At this year’s Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan, the spotlight shone brightly on the Very Big Indie Pitch competition, a dynamic event that has become a staple at gaming conventions worldwide. This unique speed-dating style format allows developers to showcase their games to a panel of expert judges, offering them a chance to receive invaluable feedback and potentially win prizes.
Insights from an Indie Developer
Among the participants was Mostafa Harb from Hyena Hon, who shared insights into their latest project, Crush!. This competitive party game invites two players to pilot the same vehicle, a concept that evolved from a game jam project featuring a duck and a worm vying for control of a spaceship. Harb explained how the game has undergone several iterations, ultimately transforming into a full-fledged experience that garnered positive reactions from attendees at the event.
Harb, alongside his co-founder Jawad Karaky, operates their indie studio from Lebanon, where the challenges of game development are compounded by the region’s economic instability. “Being an indie developer, especially in Lebanon, can be a bit difficult,” he noted. The struggle to balance passion with financial realities is a common theme among indie developers, and for Harb, the need to secure stable employment often overshadows creative pursuits.
The volatile environment in Lebanon, marked by high inflation and uncertainty, adds another layer of complexity to their journey. “You have to scrape for funding wherever and however you can to keep your dream, already battered and disfigured, from dying off completely,” he remarked, highlighting the resilience required to navigate these turbulent waters.
A Transformative Pitch Experience
Reflecting on his experience at the Very Big Indie Pitch, Harb described the initial stress of pitching to publishers, a daunting task for any developer. However, the atmosphere shifted positively as the judges engaged with Crush!, sharing in the excitement of the gameplay. “It was such a joy seeing them having fun playing it and just focused on the gameplay itself,” he recalled, emphasizing the rewarding nature of the experience.
The feedback received during the event proved to be a treasure trove of insights. Harb and Karaky diligently noted suggestions from both casual gamers and industry experts, integrating many of these ideas into their development process. “We gained more confidence about our game after seeing many happy faces (and ruined friendships) from trying Crush!,” he said, expressing hope for increased traction and funding to further realize their vision.
Future Aspirations and Projects
Looking ahead, Harb envisions expanding Crush! with the help of artists and modelers to fully realize its potential. He dreams of a game characterized by a unique cartoonish art style, diverse factions, and mechanics designed to challenge friendships. The ultimate goal is to polish the game for release on Steam, allowing players to showcase their skills in a competitive environment.
In addition to Crush!, Harb and Karaky are brimming with ideas for future projects. These concepts range from an educational cooking game focused on Lebanese recipes to a racing game that captures the unique driving challenges of Lebanon’s roads. They are also considering a narrative-driven game accessible to the visually impaired, inspired by the life of the blind poet Al Ma’arri. Each idea reflects their commitment to innovation and cultural representation in gaming.
For those eager to showcase their own exciting new games, the Very Big Indie Pitch events continue throughout the year. Keep an eye on our events page for upcoming opportunities, as applications for Pocket Gamer Connects London are now open and filling up quickly!
