The BIG Festival is an esteemed gaming event in Latin America that showcases the region’s thriving gaming industry. This year, An Otter Game Studio, an indie studio from Argentina, emerged as a key winner at the festival. Despite facing tough competition, the studio secured the Best Mobile Game award for their title, Sequenza – a captivating musical puzzle game. Martín Fernández, the founder and director of An Otter Game Studio, shared his insights on the game, the Argentine gaming industry, and the significance of the award.
About An Otter Game Studio and Its Mission
An Otter Game Studio is a small, newly-established studio based in Rosario, Argentina, which happens to be the birthplace of the renowned football player Lionel Messi. The studio is dedicated to creating introspective games that evoke unique emotions in players. Drawing inspiration from esteemed studios like Ustwo Games and Thatgamecompany, An Otter Game Studio aims to deliver exceptional gaming experiences. Martín Fernández serves as the founder, director, lead programmer, and game designer at the studio.
Significance of Winning the Best Mobile Game Award
Winning the Best Mobile Game award at the BIG Festival holds immense value for An Otter Game Studio. As a new studio with a limited portfolio, industry validation plays a vital role in gaining recognition and securing funding for future projects. This award not only confirms their commitment to producing high-quality games but also dispels misconceptions about the capabilities of Latin American studios. An Otter Game Studio’s victory demonstrates that they can compete with larger, more experienced studios.
The Unique Appeal of Sequenza
Sequenza stands out due to its simplicity and ability to evoke intense emotions. Despite facing formidable competition, Sequenza’s straightforward approach to gameplay distinguishes it from other titles in the same category. Rather than relying on grand productions, Sequenza captivates players with its minimalistic design and powerful emotional impact. This unique combination sets it apart.
Argentina’s Position in the Latin American Gaming Landscape
Martín Fernández believes that Argentina is experiencing steady growth within the Latin American gaming landscape. The country’s rich history and vibrant culture offer countless stories waiting to be told, and video games provide an excellent medium for expression. However, challenges such as economic instability and unfavorable political administrations hinder rapid progress. Despite these obstacles, Argentina’s gaming community remains resilient and supportive of one another. Events like the Argentinean Videogame Expo (EVA) showcase the growing number of talented developers and the improving quality of games.
Overcoming Obstacles: Argentina’s National Economy
The national economy poses a significant hurdle for An Otter Game Studio and the overall gaming industry in Argentina. The country’s rampant monetary inflation makes it difficult to save money or plan for the future. This financial instability adds risk and uncertainty to the studio’s operations. Additionally, An Otter Game Studio faces the challenge of finding the right balance between client projects and developing their own games. This delicate juggling act is crucial for survival and growth.
Exciting Developments in the Games Industry
An Otter Game Studio doesn’t chase after the latest technologies. Instead, they focus on creating emotional impacts through simplicity, as evident in Sequenza. However, Martín Fernández expresses curiosity about the future of AI once the legal landscape surrounding copyright regulations is established. This emerging technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry and open up new possibilities.
The Future of An Otter Game Studio
An Otter Game Studio’s primary goal is to expand the reach of Sequenza and attract a broader audience. They also have several projects in the pipeline, each exploring unique mechanics and aiming to take players on introspective journeys. These upcoming games will contribute to defining the studio’s aesthetic and identity.