Bringing the 1990s "play together" culture into the modern era—the Thai-origin collaborative action "LightSup!" aims to create irreplaceable experiences
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/954/G095456/20251017036/
Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Noguchi | 2025/10/17 06:25 (UTC)
To save a kingdom engulfed in darkness, players cooperate locally with up to four people. “LightSup!” is a side-scrolling action game developed by Thailand’s BugBlio Studio, specifically designed for local cooperative play.
At the “gamescom asia × Thailand Game Show 2025” event, we spoke with Jirayuth Limratanasaran, Chief Product Officer at BugBlio Studio, about this title that deliberately focuses on local multiplayer in an era dominated by online gaming—aiming to revive the nostalgic culture of “gathering together with friends to play games” from the 1990s.
The name “LightSup!” carries two meanings: “Light,” and “Sup?” (short for “What’s up?”). The game is set in the kingdom of Luminia, which has been plunged into darkness by a mysterious eclipse. Players join a rookie adventurer party to rekindle the sacred relic known as the “Altar of Light” and work toward purifying the world.
The gamescom asia × Thailand Game Show 2025 is currently taking place in Bangkok, Thailand. At the venue, “LightSup!” was showcased in a format designed for two players to enjoy simultaneously.
While the world setting might sound like a typical fantasy RPG, the true essence of “LightSup!” lies in its game design. As Limratanasaran explains, “We wanted to preserve that 1990s feeling.” That era when friends sat together on the floor playing Super Famicom or NES games—back then, it wasn’t common to play online. In today’s world of constant connectivity, “LightSup!” intentionally seeks a return to this lost cultural experience.
“We wanted players to shout out, call to each other, and talk while playing,” Limratanasaran says. The game isn’t about voice chat over screens—it’s about sitting side by side in the same room. That warmth is at the heart of what “LightSup!” aims to deliver.
The game supports local co-op for up to four players, with each player selecting from a variety of unique characters. Each character has distinct traits and can wield three types of weapons—melee (close combat), range (ranged), or magic—enabling diverse playstyles based on team synergy.
But what truly sets “LightSup!” apart isn’t just the ability to play with four people—it’s about teamwork. To complete the game, players must coordinate effectively and create synergistic effects. Only when weapon combinations, character traits, and timing align perfectly does the party unlock its true potential.
The roguelike elements also add significant depth. All quests are randomly generated, meaning battles, events, weapons, blessings, and curses appear unpredictably. Even replaying the same stage twice won’t yield identical experiences. Discoveries of “blessings” and “curses” during your adventure make each playthrough truly unique.
The game also features robust progression systems. Players can enhance their adventurers through magic upgrades, unlock new weapons, skins, and cosmetics—making the party stronger with every session. Estimated playtime ranges from 15 to 20 hours, but each individual session lasts only between five and fifteen minutes, making it easy to enjoy casually during breaks.
One standout feature is the “Nightmare Card” system. As players spend more time inside dungeons, these cards appear increasingly, applying debuffs to the party. The longer you explore leisurely, the worse your situation becomes.
“Players need to clear the game as quickly as possible,” Limratanasaran explains. “The longer you stay in a dungeon, more Nightmare Cards appear, increasing difficulty—ultimately leading to game over.” This mechanic keeps players constantly on edge and maintains fast-paced gameplay. Whether to explore slowly or take risks and press forward becomes a pivotal decision that heightens the intensity of cooperative play.
Another unique feature is the “Altar of Light.” By praying at this sacred relic—symbolizing the kingdom’s protection—the party gains power and boosts combat strength. This “prayer mechanic” isn’t just a simple stat boost; it’s deeply tied to the game’s world-building.
For BugBlio Studio, “LightSup!” marks their first original IP. Last year, they participated in BitSummit, and earlier this month, they exhibited at another gaming event—demonstrating consistent activity. Currently, three distinct worlds, four bosses, and numerous mini-bosses are implemented, with a demo version already available on Steam.
To enjoy local multiplayer, you only need one keyboard and mouse setup plus up to three game controllers. Four-controller play is also supported. Additionally, with Steam Remote Play, players can team up online with friends.
In an age where online gaming dominates, “LightSup!"’s commitment to reviving the “culture of shared experiences” might seem like a bold challenge. Yet there’s something irreplaceable about laughing and sometimes groaning together in the same space—working as a team to overcome obstacles. This kind of experience simply can’t be replicated online.
Image Gallery No.009 thumbnail / Reviving the 1990s “playing together” culture in modern times – What Thai-made cooperative action game LightSup! aims to deliver: an irreplaceable experience Image Gallery No.006 thumbnail / Reviving the 1990s “playing together” culture in modern times – What Thai-made cooperative action game LightSup! aims to deliver: an irreplaceable experience
For those who remember the nostalgic feeling of that era, it’ll be heartwarming. For younger players unfamiliar with it, it will feel fresh and exciting. “LightSup!” is striving to bring back gaming’s original power—the ability to connect people. The demo version is available for free, so why not experience this unique adventure yourself?