Two Vietnamese developers featured in Apple's latest honors project

DNHN - The app named DreameChaser by two Vietnamese developers is among the few listed in the "Dare to Dream" category on the App Store.

Phạm Duy Phúc and Trần Tuấn, the developers behind the game DreameChaser, are part of Apple's latest honors project.

"Dreamers" is an Apple campaign designed to showcase outstanding creators, developers, and artists. In its second iteration, the company recognized individuals from Southeast Asia who have made a significant impact with their unique visions through content available on the App Store, Apple Music, and Apple TV.

When accessing the "Dare to Dream" section on the App Store, users can read the stories of some of the most prominent independent developers in the region, those who, according to Apple, "dared to turn their dreams into reality."

The Vietnamese-developed app DreameChaser is one of the few featured in the "Dare to Dream" category on the App Store.

By surpassing other strong candidates, DreamChaser was chosen by Apple to inspire those beginning to realize their own dreams.

DreamChaser, an endless runner game set in Vietnam's historical backdrop with a pixel art style, was developed by Phạm Duy Phúc and Trần Tuấn Hiệp, two young Vietnamese developers.

DreamChaser tells the story of escaping the pressures of urban life to return to a peaceful place. The game symbolizes the desire to break free from work-related constraints to explore the Nguyễn dynasty with mythical creatures, traditional costumes, and cute pets.

"My dream is to have my own game studio, with about 10 members, focusing only on making games," Phạm Duy Phúc shared with Apple.

Phúc revealed that he had to drop out of university to pursue a career in professional game development. He worked full-time while developing DreamChaser and managed his own YouTube channel, sharing his game-making journey with over 30,000 subscribers.

"After I posted the video about DreamChaser on YouTube, the number of players skyrocketed," Phúc recalled, though he also received a lot of feedback about bugs in the game. "It was a bit overwhelming to handle, but I was still very happy and excited. Seeing people enjoy the game and create content about it was truly a wonderful experience."

Tuấn Hiệp added that each location, architecture, and costume in the game has meaning. “These were initially incidental elements, but when combined, they created deep stories, evoking images of a richly traditional Vietnam,” Hiệp said.

Throughout DreamChaser, players will traverse famous Vietnamese landmarks cleverly integrated by the duo. From Thanh Toàn Covered Bridge (Huế), the ancient Hương Canh communal house in Bình Xuyên (Vĩnh Phúc), to the Water Pavilion at Thiên Phúc Tự (Hà Nội), the Vọng Lĩnh Bell Tower on Fansipan Peak (Lào Cai), the Poshanu Tower, and Nam Cương Sand Dunes (Ninh Thuận - Bình Thuận), these locations, rendered in pixel art, have succeeded in promoting Vietnam's scenic spots to everyone.

Phúc and Hiệp's goal is to continue refining DreamChaser, further developing the game while simultaneously working on their own projects.

Besides DreamChaser, other apps featured in the "Dare to Dream" category include ThoughtFull Chat, Potion Permit, and WithU.

ThoughtFull Chat, developed by Joan Low from Singapore, is deeply influenced by her experience caring for loved ones battling mental health issues.

ThoughtFull Chat connects people with mental health support services in a friendly and accessible way. The app helps users connect with suitable mental health professionals, providing therapy experiences through messages or video anytime, anywhere.

Next, Potion Permit is a simulation game about the journey of a chemist in the town of Moonbury. The game was developed by MassHive Media Studio in Indonesia, founded by siblings Andika Pradana and Anggia Lestari.

Lastly, the WithU app, created by two young Thais, Tyme Suteesopon and Sirin (Nanny) Thamakaison, offers a collection of warm quotes and appealing artworks created by talented Thai artists.

Duc Anh