Despelote, a first-person football adventure game, is set to release in 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Developed by Julián Cordero and Sebastian Valbuena, and published by Panic, the game provides a semi-autobiographical narrative inspired by Cordero’s childhood in Quito, Ecuador during 2001.
The game captures the period when Ecuador was close to qualifying for the World Cup, offering a unique blend of cultural and historical immersion.
been a while since we’ve used this, but we got news!
happy to announce that we are partnering with @panic to help us release despelote in 2024 on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. ⚽
also honored to say we are being featured as an official selection of the 2023 @tribeca Games program! pic.twitter.com/rXZJLSJCnC
— despelote (@despelotegame) May 11, 2023
The gameplay revolves around typical football actions like dribbling, passing, and shooting, but these mechanics are used creatively to interact with the environment and characters throughout the city.
Players will explore the vibrant streets and parks of Quito from the perspective of eight-year-old Julián, engaging in various activities and mischief, making the city feel dynamic and alive as it reacts to the ongoing World Cup fever.
Despelote stands out for its authentic representation of Quito, achieved through real photos and audio recordings from the city.
The game features full Spanish voice acting with subtitles available in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience.
Hablamos de @despelotegame, una aventura narrativa ecuatoriana publicada por @panic que tiene al fútbol como conductor ➡️ @BeluSatu, @JLo_Gamer y @CafeSarcasmo nos traen todos los detalles en el último #PressOverPodcast, donde repasamos lo mejor del @LAGShowcase 👇 pic.twitter.com/JvbjCvtHEu
— Press Over (@PressOverNews) June 13, 2024
Recognized as part of the 2023 Tribeca Festival Selection, Despelote has garnered significant attention for its unique approach to storytelling and gameplay.
According to the developers, the game is a heartfelt tribute to a specific time and place, capturing the essence of Ecuadorian culture and the universal appeal of childhood and football.
For those interested in a game that combines engaging football mechanics with a rich cultural narrative, Despelote promises to be a standout title in 2024.
