X ‘1998: The Toll Keeper Story’ X Behind Every Barrier Lies a Story of Survival
Today GameChanger Studio is looking forward to the worldwide release of their creative and some may say cutting, narrative, and simulational challenge, 1998: The Toll Keeper Story, for Steam PC. Marking a special debut in the West, a 7-day countdown begins on 28th October 2025, presenting its unveiling to gamers and fans of the mix genre presentation!
This theme is deeply personal for me. As someone who lived through the 1998 crisis in Indonesia, this project reflects an experience that profoundly shaped my perspective. Our game is not about changing the world, but about the profound struggle of trying to survive in a world that is changing you. - Riris Marpaung, CEO & Game Director
True to Life - fact not fiction!
1998: The Toll Keeper Story is inspired by real-life experience during college days. The struggles to finish undergraduate theses, far away from family, in the most chaotic and dangerous time of life. A period of the economic crisis, which includes newspaper headlines, the graffiti on the walls, the tollbooth, and vehicles that have been replicated within the game to match the era.
Fictitious real people!
Dewi, the main character, is married to Heru (the taxi driver). A pregnant toll-keeper was chosen as the main character to represent the struggle of people from the lower class, and about hope (whether the baby is born or not). Hope for Janapa’s people who are fighting for a change in their country. Change means reformation, which is the strongest word that Indonesian people use during the protest.
We hope players walk away with a profound sense of empathy and an understanding of how large-scale historical events impact the lives of ordinary people. - Riris Marpaung, CEO & Game Director
Challenge
Players will perform the duties of a toll keeper: checking vehicles, verifying identity documents, and cross-referencing information against an evolving set of rules and regulations from the state. This routine, however, is constantly interrupted by moral dilemmas and tense situations. You must manage limited resources for your family, handle rising tension, and make difficult on-the-spot decisions that will impact the story.
Tension
At first, players will check payment and vehicle details for authenticity and compliance. The puzzles come from detecting inconsistencies, forgeries, or breaches of regulation. Players will interact with a wide cast of characters through dialogue in the booth or at home.
Decisions
But things get more complicated; you also need to decide who to let through and who to turn away, often involving clear moral stakes. For example, will you follow a restrictive new directive to the letter, even if it means turning away people in desperate need? Or will you bend the rules for a family in distress?
Much more intrigue unfolds to create a diary of past events!
Mission Beyond Video Game
20% of the revenue from the Artbook of 1998: The Toll Keeper Story sales in the first month of launch will be donated to support the activities of Indonesian Women in Game (IWIG). Supporting IWIG allows us to take that theme and apply it to the real world, helping empower women in the Indonesian games industry.