ABSTRACT This introductory chapter describes and discusses (1) the idea of coopetition that gave birth to this AAPG Memoir, (2) the importance of Geology in exploring and developing unconventional plays, (3) the historical perspective on the studies performed in the Vaca Muerta Formation (Argentina), and (4) the commercial context and the critical conditions that have allowed the Vaca Muerta play to be considered the first economical unconventional self-sourced play outside North America. The experience, research and vision expressed in this chapter provide explorers an analog for future unconventional ventures around the world.