gamescom Asia 2025 in Bangkok wasn’t just a playground for big-name developers, it was also a stage for Malaysia’s rising and established talent to showcase their creativity to the world. From indie ingenuity to beloved cultural icons, Malaysian game developers made their presence felt, drawing attention with unique gameplay, striking visuals, and stories that resonate far beyond the region.
CtrlD Studio — Defend and Dominate in Overhours
CtrlD Studio brought a fresh spin to Malaysia’s presence at gamescom Asia with their single-player action tower defense game, Overhours. Blending the intensity of an isometric shooter with strategic tower defense elements, players navigate dynamic battlefields, deploy defenses, and take aim themselves to fend off waves of enemies.
The game’s slick visuals, fast-paced combat, and tactical depth drew attention from both action and strategy fans. Overhours showcases how Malaysian developers can innovate by fusing genres, creating experiences that feel both familiar and entirely new. CtrlD Studio’s booth proved that Malaysia’s indie scene isn’t just keeping up with global trends — it’s pushing them forward.
Ammobox Studios — Building Worlds, Not Just Games
For Ammobox Studios, gamescom Asia felt more like a victory lap. Their flagship title, EXIMIUS: Seize the Frontline, has quietly grown a loyal following since launch — and now, with Season 5: Retribution, the game’s future looks stronger than ever.
What’s cool about EXIMIUS is how it fuses tactical RTS gameplay with the thrill of a first-person shooter — think commanding troops one minute and storming the battlefield the next. At their booth, visitors dove into the new content update, which adds a layer of story-driven missions and visual polish that pushes the game to a new level.
But Ammobox isn’t stopping at EXIMIUS. The studio is also collaborating on MDEC’s IP360 Metaverse initiative — a sign that they’re not just making games, but shaping Malaysia’s digital future.
Les’ Copaque Production — Upin & Ipin Goes Digital
If there was one booth that made Malaysian visitors smile, it was Les’ Copaque Production’s. The studio behind Malaysia’s most famous animated programme, Upin & Ipin, drew crowds with their latest project — Upin & Ipin Universe.
For fans who grew up watching the mischievous brothers on TV, seeing them jump into an interactive world was pure nostalgia. The game reimagines the animated series as an open, social space where players can explore, play, and connect. It’s Les’ Copaque Production’s way of taking a beloved national treasure into the digital age, and perhaps introducing Upin and Ipin to a whole new generation of players.
What stood out wasn’t just the cuteness or the brand recognition, but the sense of cultural pride it carried. Upin & Ipin Universe feels like more than a game; it’s Malaysia saying, “Hey, our stories belong in this space too.”
A New Chapter for Malaysian Games
Together, CtrlD Studio, Ammobox, and Les’ Copaque Production show the diversity of Malaysian game developers — from indie storytelling to ambitious world-building to cultural icons crossing mediums. At this year’s gamescom Asia, they weren’t just exhibitors, they were ambassadors for a scene that’s growing louder, bolder, and prouder.
