Matajuegos has exciting news for fans of innovative gaming: their surrealist documentary game, Atuel, is set to launch on PC and Android later this year. The game's Steam page is now live, allowing eager players to pre-register. Google Play enthusiasts can look forward to a similar opportunity soon.
Hailing from Argentina, Matajuegos is an indie cooperative that first introduced Atuel on itch.io back in September 2022. The game quickly captured the gaming community's attention with its unique mix of documentary storytelling, experimental gameplay, and breathtaking, dreamlike visuals.
Atuel's innovative approach earned it the 'Innovation in Experience Design Award' at IndieCade 2022, along with numerous other accolades for its groundbreaking take on the documentary game genre. The game has also been showcased at prestigious venues such as the Marché du Film at Cannes and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Curious about what Atuel looks like? Take a peek at the trailer below.
What Do You Do in Atuel, the Documentary Game?
Atuel immerses players in the Atuel River Valley of Argentina, a region renowned for its beauty yet deeply impacted by climate change. The game offers an experiential journey where players transform into various animals and elements of the ecosystem, effectively becoming part of the landscape.
You might find yourself soaring through the sky one moment and flowing as the river the next. The game also features real-life interviews with historians, biologists, geologists, and local residents, who discuss the region's history, its current condition, and the looming future shaped by climate change.
Matajuegos partnered with the international documentary team, The 12.01 Project, to weave these compelling stories into the game. The visuals, inspired by the Cuyo desert, create an almost otherworldly atmosphere that sets Atuel apart.
While waiting for Android pre-registration to open, you can visit the Steam page or the official website for more details. Once Atuel hits mobile platforms, it will feature localization in seven new languages and full controller support.
In the meantime, don't miss our coverage of another exciting new release, the open-world ski and snowboard game, Grand Mountain Adventure 2.