EVER wondered what it takes to build our own video game? Over the weekend, Malaysia hosted Alt-Shift-Play, an exhibition of contemporary Australian independent videogames, featuring some critically acclaimed video game titles alongside the rarest of cultural gems.
From award-winning titles like Cult of the Lamb to commissioned micro-games like Apartment, from the psychedelic mazes of The Catacombs of Solaris Revisited to the personal and intimate stories of Wayward Strand, this one-of-a-kind exhibition curated by Chad Toprak highlights the alternative, ever shifting, and playful landscape of Australian independent games.
The free exhibition took place from December 2 to 4, in the main hall of the landmark Muzium Telekom, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The exhibition was presented as part of Australia Now, and in partnership with the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian High Commission Kuala Lumpur.
Alt-Shift-Play aims to invite Malaysia’s game development community, game design students, and families and children to gather, play, and hear from emerging and established Australian artists and game makers. In addition to the playable games, Alt-Shift-Play featured short talks by some of the creators of the games on display, as well as hands-on workshops for artists and creatives from all levels of society.
“We are absolutely delighted to be bringing over 20 of the most exciting Australian independent games that have come out over the last five years. I am personally thrilled to be organising this event in Malaysia as it is grown to become my second home. I adore and admire the local games scene, I love the food and the art, and cannot wait to bring the exhibition to life.
"My team and I are extremely grateful for the opportunity and all the support we’ve received from the Australian government and our amazing local partners in Kuala Lumpur, and we look forward to the Malaysian community experiencing the exhibition and the rich cultural vibrancy that videogames as an artform have to offer,” said Toprak.
Some of the highlights of the weekend exhibition includes workshops by Helen Kwok, a Hong Kong-born Australian-based multimedia artist and designer who creates playful installations, experimental games, and public art activations. Her creative practice often involves blending digital and physical, crafting experiences that playfully extend beyond the screen.
Another workshop was 'Make a One-Page Tabletop Game' by Malaysian games educator Aaron Lim. The workshop will see participants make a game under multiple restrictions to practice and enhance their creativity. Workshop host Aaron Lim will be showing some examples of one-page tabletop games, explaining why these sorts of games are useful in game design practice and industry, and run participants through some methods and ideas on how to make small games quickly. No prior game design knowledge is required.
“This exciting event showcases the best of Australia’s independent videogames – which demonstrate our nation’s innovation and creativity. Australia, like Malaysia, is home to a fast-growing games industry. Our cutting-edge games studios, and our quality universities, including at the UOW Malaysia KDU campus here in KL, support students wishing to learn digital games skills and work in the field,” said Justin Lin, Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia during the launch ceremony. – The Vibes, December 4, 2022
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