Wrath of Fighters, a hit mobile action game with a distinctive Khmer flavour. Photo supplied
Malaysian-owned telecoms service provider Smart Axiata Co Ltd will join forces with local game developer studio DirexPlay to bring to life a revamped new season of “Wrath of Fighters”, a hit mobile action game with a distinctive Khmer flavour.
The multiplayer online battle game showcases Cambodian art and culture to a global community of players interacting with peers in real-time, Smart said in an April 12 announcement.
Avatars are customisable with attire inspired by the Reamker and Mahaphearatayuth – Khmer interpretations of major Sanskrit epics of ancient India Ramayana and Mahabharata – and in-game environments are in styles based on prominent cultural landscapes such as the Angkor Thom temple complex, the capital and the countryside of Siem Reap province, it said.
DirexPlay CEO Chhourm Piseth voiced elation over working with the mobile operator and prospects of widening the reach of their game, which follows in the footsteps of other mobile games and apps that “draw inspiration from mythical folklore and Cambodian traditions”, including “Sok and Sao’s Adventure” and “Khmer eCard”.
“The idea of the game is to bring local art and culture into digital entertainment so that anyone, anywhere, of any culture, can have fun, connect and experience Khmer art and culture online during their free time.
“We're so excited to be partnering with Smart for this new season. Smart is really keen on supporting and promoting local developers like us. This partnership allows us to bring our Khmer game to the next level, reach a wider audience and deliver a more engaging experience to Cambodian players, especially Smart subscribers,” said Piseth.
Smart CEO Thomas Hundt lauded the game developer for their smash hit, which he noted has reached a sizeable following across the Kingdom and boasts potential to attract international gamers.
“It shows the amazing progress of Cambodia’s mobile gaming industry and proves that Cambodia can play a major role in the regional and global growth of esports.
“This isn’t the first time we have worked with DirexPlay. Last year, we partnered up to develop a game called Oum Touk by Smart that celebrated a unique Cambodian festival, the Water Festival. By tapping into local skilled talents, we can harness the power of technology to tell unique Cambodian stories using authentic Cambodian voices,” Hundt said.
According to Smart, it “continues to champion the growth of esports in Cambodia through various gaming tournaments and partnerships with local game developers.
“In 2020, Smart co-organised the Kingdom of Legends tournament, the biggest e-gaming tournament seen in the Kingdom, with a prize pool that totalled $32,000 USD.
“Also, Leng Center is the company’s gateway to the gaming universe where customers can enjoy all types of games, participate in tournaments and more,” it said.
