PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Game developers are one of the creative economy sectors that continues to grow rapidly. Uniquely, this sector not only produces various exciting games, but is able to improve the economy and socio-culture.

"I invite collaboration that can be connected to government programs so that games can be created. Please arrange it, especially on a Bandung City scale," said Acting Mayor of Bandung, A. Koswara, during a gathering with Local Game Developers of Bandung City, at the Bandung Creative Hub (3/11/2024).

Koswara suggested that there should be several themes at once to socialize government programs to the public. For example, about garbage, traffic jams, to culture.

"Later, there will be several themes for the game. The first theme is garbage. There is an idea, maybe like a puzzle, so that we can find out where the garbage is, the TPS, how to sort it and how to process it," said Koswara.

"The goal is to invite young people to care about waste. So there are activities at home," he added.

As a motivator, he plans to hold an e-sports tournament with local games in the near future.

"I also suggest that this be included in the event calendar so that it can be a spur in West Java, the center of which is in Bandung City. We will try to facilitate it ourselves," he said.

Data from the Bandung City Culture and Tourism Office, the estimated total turnover of the game developer sector in 2023 is around IDR 50 billion. This amount is based on the aggregate of the turnover of companies such as Agate, MassHive Media, Agape Games, and others.

The projection is based on steady growth, government support, and the ever-increasing potential of the gaming market. If the supporting ecosystem continues to grow and more successful games are released, this figure could grow even higher.

The city of Bandung also has a Creative Economy Development and Arrangement Committee (Ekraf). This committee was formed based on the Decree of the Mayor of Bandung Number 556/Kep. 398- Disbudpar/2022 which is a partner of the Bandung City Government. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/Fauziah)