In a gaming landscape that often adheres to conventional narratives, Pivot of Hearts emerges as a refreshing departure, promising to challenge and expand players’ understanding of love and relationships. Set to launch on May 21st, this visual novel from Brazilian developer Dragonroll Studio represents a bold step forward in inclusive storytelling within the gaming medium.
The game’s development journey has been a labor of love for the team, as expressed by Lead Developer Wilson Kazuo Mizutani: “We’ve been working on Pivot of Hearts for so long and now the release is suddenly around the corner. These last weeks are going by so fast, it is really hard to keep up with the roller coaster of emotions.” Despite the whirlwind of pre-release activities, Mizutani’s pride in the team’s creation shines through, along with his hope that it will leave a lasting impression on players.
At its core, Pivot of Hearts follows the compelling journey of Wén Xiàn, a Taiwanese-Brazilian game developer whose life takes an unexpected turn when he reconnects with a childhood friend. Set against the vibrant backdrop of São Paulo, Brazil, the narrative weaves through themes of identity, emotional growth, and the multifaceted nature of human connection.
What sets Pivot of Hearts apart is its nuanced approach to relationship dynamics. The game has garnered attention for its groundbreaking portrayal of queer and non-monogamous relationships, offering players a chance to explore various forms of connection through a branching narrative structure that spans four chapters and culminates in five distinct endings.
The game’s ambitious scope is evident in its impressive features. With over 100,000 words of dialogue, the narrative offers deep emotional engagement through its branching storylines. Players will encounter a diverse cast of characters representing various sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnic backgrounds, and body types, reflecting a commitment to authentic representation.
One of the game’s most innovative features is its interactive Tarot system, which adds a symbolic layer to the gameplay. This mechanic influences conversations and choices, serving as a mirror for characters’ inner worlds, reflecting their instincts, needs, and desires. This creative approach to player choice adds depth to the storytelling while providing a unique gameplay element that sets it apart from traditional visual novels.
The game’s setting in São Paulo is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. The developers have taken great care to celebrate the city’s rich culture through various elements, including local traditions, fictional metal bands, and nostalgic references to anime and gaming. The urban environments are meticulously crafted, based on real locations that capture the essence of São Paulo’s distinctive character.
Accessibility has been a key consideration in the game’s development. Dragonroll Studio has implemented features and settings designed to welcome players of all backgrounds and experience levels, demonstrating their commitment to creating an inclusive gaming experience.
The story of Dragonroll Studio itself adds another layer of interest to Pivot of Hearts. Founded in 2019 by a group of college friends, the São Paulo-based studio has already made significant waves in the industry. Their dedication to storytelling and inclusivity has not gone unnoticed, earning them prestigious accolades including Best Narrative at SBGames 2022 and a Diversity nomination at BIG Festival during Gamescom Latam, 2024.
For players eager to experience this innovative take on the visual novel genre, Pivot of Hearts will be available on both Steam and itch.io. Those who want to get a taste of the experience before the full release can already access a free demo.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve and embrace more diverse narratives, Pivot of Hearts stands as a testament to the power of independent game development in pushing boundaries and telling stories that matter. By combining thoughtful representation, innovative gameplay mechanics, and deep narrative complexity, Dragonroll Studio has created what promises to be a meaningful contribution to the visual novel genre and the broader conversation about love, identity, and connection in the modern world.
