Nathaly Kalantar Cuéllar, a student at the University of Lima, created Peru Party as part of her thesis project to earn her bachelor’s degree. Inspired by her love for video games and dancing, Nathaly wanted to create a game that celebrated the diversity of Peruvian music and dance. However, she lacked the technical knowledge to bring her idea to life.
Despite this challenge, Nathaly sought help from professors and the Information Technology Learning Laboratory at her university. The team decided to develop the game in virtual reality to provide an immersive experience for players. They also incorporated artificial intelligence to score players’ dance moves as they followed choreography.
Peru Party features a diverse musical repertoire that includes genres like huayno rock, Andean pop, Amazonian cumbia, and more. The game aims to showcase new artists blending traditional Peruvian music with modern influences. The prototype of Peru Party was developed with the song ‘Warmisitay’ by Peruvian singer Milena Warthon.
After presenting Peru Party at various events in Peru, Nathaly received a scholarship from Women in Games International to showcase the game at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. The game received positive feedback at the conference, and the team plans to release a free version for the public to try.
Nathaly encourages aspiring game developers to participate in events like Game Jams to hone their creativity and teamwork skills. She emphasizes that while technical skills are important, passion and determination are equally crucial for success in the gaming industry. Peru Party is a testament to Nathaly’s dedication to creating a game that celebrates Peruvian music and dance.
The development process of Peru Party was not easy as Nathaly lacked technical knowledge initially; however, she sought help from professors and IT learning laboratory at her university. The team decided on developing the game in virtual reality (VR) technology as it would provide an immersive experience for players.
The team also incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) into scoring players’ dance moves as they followed choreography during their time in VR technology.
Peru Party boasts an extensive musical catalog featuring genres such as huayno rock, Andean pop, Amazonian cumbia, among others.
The aim of Peru Party is not only showcasing traditional Peruvian music but also blending it with modern influences.
Nathaly had an opportunity to present Peru Party at various events held in Peru before receiving a scholarship from Women in Games International which enabled her to showcase it at Game Developers Conference held in San Francisco.
The reception of Peru Party was positive at Game Developers Conference; hence, plans are underway for its release as a free version available for public trial.
Nathaly emphasizes that aspiring game developers should participate in events like Game Jams which help them develop their creativity and teamwork skills while reminding them that technical skills are essential but passion and determination are equally vital for success in this industry.
