Photo credit: venturebeat.com
In an exciting development for the entertainment and gaming sectors in Southeast Asia, Les’ Copaque Production Sdn. Bhd., known for the globally recognized Upin & Ipin franchise, has enlisted Streamline Studios to create a new console game based on the beloved characters.
This collaboration marks a significant leap for both Les’ Copaque and Streamline Media Group, as they have decided to partner in a venture that will see them jointly publish the Upin & Ipin Universe.
Set to launch in 2025, Upin & Ipin Universe will be the first open-world game for consoles and PCs that highlights the adventures of the iconic twins. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, the game promises a visually stunning experience, allowing players to engage with the vibrant world of Upin & Ipin in ways that have never been possible before.
“Many in the West may not realize how big this franchise is,” said Alexander Fernandez, CEO of Streamline Studios and Streamline Media Group, in a discussion with GamesBeat. The Upin & Ipin series, which has captured the hearts of audiences in over 100 countries and is especially popular in Malaysia and Indonesia, has accumulated billions of views on YouTube, with its content available on prominent streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime.
Fernandez added, “This game will launch them into new territories; it’s based on the biggest cartoon franchise in Southeast Asia that has been engaging viewers for over 20 years.”
The game will feature an open world that includes eight engaging mini-games and missions, providing players with a deep and immersive experience. “This is a true showcase of the potential in the region for creating high-quality, AAA games,” he remarked. He expressed optimism that, similar to games like Black Myth: Wukong, this title could resonate with global audiences.
With this partnership, the Upin & Ipin franchise is venturing further into interactive entertainment, reflecting a significant evolution from traditional media and licensing. This also marks a new direction for Streamline Media Group, which has been operational for 24 years but has primarily developed games for other publishers.
Haji Burhanuddin Md Radzi, managing director of Les’ Copaque Production, conveyed excitement over the partnership, highlighting that “for years, Upin & Ipin has celebrated themes of family, friendship, and community.” He noted that collaborating with Streamline Media Group allows them to expand their storytelling into gaming, offering fans a new way to engage with the characters they love.
Fernandez expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We see this as a pivotal opportunity to transform the Upin & Ipin franchise into a full-scale open-world experience that meets the high expectations of players for a premium game. By combining Les’ Copaque’s compelling storytelling with our advanced game development skills, Upin & Ipin Universe is poised to be a groundbreaking project.”
Discover the Magic of Kampung Life – A Village Adventure with Upin & Ipin
The creator of Upin & Ipin
In Malaysia, ‘kampung’ translates to village—a rich cultural landscape characterized by tradition and communal spirit. Upin & Ipin Universe is a tribute to this Southeast Asian way of life, inviting gamers to engage with its narratives, settings, and customs, carefully crafted by those who intimately understand the culture.
Players will explore a colorful open-world kampung environment designed after Kampung Durian Runtuh, immersing themselves in authentic Southeast Asian culture and customs.
True to its roots, the narrative will reflect the heartwarming humor and values integral to the Upin & Ipin series, woven into a variety of quests and gameplay elements.
Targeting family-friendly enjoyment, the game aims to cater to existing fans while also welcoming new players. The heartfelt, exploratory nature of Upin & Ipin Universe encourages a global audience to appreciate the beauty of Southeast Asia.
Seamless gameplay integration will promote various activities, inviting players to discover, interact, and explore within the richly populated open-world setup.
This game will also introduce an original storyline, allowing the twins to embark on never-before-seen adventures that enhance the lore and offer new experiences to both long-time followers and new fans alike.
Founded in 2005, Les’ Copaque Production has emerged as Malaysia’s foremost animation studio, behind the Upin & Ipin phenomenon that has received numerous accolades and has enchanted audiences across the globe. The franchise has been aired in over a hundred countries and was recognized by its feature film “Upin & Ipin: Keris Siamang Tunggal,” which was shortlisted for an Academy Award nomination in 2019.
Streamline Studios, a key branch of Streamline Media Group, is recognized for its high-quality game development, having contributed to iconic franchises for more than 20 years. Their portfolio includes collaborations on titles such as Street Fighter V, Final Fantasy XV, and Mortal Kombat.
Fernandez shared his excitement about the project, looking forward to the contributions from his diverse team based in Malaysia and Colombia. “We’re utilizing a robust tech stack that has proven efficient for open-world projects, allowing rapid development cycles,” he explained. “This venture embodies a strong collaborative spirit between Les’ Copaque and Streamline, and we are looking forward to what we create together.”
Source
venturebeat.com