Brazilian Roguelite 9 Kings Sold 250k+ Copies in First Week on Steam Early Access

9 Kings, the bold new roguelite kingdom builder, sold 250,000 copies in its first week. 

Developed by Brazilian indie studio Sad Socket and published by Hooded Horse, the game is available in Early Access on Steam.

This milestone makes it one of the most successful launches for a Brazilian-developed title.

A Strategic Triumph from Brazil

In 9 Kings, players wage war through a dynamic blend of card-based strategy, tactical unit placement, and roguelite progression.

From boar-mounted ballistae to spell-slinging mayhem, the game delivers endless possibilities for would-be monarchs seeking to rise to power.

Its unique blend of systems and emergent gameplay has earned the game a “Very Positive” user rating (93%) from more than 3,000 reviews.

The game’s surprise success has elevated Sad Socket—founded by childhood friends Rafael Melo and André Young in the coastal city of Santos—to the global stage.

"The 11-year-old kids who were making games for fun in a small Brazilian city could’ve never imagined they’d be building something this big one day,” said Rafael Melo. “The good news is it’s only gotten more fun. We hope we can help the Brazilian industry grow, and that many bigger games come after 9 Kings."

Since its launch, Sad Socket has released seven patches to improve gameplay and address community feedback. A content roadmap is currently in development, with more updates planned throughout the Early Access phase.

Hooded Horse CEO Tim Bender praised the team’s efforts, stating: “This is one of the biggest PC game launches for a Brazilian game studio — Sad Socket has done an incredible job, and we’re so grateful to be working together!”

The game is currently available on Steam Early Access for $14.99 / £12.00 / €14.99 / ¥1,860.