APU Game Developers Rise Through Innovation and Impact

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Students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) once again demonstrated their creative and technical prowess on a competitive stage, standing proudly on the winners’ podium at the Games for Change Student Game Jam KL, part of Indie Jam 2026, organised by The Magic Rain. 

On 5 April 2026, competing alongside talented teams from various institutions, APU students clinched three major wins, reaffirming the University’s strength in game development education. 

Triple Wins Reflect Depth of Talent

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APU’s presence at the game jam was marked by an impressive sweep of accolades. Team Dinnerbone won the Grand Prize, while a cross-institutional collaboration, Team Fih — featuring APU students Song Joe Han, Ngan Fai Yui, and Veristian Joe Arvico— earned 3rd Place. 

To top it all off, APU graduates and the first game project under their incubation programme, Dreamonaut Studio, represented by Brenden Tan Poh Guan, achieved Runner-Up in the Pitch Competition held in conjunction with the event. They were pitching their upcoming project, FiresOut!, which is currently available on Steam. 

This triple win not only reflects individual excellence but also highlights the depth and versatility of APU’s game development talent pool, nurtured under the School of Computing. 

From Classroom to Global Stage

At the centre of this achievement is Team Dinnerbone — Azar Ali Shaikh, Azwa Al Islam, Kaysan Mohamed Rifath, and Dominic Chong Fu Nien — all currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Games Development at APU. Their victory earned them a RM30,000 scholarship and an opportunity to present their work at the upcoming Games for Change Hong Kong 2026, scheduled for 27 May 2026 at The University of Hong Kong. 

Their winning game, Bear and Weevil vs Evil, is a playful yet thought-provoking project that blends humour with environmental storytelling. The game follows two unlikely heroes — Bear and Weevil — whose peaceful lives on a floating rainforest island are disrupted by EvCo, a corporation intent on building a massive data centre in their natural habitat. (Experience the game here: https://starrystuff.itch.io/bear-and-weevil-vs-evil) 

The Game Jam Experience in Action

According to Mr Yee I-Van, Games Ecosystem Manager at APU, success in game jams extends beyond technical mastery. 

“Building a game like Bear and Weevil vs Evil typically requires a blend of core game development skills, strong interpersonal collaboration, and even a flair for humour,” he explained.

Game jams, by design, challenge participants to conceptualise, develop, and deliver a playable product within a very compressed timeframe. Students are expected to work with tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot, requiring them to focus not only on functionality but also on crafting an enjoyable player experience. 

“In these sorts of environments, roles are fluid,” Mr I-Van added. “Programmers may step into art creation, while designers might assist with implementation. Everyone contributes where needed, even voice acting or sourcing sound effects. That dynamic is what makes the experience both challenging and exciting.” 

Building Industry-Ready Skills

Beyond competition, game jams serve as intensive learning platforms that mirror real-world development cycles. Students engage in rapid prototyping, iterative testing, and agile project management, all essential competencies in today’s digital creative industries. 

For Team Dinnerbone, the experience was both demanding and rewarding. Reflecting on their journey, the team shared: 

“We had to constantly balance creativity with practicality. With limited time, every decision mattered — from gameplay mechanics to storytelling. What made the difference was our teamwork and willingness to experiment. Winning was an incredible moment, but the learning process was even more valuable.” 

A Platform for Innovation and Growth

Ms Nathalie Tay, organiser from The Magic Rain, emphasised that the competition goes far beyond technical execution. 

“Every game jam focuses on technical ability, but a huge component of ours is soft skills,” she noted. “Participants are given just one week to ideate, develop a playable game, market it for public votes, and prepare an industry-facing presentation.” 

She added that the students who excel are those who demonstrate strong teamwork, time management, and the courage to step beyond their comfort zones. 

Shaping the Future of Game Development

APU’s strong presence at the Indie Jam 2026 underscores the University’s commitment to delivering industry-relevant, experiential learning in game development. By encouraging student participation in various industry-level events, APU exposes students to their future environments, besides equipping them with the relevant skills required to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

From mastering game engines to crafting compelling narratives and working within multidisciplinary teams, APU students are trained not merely to build games but to create impactful digital experiences. 

As Team Dinnerbone prepares to represent Malaysia on an international stage in Hong Kong, their success stands as a testament to what can be achieved when creativity, technical expertise, and passion converge — hallmarks of APU’s approach to nurturing the next generation of game developers.