Gamescom 2024: Indonesian and Philippine Pavilions Showcase Southeast Asian Game Development
In the Gamescom Business Area, accessible only to industry professionals, global game industry representatives convene to showcase new products, negotiate deals, and network. A notable feature of this area is the country pavilions, which often unite various studios from a single nation, promoting both their games and cultural elements. We examined the pavilions from Indonesia and the Philippines to provide insight into their offerings.
Indonesian Pavilion: A Dynamic Showcase
Our visit to the Indonesian pavilion, a tradition since 2019, revealed a vibrant and eye-catching stand in Hall 3. Positioned among European industry leaders such as the UK and France and Asian behemoths like South Korea, the open-concept stand prominently displays games from Indonesia. The pavilion’s staff comprised a diverse group of ministry representatives, Asosiasi Game Indonesia (Games Association Indonesia) members, and indie developers. Traditional batik attire and Indonesian culinary specialities, including iced coffee, contribute to the cultural atmosphere.
We had the opportunity to engage with several indie studios:
In collaboration with Fat Raccoon Games and Niji Games, Authentic Remixes presented “Kidbash: Super Legend.” This unique platformer, reminiscent of Super Mario and Sonic, features characters from forgotten franchises in a colourful adventure with a nostalgic plastic aesthetic. The 2D platformer with roguelike elements is slated for PC release on Steam in 2025.
Agate, a prominent games producer and publisher, showcased two titles:
Klapanom, an indie studio from Malang, made a comeback after a pandemic-induced hiatus. They presented “Valz,” a rhythm RPG with a sci-fi rock opera theme. The game features an engaging electro soundtrack and a distinctive futuro watercolour style.
Oray and Plexus studios offered glimpses of their upcoming titles, including the horror game “2:38 Curse Of The Unborn” and the 90s-inspired cosy game and tavern management sim “Blue Cut Hook.”
The Indonesian pavilion effectively showcased cultural elements and the country’s diverse game landscape, demonstrating a positive and open approach to international engagement.
Philippine Pavilion: A Business-Oriented Approach
While less prominently located, the Philippine pavilion hosted several renowned game developers from the country. Funded by an EU program, the stand’s design emphasised professionalism over cultural representation, focusing primarily on economic aspects rather than tourism or cultural promotion.
Among others, two notable developers presented their projects:
While the Philippine presence at Gamescom is commendable, the future of their participation remains to be determined due to the EU-funded program’s conclusion.
Conclusion
The presence of Indonesian and Philippine pavilions at Gamescom 2024 underscores the growing importance of Southeast Asian game development on the global stage. Indonesia’s approach is an exemplary model for promoting cultural heritage and gaming innovation. The absence of other Southeast Asian countries, such as Singapore and Thailand, highlights the need for more active government support in promoting game development to maintain competitiveness in the global market.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for Southeast Asian countries to seize opportunities like Gamescom to showcase their talent and creativity, foster international collaborations, and expand their presence in the global gaming community.
