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Last time, we talked about the history of Disco Elysium and the ZA/UM studio. This time, I’m telling the same story — but from the perspective of someone who was actually there, watching it all unfold. We’ll kick things off with the very beginning — how the world of Elysium came to be — and take it right up to the most recent events. And trust me, in this episode you’ll hear plenty of behind-the-scenes stories about what really went down inside the studio.00:00 Hi there!04:55 The Overcoats15:43 Disco Elysium20:20 Project C429:55 Project X737:15 Project P144:38 Crunch49:52 Summer Eternal54:15 ConclusionThe episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: People Make Games, The 41st Precinct.Author: Rival AbdrakhmanovCover: Katya PavlovaJingle: Ildar Fattakhov

Disco Elysium may not have the flashiest graphics or the most explosive action, but it’s a game that stays with you - the kind you can’t stop thinking about long after the credits roll. Behind its unforgettable world lies a real-life story just as gripping as the game itself. From the humble beginnings of ZA/UM, through years of creative struggle, to a surprise global success - and then to a tangled web of conflicts, lawsuits, and sudden departures. In this episode, we dive into how Disco Elysium was made, the challenges its creators faced, and the question that still haunts fans: will we ever see a true sequel?00:00 Hi there!02:48 History of the game's creation18:01 After the incredible success28:57 Interviews42:46 A sequel to the game44:54 ConclusionThe episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: People Make Games, Tallinna Raamatukogud.Author: Rival AbdrakhmanovCover: Katya PavlovaJingle: Ildar Fattakhov

Virtual Reality was once hailed as the next big leap for the gaming industry, a technology aimed to revolutionize how we play and interact with games. Yet, despite its promise, the VR revolution hasn’t fully materialized. In this episode, we take a closer look at the journey of VR, from its early experiments to today’s most prominent products. We’ll explore the trials and triumphs, the failures, and the companies competing for dominance in the VR space. What went wrong? And what does the future of virtual reality look like today?00:00 Hi there!01:48 History of Virtual Reality13:08 Home consoles18:53 Oculus Rift and HTC Vive33:15 VR on your phone34:51 Augmented Reality38:08 ConclusionThe episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: nebcks, Clips & Footage, MechDesignTV, Meta Quest, Meta.Author: Rival AbdrakhmanovCover: Katya PavlovaJingle: Ildar Fattakhov

In this episode, we dive into the stories of three legendary game designers: Sam Lake, Neil Druckmann, and Hideo Kojima. What drives these creators to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling? We explore their sources of inspiration, the challenges they face, the techniques and tools they use, and what it truly means to be a game designer at the top of their craft.00:00 Hi there!01:38 Sam Lake: cottage by the lake and Dungeons & Dragons06:27 Neil Druckmann: criminology and Computer Science09:39 Hideo Kojima: films and Super Mario Bros.13:21 Sam Lake: Max Payne19:20 Neil Druckmann: Uncharted and The Last of Us24:33 Hideo Kojima: Metal Gear29:39 Sam Lake: Alan Wake, Quantum Break and Control35:11 Neil Druckmann: Uncharted 4 and The Last of Us Part II40:59 Hideo Kojima: Death Stranding44:51 ConclusionThe episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: Old Gods of Asgard.Author: Rival AbdrakhmanovCover: Katya PavlovaJingle: Ildar Fattakhov

The Legend of Zelda is one of the most influential game series ever created, revolutionizing the way we play and experience games. With Ocarina of Time often hailed as one of the greatest games in history, the franchise has left a lasting mark on the gaming world. In this episode, we dive into the origins of Zelda, how it evolved over the years, and what continues to make it such a beloved and groundbreaking series.00:00 Hi there!02:12 The Legend of Zelda10:13 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time15:25 The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask16:24 The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword17:45 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild28:07 ConclusionThe episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: Star Sessions, David Erick Ramos - Ocarina, Nintendo of America.Author: Rival AbdrakhmanovCover: Katya PavlovaJingle: Ildar Fattakhov

In this episode, prepare for a +2 boost to your determination and a dash of luck, because we’re diving into the story of Larian Studios - the creators behind some of the most acclaimed RPGs of all time. The path to success wasn’t easy, with the studio facing countless challenges along the way. How did they overcome adversity and create Baldur’s Gate 3, one of the greatest RPGs ever made? Tune in as we explore Larian’s incredible journey and their quest to perfect the role-playing game.00:00 Hi there!02:25 Dungeons & Dragons04:13 Swen Vincke and Larian10:28 The Lady, the Mage and the Knight15:23 Divinity and Beyond23:32 Divinity II26:51 Original Sin33:24 Baldur's Gate38:21 ConclusionThe episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: BAFTA, Gameumentary, GameSpot Trailers, Larian Studios, thegameawards.Author: Rival AbdrakhmanovCover: Katya PavlovaJingle: Ildar Fattakhov

