1998, was one of the harshest eras written in the history of Indonesia. The monetary crisis gripped across the country. Sorrow and grief etched on everyone’s faces. The sound of hunger can be heard in every corner. Anyone must do anything to survive in this relentless, poignant time. That is the depiction of what happens in 1998: The Toll Keeper Story. This is a game made by GameChanger Studio that narrates a heavy premise of the dim history of Indonesia.
GameChanger Studio is a game developer originated from Tangerang. Previously, they have released a dark fantasy trilogy, My Lovely, and now decided to uplift the old scar of Indonesia. 1998: The Toll Keeper Story tells the journey of a pregnant woman who was trapped in a hard time of that era. This is not about a heroic tale, but the story of a mother’s struggles against desperation.
Money often costs too much
The story begins with a toll keeper, Dewi. She is an ordinary woman who works in a fictional country, Janapa. Unfortunately, a great monetary crisis occurs in the country, similar to the Southeast Asian Nations in 1998. Prices of everything skyrockets, people down the street, national protests erupt, and public trust in the government crumbles. Dewi, even in her pregnant days, must do anything for money and survival.
Dewi’s job is simple, keep the toll running smoothly without postponement. But every day is a battle to be overcome. Long lines of vehicles will test patience, while scarcity and unrest force her into impossible choices. She must check documents, verify identities, and listen to the worries of those passing through, all while struggling to protect herself and her unborn child.
At its core, 1998: The Toll Keeper Story is a narrative simulation. Your choices shape the story. When to follow the rules, when to break them, and who to help in a world where kindness often comes at a cost. Ensure every decision you make are rational and logical. This is not about heroic tale, but survival.
Classic 90s Atmosphere
1998: The Toll Keeper Story appears with simple yet enchanting visual. GameChanger Studio has put serious thought into the game’s art direction. The team put a distinct visual style inspired by the limitations and mood of the 1990s. Think of grainy dot textures like old-printed materials, a palette washed in faded blue tones, and design elements that resemble worn paper or aging documents.
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1998: The Toll Keeper Story visual goal is to immerse players in the uncertainty of the late ’90s, while also reflecting the constraints of the era’s media and technology. It’s a creative choice that gives 1998: The Toll Keeper Story a unique identity. 1998: The Toll Keeper Story standing apart from the wave of hyper-realistic or overly stylized games on the market today.
Accompany Dewi on Her Story
1998: The Toll Keeper Story is slated for release on Steam, though as of this writing the exact launch date remains to be determined. Among Indonesian gamers in particular, the buzz is already strong. Many see the game not only as a compelling narrative experience but also as an important cultural work, one that dares to revisit a sensitive chapter of history through an interactive medium.
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As a result, The Toll Keeper Story has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated titles in the Indonesian game scene. Its release is set to carry meaning beyond entertainment: a chance for players to step into Dewi’s shoes, reflect on resilience in times of crisis, and experience a story that feels deeply rooted in the nation’s collective memory.
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