Meet the Night‑Owl Game Wizard of Singapore
Ever wonder what it feels like to juggle a day job and a midnight gig crafting a full game? That’s the daily grind of Mark Fillon, a 33‑year‑old Filipino in the heart of Singapore’s buzzing Chinatown.
By Day…
When the sun goes down, Mark slips into his role as a creative wizard at a local ad agency. He spends his bright hours whipping up TV spots and radio jingles that keep brands top of mind.
By Night…
That’s when the real adventure starts. Mark is the creative director and mastermind behind the indie studio General Interactive Co. (GI). They’re brewing a mind‑bending puzzle‑adventure titled Chinatown Detective Agency (CDA).
CDA is set in a neon‑lit, cyberpunk version of Singapore’s Chinatown. Picture a private eye diving into a labyrinth of secrets and high‑tech hijinks.
How the Clock Works
- 9‑to‑5: Mark handles his ad agency hustle.
- Even after the office, he heads home to raise his tiny daughter for 3‑4 precious hours.
- After she’s tucked in, the clock strikes the hour of creative liberation—he digs into CDA until dawn.
“It’s a full‑time love affair with the game,” Mark says, “I keep the lights on up till ghost‑hour.” He’s been sharpening his Singapore skills for almost five years.
Family Support
Mark’s wife, Maria, is a clinic manager, and their squad now includes their little 3‑year‑old explorer. The family’s applause fuels his relentless drive.
Weekend Warriors
Weekends belong to CDA. Mark transforms those quiet Sunday evenings into laser‑focused development sprints, leaving nothing for leisure.
Global Dream Team
Behind the scenes, GI boasts two star collaborators:
- Lead programmer Jenny Hide from the UK—makes code sing.
- Art director Ricardo Juchem from Brazil—spins the visual vibe.
Together they’re turning a bustling boardroom in Chinatown into the beating heart of a cyberpunk detective saga.
What the Future Holds
Since 2017, CDA has quietly grown, and Mark’s dedication is turning it into something legendary—
- Investigation meets innovation.
- Every puzzle is more than a challenge—it’s a doorway into a neon dreamscape.
- A story that weaves family, work, and creativity into one thrilling narrative.
So next time you spot a Singaporean ad team after square‑dawn, remember: someone’s probably now buried in cyberspace, designing a detective who solves mysteries in the neon streets of Chinatown.
<img alt="" data-caption="Chinatown Detective Agency is about a private investigator who has set up shop in Chinatown in a futuristic dystopian cyberpunk Singapore.
PHOTO: General Interactive Co” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”91b7c676-9152-4019-a23f-d729d978a0ea” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202020-03-05%20at%209.jpg”/>
A Game That Brings Singapore’s Pulse into the Digital Playground
Meet the Team Behind CDA
Why Singapore’s Chinatown
“Singapore feels like an ideal cyberpunk backdrop: sleek future tech, a government that runs the show.”Mr Fillon wonders:
If governments fell worldwide, what would Singapore look like if its people ran the show themselves?
The Writing Challenge
“Capturing Singaporean slang (Singlish) and everyday chatter is tough for a foreigner, but I couldn’t pull it short.”He’s been racking his teammates, asking them to teach him the quirks of local chatter and rhythms. He even enlisted local voice actors so the main characters truly sound like Singaporeans.
“Do international players get turned away by Singlish?”“Not at all. In fact, when we pitched the game to US and European groups, they were intrigued by how people talk, the vibrant locales, and the tasty food.”Research is a thrill.
“Examining old archives and newspapers to feel the country’s vibe through the years is priceless.”
Funding Journey
“Most indie launches aim for US$80–100k, but we only need 40k.”“The funds will cover licensing, sound effects, music composition, and event costs.”Kickstarter window: March 26 – April 27.
