Released!

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-s...

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 tangl...

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, a...

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...

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 gro...

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 a...

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 marv...

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 despit...

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 ex...

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 in...

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 firs...