2021 gaming recap from Sergey Himmelreich, R&D expert at Creative Mobile, year-end results for the gaming industry, and the best games of 2021 according to Sergey Himmelreich

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In 2021, the global gaming industry saw many significant events and trends that influenced the market's development. One of the key trends was the rapid development of cloud gaming services, which allow players to enjoy games without the need for powerful hardware. Also worth noting is the growing popularity of cross-platform gaming, which allows players to interact with each other regardless of the device they use.

Another important development was the increase in investment in indie games, which led to the emergence of many innovative projects and fresh ideas. In 2021, virtual reality technologies also actively developed, offering players new unique experiences.

Another important topic was issues of diversity and inclusivity in games, which led to the creation of more diverse characters and stories. Overall, 2021 has been a landmark year for the gaming industry, demonstrating its dynamic development and readiness for new challenges.

I can hardly imagine anyone other than Facebook's Meta having such a significant impact on the gaming industry. The situation changed dramatically when this major company announced its plans to develop metaverses. Now, the idea of ​​a metaverse is perceived not as a fantasy, but as a real prospect for games and user interaction. In addition, the introduction of NFTs has become a real trend: the company offers legal ways to use tokens, emphasizing its integrity and transparency in this matter. This opens new horizons for developers and players, creating unique opportunities for monetization and interaction in virtual worlds.

In recent years, the concept of the metaverse has been actively developing, with many large gaming companies striving to create their own unique versions of this digital space. One of the most disappointing moments for me was the strategy of Atari, which played a significant role in my passion for the gaming industry. When I learned of Atari's plans to create a casino metaverse, I was deeply disappointed, as I expected more innovative and engaging solutions from this legendary company.

I expected the company to create something reminiscent of the cartoon "Wreck-It Ralph," presenting an Atari metaverse imbued with the spirit of the golden age of arcades. However, instead, they presented a disappointing trailer with a story focused on casinos.

Metaverses are becoming an integral part of our future, and their number will only grow with each passing year. Every week, we see new companies announcing their projects in this area, releasing videos and details about their metaverses. In the future, players will be able to immerse themselves in these virtual worlds and enjoy a variety of gaming experiences, choosing whatever genres and formats interest them. Metaverses will open new horizons for interaction and creativity, creating unique opportunities for users.

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The Metaverse is a virtual reality where users can interact with each other and with digital objects in 3D space. It combines elements of social networks, online games, and the virtual economy, creating a unique digital environment. Recently, platforms such as Meta, Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite have been actively developing the concept of the metaverse, offering users the opportunity to create, explore, and interact in rich virtual worlds. The future of the metaverse is seen in the integration of virtual and augmented reality technologies, which will open new horizons for communication, education, and entertainment. The success of these platforms will directly depend on their ability to attract users and implement innovative solutions. It is important to monitor the development of technologies and trends to understand how the metaverse will change our perception of digital interaction.

In 2021, the gaming industry in Russia and the CIS countries saw many significant events and trends. One of the key moments was the continued growth in the popularity of mobile games. Increased access to mobile devices and the internet has contributed to more and more people playing games on their phones. This has also led to the active development of the casual gaming genre.

Another important trend was the growing interest in esports. Tournaments in disciplines such as Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive attracted large audiences, and Russian teams began to demonstrate strong results on the international stage. This contributed to the growth of sponsorship and investment in esports organizations.

Also worth noting is the development of independent game developers. In 2021, numerous indie projects appeared on the Russian market, attracting players' attention thanks to their original ideas and high-quality execution. Crowdfunding and indie game support platforms became popular, providing talented developers with the opportunity to bring their projects to fruition.

Another important event of the year was the discussion of government regulation of the gaming industry and esports. This sparked active discussions about how best to support the development of the industry and protect the interests of players.

Thus, 2021 was a landmark year for the gaming industry in Russia and the CIS countries, with striking trends, the growth of esports, and support for independent developers.

