Indie Publishing and Southeast Asian Game Dev with Ysbryd Games' Brian Kwek
Dec 26, 2024
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Brian Kwek, founder of Ysbryd Games, dives into the heart of indie publishing, sharing insights from his experience with impactful titles like VA-11 HALL-A and World of Horror. He discusses the importance of cultural authenticity in Southeast Asian game development and the unique challenges faced by developers in the region. Networking and mental health in the gaming community are emphasized, alongside the evolving landscape of gaming conventions post-pandemic. Kwek also teases the upcoming psychological horror game, Love Eternal, and highlights the joy of creative collaboration.
Brian Kwek emphasizes the significance of authentic passion in selecting indie games for publishing over merely following market trends.
Marketing indie games effectively amidst oversaturation requires building strong developer relationships and fostering community engagement for lasting appeal.
The Southeast Asian game development scene is evolving, with developers seeking global recognition while addressing unique regional challenges and opportunities.
Deep dives
Upcoming Concerts and Ticket Sales
Anticipation builds around several exciting concerts, including Deftones at Madison Square Garden, Eagles at The Sphere, and Foster the People at the Ryman Auditorium. Music fans are urged to act quickly, as tickets for these shows are selling fast. LiveNation.com is highlighted as the go-to platform for securing tickets before they run out. The urgency conveyed emphasizes the popularity of these events among music enthusiasts.
Global Game Commerce Solutions
Exola Payments offers a robust solution aimed at enhancing game developers' monetization efforts on a global scale. With tailored local checkout experiences, it allows players to pay using their preferred payment methods, increasing engagement and potentially boosting sales. The user-friendly interface ensures that gamers can easily make quick purchases, allowing them to resume play swiftly. Furthermore, the customizable options available, ranging from integration tools to aesthetic choices, help create a seamless purchasing experience that aligns with the game's branding.
Insights from an Indie Game Publisher
Jun Chen, the Global Expansion Lead at Xbox, engages in a conversation with Brian Quek, owner of Yuzbred Games, discussing the indie game landscape. Yuzbred Games is known for its celebrated titles like 'Valhalla' and 'World of Horror', alongside upcoming projects such as 'Demon School' and 'Love Eternal.' The discussion highlights the unique mechanics of indie game publishing, where nurturing passion among developers and fans is crucial. Quek emphasizes the need for authentic engagement within the game development community while sharing insights on managing creative teams and selecting projects.
The Importance of Game Appeal Over Market Trends
Brian Quek shares his approach to game selection, emphasizing that publishing decisions should be based on personal passion rather than solely catering to market trends. He reflects on past decisions where trying to align with market data did not yield successful outcomes. Quek advocates for a focus on the intrinsic appeal of games, believing that unique storytelling and emotional connections resonate more deeply with audiences. This perspective steers Yuzbred Games towards projects that intrigue him personally, highlighting the importance of creativity and passion in game publishing.
Navigating the Challenges of Indie Game Marketing
Quek discusses the difficulties of marketing indie games in an oversaturated market, particularly the challenge of visibility against major publishers. He points out that a game's exposure often comes down to effective marketing strategies and building developer relationships. Moreover, he expresses the need for indie titles to build a strong narrative and community engagement to foster lasting appeal. The conversation touches upon the idea that while marketing is essential, the depth and quality of the games also play a critical role in their success.
Reflections on Southeast Asia's Game Development Scene
Quek provides insights into the evolution of the gaming industry in Southeast Asia, noting that developers are gradually gaining international recognition. He acknowledges the efforts of companies like Xbox in promoting local indie games while highlighting the unique challenges faced by the region. The conversation reveals a shared aspiration among Southeast Asian developers to create meaningful games that resonate globally without solely relying on government funding. As the community strengthens, there's hope for enhanced collaboration and more diverse gaming experiences emerging from the region.
Jun Shen Chia chats with Brian Kwek, founder and owner of boutique indie publisher Ysbryd Games. Together they discuss their catalog of games such as VA-11 HALL-A and World of Horror, as well as the upcoming Love Eternal; the challenges and strategies they employ to reach potential customers; the importance of attending trade shows; how they work together with developers to help complete projects; and Brian's thoughts on the state of game dev in Southeast Asia.
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