New horror game ‘Luto’ pays tribute to the Canary Islands
A video game developed in Gran Canaria is receiving praise for its unique approach to psychological horror and its heartfelt nods to Canarian culture.
Luto, the debut game from Broken Bird Games, pays tribute to Canarian culture with surreal storytelling and island-inspired settings
Released on 22nd July by indie studio Broken Bird Games, Luto is already making waves for its storytelling, visual design, and the many subtle, and not-so-subtle, references to the Canary Islands woven throughout the game.
From the opening scenes, players encounter clear tributes to the islands. A bar of soap branded with the word “canary” sets the tone for what’s to come. The game’s primary setting is a seemingly ordinary house that features traditional Canarian architectural elements, such as whitewashed walls textured like lime plaster, colourful mosaic floor tiles, and rustic stone decorations typical of rural homes on the islands.
But the local flavour doesn’t stop at interior design. A poster advertising takeaway Canarian food from a fictional restaurant named La Arrugá can also be found. The design includes the names of all eight islands and repeated mentions of the iconic mojo sauce. Players can even call the phone number on the sign, triggering a hidden easter egg, which is a touching bonus message aimed at Canarian players.
Although these cultural touches are not central to the game’s plot, they are a meaningful expression of the developers’ roots and pride in their home. As the studio explains on its official website, Broken Bird Games is “a small independent team based in Gran Canaria, born from the shared dream of creating video games. Our goal is to deliver deep narrative experiences that reflect our love for storytelling and our passion for the medium.”
Luto is a psychological horror experience in which players take on the role of someone unable to leave their home. Each attempt to escape leads deeper into a haunting, dreamlike world where reality bends, and the unknown challenges the senses.
For Broken Bird Games, this debut not only marks their first commercial release but also lays the foundation for future projects. And for Canarian gamers and those familiar with the islands, Luto offers a rare and eerie journey that feels surprisingly close to home.
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