Ayo: A Rain Tale

A lyrical side-scrolling platformer that addresses the plight of more than 319 million people in Sub-Suharan communities

 

Inkline

“I must say that it’s about time some developer finally try utilizing a different kind of visual aesthetic for their game. Thank you, Inkline!”

– Billy D (One Angry Gamer)

Side-Scrolling Platformer Ayo: A Rain Tale Now Available on iOS & Android

Embark on an unforgettable journey across sub-Saharan Africa

and discover the true meaning of courage

 

BEIRUT – Jan. 31, 2018 – The critically-acclaimed side-scrolling platformer Ayo: A Rain Tale – created by Lebanese studio Inkline – is launching today on the App Store and Google Play! Shedding light on the hardship of more than 319 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, Ayo: A Rain Tale explores the psychological impact of trekking across the desert to carry water – revealing the struggles of millions of Sahelian women and girls.

Players take on the role of Ayo, who’s about to leave home alone for the first time to gather water for her family. To complete her mission, Ayo must face the harsh conditions of the Sahelian droughts and overcome her fears without falling victim to her own mind …

The desert is a dangerous place, and Ayo will face many obstacles throughout her journey. Crawl, climb, and jump your way through the sub-Saharan lands as you solve puzzles, avoid dangerous hazards, and discover hidden paths during the scorching days and lonesome nights. Escape from crashing boulders, time your jumps perfectly with moving platforms, and challenge ruthless enemies – all culminating in a climactic encounter with Ja Thunderstorm, a large bull who wants to keep all the water for himself!

If you survive, you must face a harsh reminder of the world we live in during your trek back home, which is grounded in reality.

“I’m thrilled to be able to release Ayo: A Rain Tale on mobile devices,” says Ghaith Fleifel, founder and lead designer at Inkline. “I firmly believe in the democratization of information, and that starts with the hardware. A large percentage of those living in developing countries have access to smartphones. Ayo: A Rain Tale can now be experienced by a much larger percentage of the population, which hopefully will translate into support – and recognition – for the girls and women of sub-Saharan Africa.”

Key Features

  • Explore sub-Saharan lands by crawling, climbing, and double-jumping.
  • Experience day and night cycles along the way.
  • Solve puzzles and push through boulders to advance.
  • Withstand the harsh desert heat and fight for strength and emotional balance.
  • Face challenging enemies and confront Ja Thunderstorm!
  • Discover hidden paths and avoid natural hazards.

Pricing & Availability
Ayo: A Rain Tale is now available on the App Store and Google Play for $2.99. The game is already for sale on both Steam and the Mac App Store.

Sub-Saharan Water Crisis (Statistics)

  • 783 million people do not have access to clean and safe water worldwide.
  • 1 in 9 people worldwide do not have access to safe and clean drinking water.
  • Women and girls are responsible for water collection in 7 out of 10 households in 45 developing countries.

About Inkline
Based in Beirut, Lebanon and founded in 2012, Inkline Ltd. began as a design consultancy supporting local and regional brands. Inkline Ltd. is currently paying homage to classic video games and shining the spotlight on water-fetching realities in communities lacking access to safe water in sub-Saharan Africa. With the goal of raising awareness and giving a voice to humanitarian struggles, Inkline Ltd. devotes its time and resources to create games that shed light on such topics through symbolic, interactive, and enjoyable gameplay.

Inkline’s Stunning Platformer Ayo: A Rain Tale Now Available on PC & Mac

Start your quest for water today on Steam and the Mac App Store

 

BEIRUT – Nov. 9, 2017 – Ayo: A Rain Tale – an atmospheric side-scrolling platformer that addresses the plight of more than 319 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa – has arrived on Steam and the Mac App Store. Embark on a life-changing journey for clean water in this thought-provoking platformer featuring the beauty and wonder of African folk tales.

Developed by Inkline, Ayo: A Rain Tale explores the psychological impact of trekking across the desert to carry water – revealing the struggles of millions of Sub-Saharan African women and girls. Players take on the role of Ayo, a young girl who is about to leave home alone for the first time to gather water for her family. To do this, Ayo must face the harsh conditions of the Sahelian droughts and overcome her fears without falling victim to her own mind …

After encountering a sudden sandstorm, Ayo loses her path and is lost in the desert. Fortunately, she meets the Asili Twins – who join Ayo on her search for water and provide help along the way. As Ayo continues on her journey, the world around her begins to look mysterious and magical – as if she’s been transported to a new land.

The desert is a dangerous place, and you will face many hardships. Crawl, climb, and jump your way through the Sub-Saharan lands as you solve puzzles, avoid dangerous hazards, and discover hidden paths during scorching days and lonesome nights. Escape from crashing boulders, time your jumps perfectly with moving platforms, and challenge ruthless enemies – all culminating in a climactic encounter with Ja Thunderstorm, a large bull who wants to keep all the water for himself!

If you survive, you must face a harsh reminder of the world we live in during your trek back home, which is grounded in reality

Ayo: A Rain Tale attempts the impossible and appears to succeed where few dare to tread: releasing a serious game that informs and entertains in equal measures,” says Ghaith Fleifel, founder and lead designer at Inkline. “Waking up at dawn knowing your whole family depends on you would make most adults weak in the knees. The brave girls who walk miles and miles for clean water every day do so without complaints. They, like Ayo, are the real heroes – and they deserve our ongoing, unconditional support.”

