Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Red Dunes Games, an Emirati indie game studio, marked their debut appearance at Tokyo Game Show (TGS) which was held from Sept. 26 to 29 at Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba.

“Being part of TGS 2024 has been an incredible experience for us. It is such a powerful event, not only because it brings together fans who share our passion for gaming, but also because it creates a space for developers, publishers, and game companies to connect on a deeper level. The energy here is unmatched, and it’s a privilege to showcase our work alongside so many talented studios from around the world,” Sultan Al Darmaki, CEO and Creative Director of Red Dunes Games, told Arab News Japan.

“One of the biggest strengths of TGS is its ability to facilitate meaningful interactions. We have had the chance to meet and learn from other developers, form partnerships, and exchange ideas that benefit each other’s businesses. The relationships we’ve built here—whether through fan engagement, industry networking, or even new friendships—create a compounding effect that  drives our projects forward long after the event. It is a place where creativity flourishes, and everyone leaves more inspired than when they arrived,” he added.

About the challenges that the company faced during the event, Al Darmaki said that they had to figure out everything by themselves as an international company. “We had to navigate everything from finding a reliable contractor to help build our custom booth to coordinating with local print vendors for our collectible giveaways, which in our case included 7,000 acrylic figures and Gacha balls.”

Al Darmaki added that the company received positive reviews from visitors. The company featured five of its original titles, which are: ‘The Port of Jumanah,’ ‘Nightmare Battler Zozo,’ ‘Blades of Mirage,’ ‘Black Finger JET,’ and ‘Princess of the Water Lilies.’ 

“Fans and industry professionals alike have been excited about the variety of games we showcased, and their feedback has been incredibly helpful and encouraging,” he said. “The energy and enthusiasm from visitors have really reinforced our belief in these projects, and we’re excited to carry that momentum forward.”

“What’s been particularly exciting is hearing firsthand what fans love and what they want to see more of. This feedback will be invaluable as we continue to further develop these games and refine them based on what resonates most with our community. We are committed to delivering the games our fans want to play, and TGS has played a crucial role in putting our games in front of players, connecting with fellow gamers, and building relationships that will shape the future of these titles,” he added.

The company is preparing to officially launch ‘The Port of Jumanah’ at the beginning of 2025

Focused on making fun games that resonate with players, Red Dunes Games is poised to make a lasting impact on the global indie gaming scene. With a mission to deliver enjoyable, story-driven experiences, the studio shares its passion for gaming with the world.