My Father Lied From Iraqi Studio Lunar Games Shines at gamescom asia 2024
sexta, 25 de outubro de 2024 01h 24min
My Father Lied, developed by Lunar Games Ltd and set to release in February 2025, draws inspiration from 7,000 years of Mesopotamian history, modern-day Iraq. With simple point-and-click mechanics, the game guides players through exploration and puzzle-solving, progressively uncovering the mystery at its core. The gameplay emphasizes discovery, requiring players to piece together information as they advance through each challenge.
What sets the game apart is its unique development approach, blending 2D and 360-degree images, along with frame-by-frame cutscenes. This artistic direction ensures a visually captivating experience while remaining compatible with lower-spec devices. The game’s graphical appeal complements the immersive world that My Father Lied seeks to create.
The carefully composed soundtrack is designed to elevate the emotional impact of key story events, while seamlessly integrating with puzzle segments. The music enhances the game’s tone, drawing players deeper into the story. Throughout the game, unexpected twists keep the players engaged, challenging them to reconsider their assumptions as they progress.
Inspired by titles like MYST, Heaven’s Vault, and the works of H. P. Lovecraft, My Father Lied delivers an experience that blends history, mystery, and a sense of unease. The narrative complexity ensures that players remain intrigued, while the simple yet engaging gameplay mechanics keep the story flowing smoothly.
The journey to create the game began when writer and filmmaker Ahmed Alameen was invited to collaborate on a game by a former college friend. Although the initial team eventually disbanded, the core idea persisted. Determined to bring the story to life, Alameen learned 3D modeling and Unreal Engine, completing the project with his own skills and inspiration, culminating in the birth of My Father Lied.
Ahmed Alameen had the opportunity to showcase My Father Lied at gamescom asia 2024, where he highlighted the event's importance for his studio, Lunar Games. Reflecting on his experience, Ahmed shared, "Gamescom was great. I was able to meet with many publishers and investors who showed interest in my game, especially because it is from and about Iraq, presented in a more positive way." He also appreciated the feedback from players and developers who enjoyed the demo, viewing the event as a successful introduction of a new studio to Southeast Asia.
Alameen further emphasized that gamescom asia is a key event for new developers wanting to showcase their games and enter the Asian market. "I was able to connect with many media and marketing companies from that region," he added. This interaction not only strengthened the studio's connections but also provided Alameen with valuable insight into the local market expectations, reinforcing his commitment to bringing My Father Lied to a broader audience.