Key Features

  • Explore Sub-Saharan lands by crawling, climbing, and double-jumping.
  • Experience day and night cycles on your journey.
  • Solve puzzles and push through boulders to advance.
  • Discover hidden paths and avoid natural hazards.
  • Withstand harsh desert heat and fight for strength and emotional balance.
  • Face challenging enemies and confront Ja Thunderstorm!

Pricing & Availability
Ayo: A Rain Tale is now available on Steam (Windows/Mac) and the Mac App Store for $6.99 (30% off). The game will return to its original price of $9.99 on November 16.

Sub-Saharan Water Crises (Statistics)

  • 783 million people do not have access to clean and safe water worldwide.
  • 319 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa are without access to improved, reliable, drinking water sources.
  • 1 in 9 people worldwide do not have access to safe and clean drinking water.
  • Women and girls are responsible for water collection in 7 out of 10 households in 45 developing countries.

About Inkline
Based in Beirut, Lebanon and founded in 2012, Inkline began as a design consultancy supporting local and regional brands. With the goal of raising awareness and giving a voice to humanitarian struggles, Inkline devotes its time and resources to creating games that shed light on these topics through symbolic, interactive, and enjoyable gameplay. With Ayo: A Rain Tale, Inkline is paying homage to classic video games and shining the spotlight on water-fetching realities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Venture Across the Magical Sub-Saharan Desert to Bring Water to Your Village in Ayo: A Rain Tale

Now seeking votes on Steam Greenlight

 

BEIRUT – June 1, 2017 – Embark on a journey for clean water in Ayo: A Rain Tale – a lyrical side-scrolling platformer that addresses the plight of more than 319 million people in Sub-Saharan communities. Steam users can now support the game on Steam Greenlight with a “yes” vote!

Created by Inkline – a Lebanese indie studio – Ayo: A Rain Tale sheds light on the perilous trek for safe water that is undertaken daily by underserved African women and girls. The game deftly intertwines platforming gameplay mechanics with the myths and culture of the sub-Saharan desert – introducing players to a whole new reality in the process.

Ayo: A Rain Tale explores the psychological impact of trekking across the desert – revealing the struggles of millions of young African children. Players take on the role of Ayo, a young girl who is about to leave home for the first time to gather water for her family. To do this, Ayo must face the harsh conditions of the Sahelian droughts and overcome her fears without falling victim to her own mind …

After encountering a sudden sandstorm, Ayo loses her path and is lost in the desert. Fortunately, she meets the Asili Twins – who join Ayo on her search for water and provide help along the way. However, as she continues to travel, the world around Ayo begins to look mysterious and magical – as if she’s been transported to a new land.

The desert is a dangerous place, and you will face many hardships. Crawl, climb, and jump your way through the Sub-Saharan lands as you solve puzzles, avoid dangerous hazards, and discover hidden paths during the scorching days and chaotic nights. Escape from crashing boulders, time your jumps perfectly with moving platforms, and challenge ruthless enemies – all culminating in a climactic encounter with Ja Thunderstorm, a large bull who wants to keep all the water for himself!

“We want Ayo: A Rain Tale to help raise awareness about the daily hardships faced by those who live in the Sub-Saharan region,” says Ghaith Fleifel, founder and lead designer at Inkline. “Ayo represents every child who courageously takes on the job of fetching water for their family. It’s a story that must be told, and we’re confident that games – the preeminent interactive media of our time – are the perfect way to do so.”

Key Features

  • Explore Sub-Saharan lands by crawling, climbing, and double-jumping.
  • Experience day and night cycles on your journey.
  • Solve puzzles and push through boulders to advance.
  • Withstand the harsh desert heat and fight for strength and emotional balance.
  • Face challenging enemies and confront Ja Thunderstorm!
  • Discover hidden paths and avoid natural hazards such as thorns, lightning – and even lava geysers.

Sub-Saharan Water Crises (Statistics)

  • 783 million people do not have access to clean and safe water worldwide.
    WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation. “Progress on Sanitation and Drinking Water 2010”
  • 319 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa are without access to improved, reliable, drinking water sources.
    World Health Organization “Key Facts from 2015 JMP Report”
  • 1 in 9 people worldwide do not have access to safe and clean drinking water.
    Based on 87% of the global population using imported sources. Found in WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation. “Progress on Sanitation and Drinking Water 2010”
  • Women and girls are responsible for water collection in 7 out of 10 households in 45 developing countries.
    WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation “2015 Report and MDG Assessment”

Availability

Ayo: A Rain Tale is now seeking votes on Steam Greenlight. If Greenlit, the game will be available on Steam (Windows/Mac) in Q3 2017.

About Inkline

Based in Beirut, Lebanon and founded in 2012, Inkline began as a design consultancy supporting local and regional brands. With the goal of raising awareness and giving a voice to humanitarian struggles, Inkline devotes its time and resources to creating games that shed light on these topics through symbolic, interactive, and enjoyable gameplay. Inkline is currently paying homage to classic video games and shining the spotlight on water-fetching realities in sub-Saharan Africa.

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