Local Sarawak game studio makes debut at Tokyo Game Show

CHIBA, Sept 17: An independent game development studio from Kuching is putting Sarawakian talent on the global stage after making its debut at Tokyo Game Show 2026 (TGS2026) in Chiba, Japan, which takes place from September 17 to 21, 2026.

Algoin Tech Sdn Bhd is the first Sarawakian game company to be featured at the Malaysian Pavilion and is among five Malaysian studios taking part in this year’s showcase, alongside Fuloso, Magnus Games Studio, Metropolice and Vmagery Studio.

The young studio, which is just over two years old, is using the international platform to unveil its latest game demo for Tajang, an original third-person action role-playing game (ARPG) currently under development.

Inspired by the landscapes, mythology and cultural identity of Sarawak and Borneo, Tajang reflects the studio’s focus on developing original intellectual properties and immersive interactive experiences for a global audience.

Algoin Tech director Tyson Teo described the appearance at TGS2026 as a major milestone for the Kuching-based team.

“For us, it’s a huge milestone. Here at Algoin Tech we’re just over two years old and being at Tokyo Game Show this year, representing both Sarawak and Malaysia, is something that we are very proud of.

“It shows that even a small team from Kuching can step up onto an international platform,” he spoke to TVS today.

Francis Bong showing Amir Azlan from MDEC together with Zainal Azlan the game demo for Tajang. Photo: Algoin Tech.

Algoin Tech also welcomed Deputy Chief of Mission, Malaysia Embassy in Tokyo, Zainal Azlan at its booth during the event.

Tyson said the first appearance at TGS2026 was made possible through support from both federal and state agencies, including the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

The Sarawak Government also supported through the Facilitation Fund of Heritage and Arts under the state’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts.

Meanwhile, Algoin Tech said its appearance in Tokyo is also about encouraging young Sarawakians to explore opportunities in the gaming and digital creative industries, stressing that aspiring talents do not need to come from major cities or large studios to build a career in the industry.

“Start where you are, build your skills and don’t be afraid to think globally. You don’t have to come from a big studio or big city to enter this industry. We started as a small team in Kuching, and now we are standing here at TGS,” Tyson added.

He also highlighted the role of local higher education institutions in developing Sarawak’s talent pipeline, including Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), which offers Mobile Game Development, and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, which offers Creative Digital Media.

According to Tyson, the industry offers career opportunities beyond game programming, including game art, animation, 3D modelling, game design, sound design, writing, marketing and production.

“This is not just about bringing our work overseas. It’s also about showing young people in Sarawak that there is a real industry and many different career paths that you can pursue.

“I hope it shows that the talent is here,” he said.

He also said that Sarawak should not be held back by the size of the local ecosystem, particularly as gaming continues to grow as a global industry.

“Malaysians and Sarawakians might come from a smaller ecosystem, but we can still create world international potential.

“Gaming is now a multi-billion dollar global industry, covering entertainment, technology and creative industries. We want to show that Sarawak has the talent and potential to be a part of that global industry,” he explained. – TVS