Game developer studio head directs Brazilian teams to embed game discoverability as a fundamental aspect during the game development process.
In an interview at Gamescom Latam, Guillaume Provost, founder of Compulsion Games, shared his insights on the burgeoning game industry in Brazil. Known for developing critically acclaimed titles like We Happy Few and South of Midnight, Provost believes Brazil is an emerging leader in the global game market.
To succeed in this competitive landscape, Brazilian game developers can take several strategic steps. First and foremost, complete localization is essential. Adapting games to Brazilian players’ preferences, including language, cultural references, and game mechanics, can help resonate with local and global audiences interested in Brazilian culture.
Secondly, investing in business education is vital. Many Brazilian studios are small and staffed by creative professionals with limited management and business experience. By focusing on cash flow, strategic planning, and global market dynamics, studios can scale sustainably and professionally, meeting international business standards and attracting global partners.
Thirdly, leveraging industry presence and partnerships is crucial. Major global publishers like Nintendo, Microsoft, Epic, and Supercell are increasingly showing interest in Brazil. Developers should take advantage of events like Gamescom Latam to build relationships, showcase their products, and invite foreign investment and collaboration.
Fourth, responsible operations and compliance are key to building trust with users and partners. Understanding local regulations and payment systems, such as Brazil’s Pix, and integrating with national financial and legal frameworks, positions studios to operate legally and attract partnerships both domestically and abroad.
Lastly, cultural and marketing localization is essential for engaging Brazilian consumers. Collaborating with local influencers and crafting tailored marketing strategies can enhance brand recognition and user engagement domestically and in Portuguese-speaking markets globally.
Provost, with experience at Kowloon Nights as an advisor, emphasises the importance of understanding the target audience for smaller studios in Brazil. He advises them to focus on what makes their game unique and how it can stand out in a crowded market.
Compulsion Games, founded in 2009 and now part of Xbox Game Studios after being acquired by Microsoft in 2018, plans marketing strategies and creates trailers internally during the game development process. Provost gives an example of how they planned the narrative of some South of Midnight trailers to be part of the marketing.
The main challenge for developers in Brazil, according to Provost, is discoverability on various digital storefronts. He compares Brazil to Montreal two decades ago, citing a community of independent studios collaborating and pushing the region forward. However, he believes Brazil is still seeking a large employer to help spread expertise throughout the area.
[1] Evolution's Success in Brazil's iGaming Market: [Link to the source] [2] Business Education for Brazilian Game Studios: [Link to the source] [3] Leveraging Industry Presence and Partnerships: [Link to the source] [4] Responsible Operations and Compliance: [Link to the source]
- To establish a strong presence in the global game market, Brazilian studios must invest in technology alongside their business education, ensuring they have the necessary tools to develop creative and internationally competitive games.
- In today's highly competitive finance sector, harnessing technology and business knowledge can provide Brazilian studios with a strategic advantage in attracting potential partners and investors.
