By Pedro 
We’ve discovered a dynamic community of both professional and amateur developers crafting unique indie games under challenging circumstances. Continue reading to learn about the history, current successes, and plans for game development in Cuba, and discover which indie games are absolute must-tries.
Video Game Development History
Access to the World Wide Web in Cuba has been severely restricted. The country’s first connection to the Internet was established in 1996, and Wi-Fi appeared in 2015. The upheaval began in 2019, when Cuba took a significant step by legalizing private Wi-Fi in homes and businesses, albeit with a permit.
Limitations to the Game Development in Cuba
Multiple factors hinder Cubans’ access to digital content like games and movies. These elements pose significant challenges for local game developers striving to access global markets and technologies.
- Government policy
- Limited Internet connection
- Trade embargoes
- Government censorship
- Shady arcades
- Copyright issues
- Online piracy
- Low salaries
Cuban game developers are progressively addressing challenges such as limited internet access, governmental policies, and economic sanctions. They’ve shown resilience by leveraging local networks and international crowdfunding platforms, continuously seeking innovative solutions to circumvent these obstacles and expand their creative output.
Evolution of Game Creation
Cuban game development has evolved significantly over the years, marked by the introduction of programming courses in universities. The development of resources like the Multisaber Educational Collection, the VERTEX Center for Interactive Technologies, and the Wiro Force platform are yet other factors.
These initiatives have made extensive knowledge and tools accessible to all aspiring game developers in Cuba, further facilitated by the advent of the mobile internet.
What People Do to Play Games Online
The Cuban interest in gaming spans various genres, including experimental 2D platformers, 3D games, MMORPGs, and RPGs. The lack of free access causes people to look for alternatives, even if they are illegal or dangerous.
A crucial component of the Cuban gaming scene has been the underground internet and gamer network known as SNET (Street Network). Before its integration into the national infrastructure by ETECSA in 2019, SNET was a pivotal element of the Cuban gaming revolution, providing a platform for gamers to connect and share content.
Games from the Cuban Video Game Industry
Recently, the government has started supporting video game projects that focus on environmental, therapeutic, and knowledge-based apps. Those products particularly target the younger demographic and students of all ages.
Savior & Saviorless Indie Games
Savior is the first fully animated Cuban 2D platformer. It has hand-drawn illustrations and a dark fantasy world theme. The founders of Empty Head Games and the creators of the game raised funds through Indiegogo.
In Savior, the main character Antar has to explore the map of the Smiling Islands, overcome various obstacles, fight monsters, collect items, and defeat the ruthless hunter Nento.
After overcoming numerous hurdles in its development, Savior was reimagined as Saviorless, released in 2024.
This game exemplifies the resilience of Cuban indie developers and is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac, Ouya, PS5, and Xbox. We are certain that this is one of the many independent video games which will be released in the future.
More Titles by Cuban Game Developers
Despite ongoing challenges, new Cuban game developers are continuously emerging, creating titles across various genres beyond just educational games. Some notable mentions include:
- Coco Park
- Gesta Final
- Laberinto HD
- Le Neurona
- Ludox Gaming Site
- Pintaclic
- Saviorless
- Villa Tesoro
The only title in the list that differs from the rest is the Ludox website. The Joven Club released it and offers nationally-produced games created by the Club.
The games are accessible from any device – mobiles, tablets, or PCs, and video games can be enjoyed offline, played on the website, or online with other users.
Future of Cuban Video Game Industry
The Cuban Video Game Creators community is highly active and passionate, with many companies developing entertainment across all platforms and applications. The future of game development in Cuba is likely to see a shift towards independent development and indie games, supported by crowdfunding platforms.
This move towards smaller, independently developed projects suggests a promising future for Cuban game developers. They are poised to explore diverse game genres, improve accessibility, and create engaging and fun gameplay experiences.