Cuba's first independent video game launched internationally this week after its creators leveled up from an epic real-world quest: battling sanctions, wrestling with internet connection demons, and forging through economic turmoil.Much like their characters, creators Josuhe Pagliery and David Darias had to overcome a multitude of obstacles to achieve what at times appeared impossible on the Communist island.
At the same time, in Cuba, where it had only been available in public places at high prices, the internet became available on cell"Saviorless" is a 2D game with hand-drawn illustrations which invites players into a dark fantasy world to unravel the mystery of the"Islands of Smiles" by fighting monsters and solving puzzles. Photo: ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFPPolitical tensions returned under the US presidency of Donald Trump, who reinforced economic sanctions.
Their software did not always work on a slow internet connection, they had to connect via a VPN to use programs banned due to sanctions, and backups were complicated by power outages. Financial constraints, a spat over the name of the game, doubts, and technological challenges all provided obstacles along the way on the island which has been under US embargo since 1962. Photo: ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFPAfter four years of work, their finances bled dry, and hundreds of letters to international publishers that went unanswered, the two friends decided to do a"free demo so that there was at least a trace of all our efforts", said Pagliery.