Torn Away: Interview with the Developers on World War II

Contents:

• The Idea That Brought People Together: The Journey to Creating a Unique Game
• The Concept as the Basis of an Adventure Game
• Torn Away Gameplay: Immersing Yourself in a Unique Gameplay
• Why 2D Games Are No Longer Boring?
• Music and Sound Design for Games: Importance and Details
• How to Interact with the Community: Secrets of Successful Promotion
• The Future of the Torn Away Project: Innovations and Plans
• Recommendations for Dramatic Game Developers games

An Idea That Brought People Together: The Path to Creating a Unique Game

Artem Koblov, Creative Director of perelesoq studio, is an experienced professional in the world of game development. His career in this dynamic industry began over ten years ago. Back then, as a schoolboy, he created his first portfolio and landed a job as an artist at a small company specializing in social games. Since then, Artem has accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge that allow him to successfully manage creative processes and develop unique game concepts.

After several months of remote work, Artem moved from Kazan to Moscow to continue his career at a large gaming company. However, routine tasks did not bring him satisfaction and did not correspond to his creative ambitions. Seeking new opportunities, he decided to explore various fields, including creating public pages and apps for VKontakte, as well as brand marketing. This decision opened up new horizons for him and allowed him to apply his skills to more creative and interesting projects.

Despite his lack of programming skills and game design experience, Artem never abandoned his dream of creating his own game. He began communicating with aspiring developers and, together with one of them, released his first game, Berry Me. In 2014, this game took first place in the App Store games category, a significant achievement for a novice developer. Artem continued to develop his skills and actively collaborate with other game design professionals, which allowed him to further create successful projects and strengthen his position in the gaming industry.

With this developer, he created the game "Spasibo Dedu!", which attracted media attention. The project Spiny Tale, a unique puzzle game, was also announced. Although this project was never completed, it contributed to strengthening the development team's reputation.

Artem independently created the game "Will It Ever End?", which became an important creative outlet for him. Despite its lack of commercial success, the project demonstrated his talent for raising important themes through video games. The gameplay and plot of the game make you think about important social issues, which emphasizes the importance of Artem as a developer who is able to influence public consciousness with the help of interactive content.

Artem transitioned to advertising as a creative director, producing both games and online projects. However, throughout this time, he experienced a lack of creative fulfillment.

Artem, learning of a friend's interest in game development, proposed a unique concept. He devised an idea about a little girl who survives the tumultuous events of World War II. This gripping story inspired his friend to seek funding for the project, while Artem began building a team to bring his idea to life. Developing games based on historical events can capture audience attention and create a deep emotional connection with players.

The studio's name, perelesoq, was coined a month after the team's creation. Artem and his colleagues were looking for a unique Russian word and settled on "perelesoq." To increase its uniqueness in search engines, they added the letter "q." This decision not only emphasizes the originality of the name, but also contributes to better promotion in SEO.

The perelesoq team consists of highly qualified specialists with experience in well-known gaming companies. Artyom assembled this team thanks to his professional contacts and the popularity of his game development Telegram channel. The project's idea about a defenseless girl, despite the lack of a detailed script, attracted the attention of professional developers. The appearance of concepts on social media significantly simplified the process of finding new team members. This indicates that interest in the project is growing, and the willingness to participate in it is increasing among talented specialists.

Disputes and discussions often arise within the creative team. Artem helps create an open atmosphere where everyone can freely express their opinion. However, he always makes the final decision.

Unlike a number of indie studios, perelesoq has its own office, which indicates the support of investors. Earlier this year, the studio partnered with European publisher Nordcurrent, marking a significant milestone in its development and opening up new opportunities for growth and expansion.

