The resurgence of Behold Studios
For a long time, the idea of developing video games in Brazil seemed out of reach.
Saulo Camarotti founded Behold Studios, a pioneering video game development company in Brazil, over fifteen years ago. Known for titles like the 2012 RPG Knights of Pen & Paper and its 2017 sequel Galaxy of Pen & Paper, the studio faced a landscape where gaming ventures in Brazil were rare.
Camarotti recalls that when they attended international events, they met with skepticism from publishers who were hesitant about new studios, especially those from Brazil, a nascent player in the global gaming industry at the time. Despite these challenges, attitudes have shifted over the last decade, with publishers now more accustomed to collaborating with Brazilian developers.
Brazil has yet to establish a robust AAA games sector, though notable studios exist. Many focus on mobile free-to-play games rather than AAA content, with any AAA work often being outsourced collaborations with Western firms.
Graduating in computer science, Camarotti noted the lack of game development opportunities in his hometown, Brasilia, pushing him to establish Behold Studios. Initially, the studio operated under a work-for-hire model before it was briefly closed, only to be reimagined with a focus on independent game creation.
The decision to pivot toward independent development bore fruit with the success of Knights of Pen & Paper, which gained significant popularity on platforms like the App Store and Google Play. This shift allowed them to create original intellectual properties rather than following market-driven trends for financial gain, a strategy that has proven fulfilling for the studio.
The studio's newest game, Cosplay Club, a turn-based RPG focusing on cosplay, entered Early Access in December 2023. The game was successfully funded via Kickstarter in 2022. Camarotti expresses a desire to reach passionate cosplay enthusiasts and hopes to expand the game's presence on consoles and mobile platforms.
Despite operating across Brazil and Canada, Behold Studios employs exclusively Brazilian talent. The landscape of the gaming industry in Brazil has evolved significantly, particularly in remote work, which offers Brazilians opportunities to earn abroad while staying in Brazil.
"Even 15 years later, I do think it's still, for some, a wild thing to invest in a game production in Latin America"
Camarotti underscores the creativity and resilience of Brazilian developers, who shine despite limited resources. Challenges remain, such as inconsistent internet quality, although most Brazilians have adequate connectivity.
"Investors and publishers should look to other countries as a place to get inspired and create games from different perspectives"
Brazil ranks as the fifth largest gaming market globally in terms of active players, with strong participation in games like PUBG, Free Fire, and Fortnite. Camarotti sees potential in free-to-play games targeting lower-end devices, although his current focus is on high-end and console markets, a divergence from the Brazilian mainstream.
Camorotti believes exploring burgeoning markets like Brazil offers opportunities to discover unique talents and perspectives, warranting attention from global investors and publishers. He highlights the impact of diverse voices, such as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, in enriching the global gaming landscape.