A barbershop bathed in moonlight, a rhythmic dance of shears, and an eerie clientele – “The Midnight Barber,” developed by Spanish indie studio Omaet Games, has won the “Best Audio” award at the Indie Game Award 2025 during Taipei Game Show, a testament to its unique blend of hairstyling and rhythm-based gameplay.
Omaet Games, a team of former colleagues turned indie dreamers, found their initial concept, a single illustration, transformed into a captivating experience. The “Best Audio” award validates their vision, reinforcing their belief that they’re crafting something truly special.
“The core members of our team worked together for seven years at our previous job and became close friends,” the team shared, revealing the roots of their collaboration. Fueled by a desire to pursue their own creative paths, they embarked on a journey to create small games with big, unexpected stories.
“The Midnight Barber” focuses on the intimate space of a barbershop, a setting that fosters close interaction between barber and customer. The eerie twist? This barbershop operates only at midnight, catering exclusively to supernatural clients. This blend of everyday ritual and supernatural horror creates a unique and compelling atmosphere.
To enhance immersion and replicate the precision of barbering, the game integrates rhythm mechanics with controller joystick movements, simulating actions like trimming and shaving. The team went beyond ASMR videos, visiting real barbershops and interviewing hairstylists. While the controller provides tactile feedback, the final release will also support keyboard and mouse controls.
Taipei Game Show marked Omaet Games’ first venture into the Asian market, a journey inspired by a mentor and a personal connection to Taiwan. The team’s decision to exhibit and enter the Indie Game Award was rewarded beyond their wildest dreams.
“Receiving praise from Yoshida-san was undoubtedly the highlight of our time at Taipei Game Show!” the team exclaimed. Shuhei Yoshida, one of the Indie Game Award judges and a long-time inspiration for the team, not only attended the ceremony but also played their demo, praising its originality.
The event also opened doors to publishers and investors, paving the way for “The Midnight Barber” to reach a wider audience. Omaet Games is now fully committed to refining the game, promising more updates soon. This is more than just a rhythm game; it’s a narrative-driven experience that blends the mundane with the macabre, all set to the rhythmic snip of midnight shears.
To know more about The Midnight Barer, follow Omaet Games on X/Twitter.
