Lake, Druckmann, Kojima. How to tell great stories

Disco Elysium. What really happened behind the scenes

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 Overcoats 15:43 Disco Elysium 20:20 Project C4 29:55 Project X7 37:15 Project P1 44:38 Crunch 49:52 Summer Eternal 54:15 Conclusion The episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: People Make Games, The 41st Precinct. Author: Rival Abdrakhmanov Cover: Katya Pavlova Jingle: Ildar Fattakhov

Disco Elysium. How to make Game of the Year and lose it all

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 creation 18:01 After the incredible success 28:57 Interviews 42:46 A sequel to the game 44:54 Conclusion The episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: People Make Games, Tallinna Raamatukogud. Author: Rival Abdrakhmanov Cover: Katya Pavlova Jingle: Ildar Fattakhov

Virtual Reality. Why the future never happened

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 Reality 13:08 Home consoles 18:53 Oculus Rift and HTC Vive 33:15 VR on your phone 34:51 Augmented Reality 38:08 Conclusion The episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: nebcks, Clips & Footage, MechDesignTV, Meta Quest, Meta. Author: Rival Abdrakhmanov Cover: Katya Pavlova Jingle: Ildar Fattakhov

Lake, Druckmann, Kojima. How to tell great stories

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 & Dragons 06:27 Neil Druckmann: criminology and Computer Science 09:39 Hideo Kojima: films and Super Mario Bros. 13:21 Sam Lake: Max Payne 19:20 Neil Druckmann: Uncharted and The Last of Us 24:33 Hideo Kojima: Metal Gear 29:39 Sam Lake: Alan Wake, Quantum Break and Control 35:11 Neil Druckmann: Uncharted 4 and The Last of Us Part II 40:59 Hideo Kojima: Death Stranding 44:51 Conclusion The episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: Old Gods of Asgard. Author: Rival Abdrakhmanov Cover: Katya Pavlova Jingle: Ildar Fattakhov

The Legend of Zelda. How to open the World

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 Zelda 10:13 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 15:25 The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 16:24 The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword 17:45 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 28:07 Conclusion The episode used quotes from the videos from YouTube channels: Star Sessions, David Erick Ramos - Ocarina, Nintendo of America. Author: Rival Abdrakhmanov Cover: Katya Pavlova Jingle: Ildar Fattakhov