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《台北電玩展心得》:韓國 XOGAMES (BRAIN 99)

由台北市電腦公會主辦的「台北國際電玩展 Taipei Game Show」,自2003年起至今,已成為海內外數十萬玩家每年必到的亞洲遊戲盛會。2024年台北國際電玩展首度於南港展覽館1館使用雙層樓展區盛大舉行,而我們也在展內的獨立遊戲專區內設置了「獨立遊戲開發獎勵計畫」館,展示113年獨立遊戲開發獎勵暨產品化加值計畫的獲獎團隊作品。

在獨立遊戲區內有來自世界各地的獨立遊戲開發者,帶來各具創意的作品,而我們也很好奇開發者們的參展心得,因此寫信詢問並獲得同意分享出來:

 

XOGAMES (韓國)

感謝您的來信!我們在台北國際電玩展度過了美好的時光,感謝您給予我們分享見解的機會。

簡單介紹一下自己,我是嚴義俊(Eui-Joon Youm),可以叫我 Ace,這樣更容易記住!我是 XOGAMES 的創辦人兼 CEO,以下是我們對問題的回覆:

#1 請問這次為什麼會想要來參加台北電玩展?是第一次參加嗎?這次參加的整體感覺如何,尤其是在獨立遊戲區這一區塊?

我們是受釜山獨立遊戲節(BICFEST)的邀請,入圍了電子競技和休閒遊戲類別,讓我們能夠首次參加 TGS。感謝 BIC 的支持,我們獲得了展位和住宿安排。整體經驗超出了預期:

  • 場地規劃良好,工作人員提供相當多協助。
  • 免費的 Wi-Fi 是展示我們遊戲的一大助力。
  • 改進建議:希望能設置參展商休息區供短暫休息,因為為期四天的展期相當疲憊!

#2 在攤位上有做那些行銷?覺得效果好嗎?

獨立遊戲領域已經發生了變化,手機遊戲較少獲得關注。在參加的四支韓國團隊中,我們是唯一的手機遊戲。最初,我們難以吸引注意力,因為玩家會短暫試玩遊戲後離開。然而,我們迅速適應,鼓勵朋友間組隊一起遊玩。藉由使用我們自己的手機,可開啟最多五人的比賽,使體驗更具吸引力。參觀者能夠和朋友或家人一起玩得開心,成為我們最好的行銷策略!在四天內,超過 600 人試玩,還有二位網紅還現場直播了我們的遊戲!

#3 未來會想參加其他展覽嗎,不管是國內或國外的?是否想要有與其他國家開發者交流的機會?

我們今年計劃參加 PlayX4(首爾)、BICFEST(釜山)和 BitSummit(京都)。當然也希望能重返 TGS ,但作為一家小型獨立團隊,海外活動需要投入大量成本,故我們可能會尋求韓國政府的支持來參加未來的展覽。

我們特別熱衷於促進韓國、台灣和日本獨立開發者之間的合作。在 Google Play 的支持下,去年與另外兩位 Google Indie Accelerator 畢業生共同創立了 Indie Games Group Korea。加強區域間獨立遊戲的連結是我們的主要目標之一!

 

就個人而言,我在國外生活了大半輩子─美國、日本、德國、英國、巴西─並且曾在美國的The Tetris Company和倫敦的King工作。我希望能成為獨立開發者之間的橋樑,幫助他們互相連結和共同成長。

遊戲有跨越文化將人們聚集在一起的力量。在這個衝突日益加劇的時代,我們這些獨立開發者可以通過創作促進快樂、團結和內心的平靜。

關於 Brain 99

  • 獎項與認可:
  • BICFEST 2024 決賽入圍者(電子競技和休閒類別)
  • 韓國內容振興院(KOCCA)的Game of the Month Award
  • 上架 Android iOS 平台─一款與朋友一起挑戰大腦的有趣派對遊戲!
  • 主要特點:
  • 通過有趣的謎題和測驗來鍛煉你的心智
  • 相互競爭以獲得最高的 IQ 分數,挑戰你的朋友
  • 訓練五個關鍵認知領域:記憶、計算、分析、洞察和專注
  • 體驗每玩一次就能變得更聰明的快感
  • 與朋友、家人或隨機對手在線同樂(最多 99 名玩家)
  • 完美的派對遊戲─有趣、不費時且易於上手
 

 

關於 XOGAMES Inc.

