Continuing the Legacy: How the Developers of Afterlove EP Moved Forward After the Creator's Passing

The world of game development is no stranger to unexpected twists and turns, but few are as poignant as the story of Afterlove EP. First unveiled in December 2021, this music-centric narrative game was the brainchild of Mohammed Fahmi, a beacon in Indonesia's burgeoning indie scene. Tragically, Fahmi passed away just a few months later, leaving his team to pick up the pieces and decide whether to push forward with the project. In the aftermath of Fahmi's passing, the team at Pikselnesia, the studio he founded, took a three-month hiatus to grieve and reflect on their next steps. Ultimately, they decided to press on, driven by a shared determination to bring Fahmi's vision to life. "We couldn't let his dream go to waste," says game director and programmer Dany, capturing the sentiment that propelled them forward. The journey has not been without its challenges. Afterlove EP is a game about navigating grief and finding a way to move on after a loved one's untimely passing, a theme that resonates deeply with the team's personal experiences. As they delved deeper into the project, they found themselves drawing parallels between the game's narrative and their own emotional journeys. "We're all experiencing the feeling that Rama, the protagonist, feels, and we understand what he's going through very intimately," Dany reflects. Despite the emotional weight of their task, the team has remained committed to Fahmi's original vision. They have worked tirelessly to break down the narrative into scenes and dialogue, a process that has involved writing over 100,000 words. Fortunately, Fahmi had left behind a well-documented story outline, which has served as a guiding light for the team. His clarity of purpose has been invaluable, with game producer Ivor Dwitomo noting, "He knew what he wanted for sure. The big direction decisions for Afterlove EP from start to end were very clear." The team has also been aided by the presence of Sasha Ariana, a writer who had worked closely with Fahmi on previous projects. She has stepped into the role of narrative lead, helping to guide the new writers and ensure that Fahmi's vision remains at the forefront of the game. Another key team member is lead programmer Giri Prahasta Iruma, who has been instrumental in pooling the team's knowledge and keeping the project on track. As Afterlove EP nears its release, the team is eager to share their creation with the world. The game promises to be a poignant exploration of grief, love, and moving forward, set against the vibrant backdrop of Jakarta's W Bloc. With its unique blend of music, narrative, and player choice, Afterlove EP is poised to leave a lasting impact on players. While the team's future beyond this project is uncertain, they remain hopeful that they will have the opportunity to tell new stories and continue Fahmi's legacy.