Concept as the Foundation of an Adventure Game

We chose World War II and the Great Patriotic War as the primary backdrop for our game because these events have profound historical significance and emotional weight. They represent important lessons about human resilience, courage, and the tragedy of war. These wars shaped the modern world and left an indelible mark on people's consciousness. We strive to convey the atmosphere of those times, showcasing complex moral dilemmas and human stories, making the game not only entertaining but also educational. Using these historical events allows us to create a deeper and more realistic gaming experience that will engage players and allow them to better understand the context of those days. Artem Koblov: The theme of World War II, especially the Great Patriotic War, occupies a significant place in our cultural consciousness. This creates challenges when attempting to view these events from a new perspective. In recent years, there have been few projects that have offered players a unique perspective on these tragic moments. We believe that the idea of ​​depicting the war through the lens of children—the most vulnerable participants in these horrors—is particularly relevant and appealing. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the consequences of war and its impact on people's destinies, opening up new facets of historical understanding.

What games served as your primary references?

Artem Koblov: Initially, we considered Valiant Hearts as a source of inspiration, but soon realized that the game's main characters were adult, and the gameplay mechanics didn't fit our concept. I'm a fan of Playdead, and INSIDE was a significant influence. We wanted to avoid overly focusing on puzzles, as this could have hindered the conveyance of our story. To find unique elements, we also drew inspiration from classic LucasArts adventures and modern narrative games like What Remains of Edith Finch. This allowed us to create a unique gaming experience that combines a compelling story and interesting mechanics.

Our game aims to achieve high historical accuracy in environmental details. To achieve this, we use a variety of sources of information, including historical documents, books and research, as well as archival photographs and maps. We also consult with historical experts to ensure the verisimilitude of all elements of the game world. This approach creates an immersive and realistic atmosphere, making the gameplay more engaging and informative for players.

Artem Koblov: Our main character was deported to Germany for work, which prompted us to delve deeper into the topic of Ostarbeiters—forced laborers from Eastern Europe. The book "The Sign Will Not Be Erased: The Fates of Ostarbeiters in Letters, Memories, and Oral Stories" became one of the first and key sources for our research. We also turned to Evelina Rudenko, coordinator of the "Digitization of the Ostarbeiter Archive" project at International Memorial, who provided significant assistance in finding archival materials. These studies provide a better understanding of the fates of Ostarbeiters and their living circumstances during World War II.

We attach particular importance to authenticity in our work. Our artists meticulously study a variety of references before creating locations, achieving a high degree of realism and precision in every detail. This ensures high-quality user interaction with the game or art space, creating a unique atmosphere and immersion in the world of art.

Considering the theme of your game, it's worth considering the films "Come and See" and "Life is Beautiful." These films touch on important aspects of human destiny and experiences during difficult times. We recommend watching them before launching Torn Away, as they will help you better understand the atmosphere and emotional context of the game, and also prepare players for the serious topics that will be touched upon during the game.

Artem Koblov: Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to see these films, but I am familiar with their content. Among the films that influenced us, "Anna's War" and "Ivan's Childhood" stand out, deeply exploring the plight of children during wartime. I recommend watching them. There are also lesser-known films that accurately convey a child's perspective on horrific events. For example, Leonard Abrahamson's "Room" and Terry Gilliam's "Tideland" are striking examples of such works. These films will help better understand the psychology of children experiencing tragic moments in history.

I am an avid film fan and believe that video game developers can learn valuable lessons from the art of storytelling employed by directors. Despite the different approaches to storytelling in both film and games, there are many common elements that can enrich the gameplay. Understanding plot structure, character development, and emotional weight helps developers create deeper and more engaging narratives in games. Thus, collaboration between the film and gaming industries can lead to the creation of unique and memorable stories that will captivate players.

The game description states that the plot is based on children's diaries written during the war. These entries contain testimonies of hunger, disease, loss, and suffering of the authors. Using such materials will add depth and realism to the narrative, allowing players to better understand the emotional state of the main character and her experiences. Over time, influenced by the horrors of war, the heroine's character and appearance may undergo significant changes, reflecting her inner experiences and adaptation to difficult circumstances. Such aspects can make the game more engaging and compel players to reflect on the consequences of war, emphasizing the importance of historical memory.

