The Kingdom of Bhutan, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, is renowned for its unique cultural heritage and serene landscapes. In this remote part of the world, where modern technology has only recently begun to take root, the development of Bhutan’s first-ever video game marks a historic milestone. The 2D adventure game Pin Zhi, developed by a passionate team under the name LungtaMagic (Magic Found), is not just a game—it is a symbol of Bhutan’s leap into the digital age and a testament to the power of perseverance and cultural pride.
Pin Zhi draws inspiration from one of Bhutan’s most cherished tales, ‘The Four Harmonious Friends’ (Thuenpha Phuenzhi), a story that symbolizes cooperation and unity. The game is the brainchild of seven dedicated individuals who embarked on their journey into game development only a year ago through the De-suung Skilling Program. This program, initiated by the King of Bhutan after the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to equip Bhutanese youth with 21st-century skills and a forward-thinking mindset.
Ugyen Rinzin, one of the team members and the game’s shader programmer, recalls the excitement and responsibility of being the first to create a video game in Bhutan. “We feel incredibly excited and have found the experience of developing Pin Zhi very rewarding,” he says. “As pioneers in the country’s game development industry, the team feels a deep sense of pride now that Pin Zhi is on Steam and itch.io. We have now in our memories this historical landmark in our culture and country.”
Culture blends with gaming
The story of Pin Zhi was born from a deep appreciation of Bhutanese culture and a desire to blend it with modern gaming. Rinzin credits fellow developer Ugyen Yeshey Lhendrup for the original idea. “By integrating elements of local folklore, landscapes, and traditional arts, we crafted an engaging experience that reflects Bhutan’s rich heritage. Our goal is to preserve and promote our traditions, making them accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages, both in Bhutan and around the world,” Rinzin explains.
The team decided to adapt ’The Four Harmonious Friends’ into a game because of its significance in Bhutanese culture. You can see the story about Bird, Rabbit, Monkey, and Elephant working together in harmony depicted on paintings in temples and public buildings across the country.
Intricate patterns
One of the standout features of Pin Zhi is its visual style, which captures the natural beauty, customs, and culture of Bhutan. The game’s aesthetic is deeply rooted in traditional Bhutanese art, drawing inspiration from intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and symbolic motifs found in temples, textiles, and Thangka paintings. “By adopting this traditional style, we honor and preserve our artistic traditions while introducing them to a global audience in a fresh and engaging way,” says Rinzin.
This visual style not only enhances the storytelling but also serves as a unique visual identity for the game, making it instantly recognizable and memorable. “Overall, the decision to base the visual style on Bhutanese traditional art was a deliberate and heartfelt choice, reflecting our commitment to cultural preservation and innovation in game design,” Rinzin adds.
Limited resources
The journey to create Pin Zhi was not without its challenges. As the first game development team in a country with limited resources and technical expertise, the LungtaMagic team faced numerous obstacles. “The hardest part of developing Pin Zhi was changing our mindset and believing we could achieve our dream,” Rinzin admits. The team overcame these challenges by reaching out to international game development communities for guidance and collaborating with experienced developers from abroad.
Rinzin emphasizes the importance of mentorship and continuous learning in overcoming these hurdles. “Seeking support from our mentor, Casper Bodewitz, was invaluable. He provided strategies and tools to enhance our communication and workflow and assisted us with technical difficulties,” he says. “Casper build a process that stimulates broadening our minds, going out of our comfort zone, and practicing an attitude of self-development.” The team also extensively utilized online resources, including tutorials and forums, to bridge the gap in their expertise.
Ambitious plans
The development of Pin Zhi was a process of growth and discovery, with the team learning valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and teamwork. “No challenge is insurmountable when the team stays committed and flexible,” Rinzin reflects. The team embraced Agile methodologies, which helped them prioritize tasks and focus on the most critical elements of the game. Continuous feedback and testing allowed them to refine the game and improve the player experience.
With the successful launch of Pin Zhi, the LungtaMagic team has ambitious plans for the future. They aim to collaborate with international game developers and studios to create innovative, culturally rich games that highlight Bhutanese culture and creativity. “We hope to bring diverse perspectives into our game development process, enhancing the quality of our games and providing Bhutanese developers with valuable experience and exposure to global industry standards,” Rinzin shares.
Next generation game devs
Fostering local talent is also a key priority for the team. They intend to offer guidance and mentorship to aspiring game developers in Bhutan, sharing insights and best practices from their experience with Pin Zhi. By organizing Game Jams, community events, and participating in international events, they hope to attract more interest in the gaming industry and inspire the next generation of Bhutanese game developers. “For this, it’s crucial to have a vibrant community of smaller and bigger game studios.”
The development team is also committed to preserving and promoting Bhutanese heritage through their games. “By integrating elements of our culture into our projects, we aim to position Bhutan as a hub for creative industries and technological innovation,” he says. Their efforts are not only about creating games but also about contributing to Bhutan’s cultural and economic development.
Dreams can come true
The development of Pin Zhi marks a significant moment in Bhutan’s history, symbolizing the country’s entry into the global gaming industry. For the LungtaMagic team, this journey has been about more than just making a game—it has been about preserving Bhutan’s cultural heritage, fostering local talent, and proving that with determination and collaboration, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality.