Why was the decision made to spotlight kuih over other dishes?

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Kuih Was Chosen to Highlight Underserved Cultural Elements in Gaming

The decision to spotlight kuih, traditional Malaysian cakes and pastries, over other dishes in the video game "Kooeh: A Timeless Delight" was primarily driven by a desire to give these items more recognition. Game developers felt that kuih were not being sufficiently discussed or represented, prompting them to focus on this specific culinary aspect of Malaysian heritage. This choice also allowed for the incorporation of the rich narratives and diverse communities associated with each type of kuih.
A Deliberate Focus on Undiscussed Culinary Heritage

William Chong, the founder of Twilight Foundry Games, explicitly stated that the team felt kuih were not receiving adequate attention. This perception directly influenced the game's design, leading to a deliberate choice to centre the menu around these traditional treats rather than more globally recognised Malaysian fare. Chong himself has a personal fondness for dodol, a specific type of kuih, which further cemented its inclusion in the game.
Uncovering Stories and Communities Through Kuih

The development team discovered that each type of kuih was intrinsically linked to a multitude of stories and communities. This realization reinforced the decision to feature them, as it provided a deeper well of cultural content to draw from. The game ultimately includes 26 menu items, encompassing a variety of kuih such as dodol, kuih lapis, ondeh-ondeh, and vadai, alongside traditional drinks, to offer players a comprehensive taste of Malaysian culinary traditions.
Preserving Culture Through Interactive Experience

Beyond simply featuring food, the developers aimed to transform the cultural richness embedded in kuih into an interactive experience. The game's objective was to allow players to engage with, understand, and remember these traditions. By managing a kopitiam and serving these items to animal customers representing endangered Southeast Asian wildlife, the game provides a unique platform for cultural preservation and education.

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Why was the decision made to spotlight kuih over other dishes?

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