Streamline Studios and Les Copaque’s Upin & Ipin Universe is a case of a Malaysian-made game built to fulfil shareholder obligations – released in its current buggy state and costing more than it delivers.
Add to that workforce drama and public relations firefighting.
On the flip side, there is Artis Impact, showing exactly what Malaysia’s video game creation scene needs.
Artis Impact is a solo-developed role-playing game from Mas, clearly influenced by past titles like Nier Automata and Undertale. Released last week, it offers a six- to 10-hour experience, focused squarely on aesthetics, narrative, and polished gameplay.
It is the result of a passion for games and interactive art, made for an appreciative audience that enjoys concise but memorable experiences.
As of now, the PC and console Malaysian-made indie title has received over 1,000 Steam reviews – from professional critics and regular players. Its only major criticism is the lack of challenge.
Despite that, everything else feels well-crafted, as if the developer worked free from undue pressure.
It does make you wonder why a supposedly big-budget title like Upin & Ipin Universe – backed by significant marketing and an existing fanbase – has managed fewer than 100 Steam reviews.
While not a new phenomenon, Malaysia now has two recent examples showing the good and the bad of video game development. It’s obvious – we want less of the former and more of the latter. With measured, non-blind support, the local industry can grow and earn the respect it deserves.
Short Beats
Ratatan, the spiritual successor to real-time strategy rhythm game Patapon, is out next month on Sept 19 in Early Access for PC (Steam).
Asian game developer Pearl Abyss will be delaying its upcoming triple-A open-world action adventure Crimson Desert to Q1 2026. It was originally slated for late 2025.
Two-player co-op puzzle game LEGO Voyagers will be out for PC and consoles on Sept 15.
First-person action pirate game Davy X Jones will launch in Early Access for PC (Steam) on Aug 28.
Konami’s eFootball gets a major 5.0.0 update, adding stadium customisation and 80 gameplay tweaks.
Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka said on a DarkSwitch interview that he would love to work on a Resident Evil soundtrack.
Graphics card makers Nvidia and AMD have reached a deal to give the US a cut of China’s AI chip sales.
Bandai Namco will be announcing a Tales of Xillia remaster collection next week on Aug 18, according to rumours.
Op-Ed
We interviewed a Riot Games artist and asked his thoughts on artificial intelligence art encroaching into game development.
Games Out This Week
Drag x Drive – a new 3-versus-3 wheelchair basketball game for Nintendo Switch 2. Use Joy-Con 2’s mouse mode and motion controls to slam dunk your way to victory.
Ra Ra Boom – a 2D beat-em-up starring ninja cheerleaders trapped on a future Earth overrun by rogue AI, featuring both melee combat and guns.
Touhou Kinjoukyou ~ Fossilized Wonders – the latest bullet hell entry from Team Shanghai Alice for PC (Steam). Play as Reimu and Marisa, combining eight unique “Anomaly Stones” to fight off anomalies in 2D shoot-em-up style.
Recommended Viewing
Companies like Visa and Mastercard are censoring merchants such as itch.io and Steam from selling adult titles due to “social taboo”. YouTube creator TheOtherFrost has plenty to say on government and merchant censorship.