2021 has been a time of anticipation for change. This year saw no significant events, other than the release of "The Black Book," which won my affection. Nevertheless, the Unreal Engine Dev Contest inspires hope for the emergence of many high-quality Russian projects in the coming years. Importantly, these won't be simple games-as-a-service, as is often the case in our industry, but rather engaging games with interesting stories and new concepts.

We are at an important stage in our development, where many have realized that our team is capable of creating more than just mobile apps. Moreover, we are eager to expand our horizons and develop projects in other genres. As someone who has developed mobile games and gaming services myself, I can say that many developers working on mobile games may dream of creating projects like The Witcher, Stalker, StarCraft-style strategy games, or role-playing games like Baldur's Gate. There's nothing wrong with that, and I fully understand that our industry is full of dreamers and enthusiasts striving for new achievements. This is a story about the deceitfulness of the gaming industry. Our company develops business games, but at the same time, we dream of creating story-driven worlds with deep histories and gripping adventures. Players crave deep and atmospheric games that reflect their feelings and experiences. An example of this approach is the game "Black Book," which demonstrates a growing trend in Russia toward developing narratives that are relatable to our culture. This is also illustrated by the popularity of indie games that explore Russian mythology. Additionally, there is an increase in games immersing oneself in post-Soviet nostalgia, highlighting developers' desire to create unique and emotionally charged gaming experiences.

Developers are increasingly focusing on what is close and relevant to them. We create content that reflects our values ​​and interests while simultaneously exporting it to Western markets. This approach proves more engaging and effective than trying to guess what will appeal to a foreign audience. Creating authentic content not only attracts attention but also establishes a deeper connection with users, which ultimately contributes to successful promotion on the international stage.

The success of the Pathfinder series deserves special mention. The release of these games was a landmark event, marking the emergence of Russian game development to a new level in PC and console gaming. For a long time, mobile games dominated in our country, and we have achieved significant success in their development. However, premium games with deep storytelling have been extremely rare until recently. Such releases are a significant step forward for the domestic gaming industry.

I mostly focus on indie games, which hold much more interest for me. Therefore, both Pathfinder games failed to make a significant impression on me, especially compared to Black Book, which left a more vivid impression. Indie games offer unique ideas and unconventional approaches, which makes them more appealing to me as a player.

Reading is an important aspect of development and education. It helps expand horizons, improves critical thinking skills, and promotes personal growth. Regularly reading books, articles, and other materials enriches vocabulary and improves literacy. Reading also promotes relaxation and stress reduction, which has a positive impact on mental health. Remember that the choice of literature plays a key role, so it's important to pay attention to high-quality and useful sources of information.

Reading also develops imagination and creativity, allowing you to immerse yourself in different worlds and stories. This makes the learning process more engaging and effective. It's important to set aside time for reading every day to form a habit and get the most out of it.

Consider a variety of genres and styles to find inspiration and new ideas. Reading not only enriches your knowledge but also helps develop skills that can be useful in various areas of life.

An interview with Vladimir Beletsky, developer of the game Black Book, provides a unique insight into the creation of one of the most anticipated projects in the gaming industry. During the conversation, Vladimir shares his thoughts on the development process, inspiration, and the challenges the team faced. Black Book combines RPG elements with a gripping storyline, making it appealing to a wide audience. The developer discusses how he and his team strove to create a unique gaming experience based on Slavic mythology. This interview will not only introduce you to the key aspects of Black Book's creation but also provide insight into the importance of considering cultural context in modern games.

2021 has been a significant year for Creative Mobile. This year, we achieved a number of successes that strengthened our market position. We launched several new projects that received positive reviews from users and critics. Increased sales and active expansion of our audience were also significant achievements.

However, it was not without challenges. Some planned initiatives faced challenges related to changes in the market environment and competition. This required us to adapt our strategies and revise our approaches. Despite these setbacks, we learned valuable lessons and strengthened our team, which will allow us to address future challenges more effectively. Overall, 2021 was a significant milestone for Creative Mobile, laying a solid foundation for future success.

