Expanded Presence and Merchandising During the event, the public experienced the ÁRIDA 2 demo at three booths: Abragames, Sebrae, and Brazil Games Accelerator. In addition to testing the new features, visitors could purchase exclusive items, such as the new compact and affordable version of the artbook from the first game in the series.
"Being in three distinct locations reveals our desire to touch more people with the 'sertão' of ÁRIDA. This energy is vital for the finalization cycle of ÁRIDA 2", says Victor Cardozo, COO of Aoca. PREMIERE: A Manifesto of Evolution at Coelho Direct On the main stage of the event, during Coelho Direct (organized by @Coelho no Japão), Aoca revealed the new Gameplay Teaser, a true manifesto of the studio's evolution based on three pillars: Visual and Atmospheric Refinement: A vibrant world with more sophisticated use of lighting and particles, creating unprecedented immersion in the backlands. Pacing and Contemplation: Differing from the market standard, the teaser bets on a calm pace to highlight narrative depth and emotional connection. Systems and UI: Smoother movements and a clean, modern interface, refined based on direct feedback from the community.
🎞️ Watch ÁRIDA 2: Rise of the Brave - EN [ Gameplay Teaser ]
"The Ascent": From Research to ÁRIDA 2 The final scene of the teaser, internally called "The Ascent," is the pinnacle of our established internal research culture, as it was experienced and documented by the team during expeditions to the Sanctuary of Monte Santo, in Bahia.
"The feeling of reaching the top was a 'renewal of bonds' with our mission. It is an iconic setting, immortalized by fellow countrymen like Glauber Rocha, and it has now served as inspiration for us to honor Brazil's cultural memory through games", states Filipe Pereira, CEO of Aoca.
STORY SUGGESTIONS FOR EXCLUSIVES:
- Self-Publishing in Brazil: Challenges of managing an indie IP
- Transmedia IP: From games to books and audiovisual media.
- Maturity: How feedback shaped the evolution of ÁRIDA 2
MORE INFO:
Aoca Game Lab is a Bahian gaming company founded in 2017 that launched the first version of ÁRIDA for PCs in 2019, to a good public and critical response. In 2022, versions for Android and iOS were launched. And between 2023 and 2024, versions for consoles. ÁRIDA 's narrative is inspired by historical events, such as the formation of the iconic town of Canudos. Awarded at national and international events, ÁRIDA is also licensed for textbooks that bring the game to classrooms throughout Brazil. Aoca's next challenges consist of expanding the IP beyond games, as well as preparing for the launch of the highly anticipated ÁRIDA 2: Rise of the Brave.