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Press release:
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 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.

Steam

Mac App Store

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”

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. To learn more about Ayo: A Rain Tale and Inkline, please visit http://www.inkline.co.