This game suddenly caused a storm on social networks, and was widely shared by domestic and foreign gamers. Without grand drawings, without big distributors, with just a few laptops and passion, Vietnamese people have created a global phenomenon.
This is a personal product of a Vietnamese student, developed in a short time with limited resources. Although it does not have elaborate graphics, the game attracts hundreds of thousands of downloads in just a few days thanks to its close and realistic storytelling of simple working life.
On social networking platforms, many players said they felt "heartbroken" when transforming into the character of Mr. Hai - a young man who started a business from a small pho restaurant, recalling memories of the roadside restaurants and the familiar mornings of Vietnamese people. Some people say games make them miss their family, or the feeling of "returning to the countryside through the computer screen".
The success of Mr. Hais Pho Shop lies not only in the number of downloads or clips spread, but also in the way the game affirms the new position of Vietnamese games in the digital age. This is clear evidence that without a large budget, nor an international studio, a local product can still reach a global audience if it touches the right emotions.
Previously, Vietnamese games were often associated with pure entertainment products with few cultural elements. But the appearance of games like Mr. Hais Pho Shop shows a new wave of creativity - where Vietnamese culture becomes digital art. When the world is saturated with magnificent fighting or role-playing games, the rusticity and authenticity of a pho restaurant becomes a "strange treat" attracting international gamers.
Many foreign YouTubers shared the experience video, calling the game a hidden gem from Vietnam. Many people commented that they felt a real slice of daily life, mixed with mystery - a bit of a mystery in a daily indie game in Asia.
"Mr. Hai's Pho Shop" is successful not because of special effects, but because of sincerity. From a small street corner, young Vietnamese people have attracted the world's attention, not with advertising, but with a simple story.
However, players also gave many suggestions to improve the game. A comment on the Vietnamese gamers commented: "If there are more difficult levels or many other traditional dishes such as bun bo, broken rice, ... then the game will be even more attractive". Many people suggest expanding the plot, letting Mr. Hai interact more with customers, or adding details reflecting city life, making the game both familiar and profound. At the same time, it is necessary to change some graphics in the game to better suit many ages.
Minh Quan's account on TikTok wrote: "This is a rare Vietnamese game that makes me proud, but if there is an official English version and an update to the task, it will definitely spread more strongly". These opinions show the community's expectation that Vietnamese games are not only "touching emotions", but also need to develop sustainably in terms of technology and player experience.
