On February 12, 2015, Inflexion Point Capital (IPC) and Unity came together to launch the first major yearly international Tokyo-based event dedicated entirely to indie game developers, known as the Tokyo Indie Fest (TIF). This event would take place over a period of three days, May 8–10, in Akhibara, the spiritual home of Japanese video gaming.
For the three days at TIF, over 100 (local and international) indie studios and developers for smartphones, consoles, PC and more, share their latest creations with local gamers, and participate in workshops discussing some of the key issues surrounding the business of being an indie. Major publishers and investment teams also attend the event. The international presence highlights how interest in Japan as both a market and source of inspiration remains strong.
Last weekend then, on May 10, 2015, Rumpus Animation’s ingenuity and hard work, as well as Chorus Worldwide’s efforts in translating and publishing The Adventures of Bertram Fiddle for Asia really paid off. Of the five award categories (Visuals, Audio, Game Design, Narrative and Technology), Episode 1 of The Adventures of Bertram Fiddle was declared as the Best Narrative. Shintaro Kanaoya, CEO and Founder at Chorus Worldwide, accepted the award on behalf of Seb Burnett, Creative Director and Illustrator at Rumpus Animation. Burnett was not only responsible for writing and illustrating Bertram Fiddle, he also co-produced and co-directed the game.
Chorus Worldwide’s ideals resonate with those of TIF. It helps Western developers in maximizing their potential in Japan, and also assists Japanese games in reaching a wider audience abroad. Chorus Worldwide, therefore, breaks down the cultural and commercial barriers and allows great experiences to flow freely between the two worlds.
The rest of the winners include HISTORIA: Embers of Fate by Pheonix Studios for Best Visuals, THUMPER by Drool for Best Audio, GALAK-Z by 17-Bit for Best Game Design, and A Walk Through an Old School by Irondrill for Best Technology.
Shintaro Kanaoya, representing Rumpus/Chorus Worldwide, stands second from the left.
A freelance writer and editor with an appreciation for art, emotion, adventure, unusual ideas, all things Lovecraftian and retro-electro-disco-pop. A (day)dreamer – maladaptive almost.
