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SEA Game Awards 2019: a showcase of Southeast Asian and Filipino talents


Malaysia’s SEA Game Awards 2019 was a showcase of Southeast Asia’s best video games, including seven from the Philippines.

SEA Game Awards 2019 was part of Level UP KL, an annual gaming conference and expo that took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from November 6 to 10.

Of the 90 games developed by studios from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam that were submitted to SEA Game Awards for consideration, 50 emerged as the finalists.

The 10 award categories honoring “outstanding, artistic, creative, technical and gameplay achievements by SEA game IPs” were received by the following six games:

 1. Gigabash by Passion Republic Games (Malaysia): Grand Jury Award, Audience Choice Award, Best Technology, Best Game Design

A game in development, “Gigabash” is an arena brawler where up to four players assume the role of giant monsters who must defeat each other in combat. Each kaiju boasts unique moves, and can use the environment to put the hurt on enemies.

2. Retrograde Arena by Freemergency (Indonesia): Rising Star Award, Best Innovation

Formerly known as “Project Retrograde,” “Retrograde Arena” is a multiplayer twin stick brawler for up to six players. Featuring physics-based mechanics and vibrant retro visuals, it tasks players with destroying their opponents by pushing them into red walls and objects.

3. When the Past was Around by Mojiken Studio (Indonesia): Best Visual Art

“When the Past was Around” is a point-and-click adventure and puzzle game about love, moving on, and letting go. Its prologue is currently available on Steam, with the full game expecting a Spring 2020 release.

4. VALZ by Klappanome (Indonesia): Best Audio

Available on the Apple App Store, “VALZ” features rhythm-based mechanics and RPG elements. Its story revolves around heroes using the powers of harmony to vanquish the monsters of discord.

5. DeLight by DreamTree Studio (Malaysia): Best Storytelling

In this story-driven adventure, a blind girl named Sammy is trying to find her parents whom she was separated from due to war. She is assisted on this journey by her only companion, a stray dog named Deli. “DeLight” is a work in progress.

6. Ano: Journeys Through Tattoos by CtrlD (Malaysia): Best Student Game

“Ano: Journeys Through Tattoos” uses Augmented Reality and storytelling to educate players about Sarawak’s indigenous tribes and their traditional hand-tapped tattoos. The game is free-to-play on Google Play.

In no particular order, the seven aforementioned finalists from the Philippines are:

1. Towertale by MiSou Games

“Towertale” is a story-driven action game where players choose any of four unique heroes, then attempt to conquer a tower populated by challenging bosses. It’s available on Steam, and will soon launch on the Nintendo Switch.

2. Academia: School Simulator by Squeaky Wheel Studio

“Academia: School Simulator” is a simulation/strategy game where you design, build, and run your own school — a task that involves managing the faculty and students. It’s available on Steam, where it continues to earn positive reviews.

3. Grand Guilds by Drix Studios

“Grand Guilds” is a fantasy RPG featuring turn-based combat, card combat mechanics, diverse heroes and villains, and a huge world to explore. It will be available on Steam and the Nintendo Switch in 2020. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One releases are also planned.

4. Pocket Family Dreams by Kooapps

Available on mobile devices, “Pocket Family Dreams” has you playing match three collapse games to design, build, and decorate your dream home, whose rooms you can then fill with a variety of colorful characters.

5. Brawl Quest: Alice Brigade by ThinkBIT Games

“Brawl Quest: Alice Brigade” is an action-packed brawler inspired by classic arcade beat 'em ups like "Streets of Rage," "Double Dragon," and "Golden Axe" as well as Philippine society and pop culture. It’s in Early Access on Google Play.

6. Jack Axe by Keybol Games and Mike Studios

“Jack Axe” is a 2D side-scrolling action platformer with a strong focus on puzzles and exploration. It features axe-throwing heroines who explore colorful worlds inspired by Filipino and Norse mythology. It will be released on the PC via Steam, and the Nintendo Switch.

7. BAYANI by Ranida Games

“Bayani” is a 1-on-1 2D fighting game inspired Philippine history, culture, and mythology. Its fighters are alternate timeline versions of national heroes such as José Rizal and Andrés Bonifacio. It’s in Early Access on Steam, where it has been reviewed positively. Mobile and console releases are also planned. — LA, GMA News

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