Upon arriving at the Santander Performing Arts Complex, I found a space in the lobby of Hall 3 dedicated to gaming— —something I hadn’t seen in previous years, even though this is already the third edition of FICGames, part of the Guadalajara International Film Festival’s Industria program.
I realized that they had set up a playtesting space where developers and students from Mexico and Chile present projects that apply auteur-style cinematic narratives to gaming.
FICGames is no longer just about adapting games into movies, but about how virtual cinematography techniques are changing the way films are made in Jalisco and the rest of Ibero-America.
FICGames impressed me because I never imagined that video game development could be connected to film. I thought it was fantastic how it brings together developers, professors, exhibitors, students, and the general public in a space where they can try out different games ranging from horror, action, and adventure to skill-based and even competitive social games.
It is an open space for people of all backgrounds, experience levels, and ages, with mentors dedicated to answering any questions the public may have. The 10 interactive projects, which are currently in the demo phase, are part of the showcase (PlayTest) and were selected for their strong narrative elements, so that participants can try them out and provide their feedback to the developers.
In addition, FICGames is accompanied by Pitch Guadalajara, an industry program that includes a section dedicated to video games. On this occasion, five projects—which are also part of the FICGames lineup—will be presented there with the aim of securing funding or distribution.
"Play Test," by FICGames, will be open to all Festival attendees through Wednesday, April 22. Admission is free, and you can play for free.
What games can you find on FICGames?
Hollow Stories: Lockdown
Studio: Hollow Sense
Genre: Survival Horror
Country: Mexico
Testimony – Horror Games Based on Community Stories
Studio: 1 Simple Game
Genre: Horror
Country: Mexico
Burger Creed
Studio: Knife Studio
Genre: Party Game
Country: Mexico
Kayaking with Friends
Studio: Eonia Studio
Genre: Competitive Social Game
Country: Mexico
Unleash Darkness
Studio: Lost Studio
Genre: Exploration, Survival
Country: Mexico
2 Mages, 2 Hands
Studio: 10 Leaf Studio
Genre: Rhythm, Cooperative
Country: Uruguay
Welcome to A.M.F.A.
Studio: 8 of Diamonds
Genre: Simulation, puzzles, psychological horror / Simulation, puzzle, psychological horror
Country: Mexico
Carnival VR
Studio: Independent
Genre: Virtual Reality, Simulation
Country: Mexico
Ink of Fate
Studio: Cloud Creatures
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
Country: Mexico
Scion of Fire: Trial of the Souls Ablaze
Studio: Driftsurge Studios
Genre: Action, Adventure
Country: Mexico
Rockin’ Hell
Studio: Xenty
Genre: Action, Adventure, Rhythm
Country: Mexico