TEMPO.CO, Bandung-The phenomenon of mobile tahu bulat (round-shape tofu) vendors in Bandung has helped raise the popularity of a game called Round Tofu (Tahu Bulat). The game has been played by 4.8 million people within two months. It had even made the list of top 10 most popular games on Google Play Store.

“The idea was to adopt local theme of currently popular round tofu vendors in Bandung,” said Eldwin Viriya, the founder of Bandung-based developer Own Games, Sunday, July 24, 2016.

The idea of creating Round Tofu game came up in April 2016. It was developed within one week and launched on May 15, 2016. “The game was created quickly because we already had the engine and we wanted to test it,” he said.

They created the game to take part in Bandung Comic Festival 2016. The free game challenges its player to sell round tofus. The key to success in the game is the ability to attract as many buyers as possible while expanding round tofu business.

The game features real-life attributes. For example, a pickup car with a tarp over it as well as a loud speaker which plays the tune that is usually played by real-life round tofu vendors.

The game can be played on Android 2.3 smartphones and above. The developer also offers in-app purchases for Rp3,000 to Rp120,000 per item. In its latest version, Round Tofu can be played in English version to attract new players from other countries, such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.

The developer Own Games, which was established in 2011 and run by five personnel, is now tasked to improve Round Tofu game. For example, to enable the opening of Round Tofu outlets in several cities in Indonesia upon the player’s request.

ANWAR SISWADI