Honoring a Legacy: How the Developers of Afterlove EP Continued the Game After Its Creator's Passing

Game development is often fraught with challenges, and it's not uncommon for the original creator to leave a project before its completion. However, the circumstances surrounding Afterlove EP are particularly tragic. The music-driven narrative game was first unveiled in December 2021 during Nintendo's Indie World showcase, but just a few months later, the game's creative director, Mohammed Fahmi, passed away. His sudden death was a significant loss, especially considering his impact on Indonesia's growing indie scene through his breakout game, Coffee Talk, and the remote team he assembled for Afterlove EP, Pikselnesia. Despite the difficulties, the team found a way to press on, driven by their desire to honor Fahmi's vision. After a period of mourning, the team reconvened, determined to finish the game. As game director and programmer Dany notes, "We all agreed that our hearts couldn't let his vision go to waste, and we had to finish the game, no matter what." Afterlove EP recently resurfaced at LudoNarraCon, with a free Steam demo and a release window set for Q3 2024. The game's premise, which deals with grief and moving on after a loved one's untimely passing, takes on a poignant significance in light of Fahmi's death. The cause of his passing was never publicly confirmed, although it was reported that he had been suffering from asthma. The game's narrative follows protagonist Rama as he navigates his relationship with Cinta, who also struggles with respiratory issues, and the urgent messages he receives too late. The parallels between the game's story and the team's personal experience are undeniable. According to Dany, "With Fahmi's passing, we were all experiencing the feeling that Rama feels, and we understand what he's going through very intimately." The team has worked to stay true to Fahmi's vision, with game producer Ivor Dwitomo explaining that Fahmi's story outline was well-documented before his passing, and the big direction decisions for the game were clear. While there was still much work to be done in breaking down the narrative into scenes and dialogue, the team was aided by Sasha Ariana, who had worked closely with Fahmi as a writer on his previous games. Ariana stepped in as the game's narrative lead, helping to guide the new writers and ensure that Fahmi's vision for the story was maintained. Another key team member, lead programmer Giri Prahasta Iruma, has been instrumental in keeping the team on track, with his extensive knowledge of Fahmi's discussions and decisions. The game's choice-based narrative allows players to shape Rama's journey as he navigates his grief and tries to move on. The story takes place over a 30-day period, with a Persona-inspired calendar structure, and features a mix of emotional moments, including some humorous and lighthearted scenes. As Dwitomo notes, "Sadness and grief will not dominate the story – all emotional aspects will be there. This is more about Rama's future than his past." One of Fahmi's key goals for the game was to showcase Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, and the team has worked to incorporate authentic elements of the local culture, including songs from Jakarta-based band L'alphalpha. The game's release will be a testament to the team's dedication to honoring Fahmi's legacy. While the future of Pikselnesia, Fahmi's studio, is uncertain, the team hopes to move on to new projects and tell new stories once the game is complete. As Dwitomo reflects, "We don't know what will happen in the future, but I have the feeling the team will meet again to make something."