We achieved an impressive result that many thought impossible, but it proved its worth. This is the case with our game Into the Radius, which successfully launched on the virtual reality platform. This example clearly demonstrates that VR technology continues to evolve and remains relevant, as evidenced by the active efforts of companies like Meta, which sells the Oculus Quest.

I recently came across an article claiming that many Americans are dreaming of receiving a VR headset as a Christmas gift. This indicates that ordinary people, not considered geeks, are already ready to use such technology. The experience that players get in virtual reality is significantly superior to that of traditional games. A striking example of this is Half-Life: Alyx, which clearly demonstrates all the advantages of VR gaming. Virtual reality opens new horizons in the gaming industry and attracts an increasing number of users seeking unique experiences.

A significant trend is observed: Facebook, as one of the largest companies in the world, is actively promoting the concept of metaverses. This, in turn, will impact hardware sales. The market is expected to rapidly expand and adapt to virtual reality (VR) technologies. Thus, the development of metaverses will be a key factor driving the growth of demand for VR devices and related technologies.

At Creative Mobile, we actively explore digital innovations, developing new ideas and concepts. The current market offers numerous opportunities for creativity and the implementation of ambitious projects. A significant number of games created for virtual reality are expected to be released in the coming year. A major factor contributing to this will be the evolving metaverses that will integrate and support VR technologies.

I currently work in a department dedicated to VR games and research into new user experiences. We are developing several projects that will be presented in the virtual reality format. I hope that they will offer players a unique and innovative experience. I have been working at the company since the summer, and it is one of the most inspiring organizations I have ever worked for. The team here is amazing, and I have only had a positive impression. However, it is worth noting that there is a shortage of qualified VR specialists in the market.

2021 has been a significant period for me, full of diverse events and changes. It provided an opportunity to rethink priorities, focus on personal goals, and adapt to new living conditions. This year will be remembered as a time of growth and development, as well as an opportunity to learn new skills and expand my horizons. Important lessons learned in 2021 will help me cope with challenges in the future and achieve my goals.

This year has been especially difficult for me. From a professional perspective, I have not made much progress. I usually set ambitious goals for the year, but this time I was unable to achieve everything I had planned. Like many, I have a personal project that I was planning to complete, but it has now been postponed until 2022.

I am writing a book on game design. In it, I share my concepts and theories about how game design works. This project requires significant effort and time from me, as I struggle with impostor syndrome, despite my age.

I am also a teacher, which allows me to not only share my own experiences but also draw on the knowledge of colleagues who write articles and books. I pass on this valuable information to my students, which helps expand my horizons and deepen my knowledge. This, in turn, helps me form a more holistic view of the subject. I hope that developers, after reading my book, will find useful tips and will be able to create higher-quality games.

This book is reminiscent of the work of Jesse Schell, especially his "How to Make a Game Everyone Will Play." Although my approach is different, I offer readers a popular science book devoted to the fundamentals of game design. This book will be useful not only for game designers and indie developers, but also for gamers interested in the game creation process. In the future, I plan to write another book about game design aimed at children to inspire a new generation of game creators.

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Game design mistakes to avoid

Game design is a complex and multifaceted The development process is complex, and even experienced developers can make mistakes that negatively impact the gaming experience. It's important to know what common mistakes can occur so you can avoid them and create a high-quality product.

One of the main mistakes is insufficiently developed game mechanics. If mechanics are unbalanced or uninteresting, players quickly lose interest. Ignoring the target audience is equally important. Understanding player preferences and expectations helps create a more engaging and engaging gaming experience.

Also worth paying attention to is insufficient game testing. Problems that weren't identified during the testing phase can lead to negative reviews and loss of players. Ignoring feedback from testers and users can also be a serious mistake. Respecting player opinions allows you to improve the game and make it more successful.

Another common mistake is the lack of a clear story or plot. Players value engaging narratives, and if the story isn't interesting, they may lose interest in the game. A lack of variety in gameplay can also lead to monotony and boredom.

It's also important to avoid an overly cluttered interface. Overly complex controls can discourage players and make the game difficult to access. Finally, don't forget about regular updates and support. Games that don't receive updates can quickly become outdated and irrelevant.

