Depok-Dozens of students from the Media Production study program, Vocational Education Program, Universitas Indonesia (UI), shared their experiences while participating in the series of Indonesian Game Day (HARGAI) 2024 last August. HARGAI 2024 is an annual event held by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia as a form of celebration for game developers, users, and publishers in order to commemorate Indonesian Game Day which falls every August 8 since 2016.
The Media Production Study Program, which has one of its concentrations in games, has been a member of the Indonesian Game Association (AGI) since 2022, and had the opportunity to attend and try various games created by the nation’s children. A total of eight games were presented at the exhibition, namely Lokapala (Anantarupa Studio, Jakarta); Paw Rumble (GrinSmile Studio, Surabaya); Kuliner Selera Nusantara (Gambir Studio, Sleman); Epic Conquest 2 (Gaco Games, Surakarta); MARBEL TK PAUD (Educa Studio, Salatiga); Warteg Gelora (Megaxus Infotech, Jakarta); Where is My Cat (SLAB Games, Bali); and Dadoo (Algorocks, Malang).
Dani Bintang Aprilyanto, one of the Media Production students who attended the event, said that the event was a golden opportunity for them to get to know and reflect on how to play an important role in introducing Indonesia’s richness to the world through digital products such as games. Bintang said, “This exhibition also provides an opportunity for Indonesian game developers to showcase their game works that have thematic characters and characteristics in accordance with the rich elements and values of Nusantara culture.”
(Photo: Various game works made by Media Production students)
On that occasion, Media Production students also had the opportunity to meet people who are directly involved in the game industry and communicate with video game industry players. Maulana Putra Alvian, another Media Production student, added that the activity provided new insights, one of which was the innovation that offered the younger generation to always innovate. “We saw and tried various games that were exhibited. These games encourage us to continue to be creative and highly dedicated to creating game products with fresher colors and stories,” said Alvian.
Head of the Media Production Study Program, Ngurah Rangga Wiwesa, M.I.Kom., said that the students’ participation in the exhibition was part of direct learning from game industry experts. “The various works of Media Production study program students are also expected to ‘nudge’ game lovers, both in Indonesia and the world. We strive to provide interesting and practical experiences for students so that they are motivated to create their creative works,” said Rangga.
Media Production study program students have produced various original game works, such as Lodaya Conquest, Wetani, Isolate, Outpost, Caroline, and others. They hope that the games they have created can get appreciation and be known by many people, so that they can make UI Vocational proud.