  • 我們成立於 2016 年,是一間位於首爾附近的六人小型獨立工作室
  • 專注於休閒、跨平台多人遊戲和IP-based 的遊戲(手機、PC、網頁、主機)
  • 使命:創造將人們聚集在一起的「真正社交」遊戲,超越傳統的遊戲受眾
  • 我們旨在透過促進玩家互動來對抗孤獨感,這已然是韓國最大的社會問題之一

Finger 99 遊戲畫面

原文:

Thank you for reaching out! We had a fantastic experience at TGS and appreciate the opportunity to share our insights.

To introduce myself briefly, I’m Eui-Joon Youm, but you can call me Ace—it’s easier to remember! I’m the founder and CEO of XOGAMES, and here are our responses to your questions:

 

#1 Why did XOGAMES participate in TGS? Was it your first time? How was your experience?

We were invited by BICFEST as nominees in the E-Sports and Casual categories, making this our first TGS. Thanks to BIC, we received great support, including a booth and accommodation.

Our overall experience exceeded expectations—

  1. The venue was well-organized, and staff were incredibly helpful.
  2. Free Wi-Fi was a major plus for showcasing our game.
  3. One improvement: a dedicated exhibitor lounge for short breaks would be great, as four days was quite exhausting!

 

#2 What marketing strategies did XOGAMES use at the booth?

The indie scene has evolved, with fewer mobile games gaining traction. Among the four Korean teams attending, we were the only mobile game.

Initially, we struggled to capture attention as players would try the game briefly and move on. However, we quickly adapted by encouraging groups of friends to play together.

Using our own smartphones, we enabled up to five-player matches, making the experience more engaging. Seeing friends and families have fun together became our best marketing strategy! Over 600 people joined and played with in 4 days, and two influencers broadcasted our game live!

 

#3 Future exhibitions & developer connections

This year, we plan to attend PlayX4 (Seoul), BICFEST (Busan), and BitSummit (Kyoto). We’d also love to return to TGS and TPGS but, as a small indie team, overseas events require significant investment. We’ll likely seek South Korean government support for future exhibitions.

We’re especially keen on fostering collaboration between indie developers in Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. With support from Google Play, we co-founded Indie Games Group Korea last year alongside two other Google Indie Accelerator graduates. Strengthening regional indie connections is one of our main goals!

On a personal note, I’ve lived abroad for over half my life—US, Japan, Germany, the UK, Brazil—and previously worked at The Tetris Company (US) and King (London). I’d love to serve as a bridge for fellow indie developers, helping them connect and grow together.

Games have the power to bring people together across cultures. In an era of increasing conflict, we indies can contribute to joy, unity, and peace of mind through our creations.

About XOGAMES & Brain 99

XOGAMES Inc.

  • A small indie studio of six, based near Seoul, founded in 2016.
  • Focus: Casual, cross-platform multiplayer & IP-based games (Mobile, PC, Web, Console).
  • Mission: Creating "truly social" games that bring people together beyond traditional gaming audiences.
  • We aim to combat loneliness—which is becoming Korea’s biggest social issue—by fostering positive player interactions.

https://www.xogames.co.kr/

 

BRAIN 99

  • Awards & Recognition:

- BICFEST 2024 Finalist (E-Sports & Casual)

- KOCCA’s Game of the Month Award (South Korea’s content agency)

  • Available on Android & iOS—a fun party game to challenge your mind with friends!
  • Key Features:

- Sharpen your mind with intriguing puzzles and quizzes.

- Compete to claim the highest IQ score and challenge friends!

- Train in five key cognitive areas: Memory, Calculation, Analysis, Perception, and Focus.

- Experience the thrill of getting smarter with every play!

- Play online with friends, family, or random opponents. (Up to 99 players)

- The perfect party game—fun, quick, and easy to pick up!

Thanks again for your interest in XOGAMES. We truly appreciate this opportunity to connect!