When it comes to leveling up, Colombia 4.0 really takes things to new heights. We’re FRYOS STUDIOS, a video game development team from Bucaramanga, Santander, and we had the privilege of participating in this massive event at Corferias, Bogotá. With all of Colombia’s creative digital minds in one place, we showcased our new turn-based horror game, Madness Shadows, and had the chance to connect with a wide range of attendees—students, experienced developers, and entrepreneurs excited about digital entertainment.
Colombia 4.0: The Hub of Digital Innovation in Colombia
For a little background, Colombia 4.0 is Colombia and Latin America’s biggest digital ecosystems event, organized by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MinTIC). The event brings together companies and projects from across the digital world, offering over 200 speakers, 23,000 attendees, and 50 invited companies in the Commercial Showcase. Between presentations, panels, and demos, the atmosphere was packed with creativity, ideas, and above all, innovation!
A Creative Showcase at the Heart of Colombia 4.0
Being part of the Commercial Showcase was a great opportunity for us and other Colombian digital studios. We had a dedicated space to introduce our work, connect with fellow creatives, and introduce our ideas to a new audience looking for innovative entertainment and cutting-edge tech. The support from MinTIC was also crucial in boosting our visibility and connecting us with people who share a passion for digital entertainment.
Presenting Madness Shadows: Horror and Strategy in a Psychiatric Hospital
Our game, Madness Shadows, made quite an impact at the event. This title, created in pixel art style and developed in Godot, places the player in a haunting psychiatric hospital, where each step must be carefully planned to escape “the shadow” that stalks you. For every two moves the player makes, the shadow advances by one, which adds intense suspense and strategy to every action. Seeing the players’ focus and excitement as they played was amazing!
Audience Reactions and Feedback
One of the best parts of Colombia 4.0 was interacting with everyone who visited our booth. Students, developers, business leaders, and streamers alike were all eager to try Madness Shadows. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. We were especially thrilled by the response from streamer Lamayo01, who fully immersed herself in the game and provided valuable feedback that we deeply appreciate. Her support, along with the enthusiasm of everyone who played, truly motivates us to keep improving.
Colombia 4.0 Speakers: Inspiration and Learning
The event wasn’t just about showcasing our game; it was also an incredible opportunity to learn from world-class speakers. Some of the most inspiring ones included:
- Audrey Tang, a global leader in AI, who shared her insights on “Digital Democracy in the Age of AI,” exploring how artificial intelligence transforms society.
- Adam Boyes from Iron Galaxy Studios, who spoke on “The Colombian Promise,” discussing Colombia’s potential on the global video game map.
- Guillaume Provost, CEO of Compulsion Games (Xbox Game Studios), who gave us a glimpse into creating new game worlds.
- Patrick Moran from Look North World, who presented on development in Unreal Engine.
- Experts from Sony PlayStation who shared the best practices from working with AAA studios in co-development and outsourcing.
With talks and panels like these, Colombia 4.0 left us buzzing with ideas, new perspectives, and techniques that we can’t wait to apply in our projects. Seeing industry leaders share their knowledge and vision for an ever-evolving industry was both motivating and enlightening.
The Impact of Events Like Colombia 4.0 on Video Game Development in Colombia
Events like Colombia 4.0 are essential for the growth of video game development in the country. For us, it was the perfect chance to meet other developers, exchange ideas, and see that there’s a growing interest in Colombian digital entertainment. More than just a product showcase, it’s a space for collaboration, learning, and strengthening Colombia’s industry.
What’s Next for FRYOS STUDIOS?
After this experience at Colombia 4.0, we’re even more motivated to continue developing Madness Shadows and exploring new game concepts. Our goal is to take Colombian digital entertainment to the next level, and with the support of the community we met at the event, we’re confident that we’re on the right path.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Colombia 4.0?
It’s Latin America’s largest event for technology and digital ecosystems, promoting innovation, technology, and digital creativity and organized by Colombia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MinTIC).
2. What is Madness Shadows about?
Madness Shadows is a turn-based horror and strategy game in which the player, trapped in a psychiatric hospital, must escape a malevolent entity known as “the shadow” by planning every move carefully.
3. Why is Colombia 4.0 important for video game development in Colombia?
This event connects developers with experts, entrepreneurs, and the public, strengthening collaboration and increasing the visibility of local projects.
4. Who were some of the standout speakers?
Key speakers included Audrey Tang on artificial intelligence, Adam Boyes from Iron Galaxy Studios, and Guillaume Provost from Compulsion Games, who shared valuable knowledge and vision for the digital industry.
5. How can I follow FRYOS STUDIO’s upcoming releases?
Follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest with Madness Shadows and our other exciting projects!