Slice-of-life soccer game Despelote kicks off on May 1
Briefly

Despelote, releasing on May 1 for multiple platforms, is a soccer game that uniquely illustrates life in Quito, Ecuador, in 2001. Players assume the role of 8-year-old Julián, experiencing the cultural and economic landscape ahead of the 2002 World Cup. The game features a blend of real photographs of Quito styled with gritty graphics, emphasizing exploration and social interaction. Developed by Julián Cordero and Sebastián Valbuena, and published by Panic, Despelote has already gained critical recognition, including nominations at the 2025 Independent Games Festival, and offers a demo on Steam.
Despelote, a stylish soccer game portraying life in Quito during Ecuador's economic recovery, showcases vibrant visuals and rich audio from local environments.
Players step into the shoes of 8-year-old Julián as they kick a ball through a city that is both a visual delight and a personal journey.
The game features backgrounds crafted from actual photographs of Quito, yet they are artistically transformed to enhance the emotional experience of exploration.
Panic is set to publish Despelote, which has already garnered critical acclaim, including multiple nominations at the Independent Games Festival.
Read at Engadget
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