Artem Koblov shares his plans for the game's development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining suspense. We strive to minimize the disclosure of narrative methods so as not to spoil the player's experience. At the same time, we intend to demonstrate how the protagonist's personality will evolve throughout the gameplay. This change will be a key element in ensuring a deep connection between the player and the character and their story.

Torn Away Gameplay: Immersion in a Unique Game

Torn Away's gameplay not only features linear progression, obstacle course control, and stealth elements, but also includes engaging challenges players must solve in a variety of locations. The game offers a unique experience, combining elements of adventure and puzzles, making it appealing to a wide audience. Each level is filled with intriguing challenges that require players to analyze the situation and make strategic decisions.

Artem Koblov, one of the game's developers, emphasizes the team's commitment to creating a diverse gameplay experience. The game includes both dynamic moments filled with obstacle course control and quiet areas designed for exploration. Minigames and first-person perspectives significantly enhance the gaming experience. This combination of various gameplay elements allows players to enjoy both active and relaxing moments, satisfying a wide range of audience preferences.

The game's key mechanics remain under wraps for now, but we'll soon be releasing a gameplay trailer that will answer many fan questions. Expect details that will reveal gameplay features and give you a better understanding of what to expect from the new project.

The question of how often the first-person view will be used in the game is important for understanding the gameplay. The first-person view allows players to immerse themselves in the world, creating a sense of presence and increasing engagement. It will be used during key moments of the game, such as exploring the environment, combat, and interacting with characters. The frequency of this view's use will vary depending on game mechanics and scenarios, providing a varied and dynamic gaming experience. Ultimately, the first-person view will become an important element that will help players better understand the plot and interact with the game world.

Artem Koblov emphasizes that first-person scenes will be rare, but each of them will be carefully crafted to make them memorable for players.

Games with dramatic plots often feature non-linear choices that significantly impact the development of the story. In our game, you will encounter such moments, where the main character, Asya, must make important decisions. Each choice will influence the storylines and characters, adding depth and variety to the gameplay. We strive to create a unique experience where players can explore different scenarios, making each playthrough special.

Artem Koblov emphasizes the importance of linear narrative in modern games. He notes that introducing meaningful choices into the plot is a complex task that requires significant resources. Unfortunately, the team lacks the necessary resources to implement this idea. This underscores the relevance and complexity of game development, where it is crucial to find a balance between plot depth and available options.

Asya's blue glove is an important symbol in the story, highlighting her inner world and emotional state. This object not only serves as a plot element but also reflects the heroine's deepest feelings. The blue mitten becomes a symbol of hope, lost dreams, and a yearning for freedom. Through this accessory, the author demonstrates how the details of everyday life can have significant significance, connecting the character to their past and shaping their future. Thus, Asya's blue glove is not just an item of clothing, but a key element that helps us better understand her character and experiences.

Artyom Koblov creates intrigue by stating: "This is an important secret that will become known during the game."

Why 2D Games Aren't Boring Anymore?

During the development of Torn Away, the visual style underwent significant changes. We discussed with Sergey Ryzhov how his team arrived at a unique style that draws inspiration from socialist realism and French animation. This approach not only emphasizes the game's atmosphere but also creates depth in the visual narrative, making Torn Away a unique project in the world of video games.

Sergey Ryzhov shares his experience in creating the game Torn Away: "We selected expressive means based on the concept and theme of the project. Torn Away is a serious and dramatic game. Initial experiments with the design turned out to be too "funny" and did not match the overall atmosphere." The main focus was on creating the image of the main character, which determined the visual style of the game, formed on three key principles. These principles help convey the emotional load and depth of the plot, creating a unique gaming experience.

