FGC Brazil: Interview with Paulo Júnior of @Game_Stage1
Brazil's top Fighting Game Creator on Instagram. Sharing his love for fighting games one video at a time.
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, unique talents emerge, capturing the essence of nostalgia while pioneering new horizons in content creation. One such talent is the enigmatic figure behind the Instagram page @Game_Stage1 and TikTok Paulo Júnior, a maestro of the FGC social media realm.
He has seamlessly blended his passion for classic fighting games with the dynamic world of social media. Hailing from the vibrant city of São Paulo, Brazil, his work resonates with a global audience, rekindling the flames of arcade-era marvels through captivating Instagram reels.
Game_stage 1 and Arcade Press have collaborated on some social media content—-so we decided to interview him to learn more about him…
His journey is not just a tale of digital artistry but also a heartfelt tribute to a cherished friend lost to the pandemic, transforming his grief into a legacy that celebrates the shared joy of gaming. From the timeless streets of São Paulo, where the echoes of King of Fighters '98 battles still linger, to the cutting-edge arenas of Tekken 8, his journey encompasses the rich tapestry of fighting game culture.
Arcade Futures: Hello, could you introduce yourself?
Paulo: Hello everyone...I'm a representative and creator of fighting game content for the Instagram page game_stage1 and Tik Tok Paulo Júnior.
Futures: Could you tell us where you are from?
Paulo: I'm from Brazil!! from the city of São Paulo, capital.
Futures: What was the biggest fighting game in your community?
Paulo: King of fighters and of all of them would be from the year 98 where on every corner of my neighborhood there was an arcade... it was a Magical Season
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Futures: What motivated you to create @Game_Stage1? what inspired you?
Paulo: What motivated me to create the page, although it stems from a sorrowful memory, was the loss of a friend of mine to COVID. It was a means to pay homage to him, as he was also an integral part of our community.
Futures: What was your first fighting game? What fighting games do you currently play?
Paulo: Regarding my first fighting game experience, I recall a time when we were truly fortunate. As mentioned earlier, arcades were ubiquitous, dotting every corner, creating a scene where multiple games coexisted side by side, and it was here that Street Fighter and King of Fighters particularly caught my attention. And, of course, we cannot overlook the significance of other classics like Samurai Shodown, Mortal Kombat, and Tekken.
As for the games I'm currently engaged with, the first I must mention is Pocket Bravery, a Brazilian fighting game developed by Statera Studio. It draws inspiration from the iconic 90s classics such as King of Fighters, Street Fighter, and Fatal Fury, and boasts a beautiful pixel art aesthetic. Another current favorite is Tekken 8, which stands out without needing any introduction. Additionally, I still enjoy retro gems like King of Fighters '98 and Street Fighter Alpha 2.
Futures: Do you prefer retro fighting games to modern ones?
Paulo: I love them both!! Fighting games are guaranteed fun!
Futures: What are you most looking forward to in the fighting game scene?
Paulo: The fighting game scene is expanding rapidly, and it would significantly benefit from increased investment by companies in this region. We recently witnessed FKang, champion at the Frosty Faustings Tournament, along with PITERERN and LAUYAGAMI, who are poised to compete for the final two spots in the world championship. It's worth noting that South America boasts incredibly talented players. It would be immensely rewarding to form a team for the upcoming Street Fighter 6 League world championship.
We are also eagerly anticipating the release of Project L / 2XKO, confident that it will bring us further success.
If you're reading this article, I invite you to come and discover my work. I'm confident you'll appreciate the content I've shared with the community!
https://www.instagram.com/game_stage1/