Game Dev Indonesia

I AM TRASH DEV: When a “Bad Game” Becomes the Best Idea

Jagaddhita Arya

Des 11, 2025 · 5 min read
Untitled Project (32)
Untitled Project (32)

In the gaming world, developers are always striving to create the best possible experience smooth graphics, stable gameplay, and responsive controls. But I AM TRASH DEV, an indie game by TBA Studio, turns that paradigm on its head. Instead of striving for perfection, the game is intentionally designed to be ugly, broken, absurd, and full of errors. Oddly enough, that’s precisely what makes it so compelling and entertaining.

Error-Based Gameplay

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error?

I AM TRASH DEV’s gameplay focuses on the use of over 16 different types of glitches. Each glitch instantly alters the game world in absurd ways: physics go haywire, characters bounce, objects suddenly disappear, or the screen turns into a glitchy mess. These changes make the game unpredictable and spark curiosity every time the player presses the next glitch button.

The game operates like a sandbox, giving players complete freedom to experiment. There are no complex missions or restrictive rules, so players are free to wreak havoc to their heart’s content. Combining multiple glitches together can create even wilder situations, making the game feel like a “glitch lab” full of surprises. This is where its true strength lies the total freedom to create delightful chaos.

Simple Pixel-Art Visuals

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pixel art

Visually, the game uses a minimalist yet effective pixel-art style. Characters, settings, and objects are drawn with simple, easily recognizable details, so that when a glitch appears, its impact is immediately significant. The contrast between the clean visuals and the extreme glitches creates a strong sense of visual humor, making each mess seem even more comical and absurd.

This stylistic simplicity also helps ensure the player’s focus remains on the glitch’s effects. The clean pixel art allows for more dramatic glitches, from distorted sprites to jumping colors. In other words, a simple look doesn’t mean flat it serves as an ideal canvas for the chaos that is at the heart of the game.

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Meta and Absurd Humor

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humor

The humor in I AM TRASH DEV comes not from lengthy narratives or humorous dialogue, but from the player’s interaction with the damage they create. Every glitch can be a spontaneous comedic moment, especially when the effect doesn’t match the player’s expectations. These visual and physical surprises are what make the game feel like a digital slapstick comedy.

This meta-humorous approach makes the game feel self-aware. It’s as if the game is saying, “Yes, I’m broken. And that’s a good thing.” The humor that emerges from system failures gives I AM TRASH DEV a strong identity, positioning it as a subtle satire on games that are accidentally full of bugs but this time, all the bugs are features.

Trophy and Exploration System

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gameplay

The game offers a number of hidden trophies that can be unlocked by performing specific glitch combinations. This adds a layer of challenge for players who want to dig deeper and find creative ways to break the game. The trophy system provides additional motivation for limitless experimentation.

Because of this approach, the game enjoys a high replayability rating. Players don’t just activate glitch combinations for fun, but also attempt to execute specific glitch combinations to unlock unique rewards. This makes the game feel more purposeful without losing the core freedom it offers.

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Total Freedom to Mess Up

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mess up

Freedom is the strongest element in I AM TRASH DEV. There are no rules to hold you back, no constraints to limit you, and no “right” way to play. You’re free to wreak as much havoc as you like, and the game will respond with unpredictable glitches. This feeling gives players complete control over the resulting destruction.

In many games, freedom is often restricted for the sake of gameplay balance. But I AM TRASH DEV removes those limits, providing a truly experimental experience. This destructive freedom creates a unique sense of satisfaction, especially for players who enjoy experimentation or simply want to relax without pressure.

Hidden Messages and Satire

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i am trash dev

Despite its absurd appearance, I AM TRASH DEV offers a subtle commentary on the world of modern game development. Many major games are released with bugs, only to be slowly fixed through patches. This game flips that logic on its head: here, bugs become the goal. Viewing errors as something fun is a clever critique of the sometimes lax standards in the industry.

Furthermore, the game also illustrates the complexity of maintaining a game’s stability. By playing with errors as features, players indirectly learn how even a small thing like a glitch can ruin an entire experience. While presented humorously, this subtle message enhances the game’s overall value.

Why You Should Try It?

I AM TRASH DEV is an indie game that dares to take a counter mainstream approach. While many games strive for perfection, this game shines through in its deliberate imperfections.

With its experimental sandbox gameplay, absurd glitch humor, and clever meta concepts, this game is a great choice for players looking for something different and refreshing.

then I AM TRASH DEV is a must-try experience.

References:

I AM TRASH DEV – Itch.io

TBA Studio – Itch.io

 

 

 

 

 

 

#bug #Comedy #funny #glitch #humor #Industri Game Indonesia #Karya Anak Bangsa #short game

Jagaddhita Arya

Contributing Writer

Gaming enthusiast and content creator.

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