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Loading Studios

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Loading Studios
Company typePrivate
IndustryVideo games
FoundedFebruary 2, 2022; 3 years ago (2022-02-02)
FounderVasco Oliveira
Headquarters
Lisbon
,
Portugal
Area served
Europe
Key people
Vasco Oliveira (CEO)
Number of employees
~10 (2025)
Websitewww.indiedb.com/company/loading-studios

Loading Studios is a Portuguese video game developer based in Lisbon. It was founded in February 2022 by Vasco Oliveira. The studio is best known for its indie titles Alentejo: Tinto's Law[1], developed for the Game Boy and web browsers, and The Fisherman: A Codfish Tale for PC.[2]

History

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Loading Studios was founded by Vasco Oliveira while he was studying for a BA in Animation and Computer Games at ETIC in Lisbon.[3] Initially established to consolidate student projects, the studio evolved into a professional endeavor after Oliveira’s graduation in the next year.

The studio's first title, The Fisherman: A Codfish Tale, began as an academic project and later evolved into a PC release. The game recounts the 1942 sinking of the Portuguese fishing vessel Maria da Glória (navio) by the German Kriegsmarine submarine U-94 during World War II.[4] It follows a young fisherman’s daily life, ending in the surprise attack that killed most of the crew. The game received a PlayStation Talent Award in the "Games for Good" category for its historical message.[5]

In November 2024, Loading Studios released Alentejo: Tinto's Law, followed by a physical Game Boy cartridge release in February 2025 by Teknamic Software.[6] Set in 19th-century Alentejo, the game presents a Spaghetti Western inspired adventure following the character Gildo Mata and his clashes with a local baron. The game includes historical references to smuggling, train expansion, wine trade, and traditional Portuguese professions.[7] The development team included Ivan Barroso (game designer), Vasco Oliveira (level designer), Daniel Penão (programmer), and Marta Vaz (artist), with a soundtrack by Pankyonshii.[8]

The title was nominated for several awards, including "Upcoming Games – Role-Playing" at the IndieDB Awards 2024[9] and "Reveal of the Year" at the DevGAMM Spotlight Awards. In 2025, it won "Best National Game" at the Geeks d'Ouro awards.[10] Critics praised its humor, narrative, and historical references, though noted limited musical variety and simple shooting mechanics.[11]

In February 2025, Loading Studios announced a sequel titled Alentejo: The Tinto & The Ugly, an action RPG for the Game Boy, expected later that year.[12]

Culture

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Vasco Oliveira envisioned a studio culture focused on portraying Iberian culture, folklore, and overlooked historical narratives. He emphasized creating accessible, engaging games developed on modest budgets without overwork.[13]

Games

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Games developed

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Year Title Platform(s) Notes
2023 The Fisherman: A Codfish Tale PC Debut title
2024 Alentejo: Tinto's Law Game Boy, Web browser Cartridge released in 2025
2025 Alentejo: The Tinto & The Ugly Game Boy, Web browser In development

Other projects

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Year Title Platform(s) Notes
2023 Waking up in LS Game Boy, Web browser Vertical slice
2023 The Heist in LS Game Boy, Web browser Vertical slice
2023 Lost in LS Game Boy, Web browser Vertical slice

References

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  1. ^ Favis, Elise (March 30, 2025). "Alentejo: Tinto's Law Is A Game Boy Western Rooted In Portuguese History". Kotaku. G/O Media. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  2. ^ "Alentejo: Tinto's Law". Kotaku. G/O Media. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
  3. ^ "Isto Faz-se Por Cá: Alentejo: Tinto's Law". RDP Internacional (in Portuguese). RTP. February 14, 2025. Archived from the original on April 23, 2025. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  4. ^ "Play The Fisherman's Prototype". IndieDB. DBolical Pty Ltd. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
  5. ^ "Vencedores PlayStation Talents IX". RTP Arena (in Portuguese). RTP. November 24, 2023. Archived from the original on April 23, 2025. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  6. ^ "Alentejo: Tinto's Law". Teknamic Software. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
  7. ^ "How Alentejo: Tinto's Law Has Become Portugal's First Game Boy Hit". The Portugal News. January 26, 2025. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
  8. ^ "Alentejo: Tinto's Law é um novo jogo português desenvolvido para o Nintendo Game Boy". EchoBoomer (in Portuguese). December 6, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  9. ^ "2024 Indie of the Year Awards - Top 100". IndieDB. Archived from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  10. ^ "GEEKS d'OURO – Prémios da Cultura Geek em Portugal". Geeks de Ouro. Café Mais Geek. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
  11. ^ "Alentejo: Tinto's Law - Análise". Squared Potato (in Portuguese). Squared Potato. March 6, 2025. Archived from the original on April 23, 2025. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
  12. ^ "Estúdio português Loading Studios anuncia Alentejo: The Tinto, The Ugly". OtakuPT (in Portuguese). OtakuPT. February 26, 2025. Archived from the original on February 26, 2025. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
  13. ^ "Alentejo: Tinto's Law – Do Alentejo Sem Lei para o Game Boy". IGN Portugal. IGN. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
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