Hello, Lightbearers!
We’ve made it back from Germany, with lots to talk about… Now that we’ve had a moment to catch our breath.
This was not our first time being at Gamescom. Our team was in Cologne back in 2023, showcasing LightSup!. However, this year was the first time we had our very own booth for LightSup! As part of the Thailand Game Pavilion.
"We saw strangers turn into teammates within minutes. That’s exactly what we dreamed this game could be."
"Great" feels like an understatement. “Surreal” might be more accurate; the entire event was overwhelming in the best way possible. Honestly, we were a bit nervous at first. Would they get the culture and humor? Seeing players and developers from so many countries walk up and instantly get into the chaos…
Until the laughter, the shouting, the dancing at the altar... it all clicked. We saw strangers turn into teammates within minutes. That’s exactly what we dreamed this game could be.
"Players are amazing at breaking your game in ways you never expected."
While watching people play, we realized quickly there were things we didn't even think about while making and testing LightSup! The tutorials were one such moment where we realised: Players are blowing right past the tutorials. We've got to find a way to get them to pay attention so they'll actually learn what's going on and understand the game.
Players are amazing at breaking your game in ways you never expected. We also noticed some players tried to solo the rituals while others completely ignored the light system, which told us that we need better onboarding or feedback.
We also saw some beautiful moments, like a parent and child playing together and figuring out how to “pray” to the altar in sync. It reminded us that LightSup! has that magical ability to connect people, regardless of age or skill level. Watching these moments, you get a true sense of how important this feedback is. This is not just gathered through surveys but also by observing how players interact in person. Without it, developing a game based on a singular, internal perspective can often lead to cognitive bias and a narrow focus on specific design vectors.
It’s everything. You spend months and years crafting systems, but until real players touch them, you’re still in the dark. Diversified feedback offers a multi-faceted analysis, allowing us to identify and integrate previously unconsidered elements.
The most valuable part is the emotional response. That’s what we have done so far. If people are smiling, laughing, yelling “Nooo!” together—that’s the best design signal we could ask for.
"If Gamescom has us, we’ll be back. Hopefully, with even crazier future new games."
The short answer is: Yes, we will! Cologne is such a special place for us. It’s where we first showcased LightSup! At Devcom back in 2023, it felt like coming full circle this year. I love the energy here. If Gamescom has us, we’ll be back. Hopefully, with even crazier future new games. (LightSup! 2 maybe!?)
Gamescom hardly marks the end of our events this year. Before 2025 is up, we’re continuing to take LightSup! Across the world.
"Our PC release is planned for late 2025, and the console launch follows in 2026."
Next up, we’re taking LightSup! to the Tokyo Game Show 2025 this September for our biggest event and booth yet, all with our awesome partners at Red Dunes Games! We've got a special gift ready for everyone who drops by our booth at TGS. Followed shortly by the October Steam Next Fest and then headed home, right where we created the game for Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2025, with a huge surprise planned in October as well.
Needless to say, our team will be very busy! Our PC release is planned for late 2025, and the console launch follows in 2026. We also hope to do local showcases back home in Thailand, especially to inspire students and young developers.
With all that said, our team has one final thought about Gamescom 2025: It was an awesome opportunity to bring a small indie game from Thailand and let players worldwide enjoy it.
We’d like to give a big heartfelt THANK YOU. To the organizers, everyone who dropped by, and fellow indie teams who cheered us on, being an indie from Thailand, showing your game on a world stage can feel intimidating. But the kindness and support we received reminded us that games really do transcend boundaries. See you again at the future Gamescom. Thanks for everything.
-Bugbilo Studio 💛