Despelote

Despelote is a narrative-driven first-person adventure set in Quito, Ecuador, in the early 2000s—a moment of national anticipation during the country’s World Cup qualifying run. Developed by Julián Cordero and Sebastian Valbuena, and published by Panic Inc., the game launches on May 1, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Blending cinematic realism with documentary-style storytelling, Despelote places players in the shoes of a young boy whose love for soccer becomes a lens for exploring childhood, community, and national identity. Built with an artistic eye for detail, the game features photorealistic visuals, ambient soundscapes, and voiced conversations in authentic Ecuadorian Spanish, creating an emotionally resonant, lived-in world. With its unique mix of cultural authenticity, technical polish, and heartfelt storytelling, Despelote offers a deeply human experience that captures the power of sport and memory through a deeply personal lens.