Why P. Ramlee?
“Seniman Serantau” is a board game rooted in comprehensive research into the rich tapestry of Malaysian cinema, focusing specifically on the iconic Malay film industry to honour the legacy of P.Ramlee, a legendary Malaysian actor. The game promotes cultural appreciation and artistic creativity, allowing players to immerse themselves in diverse film genres. It combines strategic decision-making with creative challenges, fostering a deeper connection to Malaysia’s rich cinematic history.
When we conducted our research through a survey, we discovered that while a majority of participants were familiar with P. Ramlee as a prominent figure in Malay cinema, most of them lacking detailed knowledge about his specific works. Although P. Ramlee’s name was widely recognized, many respondents were not well-acquainted with his films, music, or contributions to the industry.
This gap in awareness highlighted the need for a deeper exploration of his work and its significance, underscoring the importance of incorporating his contributions into the “Seniman Serantau” board game.
By addressing this gap, the game aims to educate players about P. Ramlee’s influential body of work, enriching their understanding and appreciation of his legacy within the context of Malay film history. Engaging with this board game, players explore pivotal moments, classic films, and influential characters from the Malay film industry, gaining a deeper appreciation of its impact and legacy.
Why do we choose board games as output?When we conducted our research through a survey, we asked “What kind of tabletop games do you enjoy?”. Majority of the participants answer Family Games (Games similar to Monopoly, Uno, Scrabble). This data helps us to determine what type of board game to create based on the public’s interest. To appeal to the younger generation, we choose a fun and appealing method which is accessible for them to play anytime with peers or family. The game is fun and at the same time encourages them to learn about P. Ramlee.
How does Seniman Serantau works?
So how does Seniman Serantau work? It’s simple players with the most points win! To collect points, players have to complete challenges. The challenges are divided into 3 categories, hard, normal and easy. There are a total of 78 challenges, 36 easy challenges cards, 24 normal challenges cards and 18 hard challenges cards. The general rule of the game is if a player fails to answer or carry out the challenge within the given time, the player will not earn any points and be unable to move forward for that round. To assist players in their knowledge of P.Ramlee’s work, players are given clues. If the player is still unable to answer, a chance is given to do their research based on the time span given by the hour glass (30 – 45 seconds). Players are also given one skip card, the Tak Nak Buat card which they can only use once to skip the challenge.
The type of challenges varies from charades to acting to quiz based. As players explore the board and experience the different range of challenges. They will have to use their knowledge about P. Ramlee’s film. As players travel around the colourful game board, they will experience different types of space. The game ends when all the players cross the “The End” space.
To enhance the player’s experience, we included a comprehensive guide book with the board game. The guidebook is an essential resource that provides clear, detailed instructions to help players navigate the game smoothly. It covers general rules, explains the board and card functions with step-by-step guidance, and includes answer sheets to resolve any uncertainties. Additionally, the guidebook outlines the point system, ensuring players can track progress and compete fairly. Our goal in providing this guidebook was to create a user-friendly experience, allowing players to fully enjoy the game with easy access to necessary information.
About Seniman Serantau Design
When creating the board game, we focused on incorporating vibrant and thematic elements to enhance its appeal and enjoyment. We used colourful themes to make both the board and cards visually engaging, aiming to capture the excitement and nostalgia of classic cinema. The design includes motifs such as film reels, vintage movie tickets, and props reminiscent of P.Ramlee’s iconic films, adding a rich layer of cultural reference and visual interest. To evoke the classic look of old films, we employed a black and white colour scheme for a vintage touch, while integrating bright, eye-catching colours to make the game lively and captivating. This combination ensures that the game is not only visually appealing but also deeply connected to P.Ramlee’s cinematic legacy, creating an immersive and attractive experience for players.
Creating the board game box was a rewarding yet challenging experience that involved careful consideration of both design and functionality. From conceptualising the box’s dimensions to ensuring it effectively housed all the game components.
We had to balance aesthetic appeal with practical needs, such as durability and ease of use. This involved selecting appropriate materials, designing an eye-catching cover that reflected the nostalgic yet fun feels and organising the interior layout to keep components secure and accessible. Overall the experience highlighted the importance of thoughtful design in enhancing the overall gaming experience, ensuring that the box not only protects the game but also enhances the excitement of unboxing it.
Our final product and feedback from public
Our board game came to live at 24. Interlude showcase which happened during the 9th of August till 11th of August 2024. Visitors who were around the age of 18 to 25 years old visited our booth and stated that they heard of P.Ramlee but have not watched any of his films. Many of them tried our game and really enjoyed it. “The game is really fun even though I have no knowledge about P. Ramlee and his films” was one of the few feedbacks that we received. It made us really happy and we felt fulfilled that our game has successfully brought exposure to P. Ramlee and sparked the interest to watch P. Ramlee’s films.
At the beginning of the project, we had very little knowledge about P. Ramlee. Through this project, we learn more about P. Ramlee and his work. We are able to see his charms and why his works are ahead of his time. Seniman Serantau is more than just a project to us, it is a way to give appreciation for P. Ramlee’s works as his contributions have not only enriched Malaysia arts and culture but have also cemented his status as an icon in the region. His works continue to be cherished by fans of all ages, ensuring that his legacy lives on. We hope that players who experience our game are able to learn about P. Ramlee and have fun!