A notable collaboration in Thailand is utilizing the realm of online gaming to kindle global fascination in the nation’s rich cultural heritage and potentially amplify tourism. This groundbreaking venture, which joins forces between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the popular horror game “Home Sweet Home,” was unveiled in Bangkok yesterday.
TAT has forged an alliance with Yggdrazil Group, the creative minds behind the well-received series, along with Ogilvy (Thailand), to introduce the eagerly anticipated online battle game, “Home Sweet Home: Online.” This innovative endeavor primarily aims to captivate the dynamic audiences of Generation Z, Generation Alpha, and Native Digitals across the globe.
Nithee Seeprae, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Digital Research and Development, elucidated that the “Home Sweet Home” series has already garnered a dedicated following within the gaming community due to its thrilling narratives interwoven with Thai beliefs, enigmas, and folklore.
“We acknowledge the allure of the horror-adventure game series, ‘Home Sweet Home,’ among tech-savvy individuals, gamers, and those intrigued by the supernatural. Its storytelling capitalizes on Thai mythology, beliefs, and profound culture. By supporting the launch of this latest edition, our aim is to motivate players to convert their in-game experiences into actual cultural and spiritual journeys to Thailand.”
The games extend beyond mere entertainment, serving as tools to educate players about Thai culture at a deeper level. They offer a finely spun blend of fear and exploration. As players navigate through encounters with ghosts and malevolent spirits and decode enigmatic puzzles, they simultaneously develop a heightened understanding of Thai superstitions.
Enhancing the immersive in-game experience, the developers have thoughtfully incorporated real-world locations within Thailand. As players traverse the virtual realm, they can virtually explore renowned sites such as the Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima, the traditional Thai-style house Khum Khun Phaen in Suphan Buri, and the Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary in Yala.
This innovative initiative seamlessly aligns with TAT’s ongoing objective of transforming Thai tourism into a smart, technology-driven endeavor. The feedback garnered from gamers engaging in “The Hunt for Amazing Cultures” task from the freely accessible episode of “Home Sweet Home: Online” has been encouraging.
Responses revealed that Thailand’s most captivating aspects included its national parks, bustling street-food scene, and the traditional Songkran festival. This shift toward incorporating the nation’s cultural foundations within game development underscores the promotion of Thailand’s distinct cultural identity.
The promoters of “Home Sweet Home: Online” anticipate a positive reception from approximately 500,000 interested gamers and aspire to raise awareness about Thai tourism among at least 900,000 individuals.
For those eager to embark on an adrenaline-fueled journey into the mystical realm of Thai folklore, the official website of the game holds a plethora of additional information.