The independent games industry has gained immense popularity in recent years, showcasing innovative and creative titles that challenge traditional game formats. One such game that has gained significant recognition is the Malaysian-made rhythm game Rhythm Doctor. The game was recently honoured with the Excellence in Audio Award at the 2024 Independent Games Festival (IGF) Awards.

Congratulations to Malaysia game developer @7thbeat' Rhythm Doctor @RhythmDrGame for winning Excellence in Audio Design Award at the Independent Games Festival Awards pic.twitter.com/TajjNoCphB

— South East Asia Game Aesthetic (@SEAGamethetic) March 21, 2024

Rhythm Doctor, created by 7th Beat Games, emerged as a formidable competitor in the Excellence in Audio category, surpassing other notable entries such as COCOON by Geometric Interactive, Tchia by Awaceb, Venba by Visai Games, and many others. The IGF Awards, which aim to honour the finest independently-produced games, encompass various categories such as narrative, design, audio, and art.

Released in February 2021, Rhythm Doctor is a one-button rhythm game where the player is a doctor who has to solve a myriad of patient ailments by tapping the spacebar in time to the beat. As the name of the game studio suggests, players must press in tandem with every seventh beat of the level’s song. Completing a song unlocks the next patient, along with a tougher “night shift” mode for the song. Visually, the pixel art game is as colourful as it gets.

Check out all the IGF winners along with the award amounts they’ve received according to the GDC official portal:

• Excellence in Visual Art ($2,000) – Phonopolis by Amanita Design
• Excellence in Audio ($2,000) – Rhythm Doctor by 7th Beat Games
• Excellence in Design ($2,000) – Cryptmaster by Paul Hart & Lee Williams
• Excellence in Narrative ($2,000) – Mediterranea Inferno by EYEGUYS
• Nuovo Award ($2,000) – Anthology of the Killer by Thecatamites, Tommy Tone, and A. Degen
• Best Student Game ($2,000) – Once Upon a Jester by Bonte Avond.
• Audience Award ($2,000) – RAM: Random Access Mayhem by Xylem Studios
• alt.ctrl.gdc Award ($2,000) – Chú Mó by The Chú Mó Team @ ArtCenter
• Seumas McNally Grand Prize ($10,000) – Venba by Visai Games

The Excellence in Audio Award received by Rhythm Doctor is a significant achievement for 7th Beat Games and the Malaysian gaming industry. It is a testament to the game’s innovative gameplay, exceptional audio design, and the impact it has made in the gaming community.

Watch the video below.