Our community is a small one but we are for sure a vibrant and close-knit community. A community full of passionate individuals. Passionate about what? Well, games, of course. All kinds of games. This weekend saw us fellow Southeast Asians celebrate our own Indie games. In a world where mainstream gaming often takes the spotlight, The Magic Rain, a Malaysian volunteer-run org decided to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the often overlooked gems of the gaming industry – the Indie games and developers from Southeast Asia itself.

Indie Jam 2023 was held on the 18th and 19th of November at Lalaport BBCC. It was held in a food court. Yes, you heard me: A FOOD COURT. How amazing is that? And Asian… Who knew a  food court could make you feel cosy?

What exactly was Indie Jam about? Well, it specifically focused on showcasing and celebrating independent video games and their developers from our beloved region. There was plenty of entertainment for all, ranging from educational panels for people to attend, gaming showcases, artists valley (which I totally did not spend most of my time at), and a chance for everyone to get together and network.

Why are these events important you may ask? Well, these events provide a platform for our indie game creators to exhibit their work (advertising is expensive; who knew?), connect with the gaming community, and often gain exposure to other industry professionals. This gathering wasn’t just about making games; it was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the shared love for indie game development.

Game Jam Showcase

Like all other gaming events and conventions, the heart of this one was the exhibition space, where indie developers set up booths or demo stations to showcase their games. Again, this was all done in a food court. The venue was transformed into a makeshift studio, with workstations scattered throughout the space.

Attendees had the opportunity to play the games at these workstations firsthand, at the same time, providing valuable feedback and thus creating a unique experience of direct engagement between the creators themselves and the players. The stations were adorned with banners or signs showcasing pixelated art and vibrant colours. The air was filled with the hum of conversations, laughter, and the occasional excited gasp as we all bumped into people we knew.

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the ever-so-friendly face of Kabaret, Persona Theory Games’ latest addition. Who doesn’t enjoy Southeast Asian folklore and myths, right? Cellar Vault happened to be one of the booths right up front with their beautiful paper stories games. One of my favourite, hyperactive clicky mobile game Sushi POP! even made an appearance.

If you don’t know, Sushi POP! is a game where you play as a chef who runs a 5-star meow-chellin sushi restaurant, and it is made by Plink, a group of student developers. Sushi POP! was developed in just 5 days!

In the back corner, were student game developers from UOW Malaysia KDU, showcasing their games for their final year project. This was my favourite section! These developers, who work with such limited resources, showcased an unwavering commitment to their craft. Conversations with them revealed not only the technical intricacies of game development but also the personal stories and dreams that fueled their dedication.

Ghost Flower was as mesmerizing as it looked. An interesting spellcasting game, in which you play as a Lotus Resonance User called Yume. I honestly could not believe a game like this was made by students. I was amazed!

The next booth was followed by a turn-based RPG involving a cultist faction called OverThrone. The art style was unique and caught my eye. The artist was also there and drew this amazing art based on the game itself in less than an hour. How crazy is that?

The last booth was something unique. If you like mechs and kaiju, this may be your jam. Scared of the dark? Well, that’s perfect! Hazepoint is something you will have never come across before. Created and developed by just one person, this game although still in early development, shows a lot of promise.

Walking around and seeing the other gamers in attendance, they were more than just passive observers; they were all active participants in the event.

Industry-Sharing Sessions

Panels and discussions dotted the schedule, featuring industry experts, indie developers, and gaming enthusiasts alike. Topics ranged from the technical aspects of indie game development to the impact of these games on the broader gaming landscape. The discussions were not just informative but also served as a rallying cry for the importance of supporting independent creators in an industry that sometimes prioritizes big budgets over creativity.

The passionate individuals at these events formed a tight-knit community that extended beyond the physical gatherings. Their shared passion for indie games created a collaborative spirit that transcended traditional roles. Take a look at the massive lineup we had over the weekend, including our one and only Mr Toffee!

It was amazing to see so many people eagerly listening to the panels lined up. Most of the panel discussions on the second day delved into various aspects of game development, covering topics such as funding strategies, design philosophies, and the importance of community engagement. The panellists who had once been in the shoes of these aspiring developers, shared stories of their journeys, from the inception of an idea to the challenges faced during production.

These aspiring game developers soaked in the advice like sponges, learning about the importance of perseverance, the value of constructive feedback, and the role of passion in driving a project forward. The Q&A sessions became interactive workshops, with attendees seeking advice on specific development challenges they faced. The exchange of knowledge created an atmosphere of mentorship, with experienced developers guiding the next generation of indie creators.

Not to mention, we also had some big-name content creators take centre stage, to share their inspiring journeys into the gaming industry. The panellists, each with a unique background, showcased the diversity that defines the Malaysian gaming landscape. From streamers to hosts and announcers and social media influencers, these content creators had one common thread binding them together—a deep and unwavering passion for gaming. “TashBunny” told the crowd to “STAY IN SCHOOL AND GET THAT DEGREE!!!” We always love the energy she puts in!

Artists Valley

The Indie Jam 2023 event featured booths that showcased a vast array of handcrafted merchandise produced by local artists. This encompassed a diverse range of items, including keychains, stickers, art posters, jewellery, and much more. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with staff members who were more than happy to provide explanations and even offer customization options to suit individual preferences. Moreover, the prices of these handcrafted items were found to be more affordable compared to similar events held in Malaysia.

The After Jam

Good news for folks who didn’t get a chance to come down to LaLaport over the weekend. From 21 November to 4 December, The Chaam Drinkers will be streaming a bunch of the games that were showcased during the Indie Jam.

Below you’ll find the list of streamers who’ll be participating in the After Jam. Keep updated with The Magic Rain’s X to find out more about the schedules for each day.