A 17-year-old developer weaves the tale of the Ayutthaya dynasty. "The Shadow of Ayutthaya," a Thai-made action game created by a father and son team
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/954/G095474/20251018001/
Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Noguchi | 2025/10/18 03:25 (UTC)
At the ongoing [gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show 2025] in Bangkok, I discovered an action-adventure game titled “The Shadow of Ayutthaya.” Set in an open world recreating Thai temples and palaces, it’s a souls-like title where players battle using traditional Thai martial arts such as Muay Boran and Krabi Krabong.
Official Website for “The Shadow Of Ayutthaya”
The game is set during the era of the once-prosperous Ayutthaya Kingdom. The player controls Gavin, an assassin known as the “Shadow Flame,” who eliminates traitors within the kingdom and possesses unique abilities that utilize shadows as weapons.
The game’s map features buildings inspired by real-life Thai temples such as Wat Arun and Wat Phra Chetuphon. According to developer Patavee Suksomsri, “Famous landmarks like Wat Arun appear in the game. Since it’s an open world, you can explore the realm of Ayutthaya on horseback or on foot.”
The beta version available at the event was a linear quest set in “Lavo,” a mountainous region. However, the final release will feature an open-world format. Suksomsri stated clearly: “It’s inspired by the concept of [Ghost of Tsushima].”
The combat system is designed with souls-like mechanics in mind. It follows genre conventions such as checkpoint saving, level-ups, and managing HP (health) and stamina, while cleverly blending in unique Thai elements.
Gavin’s weapon of choice is a pair of swords. According to Suksomsri: “In the beta test, double swords were the strongest weapon—because you can attack while running.” Watching the gameplay footage, I noticed that his sword swings had both lightness and weight, creating a distinctive rhythm.
Another standout feature is the incorporation of traditional Thai martial arts into combat. Techniques from Muay Boran (ancient Muay Thai) and Krabi Krabong—a martial art using swords and staffs—are implemented, along with magic spells. The magical effects on screen carry a unique atmosphere inspired by Thai mythology and folklore.
Defense also plays a role in combat; timing your guard correctly allows you to block enemy skill attacks. The beta version includes three bosses, each designed as symbols of Thai temple or village culture.
The development team consists of only two people: Patavee Suksomsri, who handles game design and programming, and his father Chalermpol Suksomsri, responsible for documentation. While they have a sponsor serving as music producer, the duo personally manages everything from modeling and animation to coding.
It’s impressive that just two people are developing this game—but even more astonishing is that Patavee Suksomsri is only 17 years old. His words, “We are passionate Thai developers who understand the importance of cultural heritage,” reveal a deep desire to share Thailand’s history and culture with the world.
In the beta version, a female character named “Kaeo Sai” appears as an important NPC. She holds the key to uncovering the truth behind the story and provides healing items when the player’s HP is low. There’s also another NPC who sells and buys items, allowing players to purchase consumables like apples.
The game world includes not only Thai villages but also European-style settlements. Given the 16th-century setting, this likely reflects historical contact with Western powers such as Portugal and the Netherlands.
Though development has only been underway for five months, the team aims to release the game by Q3 2026. The planned platform is PC, with English and Thai as supported languages—Japanese localization is also in the works.
Thailand’s gaming industry is rapidly growing, thanks in part to government support. A Southeast Asia-first law promoting the gaming sector is scheduled for implementation, marking Thailand’s transformation from a mere consumer market into a creative hub. In this context, a 17-year-old developer teaming up with his father to create a game centered on their nation’s cultural heritage symbolizes the bright future of Thai gaming.
Though still in beta form, “The Shadow of Ayutthaya” already feels full of potential. The beauty of Thai temple architecture, the power and spirit of traditional martial arts like Muay Boran and Krabi Krabong, and a unique world centered around an assassin who manipulates shadows—when these elements merge, they may well create a game that truly embodies Thailand’s essence.
As I left the booth, Suksomsri smiled and said: “We want to share our culture with the world through games.” I can’t wait to see how this story of Ayutthaya, crafted by a 17-year-old and his father, will ultimately come together.
Patavee Suksomsri (left) and Chalermpol Suksomsri (right) Thumbnail image No.001 / A story of the Ayutthaya Kingdom crafted by a 17-year-old developer. “The Shadow of Ayutthaya” is a Thai-made action game created by father and son