When the concept of Afterlove EP was first introduced to us at Pikselnesia by Fahmi Hasni, one of Indonesia’s most prolific storytellers, we immediately sensed the potential behind the idea. Little did we know, it would take us on an unexpected and deeply personal journey.
I had an unconventional first meeting with Fahmi; we crossed paths via a dating app, and after a brief interaction, it became evident that our connection was not destined for romance. Instead, we were meant to collaborate on something far more meaningful. Even before the inception of What Comes After, Fahmi was already nurturing the seed of what he referred to as Project Heartbreak. At that stage, it was less a narrative and more a feeling—a poignant exploration of love lost and the struggle to move beyond it while still haunted by the memory of that love.
But just as we were diving deep into production, tragedy struck—Fahmi passed away unexpectedly. Those were months filled with intense sorrow and contemplation, wondering if there was any way the outcome could have been different. Losing Fahmi was a shock that rippled through our team.
When the responsibility fell to me as the Narrative Lead, I knew the direction we had to take. Our protagonist, like me, would face the same emotional turmoil.
I intended to make him endure his own inferno.
In continuation of the project without Fahmi, the void he left behind was immense, and every team member felt it. Our producer, Ivor, who had known Fahmi from his time as a gaming journalist, faced the task of leading the studio in his absence. Managing Pikselnesia, liaising with our publisher Fellow Traveler, and maintaining communication with Fahmi’s family was his new reality. Although his previous experience in the AAA mobile game industry was substantial, navigating a team through grief while also mourning a friend was an uphill battle.
Damas, a stalwart in the Indonesian gaming scene and head of our ally studio Rolling Glory Jam, stood by us through the release of What Comes After. And then there was Giri, my old accomplice from the same project. Working with him again, now as Lead Programmer for Afterlove EP, felt like reconnecting with an old ally. Dany, taking on dual roles as programmer and Creative Director, kept the gears turning for our PC and Nintendo Switch versions. Every one of these individuals had been partners in Fahmi’s vision before, and while I could never fully comprehend the depths of their sorrow, I felt their unwavering commitment to finishing Fahmi’s final opus.
From the early days of our collaboration, Fahmi had envisioned Soyatu as the game’s art director. With their distinctive style, merging Soyatu’s characters with Pinga’s evocative background art created a seamless aesthetic synergy. When Maxi, a familiar face from Thinker Studio, joined in, the animation brought Soyatu’s characters to vivid life.
This dynamic was essential to breathe life into Fahmi’s dream. Fahmi’s love for Jakarta was woven into every aspect of Afterlove EP. The city’s bustling streets, secret eateries, and vibrant art and music scene infused Fahmi’s work with unique warmth. His collaboration with the shoegaze band L’Alphalpha, known for their cinematic sound and emotional lyricism, became integral to the game, embodying themes of pain touched by hope.
In Afterlove EP, the player inhabits Rama’s world, a musician reeling from the loss of his girlfriend, Cinta, who succumbed to a heart condition. Though the sorrow of her absence is palpable, her voice lingers in Rama’s mind, echoing through his thoughts and complicating his journey to move forward.
As Rama embarks on this path towards healing, he encounters potential new loves with Mira, Regina, and Satria, yet Cinta’s presence never fades entirely. In parallel, his band, Sigmund Feud, teeters on the brink, affected by his detachment during his grieving. Returning to find that his presence complicates matters further, the stakes grow high. Those familiar with the trials of forming a garage band with friends will recognize the struggles with personal conflicts and competing dreams, moments when everything seems on the verge of falling apart.
During this transformative month of Rama’s life, players experience Soyatu’s artistry, both in interactive sprites and beautifully integrated comics that enhance the narrative. With the chance to influence Rama’s musical performances alongside the band’s rhythm sessions and live gigs, set against L’Alphalpha’s hypnotic soundtrack, the game truly lives.
Jakarta itself, depicted authentically, is a vital part of Afterlove EP. It was not only Fahmi’s muse but also a character within the narrative. Someday, perhaps you’ll explore Jakarta’s streets and grasp Fahmi’s adoration for the city firsthand.
There are layers of depth I could delve into, but I leave it for you to unfold as you engage with Afterlove EP. With immense gratitude for every supporter of this project, we cross this finish line, ensuring Fahmi’s masterpiece reaches the world. Until we cross paths again, take care, friends.
