Brewing success: How a brother-and-sister duo is making their mark in the indie gaming industry

In the Southeast Asian city of Bandung, Indonesia, a brother-and-sister duo is quietly making a mark in the region’s indie gaming industry. Andika Pradana and Anggia Lestari, the creative minds behind MassHive Media, have channeled their lifelong passion for games into a studio and their latest release on the App Store, Potion Permit, is a refreshing and genre-bending experience among mobile games.

For Andika, the dream of becoming a game designer took root early. Influenced by his older sister Anggia, he spent his youth immersed in the world of games and art. By high school, he was already a budding illustrator, but it was his love for games that truly shaped his ambitions. "My six-year-old dream was to be a game designer, and I continued to pursue this dream by choosing a related major in university – graphic design," Andika shares. This dream eventually led to the founding of the studio MassHive Media.

Their breakout hit Potion Permit stands out in the crowded life simulation genre, not only for its engaging gameplay but also for its unique focus on a chemist helping the townsfolk of Moonbury. The game’s narrative is deeply personal for Andika, inspired by his then-girlfriend’s journey as a medical professional. "I have a soft spot in my heart for unsung heroes behind the scenes that deserve praise they often never receive," he explains. This perspective shaped the game’s protagonist, a character who embodies the often-overlooked roles of those who heal and support others, rather than the traditional heroes wielding swords and shields.

The collaboration between Andika and Anggia, like many sibling partnerships, has its ups and downs. "We have a love-hate relationship as a brother and sister working together, and debates and quarrels are definitely unavoidable," Andika admits. However, their close relationship also gives them a unique advantage. They understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to complement each other in ways that enhance their work. Anggia, who played a crucial role in securing the initial funding for the studio, focuses on the artistic aspects and administrative tasks, while Andika handles game design and business development.

Creating a game like Potion Permit was not without its challenges. The duo was determined to bring something new to the life simulation genre, moving away from common mechanics such as farming to focus on a different kind of experience. This decision proved to be a wise one, as players responded positively to the game’s fresh approach.

The journey to establish MassHive Media was anything but smooth. In the early days, the studio faced significant challenges, particularly when transitioning from free-to-play mobile games to premium (aka paid) titles for PC. This shift required the team to relearn many aspects of game development, adapting their approach to suit the PC platform. "We were forced to adapt and learn as fast as we could for this uncharted territory of ours," Andika recalls how the team persevered and learned from their mistakes.

Building a team capable of bringing Potion Permit to life was another challenge. Andika emphasizes the importance of chemistry and trust within the team, many of whom have been with the studio since its inception. He cites the strong sense of camaraderie within the team as a key factor in the studio’s success. "Working with a professional is awesome, but working with someone you trust and has your back in return is a blessing,” he adds.

Reflecting on MassHive Media’s ten-year journey, Andika highlights the importance of flexibility and market awareness. "Although games are an entertainment industry and a work of art, we should really try to understand the trends in the market so we can have the final output of our work on point," he notes.

Looking to the future, Andika and Anggia hope that one day they can inspire or be in touch directly with younger developers emerging across the region, being proud to be part of a rapidly growing development community. In the meantime, both are focused on polishing Potion Permit to ensure a smoother gaming experience for players. That said, MassHive Media is already exploring new ideas for their next project. "We might want to explore what we have now deeper and further so we can do something better and refreshing," Andika reveals.

About Apple’s Here’s to the Dreamers

For the second year, Here’s to the Dreamers returns to honour exceptional Southeast Asia talents who dare to leave a mark on the world with their unique visions. Across App Store, Apple Music and Apple TV app, Apple will showcase creatives, developers and artists who have challenged norms with relentless passion, creativity, and determination, sharing these stories of success to inspire everyone to start realising their own dreams.

You can read more about these talents here.

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