Maxim Fomichev, producer at Owlcat Games, sums up the year for the gaming industry, and reveals the best games of 2021 according to Maxim Fomichev

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In 2021, the global gaming industry saw many significant events and trends that impacted the market and consumer preferences. One of the key developments has been the continued growth in popularity of battle royale games, leading to an increase in the number of game studios developing projects in this genre. Also noteworthy is the active development of game streaming platforms like Twitch, which has contributed to increased interest in esports and player interaction. Furthermore, significant attention has been paid to inclusivity and diversity in games, leading to the creation of more diverse and representative characters. The COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted the industry, increasing the time players spend playing games and accelerating the shift to digital sales. All of these trends and events are shaping the future of the gaming industry and opening up new opportunities for developers and players.

The main event of this year has been the frenzy around NFTs and the metaverse. Every day, news emerges of millions of dollars in investments in projects whose demand among the audience is unproven. This is especially interesting to observe given the recent surges in interest in virtual reality in 2014 and cryptocurrency in 2017. The current situation raises questions about the real value of these projects and their long-term sustainability in the market. Investors should be cautious, given previous hype cycles and subsequent declines.

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Metaverses are virtual spaces that unite users in a single digital world. They combine virtual and augmented reality technologies, allowing users to interact with each other and with digital objects in real time. Metaverses provide a unique experience where people can work, play, learn, and communicate using avatars and various tools.

These spaces are actively developing thanks to advances in technologies such as blockchain, which enables the creation of unique digital assets, and artificial intelligence, which improves user interaction. Metaverses open up new opportunities for business, education, and social interactions, creating platforms for innovative forms of communication and collaboration.

Understanding the concept of the metaverse is becoming increasingly important in the context of the digital transformation of society, as they can change the usual approaches to interaction and business.

In 2021, the gaming industry in Russia and the CIS countries experienced several significant events and trends that impacted the market. One of the most notable was the continued growth in the popularity of mobile games. This is due to the increase in the number of smartphone users and the availability of internet connections. Also worth noting is the active development of eSports, which is attracting increasing attention from both players and investors.

Furthermore, 2021 saw an increase in the number of independent developers, which contributed to the emergence of unique and innovative projects. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact, accelerating the transition of many players to digital platforms. All these factors have made 2021 a significant milestone in the evolution of the gaming industry in Russia and the CIS.

The main trend in Russian-language game development is a true renaissance in PC and console game development, which began approximately five years ago. Currently, not only small indie teams and individual developers are actively working in this field, but also large companies such as Vizor, VK, and MyTona. This fact is significant, as the games that attracted us to the world of game development were practically nonexistent for the past ten years, beginning with the 2008 crisis. However, we are now once again on the path to creating high-quality and diverse content in the gaming industry.

2021 has been a significant year for Owlcat Games. The company achieved several key successes this year, including successful releases and positive feedback from players. Progress in developing new projects and expanding the team also marked important milestones. However, despite these achievements, there were also challenges associated with project management and the need to adapt to changing market conditions. These factors highlight both the successes and challenges the studio faced in 2021.

2021 was a landmark year for our studio, as we released Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, the sequel to the successful CRPG Pathfinder: Kingmaker. The new game surpasses its predecessor in many ways, as confirmed by both critics (83 on Metacritic) and users (over 80% positive reviews on Steam). Wrath of the Righteous, in my opinion, is the largest PC project developed by a domestic developer, and certainly the most successful of them. Unfortunately, some features and storylines that were planned did not make it into the final version of the game, but we plan to implement them in future expansions.

In 2022, Owlcat Games expects significant changes that will impact the development of their projects and interaction with the community. The team plans to introduce new mechanics and improvements to existing games, as well as develop new projects that will meet player expectations. Community feedback is crucial, allowing us to improve the quality of our games and create content that will be engaging for fans. The studio is committed to innovation and improving the gaming experience, which will undoubtedly be key to their future development.

The main changes and expectations for 2022 are directly related to the personnel crisis that the domestic gaming industry has been experiencing for a year now, and this is not the end. Next year, demand for specialists in all fields will continue to increase, driven by the growing number of gaming startups and plans to expand existing teams. Every programmer and artist will be highly valuable in the labor market, creating excellent opportunities for aspiring specialists, but also leading to serious difficulties for studio managers in finding and retaining talent.

The game that was released in 2021 and made the biggest impression was undoubtedly "Resident Evil Village." This installment in the renowned series continues the horror tradition, offering players a captivating storyline, engaging gameplay, and stunning graphics. 'Resident Evil Village' successfully combines action and horror elements, immersing players in an atmosphere of fear and tension. With each new location and encounter with characters, the game maintains interest, making it one of the most memorable releases of the year.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous deserves praise, especially given my devotion to the genre and games in general. However, perhaps it's worth stopping at high praise for my own projects.

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is a project that has become an important event for me in 2021, even though it is only a remaster. While it is not a remake using a modern engine, as I would have liked, the series still remains one of the best and most beloved stories in the gaming industry. It is impossible to remain indifferent to this space opera. I was re-immersed in the game's atmosphere and was able to appreciate it with new impressions and experiences accumulated over the years since the original games. Mass Effect continues to inspire, and its influence on the genre is hard to overstate.

2021 has seen many impressive games, and picking the best is difficult. However, I will present my top 5 games of this year, based on their influence, graphics, story, and gameplay.

The first game on my list is Resident Evil Village. This sequel to the cult series offered players a gripping storyline, stunning graphics, and a terrifying atmosphere, making it one of the most talked about games of the year.

Second place goes to Metroid Dread. This game brought the classic series back to life and offered players new mechanics and intense gameplay, making it a real hit among fans.

Third place goes to Forza Horizon 5. This game delighted players with its open world, stunning graphics, and a variety of cars, allowing everyone to enjoy a unique driving experience.

Fourth place goes to It Takes Two. This co-op adventure was a true breakthrough in the genre, offering innovative gameplay and a touching storyline that touches on themes of love and partnership.

Closing out my top 5 is "Deathloop". This game stands out for its original approach to gameplay, combining first-person shooter elements with unique time loop mechanics, making every session unique.

Each of these games has made a significant impact on the gaming industry in 2021 and left a bright mark on the hearts of players.

Games that remain relevant over the years make up a stable list that has not changed for a long time. These classic games continue to attract the attention of players due to their excitement and quality. In this context, projects such as "Chess", "Tetris" and "Tetrix" particularly stand out. and Super Mario, which have won the hearts of millions. Their ease of learning and depth of strategy make them ideal for people of all ages. These games not only provide entertainment but also help develop logical thinking and coordination. So, if you're looking for timeless entertainment, check out these iconic games that continue to be popular and relevant.