Key Takeaways
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- Epic Games acquisition of Brazilian studio Aquiris, which developed the popular game Horizon Chase, has led to significant changes including discontinuation of the game and mass layoffs.
- The reasons for these changes are attributed to a weaker-than-expected reception for Fortnite, but Epic Games did not link them to AI expansion or a shift to freelance contracts.
- The incident highlights potential drawbacks for the Brazilian indie game scene and emphasizes the need for Brazil to defend its gaming market and interests against large American companies.
- President Lulas statements suggest that American companies prioritize their own interests over those of Brazil, which underscores the necessity of supporting game preservation and independent journalism to safeguard Brazils gaming heritage and ensure fair market practices.
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Pedro Zambarda, editor-in-chief of PlayersForLife, weighs in on the complex fallout from Epic Games’ acquisition of Brazilian studio Aquiris in April 2023—a deal that promised growth but led to layoffs and discontinued games.
Zambarda reported on March 20, 2015, for Geracao Gamer—the parent site of PlayersForLife—about Retroracers, the retro-style racing game for fans of Top Gear on Super Nintendo that would later become Horizon Chase. Following Epic Games’ acquisition of Aquiris in April 2023, the company ceased support for Horizon Chase on June 1st, laid off over a thousand workers worldwide, and cut off the studio’s access to the game. It is likely that Horizon Chase 2, developed in partnership with an American company, will also be affected. In April 2024, Abragames presented Horizon Chase to President Lula, with French President Emmanuel Macron in attendance.
Epic Games’ official statement attributes the changes to a weaker-than-expected reception for Fortnite. The company does not link these moves to AI expansion or a shift to freelance contracts.
Defending Brazil’s Gaming Interests Amid American Acquisitions and Questionable Practices
While the April 2023 acquisition of Aquiris was a beneficial business move for its owners, Epic Games’ subsequent discontinuation of Horizon Chase and the resulting layoffs of Brazilian employees highlight the potential drawbacks for the Brazilian indie game scene. Zambarda quotes President Lula: “Americans put themselves first, second, third…you get the idea. They’re not thinking about our games or markets.” He argues that Brazil must defend its gaming market and interests, as large American companies will not. Questionable practices by these companies, Zambarda suggests, necessitate alternative solutions to piracy. Therefore, supporting game preservation and independent journalism is crucial to safeguarding Brazil’s gaming heritage and ensuring fair market practices. Readers are invited to donate or join their YouTube channel.
In Case You Missed It
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