In the current Xbox gaming world, independent (indie) games offer a chance to delve into deep-seated human feelings. Regardless of who we are, we go through moments of love, sorrow, and mourning in life. However, everyone’s path towards understanding and dealing with these emotions is distinctive.
Transforming a deeply personal experience into a universally resonant tale, much like the Indonesian team Pikselnesia did with Afterlove EP, carries a unique charm – although it may stir some bittersweet feelings.
The Afterlove EP combines visual novel narrative, side-scrolling exploration, and rhythm game elements to narrate the tale of Rama, a budding musician residing in bustling Jakarta. Grieving over the demise of his beloved girlfriend, Cinta, Rama finds it challenging to find solace and continue with life as usual.
Rama chose to isolate himself for a year due to the pain he was feeling, stepping away from his friends, his musical group, and his music. Mourning can manifest in various forms, yet Rama’s detachment from his bandmates has negatively affected both his mental wellbeing and his relationships.
Cinta’s voice, from inside of Rama’s head, adds another layer of complexity to his grief.
Regardless of their strained connection, Rama’s musical group manages to secure a performance opportunity. With only 28 days left, the disheartened musician must fulfill the commitments he made regarding the songs to his fellow band members.
Over the course of those 28 days and nights, gamers find themselves in a prime position to delve into the vibrant city of Jakara. During this time, they will encounter scenarios where they can either repair Rama’s fractured connections or forge fresh alliances.
The Afterlove EP offers artwork reminiscent of manga, depicting Jakarta as a side-scrolling journey, highlighting the bustling cityscape filled with diverse shops where players can engage with locals. During downtime from urban exploration, both Rama and the player find relaxation through solo or group music sessions.
In Rama’s guitar game, the music notes are organized into two sequences that move from left and right sides of the screen towards the center, where they merge with the beat. This is when the rhythm gameplay of Afterlove EP really stands out, introducing an element of challenge to make the experience more engaging.
Art imitating life imitating art
As a tech-loving enthusiast, I’d like to share a deeply personal journey that lies at the heart of the creation process behind Afterlove EP, a game close to my heart. Back in 2021, I, Mohammad Fahmi, the brainchild behind Coffee Talk and What Comes After, unveiled this project.
In the spirit of fostering local talent, I had gathered a team of talented Indonesian developers under the banner of Pikselnesia to bring my vision for Afterlove EP to life. However, our journey was not without its share of heartaches and losses that have left an indelible mark on us all.
Regrettably, mere months following the announcement of his Afterlove EP (originally known as Project Heartbreak) Fahmi tragically passed away at the tender age of 32.
In a manner similar to Rama’s prolonged mourning depicted in the Afterlove EP, the team at Pikselnesia took a break from their project for around two months. Later, they invited back a previous writer from What Comes After, assigning them the position of narrative designer. Since the game had been under development for about two years before Fahmi’s demise, Pikselnesia managed to complete the game using an outline left behind by the original creator.
In February 2025, Pikselnesia finished creating the Afterlove EP, and in collaboration with their publisher, Fellow Traveller, they made the game available for PC and console platforms.
We completed your game, @fahmitsu! It wasn’t simple without you guiding us, encouraging our efforts, or adding your signature humor to boost our spirits… But we managed it. We hope this success brings a smile to your face, no matter where you are now. #FinishedYourGameFahmitsu ❤️🎮✨ February 14, 2025
Exploring cultures and life through gaming
Gaming isn’t just about escape; it can also provide an engaging platform to delve into deeper aspects of life. Titles such as Afterlove EP, Coffee Talk, and What Comes After tackle significant subjects like love, bereavement, sorrow, and fellowship in a secure and relatable manner.
In the human experience, navigating and managing intense emotions can sometimes be challenging. In the Afterlove EP, Rama encounters profound sorrow, yet with support from friends, community, and counseling, he can find a way to accept his pain and rebuild his future. The script for Afterlove EP was penned after the team’s personal tragedy involving Fahmi, adding depth and credibility to the characters and therapy scenes.
The Afterlove EP setting offers a glimpse into the culture that shaped its creators, much like real-life conversations do. Jakarta’s Blok M and Ayodya Park are vividly depicted in captivating artwork. Players will discover that the game is rich with cultural references, symbolizing various aspects of life in Indonesia, from the shops to the backdrop imagery.
The artwork in Afterlove EP, reminiscent of manga style, was created by Indonesian artist Soyatu. To mark the game’s debut, Soyatu shared a drawing on social media featuring characters Fahmi and Rama.
Beyond art and discovery, the Afterlove EP narrative also revolves around Rama’s band and their musical improvisations. Their contributions are integral to the storyline. Additionally, the music for Afterlove EP serves as a significant cultural reference, with Pikselnesia collaborating with Indonesian pop rock band L’Alphalpha to produce the game’s unique original soundtrack.
The Afterlove EP offers a captivating and significant chance to delve into Indonesian culture, dealing with weighty topics in a way that feels genuine and relatable.
Playing games can be an effective means to escape reality, yet they offer more than just that – they serve as an extraordinary platform for cultural exploration by immersing us in educational and impactful experiences. Taking on the role of Rama in Jakarta, for instance, allows us not only to share in his daily life but also to understand different cultures, music, grief, and human relationships. This journey can cultivate empathy within us and provide a deeper appreciation for various cultures and human experiences.
The Afterlove EP can be purchased now on Xbox Series X|S for $19.99. This release is part of the ID@Xbox program, an initiative that has introduced over 2,500 games to the console and amassed more than 2.5 billion dollars in revenue for independent developers and publishers since its launch in 2013.
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2025-03-19 00:12