Indonesian game studio GameChanger Studio has just released their latest game titled “1998: The Toll Keeper Story”. The studio is taking a bold step by tackling a theme inspired by Indonesia's 1998 financial crisis, a historical event that has never before been covered in a video game. This may sound familiar to Western game studios, but socio-political themes are still considered taboo in Asia.
This game is not just inspired by history, but is a deeply personal story from the Game Director, Riris Marpaung, who experienced the events firsthand.
A Personal Story Amidst the Chaos of History
1998: The Toll Keeper Story is a game narrative simulation which is inspired by real-life experiences. Riris Marpaung, the Game Director revealed, “This game is very personal to me. I was once caught in the middle of the 1998 chaos, and this game is my way of sharing the fear and confusion I experienced.”
When playing, the game invites players to experience what it's like to be an ordinary person trying to survive. By asking the simple yet powerful question “How does it feel to be an ‘ant’ struggling to survive when the ‘elephants’ are fighting?”.
Through this deeply personal journey, GameChanger Studio aims to foster empathy and a deeper understanding of the human experience in times of crisis.
Surviving as a Pregnant Toll Gate Guard
Players will assume the role of Dewi, a toll gate guard who is heavily pregnant. The main task of the player is to protect Dewi's family in the midst of this uncertain socio-political situation.
According to Riris Marpaung, Game Director, “This story is not about being a hero who changes the world. It's about one person's uphill battle to survive, when the world around you changes drastically - and so must you”. So this game is not about a hero, but about a mother's struggle to protect her family and future child.
During gameplay, every decision the player makes, from checking vehicle documents to facing difficult moral dilemmas, will have major consequences and influence the ending of the Goddess' story.
Support for the Women's Community in the Gaming Industry
GameChanger Studio also has a social mission through this game. As many as 20% of total revenue ArtBook 1998: The Toll Keeper Story in the first month, will be donated to Indonesian Woman in Game (IWIG). This move will be a tangible form of support for creative women in gaming who represent the struggles of the Goddess in more than just fiction.
GameChanger Studio also believes this is in line with Dewi's dream to see the abilities and creativity of Indonesian women channeled properly, just as she hopes to do for her daughters in the future.
Key Features 1998: The Toll Keeper Story
In this game, players will encounter several key features, namely:
- A Survival Mom-to-be: Make daily decisions, not only for yourself but also for the safety of the unborn child.
- Narrative Simulation Game: Check vehicles, check documents, and see the identity of passing drivers. Meanwhile, we must survive with limited resources and increasing tension around us.
- Simple decisions, big consequences: Every choice is important! Who is allowed to pass, who is denied, and how to deal with moral dilemmas in the midst of chaos?
- 90s-inspired Visual Style: The combination of dot textures, old paper aesthetics, and a distinctive sepia filter depicts the limitations of printed materials from the era and immerses the game in a 90s atmosphere.
Read also: 1998: The Toll Keeper Story Review
Release and Pricing Information
Here are the detailed release and pricing information of this game:
- Genre: Narrative, Simulation, Choices-Matter
- Platform: Steam and Google Play
- Release Date: October 28, 2025
- Steam Price: $ 11.99 | Rp. 98,000.- with 18% discount on release.
- Google Play Price: $ 11.99 | Rp. 98,000 (without discount).
- Artbook DLC Price: $ 5.99 | Rp. 48,000.- with 10% discount on release.
- Soundtrack Price: $ 5.99 | Rp. 48,000.- with 10% discount on release.
If you're interested in finding out about and purchasing the game, you can access it through the following lines: platform Steam and Google Play.
Source: official press release
