When Geoff Keighley personally reached out to Indonesian indie developer Fajrul FN, it marked a turning point for Acts of Blood—a brutal, Sifu-inspired beat-’em-up that stole the spotlight at Summer Game Fest 2025. In an interview with Polygon, Fajrul FN shared the game’s journey from a hobbyist Unreal Engine experiment to a globally showcased action title, set to launch next year.
A Solo Dev’s Passion Project Goes Big
- Origins: What began in January 2024 as a way for Fajrul (a 3D artist by trade) to learn Unreal Engine quickly evolved into Acts of Blood. Early prototypes were built using “Frankenstein” Blueprints stitched together from YouTube tutorials.
- Team Eksil: Though Fajrul leads development (handling design, programming, and environments), friends joined part-time for music, animation, and VO. The name “Eksil” (“exile” in English) reflects their indie underdog spirit.
- Geoff Keighley’s Surprise Call: After Keighley spotted the game online, he emailed Fajrul directly to offer support. The result? A showcase at SGF 2025, where Acts of Blood stunned viewers with its bone-crunching combat and Indonesian setting.
Influences: The Raid, Sifu, and Bandung’s Streets
- Cinematic Violence: Inspired by Gareth Evans’ films (The Raid) and games like Sleeping Dogs and Manhunt, the game promises X-ray kill cams, dismemberment, and relentless melee brawls.
- A Love Letter to Bandung: The Indonesian city—rarely seen in games—serves as the backdrop, with its rainy streets and unique architecture recreated through Fajrul’s personal lens.
What’s Next?
- Platforms: Initially targeting PC, with Xbox confirmed via ID@Xbox and other consoles planned.
- 2025 Release: Fajrul’s priority is refining the fluid, counter-heavy combat—a system he hopes will rival his inspirations.
Final Thought: Acts of Blood is a testament to indie hustle, blending DIY development with a clear, visceral vision. As Fajrul put it:
“It’s surreal that a game built from tutorial scraps is now on the world’s stage.”
Why This Story Resonates
- Underdog Narrative: A solo dev’s project catches Geoff Keighley’s eye.
- Global Spotlight: Puts Indonesian game dev (and Bandung’s culture) on the map.
- Raw, Unfiltered Action: Appeals to fans of Sifu and The Raid.
