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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

Flemish indie games shine at Gamescom with unique concepts

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Several Flemish independent game developers are presenting their unique games at Gamescom in Cologne.
  • Supported by the Flanders Audiovisual Fund, these developers are showcasing their work in the Indie Arena Booth.
  • Featured games include a gladiator simulator, a number-based puzzle game, and an interactive art game based on Edward Hopper's paintings.

Gamescom, the world's largest gaming convention, is currently underway in Cologne, Germany, providing a platform not only for major blockbusters but also for hidden gems from small, independent studios. VRT NWS highlighted several Flemish developers who, with the support of the Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF), secured a spot in the Indie Arena Booth.

For 7 years I worked on the game completely alone. In my free time, because I was also teaching part-time at Howest: Digital Arts and Entertainment.

— Jordy LakiereDescribing the development process of 'We Who Are About to Die'.

Jordy Lakiere has spent over a decade developing 'We Who Are About to Die,' a gladiator simulation game. Initially working on the project alone while teaching part-time, Lakiere transitioned to full-time development after an early access release gained significant traction. Now, with a team of three, the game is nearing completion and is being presented to the public for the first time at Gamescom.

Sam Agten, founder of studio Sixtyfour, is showcasing 'Stip' at the event. Following his previous game 'Midnight Protocol,' 'Stip' is a number-based puzzle game designed to be more accessible, inspired by Agten's mother's love for Sudoku. Despite its simpler premise, the game features intricate layers and a distinctive minimalist visual style, described by Agten as a "puzzle box."

My previous game was a fairly difficult hacking RPG, but with 'Stip' I wanted to make something that my mom could play, so to speak. Although that didn't quite work out, she still finds it too difficult.

— Sam AgtenExplaining the design philosophy behind his new game 'Stip'.

Thomas Meynen, also known as 'Waterzooi,' is presenting 'Please, Watch the Artwork.' Having previously worked with major studios like IO Interactive and Larian, Meynen's new game allows players to interact with and explore the irregularities within famous paintings. This installment focuses on the works of Edward Hopper, transforming over 40 of his pieces into an interactive experience. Meynen's previous titles, 'Please, Touch the Artwork 1 & 2,' also explored similar interactive art concepts.

I always work with real paintings: I transform them, I animate them and I add gameplay to them. I make the works interactive.

— Thomas MeynenDescribing his approach to creating interactive art games.
About this summary

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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