• Realistic proportions to maintain a serious context
• Minimalistic approach, simplifying development
• Painting, giving the game a unique character and atmosphere

Comparison with contemporary French animation is quite relevant. Artists working in the style of socialist realism have extensive experience in depicting and interpreting the era and culture, which allows them to create profound and expressive works. This experience contributes to a more accurate transmission of historical and cultural contexts, which is an important aspect for both animation and other art forms.

Did you initially plan to develop a 3D game with 2D elements? This concept combines unique visuals and varied gameplay, which allows for a wide audience of players. Combining a 3D world with 2D elements opens up new horizons for creativity and allows for the use of different styles of graphics and animation. This approach can significantly improve player interaction and add depth to the gameplay.

Sergey Ryzhov: "We initially planned to create a 2D game using a 3D camera. I have experience working at game jams with a similar approach. Using 2D assets in a 3D perspective, you can achieve expressive graphics similar to those presented in Don’t Starve. However, technical limitations prevented us from realizing the original concept, and we decided to move to a more three-dimensional approach."

Creating the illusion of a painted environment in 3D requires a combination of artistic vision and technical skill. First and foremost, it is important to use the right tools and modeling software. Programs such as Blender or Maya allow you to create complex 3D objects and textures.

A key aspect is the application of a unique texturing style that imitates painted surfaces. The use of watercolor or pastel effects, as well as manual rendering, can significantly improve visual perception.

Lighting is also an important element. Properly setting up light sources can add depth and volume, creating a sense of reality. Post-processing effects such as blur or filters can enhance the illusion of a painted world.

Finally, attention to detail and the use of bright, saturated colors will help create a harmonious and appealing environment. All these elements together create a unique atmosphere and make the 3D space more vibrant and interactive.

Sergey Ryzhov noted: “We used expressive means that are close to artistic presentation in 2D. In 3D, we used handpainted textures to achieve a painting effect."

While players may appreciate new graphical innovations, one might wonder whether creating a 2D game isn't a simpler solution. Modern technology allows for the creation of immersive 3D worlds, yet some gamers still prefer the classic 2D aesthetic. This may be due to nostalgia or the fact that 2D games often offer simpler and more intuitive gameplay. However, graphical innovations can attract new audiences and offer a unique experience that is difficult to achieve in 2D. Therefore, the choice between 2D and 3D depends on the target audience and the concept of the game itself.

Sergey Ryzhov emphasizes that creating a 2D game would be boring. Our team focused on achieving uniqueness and expressiveness in the gameplay. We strove to ensure that every detail of the game brought something new, distinguishing it from other projects. Our goal was to create an engaging and memorable gaming experience that would set us apart from standard solutions on the market.

A variety of tools and plugins are used to achieve impressive effects in digital painting. Popular programs include Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter, which offer a wide range of brushes and textures. Specialized plugins, such as Topaz Impression and Nik Collection, allow you to add unique artistic effects and customize styles. Graphics tablets also play a vital role, ensuring precision and ease of use. Using the right tools and plugins allows artists to unleash their creative potential and create truly unique works of art.

Sergey Ryzhov: "In our practice, we use industry-standard tools. Photoshop is used to create sprites, 3D-Coat is suitable for classic handpaint texturing, and Blender is used for modeling objects."

If you work with Unity, here are a few tips that can help improve your development process. It's important to optimize your project's performance; monitor resource usage to avoid frame rate drops. Use a profiler to analyze performance and identify bottlenecks. Also, try breaking large scenes into smaller pieces, which will make the project easier to manage and more efficient.

Remember to regularly update Unity to the latest version, as this will provide access to new features and improvements. Use version control to track changes to your project and prevent data loss.

Study the documentation and participate in Unity developer communities to get the latest news and tips from other professionals. This will help you stay up-to-date on new technologies and techniques.

Also consider using the Asset Store to find ready-made solutions and materials that can speed up the development process. Optimizing assets and textures also plays a key role in improving performance. By following these recommendations, you can significantly improve the quality and efficiency of your Unity projects.

