When I first caught wind of Afterlove EP coming to life, it was through Fahmi Hasni, the creative genius behind it. Fahmi’s storytelling prowess was evident, having already worked on Coffee Talk and What Comes After. But with Afterlove EP, there was something uniquely captivating about the way he approached the project. Who would have imagined things unfolding the way they did?
Meeting Fahmi happened through a twist of fate—a dating app, of all places. Our paths intertwined briefly, but it quickly became apparent that we were fated for a greater purpose than just a passing relationship. Long before What Comes After emerged, he spoke passionately about what he called Project Heartbreak, though he was really trying to capture that raw emotion of moving forward while haunted by love’s echoes.
When production kicked into high gear, tragedy struck: Fahmi passed away suddenly. The shock was profound, leaving me questioning what had happened. As I grappled with grief, I received the mantle of Narrative Lead, determining that our protagonist should mirror my struggle—a character destined to be tested by adversity.
As we plunged into continuing development, coping with the overwhelming void left by Fahmi, our team felt entwined in a shared tapestry of loss. Our producer, Ivor, whose ties with Fahmi spanned years, shouldered a monumental task, steering Pikselnesia through uncharted waters. His experience in the AAA mobile game industry was invaluable, but navigating a grieving team’s journey was a Herculean endeavor nonetheless.
Damas, a stalwart of Indonesia’s gaming scene, stood as our co-lead, supported by his Bandung-based studio, Rolling Glory Jam. They had anchored us during What Comes After’s debut. Working alongside Giri, another longstanding collaborator who took the helm as Lead Programmer, felt like reconnecting with an old ally. Dany, balancing duties as programmer and Creative Director, tackled the challenge with adept proficiency. Witnessing their unity drove home the significance of crafting Fahmi’s final artistic statement.
Early on, Fahmi entrusted Soyatu with art direction, believing in their ability to visually interpret Afterlove EP’s themes. In tandem with Pinga’s intricately painted backdrops, they conjured an enchanting visual experience. When Maxi entered the fold, the characters seemed to leap off the screen, a testament to both the synergy of past collaborations and undeniable artistry.
Such an ensemble could only do justice to Fahmi’s devotion to Jakarta—a lively city bursting with vibrant culture, hidden eateries, and musical richness. Fahmi enlisted L’Alphalpha, a band known for cinematic soundscapes, languidly melancholic lyrics, and an unparalleled ability to bottle emotions without letting sorrow take the lead. Together, they crafted a sound that embodied everything Fahmi dreamt Afterlove EP would evoke.
In this narrative, you inhabit Rama’s world, a musician grappling with the void left by Cinta, his lost love. Her death, caused by a heart condition, is a shadow that looms large in his life. He wrestles with loss, guilt, and a cacophony of feelings, all while her voice persists, questioning his every resolution to move on.
The path ahead offers choices—Rama must navigate friendships, face lingering doubts, and perhaps find new love amidst three suitors: Mira, Regina, and Satria. But Cinta’s presence, persistently evoking thoughts, is an echo that refuses to fade quietly.
As Rama tries to piece his band, Sigmund Feud, back together, he finds himself at odds with missed time and tangled band dynamics. For anyone who has dreamt of startup bands amid youthful ambitions, the story resonates on a human level, understanding the precarious balance straddled by dreams and reality.
As the game’s backdrop, Jakarta emerges as a character in its own right, rooted in authenticity, mirroring Fahmi’s cherished haunts. Through Soyatu’s artwork and a seamless blend of comics, character sprites, and interactive elements, players experience a vibrant take on grief in all its raw intensity.
Guiding Rama, managing the band’s morale, and enjoying L’Alphalpha’s shoegaze sound take you on a resonant journey. Exploring real Jakarta locales helps weave an even richer narrative heartbeat.
Afterlove EP invites discovery, not to be spoiled but cherished in its raw unveiling. Our journey, as a team, has been punctuated by your support, allowing us to bring Fahmi’s legacy to fruition. As the story reaches its close, heartfelt gratitude fills the space he left behind. Until our paths cross again, dear friends.
