Pivot of Hearts launches today on Steam and itch.io, inviting players into a visual novel about growth, meaningful choices, and the struggle of finding one’s own path to happiness. Developed by Dragonroll Studio in São Paulo, Brazil, the game explores the emotional complexity of queer and non-monogamous relationships through unresolved connections, evolving friendships, and personal development. Its cast is central to the experience with each character written with care, humor, and honesty. Pivot of Hearts is available now on Steam and itch.io.
“I can’t wait for everyone to know Wen, Etsuko, Cauã, Bárbara, Sigurd, and all the endearing characters we wrote into Pivot of Hearts. It’s like I can finally introduce all these friends I’m always talking about to my other friends, so they can all get along together as well. And I know they will, because I was thinking of them the whole time while making this game.” — Wilson Kazuo Mizutani
About Pivot of Hearts
Pivot of Hearts follows Wén Xiàn, a Taiwanese-Brazilian game developer, as he reconnects with a childhood friend and forms new bonds that challenge his understanding of love. Set in São Paulo, Brazil, the game explores identity, emotional growth, and the complexities of connection through branching storylines and player-driven choices.
Players will brave a looming work deadline, a fierce RPG campaign, an unresolved past relationship, new bonds, and the awkwardness of self-discovery. Rich subplots and emotionally honest moments fill the narrative with depth and relatability ensuring that every player finds a character or experience that resonates.
The experience is built around…
- Over 100K words of sweet nerdy romance and realistic non-monogamy! With almost ten hours of estimated gameplay, five different endings and a memorable cast, Pivot of Hearts is sure to keep the players’ hearts warm and wanting more!
- Inclusive storytelling and design: Romantic, platonic, and non-monogamous paths shaped by choice, with diverse characters and planned accessibility features to welcome all players.
- Interactive Tarot system: A symbolic card mechanic shapes conversations and choices, reflecting each character’s instincts, needs, and desires.
- Original audiovisual experience: A brand-new opening animation with the theme Stay with Me by Livia Maki Yoshikawa, plus fully handcrafted art and music from a small, passionate team.
- Authentic São Paulo setting: Bolster your journey through São Paulo’s vibrant culture with in-game translation notes. From local slang to street food and nostalgic anime nods, each detail is grounded in real locations and thoughtfully explained for players worldwide.
- Added charm and challenge: Dialogue is brought to life with voiced interjections recorded by the dev team and friends, and Steam achievements reward the most curious players.
Players can explore the free demo or jump into the full release today. Wishlist the game and follow the journey via the official Pivot of Hearts community on Discord, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, andX.
Check out my playthrough of the demo!
About Dragonroll Studio
Dragonroll Studio is a São Paulo-based indie game developer dedicated to making cute but subversive games! The team met in their college years, formed the studio in 2019, and created Pivot of Hearts as their first commercial game. Their dedication to storytelling and inclusivity has earned them accolades, including Best Narrative at SBGames 2022 and a Diversity nomination at BIG Festival, held during Gamescom Latam, 2024.
For more information, visit the official Dragonroll Studio homepage, join the community on Discord, or follow the studio on Instagram, YouTube, and Bluesky.
