By UOW Malaysia 

On 18 April 2025, the Bachelor of Game Development program at the School of Computing and Creative Media (SCCM) at UOW Malaysia hosted an insightful panel talk titled “What We Learnt Going from AAA to Indie.” The session featured esteemed guest speakers from the Malaysian indie game development studio, Metronomik: Sabine Ong, Dushanth Danielle Ray, and Jonathan Tang. The event attracted an audience of 50 staff and students eager to learn from the experiences of industry veterans.

The panel discussion centred on Metronomik’s team’s journey transitioning from the high-stakes world of AAA (pronounced “Triple-A,” a term used to describe high-budget, high-profile games typically produced by large studios) game development to the dynamic and often challenging landscape of indie game creation. Sabine, Dushanth, and Jonathan shared valuable perspectives on the significant differences they encountered, including team structure, the level of creative freedom, workflow methodologies, and the unique avenues for career growth within the indie scene. They also candidly addressed the challenges and opportunities that arise when making such a transition.

What made this sharing session particularly impactful for the students was the connection the Metronomik team had with their alma mater. Sabine Ong graduated with a Diploma in Mass Communication from KDU Penang Campus in 2011, while both Dushanth Danielle Ray (Class of 2017) and Jonathan Tang (Class of 2022) are proud alumni of UOW Malaysia’s Bachelor of Game Development (Hons) program. Their presence served as a powerful inspiration for the current students, demonstrating the potential for success within the local industry.

This industry sharing session provided invaluable insights for UOW Malaysia’s game development students, offering a real-world perspective on the realities and rewards of pursuing a career in indie game development, guided by the experiences of successful alumni.