorded roughly 10 million plays in its first month.

Fiegle worked for seven years in agency design prior to her departure. Following workforce reductions that eliminated multiple positions on her team, she was expected to absorb the duties of laid-off staff members. After leaving the firm without a new role lined up, she submitted roughly 100 job applications across the technology sector.

Unable to secure an in-house corporate role, Fiegle pivoted to full-time game design alongside her husband, independent developer Wes Thorburn. The pair identified demand for 3D dress-up titles on web browser platforms, prompting Fiegle to spend four months developing her first standalone project.

The project, titled "Vortella's Dress Up," was released on the browser gaming platform Poki in December 2024. Despite being rushed to launch to cover living and healthcare expenses, the title logged approximately 10 million plays within its first 30 days on the platform.

Following the success of the release, the couple has continued to develop web games full-time, including expanding the dress-up title with multiplayer capabilities. The venture's financial returns have allowed the duo to adopt an international traveling lifestyle while maintaining independent software operations.