Why We Started A Game Studio Straight Out Of School | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts

• Saddap: A co-op cooking and adventure game set in Southeast Asia, developed by Copi Forge.
• Co-op Gameplay: The game features two distinct roles – the Cook (Som) and the Hunter (Gone) – requiring teamwork and coordination.
• Asset Creation Pipeline: The process of creating game assets, from initial concept art to 3D modeling and implementation.
• Game Development Roles: The diverse roles within a game development team, including programming, art, game design, and UI/UX design.
• Indie Game Development: The challenges and rewards of creating and releasing a game independently, outside of large studio structures.
• UI/UX Design: The process of designing user interfaces and user experiences to ensure a game is intuitive and enjoyable.

From Rejection to Release: The Story of Copi Forge and Saddap

The gaming industry currently boasts approximately 3.4 billion players across PC, console, and mobile platforms, making it a massive global market. Copi Forge, a game development studio founded by Jay and Toy, emerged from a frustrating job search within this competitive landscape. Unable to secure employment after graduation, they decided to “hire themselves” and embark on creating their own game.

The Genesis of Saddap: Southeast Asian Flavors and Co-op Chaos

Saddap, meaning “tasty” or “delicious” in Malay, is a cooking game uniquely infused with adventure elements and set in Southeast Asia. The gameplay centers around two players: Som, the cook, and Gone, the hunter. Som prepares dishes based on orders displayed on screen, navigating through approximately 10 recipes per level across 42 levels, while Gone ventures out to gather the necessary ingredients. The core concept was inspired by the popularity of the co-op party game Overcooked, with Jay envisioning a fusion of its chaotic gameplay with the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. The game features dishes like goring with curry, chicken rice, pineapple fried rice, and sambal sautong – a personal favorite of Toy’s, which she specifically included in the game.

From Classroom Project to Potential Release

The project originated as a final year project at the School of Art, Design and Media in 2019, culminating in graduation in 2023. Initially a solo endeavor for Jay, he quickly realized the breadth of skills required for game development and recruited Toy, recognizing her artistic talent. Toy was drawn to the project due to the fun and visually interesting nature of food as a subject matter.

Following their graduation show, a local publisher/incubator expressed interest, deeming the project promising for a full release. However, the founders initially considered gaining industry experience first. They quickly discovered the challenging job market, even for experienced professionals with 10-20 years in the field, making securing employment as fresh graduates nearly impossible. This led them back to the decision to pursue Saddap independently.

The Copi Forge Workflow: Art, Programming, and Design

Copi Forge’s current office serves as the hub for their operations. The development process involves a clear division of labor:

• Art (Toy): The process begins with quick sketches – concept art – to visualize assets. For example, a monkey monster required multiple iterations and weeks of refinement before a final design was settled. Modeling involves breaking down objects into basic shapes; a tray is described as a “flattened cylinder.”
• Programming (Sing Ching): Sing Ching, the technical lead, is responsible for the game’s code, controlling everything from character movement to camera behavior. He emphasizes that every action within the game is driven by code.
• Game Design & UI/UX (Barry): Barry focuses on the player experience, designing how information is presented within the game – health bars, experience points, and other crucial elements. This involves extensive brainstorming, market research, and ensuring the game is enjoyable for the team themselves.

Challenges and Team Dynamics

Running an independent studio presented numerous challenges, particularly in areas outside of their formal education. Jay admitted to having “zero knowledge” of business and finance, skills essential for managing a company. Funding was secured through grants from gaming companies like Xbox and PlayStation, requiring careful budgeting and resource allocation.

The team acknowledges the emotional toll of independent development, with each member experiencing moments of doubt and considering giving up. However, they emphasize the importance of mutual support and a shared vision. Jay highlights the need to balance team morale and avoid becoming overwhelmed by setbacks.

A Turning Point: Recognition and Validation

A significant turning point came when Copi Forge participated in a gaming convention in Kuala Lumpur, where they won the “Best Student Game” award. This recognition was particularly meaningful as they had founded the company out of a necessity to find work in an industry that had initially rejected them. The award validated their efforts and strengthened their resolve to continue.

Personal Connections and Future Aspirations

The founders share a deep personal connection to gaming, stemming from childhood experiences. For Toy, it was an outlet for creativity, while for Jay, it provided an escape from a lack of engagement with traditional schooling. They both express gratitude for the opportunity to meet their idols within the industry.

Looking ahead, Copi Forge is already working on a second, food-related game, leveraging the lessons learned from developing Saddap. They hope their journey will inspire other small teams to pursue independent game development and create “entirely human-made games.”

Notable Quotes

• Jay: “So, we decided to hire ourselves.” – Reflecting their entrepreneurial spirit and determination.
• Jay: “If we gave up on this then that basically meant like giving up on the industry for now.” – Highlighting the significance of the award and their commitment to their vision.
• Toy: “I think the most difficult part of running a company is picking up all the stuff that you didn't learn at school.” – Acknowledging the practical challenges of entrepreneurship.

Data and Statistics

• 3.4 billion: Approximate number of players in the gaming industry (PC, console, and mobile).

Conclusion

Copi Forge’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and teamwork. From facing initial rejection to achieving recognition with Saddap, they have demonstrated the potential for independent game developers to thrive. Their journey underscores the importance of embracing challenges, learning from experience, and maintaining a shared vision, ultimately contributing to the vibrant and evolving landscape of the gaming industry.