Samsung has inaugurated its first game development studio outside South Korea in Manaus (AM). Named Black River in honor of the Rio Negro, it officially opened on Thursday (28).

According to André Araújo, the coordinator of Black River, the goal is to create games for smartphones and tablets, segments in which the South Korean electronics manufacturer dominates the market. The games, developed as applications, will be designed to fully utilize the capabilities of Samsung devices, showcasing their potential.

"The goal of the group with the studio is not to make money from the game but to create an internationally competitive game to demonstrate that Samsung's hardware is the best available," says Araújo. Therefore, the games will leverage some of the advantages of Samsung smartphones, such as the Galaxy line, including their screens and processing power.

The aim is to create two games per year. The first one is already live: "Galaxy 11: Invasion". Available on Samsung Hub and Google Play, the app is an obstacle course-style game where football stars like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo must navigate the ball while avoiding aliens and obstacles.

Originally planned in October of last year, the studio is now part of Sidia (Samsung Institute for Development of Information Technology in the Amazon). The company’s creative hub in Manaus is dedicated to research and development in various areas, from Smart TVs and hardware to games.

No "Angry Birds" Needed

According to Álvaro Gonçalves, manager of Sidia, the games will have greater creative freedom and do not need to be download record-breakers like "Angry Birds."

To establish Samsung's first game studio outside South Korea, Gonçalves and Araújo hired 23 professionals, including both Brazilian and international talent. This team comprises software developers, game designers, 2D and 3D modeling artists, and even the renowned sound specialist, Antônio Teoli, who will compose the soundtracks for the games. 

Some team members have experience with well-known gaming companies like Sega and Disney. "The main motivation for making this invitation is the challenge: we want them to create something with global impact," says Gonçalves. The recruitment process is still ongoing, and by October, the team is expected to grow to about 40 professionals.