Meet Armontae Harris | Indie Game Developer & DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with Armontae Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Armontae, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Determining whether to keep going or to give up is a challenge every creative and entrepreneur faces. For me, it boils down to passion, feedback, and adaptability.

I believe it’s essential to assess whether a project still excites me and aligns with my long-term vision. Passion has always been a key driver for my creative endeavors, from game development to my work in media production.

Feedback from peers and mentors is also crucial. It helps me gauge the project’s potential impact and identify areas for improvement. Constructive criticism has often provided the clarity needed to push forward or pivot when necessary.

Lastly, being adaptable and open to change has been vital. If something isn’t working, I explore alternative approaches and stay flexible. This mindset allows me to navigate obstacles without giving up prematurely.

Ultimately, the decision to keep going is about balancing passion, feedback, and adaptability, ensuring that each project contributes to my growth and creative fulfillment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a reflection of my passion for storytelling, blending gaming, horror, and cultural experiences into immersive, impactful projects. What sets me apart is my commitment to creating narratives that center around Black protagonists, giving representation to characters that are often missing in both the game and horror industries. I love experimenting with genres and aesthetics, especially combining the nostalgic charm of retro-style games with modern, engaging mechanics. Right now, I’m especially excited about Shadows Within, a survival horror game with PSX-style graphics, which dives deep into occult themes and personal loss. It’s a project that truly reflects my love for storytelling, as well as my ability to blend gameplay and narrative to create something memorable.

My journey has been anything but easy. I’ve had to accept that the traditional path into the gaming industry—landing a role at a big studio right after graduation—wasn’t going to happen for me. It’s tough when you realize that even with a degree and passion, studios aren’t interested in newcomers without prior experience or a standout portfolio. But instead of letting that hold me back, I decided to carve my own path. I dove headfirst into indie game development, where I’ve been able to create and collaborate freely, honing my skills while building a portfolio that reflects my vision. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that sometimes, you have to create your own opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to you. I’ve also realized the importance of surrounding myself with a strong team, especially as I’m growing my creative studio.

I want people to know that I’m committed to pushing boundaries and telling stories that haven’t been told. My brand is about authenticity, representation, and innovation, and I’m building something that goes beyond just making games—I’m creating experiences that reflect a more inclusive and dynamic world. It’s been a tough road, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come and I’m excited for what’s next.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit me in LA, I’d definitely give them the full experience of the city’s underground music scene, food, and vibrant culture. Since I’m involved in DJing and underground raves, I’d kick off the week by showing them the best DJ sets and renegade raves happening in the city. We’d hit spots like Stowaway, Catch One, and The Love Song Bar downtown for some eclectic sounds, and maybe even catch one of the more secretive pop-up raves that happen around the area. It’s a vibe you can’t find anywhere else, and the energy is always incredible. Afterward, we’d probably end up in Little Tokyo for a late-night sushi fix at Sushi Takeda or Daikokuya, followed by some karaoke to keep the night going.

Throughout the week, I’d make sure to balance out the nightlife with some good food and outdoor activities. For brunch, we’d start at Met Her at a Bar—it’s one of my favorite spots with a great vibe. When we’re craving something more casual, I’d take them to Jesse Boy for Korean Fried Chicken or For the Win Burgers in Hollywood. If we’re near Burbank, I’d introduce them to Wild Carvery or Eat ‘n’ Park for something hearty. For a sweet treat, I’d take them to Crafted Donuts and Bagels in North Hollywood—because who doesn’t love a good donut?

Basketball is a huge part of my life, so we’d definitely spend some time at the local parks, like the courts on Venice Beach or other hidden gems around LA. There’s just something about playing ball with the community that feels different here—the parks, the scenery, everything is just a bit different from back home in Missouri City, TX.

I’m also a big thrifting fan, so I’d take them to my favorite spots like Second Street on Melrose or The Wasteland in Sherman Oaks. If they’re into music, we’d stop by Amoeba for some records, or if they’re into gaming, I’d take them to Game Dude, which is a must-visit for any gamer.

For a more laid-back day, we’d head down to Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, catch some sun, and people-watch. If we’re feeling artsy, we might drop by dublab studio to see who’s spinning live on the radio or hang out at my apartment to make some DJ mixes or work on new music together. By the end of the week, they’d get a full taste of the LA scene, from the underground music culture to the food and outdoor lifestyle. It’s always a fun mix of eclectic experiences, and that’s what makes LA such an exciting place to show off.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would say the biggest support group for me has been my parents who have always enabled me to do whatever it is I put my mind to. They recognize how passionate I am about the things I care about and they also pushed me to be the best version of myself always and that really made me who I am today. My dad would always say to me “Character is who you are when people aren’t looking” and my mom always promoted good learning habits, making sure I’m doing well in school and showing me with her actions what hard work looks like. A lot of times sacrifice is necessary to achieve your dream and that can mean taking risks and betting on yourself. They really showed me that I am the master of my fate and opportunity comes if you make it.

Website: https://abyeux-os.webflow.io

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abyeux.tech/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armontaeharris/

Twitter: https://x.com/azharris1964

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@abyeuxtech

Other: https://www.twitch.tv/abyeuxtech
https://linktr.ee/abyeux