Imagine being an independent game developer, working on your passion project, and then getting a direct call from Geoff Keighley, the host of Summer Game Fest. That’s exactly what happened to Fajrul Falakh Nurfitryansyah, the mind behind the upcoming brutal beat ’em up Acts of Blood. This unexpected moment led to massive visibility for his game at one of the biggest events in the gaming world, highlighting a compelling indie success story and teasing a graphically intense, action-packed experience set in a rarely-seen location.
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From Side Project to Summer Game Fest Star
For independent creators like Fajrul, getting noticed is often the biggest challenge. Fajrul, known as Fajrul FN, was developing Acts of Blood with a small team when he received an email that changed things. Geoff Keighley had seen the game and was impressed, reaching out to offer support. Fajrul explained his team’s need for visibility, and soon after, Acts of Blood was featured at Summer Game Fest, reaching an audience of millions. [Link to Summer Game Fest coverage] This wasn’t a planned showcase for Fajrul; it was a direct result of his game catching the eye of a major industry figure, a truly surreal moment for the small team.
The game originally started much more humbly. Fajrul, primarily a 3D artist, began Acts of Blood in January 2024 as a personal project to improve his skills with the Unreal Engine. What began as a learning exercise quickly grew into something bigger. He candidly admits that in the early days, the game’s systems were a “Frankenstein mix” of code pulled together from various YouTube tutorials – a chaotic but effective starting point for a game that would eventually be shown on a global stage.
What is Acts of Blood? A Bloody, Action-Packed Tribute
Acts of Blood is an upcoming beat ’em up game set to release next year. It draws heavy inspiration from intense action films and gritty combat games.
Influences and Setting
Fajrul points to action films like The Raid and The Night Comes for Us by directors Gareth Evans and Timo Tjahjanto as major creative forces behind the game’s feel. On the gameplay side, the counter-based fighting of Sleeping Dogs and the complex combo systems of Sifu are key inspirations. Visually and tonally, games like Max Payne and Manhunt contributed to its gritty, raw aesthetic.
Unlike many games that feature well-known locales, Acts of Blood is set in Bandung, Indonesia. This is Fajrul’s hometown, and he wanted to pay tribute to the city, which is rarely depicted in games. While not a perfect replica, the game captures the city’s atmosphere – its rainy streets, unique architecture, and climate – and utilizes its mix of urban and natural spaces to create diverse levels.
Prepare for Brutal Combat
One of the most talked-about features of Acts of Blood is its commitment to graphic violence. The developer is not holding back, promising brutal takedowns, dismemberment, and the team’s own take on the “X-ray kill” feature popularized by games like Mortal Kombat. Violence is central to the game’s experience, designed as a raw homage to classic action media.
Brutal combat sequence from Acts of Blood GIF, showing a finisher move against an enemy.
Meet Eksil Team: The Small Studio Behind the Game
Fajrul is the project lead, handling most of the game design, programming, and 3D environments. However, he’s quick to point out that Acts of Blood is a team effort. He’s joined by friends who contribute part-time, primarily on weekends while managing their day jobs. This small group calls themselves Eksil Team, which Fajrul feels is fitting, as “Eksil” translates to “exile” – like a group of outcasts working together on something deeply personal.
Release Plans and What to Look Forward To
Currently, Acts of Blood is being developed for PC. However, the team has already secured support through the ID@Xbox program, indicating plans to bring the game to consoles, starting with Xbox and hoping for more platforms later. [Link to article about ID@Xbox or indie console programs]
Screenshot from Acts of Blood showing the gritty urban setting inspired by Bandung.
When players finally get their hands on the game next year, Fajrul is most excited for them to experience the combat. He’s invested heavily in making the fighting mechanics feel tight, responsive, and deeply satisfying. The thrill of dodging an attack, landing a brutal counter, and seeing the impact with an X-ray effect is what he believes defines the game’s core. He’s also eager for players, especially those familiar with the area, to recognize the touches of Bandung woven into the game’s levels, blending a personal connection with cinematic action.
Acts of Blood stands out as a passionate indie project fueled by creative influences and a surprising turn of events that put it on the global stage. Its commitment to brutal combat and its unique Indonesian setting make it one to watch for fans of the beat ’em up genre.
