In a workshop titled 'Soup to Nuts: Build a video game using Ruby' presented by Amir Rajan at RubyConf 2021, participants were guided through the process of developing video games using the Ruby programming language. The workshop focused on creating two types of games: a 2D platformer reminiscent of 'Super Mario Brothers' and a top-down RPG inspired by 'Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.' No prior game development experience was necessary, and participants were provided with a free commercial license to use the DragonRuby Game Toolkit, the game engine utilized throughout the session.

Key Points Discussed:
- Introduction and Setup: Amir began by encouraging attendees to share their favorite 2D games and outlined the workshop's structure, balancing between coding and discussions on game development.
- Experience Levels: During the session, Amir gauged the experience levels of participants in Ruby, adapting his instruction to accommodate varying skill sets.
- Game Development Basics: Participants learned to manipulate code in the DragonRuby engine, including rendering text and creating game elements such as squares and sprites.
- Event Loop and Console Use: Amir introduced attendees to the tick function, the core of the DragonRuby event loop, and demonstrated how to utilize the console for debugging.
- Testing and Prototyping: The workshop emphasized the importance of rapid prototyping and included discussions on testing methodologies, including how to implement gameplay recording and playback for debugging.
- Advanced Topics: Amir later addressed more complex topics such as VR game development and the challenges associated with rendering and game mechanics.
- Monetization and Indie Development: In the latter half of the workshop, Amir shared insights on indie game development, emphasizing the importance of targeting niche markets and building small, manageable projects rather than aiming for large-scale, blockbuster games. He discussed the potential for creators to build a sustainable income by understanding their audience and focusing on small, innovative ideas.

Conclusion and Takeaways:
Amir concluded with the takeaway that understanding Ruby and leveraging it through the DragonRuby toolkit can empower developers to create engaging and unique games. The emphasis was on iterative development, community understanding, and the strategic approach to indie game creation. Participants left with the tools and confidence to start building their games using Ruby, applying the concepts learned in the workshop, and considering how to enter the indie game market creatively and strategically.