Every journey has a beginning, and ours started with a nightmare – quite literally. One of our studio’s founders, Jazz Macedo, developed and released the first-person horror game Pesadelo: O Início back in 2013. Little did we know, this indie horror title would become a viral sensation and leave a lasting impact on the gaming community.
A Viral Horror Hit
Released in a time when YouTube was flourishing as a platform for gaming content, Pesadelo: O Início found its way into the hands of countless creators who brought its chilling experience to their audiences. The game was played by some of the most renowned YouTubers of the era, including PewDiePie, Markiplier, Yamimash, Alanzoka, jacksepticeye, and others.
These creators introduced Pesadelo: O Início to millions of viewers, establishing its place as a must-play indie horror game of the time. Though the game did not win any formal awards, its popularity in the gaming community was undeniable.
Lessons in Community Engagement
The success of Pesadelo: O Início wasn’t just about the game itself—it was also about the experience it brought to our founder. Managing a viral title meant engaging directly with a passionate player base. Feedback poured in from players worldwide, providing invaluable insights into the expectations and desires of the gaming community. This connection to the audience became a foundational pillar for Jazz’s approach to game development.
Founding Skyjaz Games
Inspired by the success of Pesadelo: O Início and motivated by the lessons learned, Jazz went on to establish Skyjaz Games shortly after. The studio became a platform for pursuing ambitious projects and honing the craft of game design. While Skyjaz Games closed its doors in 2019, its legacy—and the knowledge gained from those years—paved the way for what we’re building now.
This post is the first in a series exploring the history and experiences that have shaped our studio. Stay tuned for more stories about the journey that led us here, one game at a time.