Fedor Shchukin shares advice on how to optimize performance in games. He recommends "bake" data that can be calculated in advance. For example, in their project, the team developed a shader that gives object vertices a jittery effect, creating a paper-thin animation-like feel. To achieve this, they used generative noise to displace each vertex. However, on weaker graphics cards, this resulted in a significant performance drop, with frame rates dropping to 30 frames per second. By replacing noise calculation with a pre-prepared texture, they were able to simplify the shader and achieve a stable 60 frames per second. This approach significantly improves game performance, especially on less powerful devices, and improves the overall user experience.

It's important to note that texture polling is a resource-intensive task. For simple gradients, it is advisable to use algorithms rather than textures to optimize performance. Using algorithms can significantly improve rendering speed and reduce the load on the system, which is especially important in graphics applications and games.

Music and Sound Design in Games: Importance and Details

A soundtrack is more than just background music; it's a vital element that can evoke deep emotions in players. Creating this unique audio experience involves many stages, from composing melodies to integrating sound effects into gameplay. Music in games helps establish atmosphere, heightens tension, and fosters emotional engagement with the story. The right music can not only support visuals but also become a memorable element that players will associate with specific moments in the game. Thus, the soundtrack plays a key role in creating an unforgettable gaming experience.

Composer Vasily Kashnikov, recognized for his work on projects like "Pathologic," "Turgor," "Knock-Knock-Knock," The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante, and Encased, is responsible for the musical score and sound design in our game. His talent extends beyond melodies; he also oversees all aspects of sound, giving the game a unique atmosphere. Thanks to his contributions, players will be fully immersed in the world of our game, feeling every note and effect.

The voiceover for the project will be tailored to its specific features. We are considering using both voiceover and full-fledged acting, similar to how it was done in Valiant Hearts. This approach will create a deeper atmosphere and improve audience engagement. Depending on the game's distinctive features, the most appropriate form of voiceover will be chosen to emphasize the emotionality and story elements.

Artem Koblov emphasizes the importance of full voice acting in games, viewing it as a complex but necessary task. Initially, this process raised concerns, but after successfully voicing one scene, it became clear how critical it is for player immersion. Full voice acting contributes to a better perception of the plot and characters, which, in turn, strengthens the emotional connection between the player and the game.

How to Engage with the Community: Secrets of Successful Promotion

In the world of indie games, a key aspect is not only creating a high-quality product but also establishing strong connections with the gaming community. The perelesoq project, founded by Artem Koblov and Nikita Volkovskiy, attracted a significant community, which became a key factor in its success. The Telegram channel of one of the co-founders became an effective promotional tool, providing the project with an initial audience and contributing to its popularity. Successful interaction with players and feedback became the basis for further development and improvement of the game.

Artem Koblov emphasizes that his experience in social media and the project's visual appeal play a decisive role in attracting audience attention. Bright graphics and original visual solutions help the project stand out from the competitive information flow. Using modern design approaches and creative elements allows for effective communication to the target audience and enhances brand perception.

Nikita Volkovskiy emphasizes that TikTok's choice as the primary platform for video content is no accident. TikTok's algorithms facilitate organic distribution of content, allowing for reaching a wide audience without the need for additional advertising costs. This opens up unique opportunities for indie developers looking to popularize their games and attract attention to their projects. TikTok is becoming an effective promotional tool, allowing for the creation of a community around games and direct interaction with fans.

Despite common stereotypes about TikTok as a platform solely for entertainment content, it also offers a wealth of useful educational materials and aesthetically pleasing videos. Success on TikTok lies in the ability to convey the main idea concisely and clearly, which helps retain audience attention. Optimizing content for user interests and leveraging current trends will help increase video visibility and attract more viewers.