Behind every great game lies a powerful engine, and today’s game engines are so sophisticated that the line between reality and virtual worlds is often blurred. But how did we get here? What sparked the rivalry between two of the biggest names in game development - Unreal Engine and Unity? In this episode, we dive into the history of game engines, from their humble beginnings to the high-tech marvels of today. We’ll explore how this fierce competition has not only driven innovation but reshaped the entire gaming industry.00:00 Hi there!01:47 Game engine03:50 History of game engines06:01 Creating Unreal Engine09:47 Indie development15:38 Creating Unity20:53 Unreal Engine 424:12 Unity runtime fee26:47 ConclusionAuthor: Rival AbdrakhmanovCover: Katya PavlovaJingle: Ildar Fattakhov

Few game franchises have shaped pop culture like Grand Theft Auto. From its humble beginnings to record-breaking releases, GTA has constantly pushed boundaries - both in gameplay and controversy. But how did Rockstar Games turn an experimental top-down crime sim into a cultural phenomenon? How has each installment evolved the open-world genre? And why does GTA continue to captivate millions despite (or perhaps because of) its many scandals? In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking history of Grand Theft Auto and its lasting impact on gaming and beyond.00:00 Hi there!01:35 Foundation of the DMA Studio05:56 Lemmings08:36 Race and Chase09:51 BMG Interactive12:45 Grand Theft Auto15:59 Grand Theft Auto 218:53 Grand Theft Auto III22:35 Vice City and San Andreas25:36 Grand Theft Auto IV28:36 Grand Theft Auto V31:41 ConclusionThe episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: BBC Archive.Author: Rival AbdrakhmanovCover: Katya PavlovaJingle: Ildar Fattakhov

Few gaming companies have had as much influence as Valve. From revolutionizing PC gaming to shaping the rise of esports and defining entire genres, their impact is undeniable. But what makes Valve so unique? How has their relationship with the gaming community fueled their success? And why do they seem so reluctant to release sequels to some of their most beloved franchises? In this episode, we explore the history of Valve and the philosophy behind their game-changing innovations.00:00 Hi there!01:04 Foundation of Valve05:54 Half-Life18:56 Team Fortress21:04 Counter-Strike23:05 Portal26:47 Dota28:58 Left 4 Dead31:33 Developers of mods32:13 Steam36:00 ConclusionThe episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: GameSpot Trailers, Code.org, Valve, The Chalkeaters, TheCranberriesTVAuthor: Rival AbdrakhmanovCover: Katya PavlovaJingle: Ildar Fattakhov

Before The Witcher became a global phenomenon, CD Projekt Red was just a small Polish studio with big dreams and no game development experience. How did they go from selling pirated software to creating one of the most beloved RPG franchises of all time? What obstacles did they face along the way? And how did ignoring conventional wisdom lead them to unexpected success? This episode unpacks the incredible journey of CD Projekt Red and the making of The Witcher.00:00 Hi there!01:24 The Witcher novels04:09 CD Project foundation10:48 The Witcher25:57 Rise of the White Wolf28:43 The Witcher 229:30 The Witcher 331:28 The Witcher IV31:46 Black sheep33:04 ConclusionThe episode used quotes from the interviews from YouTube channels: Ryslaw, Noclip - Video Game Documentaries, CD PROJEKT RED, TEDx Talks.Author: Rival AbdrakhmanovCover: Katya PavlovaJingle: Ildar Fattakhov

Sony never originally planned to enter the home console market, yet they ended up creating one of the best-selling gaming systems of all time, reshaping the industry in the process. How did they achieve this? What made the Sony PlayStation revolutionary? How did collaboration give them an edge over competitors? And what new challenges did Sony face along the way? All this and more in the very first episode of the podcast.00:00 Hi there!02:00 History of consoles04:48 Deal with Nintendo09:10 Developing own console10:38 Partnership with third-party game studios14:02 Bold and unusual advertising15:01 Entering the market17:08 Games on PlayStation19:15 Nowadays20:46 ConclusionThe episode used quotes from the interviews from YouTube channels: Big Bang Theory, PlayStation, Polygon.Author: Rival AbdrakhmanovCover: Katya PavlovaJingle: Ildar Fattakhov