Behold Studios' Journey to Success

Saulo Camarotti founded Behold Studios over 15 years ago, making it one of the longest-running Brazilian game developers. The studio gained recognition with the 2012 RPG Knights of Pen & Paper and its 2017 sequel Galaxy of Pen and Paper. However, starting a game development business in Brazil was uncommon at the time. Camarotti recalls the early days, saying, 'No one knew it was possible to make games in Brazil.' The team faced challenges when trying to pitch their games to publishers at international events like GDC or Gamescom, as they were met with skepticism. Despite these obstacles, the Brazilian gaming industry has grown, with publishers becoming more comfortable working with local studios. However, Camarotti notes that the country still lacks a AAA industry, with most major studios focusing on free-to-play mobile games. The studio's approach changed when they started focusing on projects they were passionate about, rather than chasing trends. This shift led to the development of successful games like Knights of Pen and Paper. Behold Studios' latest project, Cosplay Club, is a turn-based RPG that explores the world of cosplay. The game was funded on Kickstarter in just two hours and is currently in Early Access. Camarotti highlights the benefits of having a team split between Canada and Brazil, citing access to tax credits and a talented pool of developers. However, he also acknowledges the challenges of running a studio in Brazil, including limited internet connectivity and high costs. The Brazilian gaming industry has come a long way, with a large and engaged audience, particularly in the online space. Camarotti believes that there are opportunities for growth, especially in free-to-play games that can run on low-end devices. As the gaming industry faces a global crisis, Camarotti suggests that investors and publishers should look to emerging markets like Brazil for inspiration and fresh perspectives. He emphasizes the importance of diversity and representation in game development, citing the need for more games that showcase different cultures and experiences.