By avoiding these mistakes, developers can significantly improve the quality of their games and ensure a positive player experience.

The industry will undergo significant changes in 2022, driven by numerous factors. Firstly, it is worth noting the acceleration of digitalization, which will continue across various sectors. Companies will implement new technologies and automation to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Secondly, sustainability will become a key priority. Brands will strive for environmentally friendly solutions and social responsibility, which will become important criteria for consumers. Thirdly, changes in consumer habits and preferences require companies to be flexible and adaptable. Brands that can quickly respond to market demands will have a competitive advantage. Thus, 2022 will be a time of transformation, in which innovation and a responsible approach will take center stage.

The story of metaverses will develop and take on a clearer outline. The emergence of 3D social networks is expected, which will change our understanding of interaction in the virtual environment. Given the intense competition between companies, it's safe to assume these innovations will become a reality as early as next year.

Russian game development is poised to unveil a multitude of exciting and large-scale projects, comparable to games like Pathfinder. In the coming years, we'll see Russian developers actively assert themselves on the global gaming scene. This will be a belated stage, similar to the one Polish developers experienced while currently at the peak of their success. Many believed Cyberpunk 2077 to be the pinnacle of their achievements, but prior to that project, Polish studios had already released numerous outstanding games that were enthusiastically received. Importantly, Russian developers have every chance of repeating this successful path and establishing their place on the international stage.

I expect to see more companies focused on virtual reality entering the market. However, their revenue will come not from the B2B segment, but from interactions with customers and players. This will lead to an increase in the number of virtual reality games, and many classic titles will be adapted for VR. Developers have already announced plans to release remakes of their games with enhanced VR graphics, which will attract audiences by tapping into nostalgia. We at Creative Mobile are also preparing several game releases for next year to meet the growing interest in VR games and offer users new experiences.

In 2021, many games captured the attention of gamers and critics. Among them, some projects became true masterpieces and received high marks. One of the most anticipated games of the year was "Resident Evil Village", which continued the legendary series and offered players a gripping storyline and atmospheric gameplay. "Metroid Dread" was equally popular, returning the iconic franchise to its roots with new mechanics and unique graphics. Also worth mentioning is It Takes Two, a unique co-op game that has won numerous awards thanks to its original approach and creative level design. These games not only captured the interest of players but also became important events in the gaming industry in 2021.

As I mentioned earlier, The Black Book impresses with its deep storyline and unique atmosphere. It masterfully conveys historical elements, which makes the narrative more engaging and memorable. Players can immerse themselves in this world, exploring carefully developed characters and their stories.

Ziggurat 2 is an exciting roguelike first-person shooter inspired by classic games such as HeXen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel and Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders. The game offers a unique combination of dynamic gameplay and magical elements, making it especially interesting for fans of the genre. In Ziggurat 2, players will be immersed in a world full of adventure and diverse enemies, using a variety of spells and weapons to overcome challenges. This shooter guarantees an engaging gaming experience and countless hours of fun.

The new game Fight in Tight Spaces has been released, attracting attention with its unique combination of card mechanics and fighting game elements. This game offers players a strategic approach to combat, where every decision matters. Fight in Tight Spaces stands out from other projects thanks to its original gameplay and stylish visuals. If you're looking for something new in the world of video games, this project is worth checking out, promising exciting battles and an immersive gaming experience.

Summing up 2021 at Skillbox Media, we are pleased to present a comprehensive overview of our achievements and significant events. This year has been an important milestone for our company, marked by numerous successful projects and innovative solutions. We continued to develop our educational programs and expand our audience, offering high-quality content and relevant courses. In addition, we have introduced new teaching methods to meet modern requirements and student expectations. Skillbox Media is committed to continuous improvement and value creation for our users, and we look forward to new achievements in the future.

• Yaroslav Kravtsov, Head of Workshop 15
• Alfina, Narrative Designer at Unfrozen
• Levon Tsaturov, Project Manager at Age of Silence