Sopa: A Magical Culinary Adventure

Sopa, a captivating video game, takes players on a whimsical journey through a young boy's quest to fetch a potato for his grandmother's soup. But as he ventures into the depths of the pantry, he stumbles upon a fantastical world filled with unexpected surprises and a mysterious past. Developed by the talented team at StudioBando, Sopa blends elements of magical realism, Latin American traditions, and personal storytelling to create a truly unique and immersive gaming experience.

Uncovering the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

A Mundane Quest, a Magical Realm

Sopa's premise is delightfully simple yet profoundly engaging. As the player takes on the role of Miho, a young boy tasked with retrieving a potato for his grandmother's soup, they are drawn into a fantastical world that lies beyond the confines of the kitchen. "The pantry seems to get longer and longer," explains creative director Juan Castañeda, "and when you're about to grab the sack of potatoes, you get pulled into this other world of fantasy and magical realism." This unexpected twist sets the stage for a series of adventures and encounters with a diverse cast of characters, all while Miho remains steadfast in his quest to fulfill his grandmother's request.

Layers of Mystery and Intrigue

Beneath the surface of Miho's seemingly simple task lies a deeper narrative that unfolds as the game progresses. "There's this other layer to the story, and that's what the game is really about," says Castañeda. As the player navigates the magical realms, they uncover hints and clues about a mysterious traveler who had passed through the same path long ago. This ancient mystery adds a layer of intrigue and depth to the game, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. "Each time you come back to the kitchen, things will have changed in unexpected ways, and each time you go off on an adventure, you're going to be picking up these hints about a mysterious traveler who went through this way long ago."

Embracing the Magical Realism

Sopa's narrative is heavily influenced by the literary tradition of magical realism, a genre that seamlessly blends the extraordinary with the mundane. Castañeda, who hails from Colombia, the birthplace of renowned author Gabriel García Márquez, acknowledges the profound impact of Márquez's works on the game's development. "He's a sort of national treasure, a national hero," Castañeda says, noting that Márquez's novels, such as "One Hundred Years of Solitude," have been a significant inspiration for the team.

Reconnecting with Cultural Traditions

Sopa's setting and themes also serve as a means of reconnecting with the rich cultural heritage of Latin America. The game's backdrop, inspired by Castañeda's own grandmother's house in a rural Colombian town, provides a vivid and authentic representation of traditional colonial architecture and the bustling family dynamics that were once commonplace. "It's this traditional, colonial house layout, with a big yard," he explains, "and it was somewhere I remember always being busy on account of my grandmother's 15 children."

Embracing the Familiar, Discovering the Extraordinary

Sopa's narrative also explores the protagonist's journey of rediscovering and appreciating the cultural traditions that were once overlooked. "Throughout these adventures, you're picking up on little pieces of these traditions and you're learning to appreciate them," Castañeda explains. The game's incorporation of elements from Latin American folklore, mythology, and everyday life serves as a powerful reminder of the richness and diversity of cultures beyond the dominant Western narratives that have traditionally dominated the video game industry.

A Collaborative Effort Across Borders

Sopa is the result of a collaborative effort by the team at StudioBando, a group of developers working remotely across countries including Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, and the United States. This international collaboration has allowed the team to bring a diverse range of perspectives and experiences to the project, further enhancing the game's cultural authenticity and depth.

Overcoming Challenges and Persevering

The development of Sopa has not been without its challenges. Castañeda and his team faced numerous obstacles, including difficulty securing funding and support from publishers who were skeptical of their ambitious vision. However, their unwavering determination and belief in the project ultimately paid off when they secured a crucial investment from Microsoft, a breakthrough that came at a time of industry-wide upheaval. "Even though, for a long time, nobody would get behind the project and help us get it made, at a personal level, there were so many people from the game industry who were supportive and believed in it and helped us get it in front of people," Castañeda reflects.Sopa: A Captivating Culinary Adventure Rooted in Latin American Traditions