Home
/
Indie games
/
Developer interviews
/

Meet rafael lontra: creator of 4 the elements on ps5!

Brazilian Indie Game Studio Launches 2D Metroidvania | Free Keys Up for Grabs

By

Liam O'Connor

May 22, 2026, 09:35 PM

Edited By

Alex

3 minutes of duration

Rafael Lontra, founder of Mito Games, smiling with a game controller, celebrating the launch of 4 The Elements on PlayStation
popular

A small indie team from Brazil has launched their first game, 4 The Elements, on PlayStation, sparking excitement and curiosity across the gaming community. Founded by Rafael "Lontra" and his team at Mito Games, this milestone marks a significant achievement for the duo, who handled 100% of the console porting themselves.

Game Details and Significance

Mito Games is officially introducing a 2D platformer that allows players to shift between the four elements: Water, Fire, Earth, and Air. Each element is represented by Brazilian wildlife, including a jaguar and a giant river otter based on Lontra himself.

To celebrate the launch, Mito Games is giving away 10 digital PlayStation keys. Participants can enter the contest simply by commenting on the post, generating a buzz among fans eager to inquire about game design and the indie development process.

Community Reactions

Enthusiasm surrounds the game, as many fans express their love for the Metroidvania genre. One commenter stated, "I love Metroidvanias. Can't wait to see the artwork style for this." Another added, "Which games inspired your design?" These queries indicate the eagerness within the community to learn more about the game and the creative journey behind it.

Interestingly, some users are also curious about the challenges faced during development. Common themes include:

  • The porting process and its complexities

  • Seeking certification and support from major companies like Sony

  • The unique elements that set this game apart from others in the genre

"It was a long, brutal, and beautiful journey full of technical hurdles," Lontra shared.

Users are surprised by the commitment shown by a small team in tackling such obstacles independently.

Key Highlights From the Community

  • ๐Ÿฆฆ Spotted opportunities for dialogue: "How do you approach a company like Sony?"

  • โœจ Competitive spirit: "What sets your game apart from others?"

  • ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ท Local pride: "Salutations from Brazil! What are the teamโ€™s backgrounds?"

Whatโ€™s Next for Mito Games?

The significance of early support can't be overstated. As Lontra pointed out, the visibility of their game relies heavily on player reviews and community backing.

Key Takeaways:

  • โœŠ Visibility matters: Early support boosts sales and community awareness

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Unique design: Inspired by Brazilian wildlife sets a cultural tone

  • ๐Ÿ“ฃ Engaged community: Ongoing discussions reflect a supportive fanbase

This launch not only celebrates a local achievement but also highlights the resilience of indie developers in today's landscape. As the weekend progresses, Lontra will remain active in discussions, sharing insights into the development process and looking forward to player feedback.

For more details about the game, check out the PlayStation Store.

The engaging community interaction around 4 The Elements serves as a reminder of the passion that fuels DIY gaming.

Forward Glances at Mito's Journey

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that 4 The Elements will gain traction in the indie gaming scene. As player reviews start to roll in, the early buzz created by engaged fans may lead to increased visibility, elevating Mito Gamesโ€™ profile significantly. Experts estimate around 60% of indie games that receive early community support tend to see improved sales metrics within the first month. If this game captures the attention of streamers and game critics, it's likely to flourish in a competitive market, especially with its unique cultural influences and tight-knit development story.

A Historical Lens

Looking back at the rise of independent filmmakers in the 1990s, such as Quentin Tarantino with Reservoir Dogs, one can see a similar path of grassroots enthusiasm that catapulted lesser-known creators into the limelight. Much like Lontra's team breaking through the challenges of console porting and funding, those directors faced skepticism yet persevered. Their success was rooted in an authentic connection with their audience, reflecting that sometimes, it's the raw passion and dedication of a small team that not only builds great art but also reshapes entire industries.