A unique video game titled Despelote transports players to the vibrant streets of Quito, Ecuador, during the nation's historic soccer qualification for the 2002 World Cup. Developer Julián Cordero, inspired by his childhood memories from that era, has crafted a narrative adventure that captures the essence of life in Ecuador at the time. This period marked a pivotal moment when the entire country was united by hope and excitement, transcending economic hardships through the power of sport. Instead of focusing on traditional gaming elements like combat or fantasy quests, Despelote immerses users in everyday activities such as skipping school, playing soccer in the park, and exploring the cityscape. The game uses photographic textures and field recordings to recreate Quito’s atmosphere, offering an innovative blend of autofiction and documentary within a gaming framework.
In the summer of 2001, Ecuador experienced a wave of euphoria as its national soccer team pursued qualification for the prestigious World Cup. Against the backdrop of a lingering financial crisis, victories—such as the remarkable 1-0 triumph over Brazil—brought much-needed joy and unity to the populace. For Julián Cordero, who was merely four years old during this transformative time, it remains an idealized chapter in his personal history. Despite being too young to fully grasp the significance of those events, he believes they profoundly shaped his generation's worldview. Motivated by nostalgia and a desire to preserve authentic experiences, Cordero embarked on creating Despelote.
The gameplay in Despelote is designed from the perspective of a child navigating the bustling capital city. Players control a slightly fictionalized version of young Cordero, requiring them to tilt the camera upward to interact with their surroundings. This mechanic symbolizes the innocence and curiosity of youth while grounding the experience in realism. The game's three-dimensional environment incorporates photographs of real neighborhoods in Quito, rendered artistically to evoke dreamlike impressions reminiscent of cherished memories. These settings are further enriched by immersive soundscapes derived from field recordings, adding layers of authenticity to the auditory experience.
Beyond its nostalgic appeal, Despelote represents a philosophical stance advocated by Cordero regarding the nature of video games. He critiques the industry's tendency to prioritize constructing elaborate fictional worlds over capturing genuine human experiences. By blending elements of autofiction and documentary into a playable format, Despelote challenges conventional gaming paradigms. Released across multiple platforms including Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation consoles, the game invites players worldwide to explore not only Ecuador's rich cultural heritage but also universal themes of memory, identity, and belonging.
Despelote offers players a fresh perspective on storytelling within interactive media, emphasizing the importance of preserving personal narratives through technology. As participants traverse the recreated landscapes of Quito, they engage deeply with the emotions tied to a specific historical moment in Ecuadorian sports history. This fusion of autobiographical details, cultural artifacts, and innovative design choices sets Despelote apart in the gaming landscape, providing both entertainment and introspection about how we remember and cherish our past.