Local game developers create uniquely Singaporean games to celebrate SG50

Come 1 July, the public can look forward to downloading five uniquely Singaporean games for free on Google Play and iOS App Stores, said the Media Development Authority today.

Developed by local game developers to celebrate SG50, the mobile games give players a chance to learn more about Singapore’s history, culture and iconic personalities in an interactive way.

This is an MDA-led initiative to celebrate the nation’s golden jubilee. The call for proposals in June 2014 attracted over 40 entries. Industry members were also part of the internal judging process. They include Mr David Ng, CEO of Gumi Asia, Mr Oo Gin Lee, Straits Times Digital Life Editor, Mr Albert Lim, Member of the Games Solutions Centre’s Management Committee and Mr Joachim Ng, Director of Industry Operations at the Media Development Authority.

“I am glad that the games industry is supporting SG50 in its own way. Singaporeans will be able to enjoy and relate to these one-of-its-kind, fun and engaging games made by our local game talent. I encourage everyone to play and share them with their friends and family when the games are launched”, said Mr Joachim Ng.

Four games were selected for funding by MDA. The games are Building the Lion, KAN-CHEONG! Kopitiam Saga, My Singapore City and Rickshaw Rush. The fifth game, Satay Club, which was independently developed, was also selected to be part of the SG50 games after its developer volunteered for the game to be part of the initiative.

The games were selected based on their quality and entertainment value, including how well they showcased Singapore’s unique culture and characteristics.

Mr David Ng, CEO of Gumi Asia and one of the members of the selection panel said, “When I greenlight production for games, the key factors to consider are usually market appeal and how well they capture and sustain audience attention. Most importantly however, it is about the fun factor. I believe that the games will deliver an engaging and interactive experience, and at the same time help today’s generation learn more about Singapore’s history and culture.”

A summary of the five SG50 game titles are as follows:

• Building the Lion by Swag Soft
  Build your own unique Singapore cityscape in 3D! Learn more about the nation by collecting cards featuring caricatures of famous Singaporeans, and play mini-games built around our heritage, culture, and food.

• KAN-CHEONG! Kopitiam Saga by Mojocat
  Inspired by Singapore’s Kopitiam setting, “KAN-CHEONG! Kopitiam Saga” brings out Singaporean quirks revolving around everyday situations at the Kopitiam through an exciting series of fast-paced arcade-styled-games.

• My Singapore City by Ixora Studios
  A test of speed and memory, "My Singapore City" requires players to earn and build famous Singaporean landmarks, by matching as many tiles, as fast as possible!

• Rickshaw Rush by Mojo Forest
  Race against time and ferry passengers to their destination on a rickshaw before they lose their patience! Meet and discover people along the way who have shaped Singapore’s history and culture, including the person who founded Singapore’s famous chilli crab!

• Satay Club by Afzainizam Zahari
  Relive the old days of “Satay Club”, a popular eating place located at Beach Road in the 1940s. Cook and sell satay to your “customers”, and immerse in the charming atmosphere that had made the first Satay Club a popular eating destination in Singapore for more than half a century.

More information about the games and the game developers can be found in the Annex (1.64MB).

-END-

About Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)

The Media Development Authority of Singapore (www.mda.gov.sg) promotes the growth of globally competitive film, television, radio, publishing, games, animation and interactive digital media industries. It also regulates the media sector to safeguard the interests of consumers, and promotes a connected society. MDA is a statutory board under the Ministry of Communications and Information (www.mci.gov.sg).