Puzzle-action game "MONOWAVE," where spreading emotions change the world, showcased at Korea Pavilion. Comments from Studio BBB's Kang Jib from [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/930/G093058/20250928056/
Writer: Naito Hasami | 2025/09/28 12:27 (UTC)
A Korean indie game studio named “StudioBBB,” founded by university students, has unveiled its debut puzzle-action title, MONOWAVE, at the Korea Pavilion of Tokyo Game Show 2025.
The game features simple, stylized characters with distinctive neon sign and thread-like designs. In this mysterious world, emotions become abilities, and empathy transforms into power.
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Emotions don’t stay within oneself alone. “MONOWAVE” is a gentle puzzle-action game that quietly reminds us of what truly matters in human connection [BitSummit]
Emotions don’t stay confined within us—they influence and are influenced by others. MONOWAVE, showcased in playable form at BitSummit 13th, is a puzzle-action game centered on the theme of “delivering the importance of emotions.” It’s a gentle title that quietly reminds players of what truly matters when connecting with one another.
[2025/07/22 14:02]
The protagonist, “MONO,” embarks on a journey to restore kindness and harmony to the world by singing empathetic songs to four elemental spirits representing emotions—happiness, sadness, anger, and anxiety—and overcoming various obstacles and puzzles.
A beautiful soundscape connects players’ emotions with those of the characters, lending strong emotional weight to the game’s unique world. The minimalist yet refined art style features almost no text, relying on visual storytelling rather than words. This design approach makes it accessible to everyone, fostering cross-cultural empathy.
Thumbnail image No.003 / Puzzle-action game “MONOWAVE” that transforms the world through spreading emotions, exhibited at the Korea Pavilion. Includes comments from StudioBBB’s Kim Ji-hoon [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.004 / Puzzle-action game “MONOWAVE” that transforms the world through spreading emotions, exhibited at the Korea Pavilion. Includes comments from StudioBBB’s Kim Ji-hoon [TGS2025]
With its delicate emotional system refined into a polished, high-quality game, MONOWAVE has been exhibited at Korea’s PlayX4, Taipei Game Show, and BitSummit, earning strong acclaim.
At Tokyo Game Show 2025, we had the opportunity to speak with one of the game’s developers, Kim Ji-hoon.
4Gamer:
We heard StudioBBB started as a student club. How many people are currently working on development?
Kim Ji-hoon (hereafter, Kim):
Mainly five of us. Until March this year, we were all students, but now we’ve graduated and are fully dedicated to game development. One team member had personal reasons to join a company, so currently, four of us are actively working.
4Gamer:
How long did the development take?
Kim:
About two years—roughly two and a half since the project began.
4Gamer:
Where did the original idea for this game come from?
Kim:
It’s been an idea I’ve nurtured for quite some time, so I don’t remember the exact moment of inspiration. But it was definitely influenced by films like Inside Out, and also Japanese titles such as Mario and Kirby.
Thumbnail image No.005 / Puzzle-action game “MONOWAVE” that transforms the world through spreading emotions, exhibited at the Korea Pavilion. Includes comments from StudioBBB’s Kim Ji-hoon [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.006 / Puzzle-action game “MONOWAVE” that transforms the world through spreading emotions, exhibited at the Korea Pavilion. Includes comments from StudioBBB’s Kim Ji-hoon [TGS2025]
4Gamer:
Since the initial concept, have there been any major changes to the game?
Kim:
Originally, MONO could switch emotions by himself while progressing through stages. But we reconsidered whether this aligned with our core idea of “emotional exchange between people.” So we reworked it to make emotion transfer a central gameplay mechanic—this is where the biggest change occurred compared to the original concept.
4Gamer:
It might be early, but do you have any current projects in development for StudioBBB’s next game?
Kim:
Yes! We’re currently preparing several ideas. MONOWAVE was our first title, but we’re now working on concepts for a larger-scale project that will offer even greater depth and enjoyment—so please look forward to it.
4Gamer:
Thank you very much!