Gambir Studio: Minimal Government Support, Local Games Succeed in Global Market

Todaysgist.com, Jakarta – The local gaming industry in Indonesia continues to grow, despite facing various challenges, including limited government support.

This was revealed directly by Shafiq Husein, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gambir Studio during a limited interview with the media.

Challenges in Local Game Development

Although the market potential in Indonesia is huge, many local game developers face major challenges, such as funding issues and access to the latest technology.

Gambir Studio, for example, had to struggle to get adequate funding and support to develop Selera Nusantara.

“In Indonesia, there are many indie developers, so we are automatically connected to cash flow. We still need funding assistance from the government. Because I see from several other countries, funding for game developers is already underway,” he said.

It is undeniable that the gaming market in Indonesia is still not ready to generate large amounts of money from the Apple App Store or other app stores.

In fact, Indonesia itself is the largest game market in Southeast Asia with a figure reaching 45.8 percent of the total market. But in reality it is still lacking. Why?

“There are actually many factors. One of them is that the government is not focusing enough on local games in terms of achievements and positive aspects, but most of what is heard are negative things,” said Shafiq.

The mindset of many parents towards games is mostly negative. “Because user in Indonesia has gone down, finally many game developers have started tap in to the outside market.”

Currently, the Selera Nusantara game is being highlighted by the Apple App Store for the Made in Indonesia campaign which appreciates applications that promote Indonesian culture.