Pikselnesia found themselves on an unexpected journey when they embarked on creating Afterlove EP, a touching slice-of-life adventure game. Inspired by the remarkable storytelling from Fahmi Hasni, the creator behind Coffee Talk and What Comes After, the project took an unforeseen emotional turn following Fahmi’s untimely passing. Today, Afterlove EP makes its debut on Xbox Series X|S, emerging as a unique tribute to his legacy.
The inception of Afterlove EP was an intriguing one for us at Pikselnesia. It all began when Fahmi Hasni, one of the brightest narrative talents from Indonesia, approached us with an idea that we instantly recognized as special. However, the path it took was beyond anything we could have predicted.
My first encounter with Fahmi was an interesting one—it happened on a dating app. Our brief interactions quickly revealed that our connection was meant for something deeper than romance. Even before What Comes After began to take shape, Fahmi was already nurturing the seed of what was then known as Project Heartbreak. It didn’t have a concrete story yet, just a longing to capture the essence of love lost and the lingering echoes of a past relationship.
Tragedy struck during the early stages of production when Fahmi suddenly passed away. In the aftermath, engulfed in grief, I found myself questioning if there was anything we could have done differently. I was left with a profound emptiness and the shock of losing someone so pivotal.
Despite the immense challenge, the team and our publisher entrusted me with the role of Narrative Lead. I knew precisely how to honor Fahmi’s memory—by channeling my grief into our protagonist’s journey through despair.
As we delved into the production process in the shadow of loss, every team member felt the weight of Fahmi’s absence. Ivor, our producer, was particularly hard hit. An old friend of Fahmi’s since his days as a gaming journalist, he bore the heavy mantle of leading our studio without its guiding light. Coordinating with our publisher, Fellow Traveler, and keeping Fahmi’s family in the loop became his mission. With a solid foundation in the AAA mobile gaming sector, Ivor’s skills were undeniable, yet steering a grieving team while mourning a friend tested him to his limits.
Damas, the other co-lead, stood as a cornerstone in the Indonesian gaming scene. His studio in Bandung, Rolling Glory Jam, had previously supported us with What Comes After. Giri, another vital figure in our journey, returned as Lead Programmer for Afterlove EP, reuniting with us as part of this creative family. Our programmer, Dany, took on dual roles as Creative Director and back-end specialist for our PC and Nintendo Switch releases. Having watched these incredible individuals work alongside Fahmi in the past, I understood the depth of their sorrow while admiring their unwavering determination to bring his final vision to completion.
From early brainstorming sessions over coffee with Fahmi, it was clear that Soyatu was his choice for leading the art direction—a brilliant decision, given Soyatu’s unique style perfectly matched the game’s themes. Luckily, Pinga came on board to design backgrounds that complemented Soyatu’s vibrant characters seamlessly. When Maxi joined, it all clicked; his previous collaboration with Giri at Thinker Studio made him the perfect fit to bring this vision to life.
The team assembled for Afterlove EP was truly extraordinary—Fahmi would have accepted nothing less. His deep affection for Jakarta shaped the project, with its bustling streets, hidden culinary gems, and rich creative culture. L’Alphalpha, the shoegaze band integrated early into the project, echoed Fahmi’s emotions with their cinematically profound lyrics in Bahasa Indonesia.
Playing Afterlove EP immerses you in Rama’s world, a musician navigating life after the tragic loss of his girlfriend, Cinta, to heart disease. His grief is compounded by Cinta’s persistent voice in his mind, making healing feel impossible.
In his journey, Rama encounters choices that influence his future, faced with three new love interests, Mira, Regina, and Satria, while Cinta’s voice remains an ever-present echo in his thoughts. His band, Sigmund Feud, is barely clinging together, threatened by the chaos of personal emotions and unresolved ambitions—a struggle all too familiar to those who’ve tried to keep an indie band afloat.
Rama’s most transformative month unfolds against the backdrop of Soyatu’s stunning art, beautifully brought to life through illustrations and comics integrated throughout the game. As you guide Rama, you’ll direct his performances with the band, jamming to L’Alphalpha’s captivating soundtrack.
Central to the experience is Jakarta itself, a city infused with significance for Fahmi and our team. In exploring its alleyways and witnessing its cultural heartbeat, you might find yourself gaining a profound understanding of Fahmi’s love for this vibrant metropolis.
While there’s so much more to uncover in Afterlove EP, the true magic lies in experiencing it firsthand. I extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us—your encouragement has made Fahmi’s dream a reality. We reached the finish line, and it’s all because of you. Until our paths cross again, take care.
To step into a world where narrative adventure, visual novels, and rhythm games converge, look no further than Afterlove EP—a story crafted with love, loss, and redemption. Available now to explore on Xbox.