The effectiveness of TikTok for promoting indie games is of interest to developers. Nikita notes that it is currently difficult to determine how TikTok impacts wishlist conversions. He emphasizes that TikTok is viewed as an experimental format that provides opportunities to explore and test new marketing strategies. Understanding how TikTok can influence the popularity of indie games will be an important step in developing effective advertising campaigns.

The team actively collaborates with its audience, conducting surveys and collecting opinions on key design issues. "We carefully discussed how old our heroine looks, and player feedback helped us realize that she is perceived as older than we expected," notes Artem Koblov. This interaction with users allows us to better understand their expectations and preferences, which ultimately leads to the creation of more appealing characters and an improved overall product quality.

Finding a balance between the community's opinion and your own vision is not an easy task. A developer must remain confident in their decisions. If they rely solely on user feedback, the project can lose its cohesion and become a disjointed collection of ideas. Artem emphasizes the importance of this approach, reminding that successful games require a clear vision and consistent execution. Maintaining the author's idea while taking into account the opinion of the community is the key to creating a high-quality product that will be interesting to both users and the developer.

The Future of the Torn Away Project: Innovations and Plans

Torn Away is currently undergoing several key stages of development. The team is actively working to create a unique atmosphere and storyline that immerses the player in historical events. An important aspect is the refinement of the graphics and sound to ensure maximum immersion in the game. Gameplay testing is also ongoing to identify and eliminate potential bugs. Beta testing is planned to launch soon, which will allow players to evaluate the game and make their suggestions. Stay tuned for updates on all the news about Torn Away.

Artem Koblov reports that the team has successfully completed the alpha version of the game and is now analyzing how all the elements come together into a single concept. We continue to actively improve various aspects of the project, although there is still much content to be added. We're finally starting to see positive results from our work, and that gives us a sense of satisfaction.

Will the game be available on other platforms? Are there any plans to launch on mobile devices, given your previous experience in this field?

Artem Koblov stated that it's too early to discuss the game's release on other platforms. The main factor determining next steps will be the result of the PC launch, which will serve as the basis for the future development of the project.

Given the positive feedback from the community about the style of your game, have you considered launching a line of game merch? Creating merch can be a great way to strengthen your connection with fans and expand your brand.

Artem Koblov stated that the team has several exciting merch ideas. However, they are not ready to reveal specific details and plans at the moment.

Recommendations for Dramatic Game Developers

Developers looking to create a compelling and dramatic game should consider several key aspects. First, it's crucial to focus on creating a deep and thoughtful story. A strong story can capture players' attention and hold it throughout the game. Second, developing multi-layered characters with unique personalities and motivations helps create an emotional connection between the player and the game.

Furthermore, attention to detail in the game world, including visual elements and sound design, helps create atmospheric immersion. It's also important to consider gameplay mechanics, which should be intuitive while still providing interesting challenges.

Finally, player feedback early in development can help identify weaknesses and improve the overall quality of the game. By following these guidelines, developers can create a compelling and dramatic gaming experience that will attract and hold audience attention.

Artem Koblov: We intend to release extensive content on this topic and are already ready to share several useful recommendations.

• First of all, it's worth recognizing that most players seek entertainment in games. Therefore, by aiming for drama, you risk putting yourself at a disadvantage. The sooner you recognize this reality, the easier it will be to adapt.
• Next, it's important to figure out what exactly you can offer the player through your story if the entertainment aspect doesn't work. If you manage to formulate this idea, stick to it throughout the development process.
• When creating drama, avoid excessive seriousness. The contrast between emotional moments and lighthearted elements can create a powerful effect.
• In narrative games, the story comes first, so make sure your narrative evokes genuine emotion. This can be more challenging than testing mechanics with dice, as getting players to empathize with virtual characters is a real challenge. Consider using text-based prototypes, such as those in Twine, to test your concept on the cheap.
• However, the key is patience and courage. The path to creating a high-quality dramatic game can be thorny, but it is worth it.