Taiwanese indie studio BearBone has made waves at the Indie Game Award 2025, hosted by Taipei Game Show, securing both Best Narrative and the Grand Prix with their five-year labor of love, Minds Beneath Us. Praised for its gripping storytelling, intricate characters, and stunning cyberpunk-inspired art infused with Taiwanese culture, the game has earned a 95% positive rating on Steam and widespread acclaim from the judging panel.
Ted, the studio’s producer and writer, shared that BearBone currently consists of a tight-knit seven-member team, many of whom have been working together since their university days. With their recent awards drawing significant industry attention, the team now has the opportunity to fully dedicate themselves to their next project—one that promises to push creative and innovative gameplay to new heights.
Crafting a Uniquely “Taiwanese” Game, Inspired by the Best
While Minds Beneath Us wasn’t based on any specific real-world event, the team drew inspiration from acclaimed Taiwanese titles like Detention and Devotion. Their goal was to create a game that felt uniquely Taiwanese, but realizing their limited knowledge of traditional culture, they chose to explore the sci-fi genre, which they were more familiar with. This balance between futuristic themes and grounded realism was a key challenge during development.
“I enjoy exploring different perspectives and observing how people think, so I naturally lean toward writing serious narratives,” Ted explained.
Each character in Minds Beneath Us has a distinct mindset, making moral choices ambiguous and complex. As the sole writer, Ted never faced ideological conflicts with the team but actively sought their input to ensure the story resonated with a broad audience. When asked about his favorite ending, he pointed to the “Taking the gun and joining OWL” conclusion—an outcome that, while harsh and painful, reflects real-world logic yet carries a message of hope.
From Graduation Project to Game Studio: “Doing What You Love Matters Most”
Reflecting on their journey from a university project to a full-fledged game studio, Ted admitted that their biggest challenge was financial pressure—along with learning how to manage a company and handle administrative tasks. However, despite these struggles, the sheer passion for game development kept them going, with fan support playing a crucial role in their motivation.
One of the most unforgettable moments for the team happened at Tokyo Game Show, where a group of dedicated fans, having missed their booth, arranged a late-night meetup in a park just to talk with them. Even though the setting was far from ideal—mosquitoes and all—it was a surreal experience that left a lasting impression on the team.
What’s Next for BearBone?
Winning at the Indie Game Award has significantly boosted BearBone’s visibility, attracting potential business partnerships. While the average player might not be highly aware of industry awards, Ted emphasized that within the gaming industry, accolades act as a seal of quality, helping studios gain credibility and secure collaborations.
Now, with newfound opportunities, BearBone is fully focused on their next title, aiming to introduce bold, innovative gameplay mechanics while staying true to their signature story-driven experience. Ted hinted that previous technical limitations had restricted their creative ambitions, but this time, they plan to push the boundaries of gameplay innovation without compromising the narrative depth they’re known for.
For the full video interview, check out the Taipei Game Show official YouTube channel.
