2021 in the gaming industry, 2021 in gaming, metaverses, NFTs, remasters and remakes, best games of 2021

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At the end of 2021, Skillbox Media's Gamedev editorial team held a series of discussions with gaming industry experts to summarize the year and highlight key events and games. The result was 12 articles published on the section page in December and early January. This material serves as a hub for the most significant moments from these twelve conversations, offering readers a unique overview of the achievements and changes in the gaming industry.

PIONER Development Manager at GFA Games is responsible for the creation and implementation of game projects, ensuring high quality and innovation. This important role includes team management, coordination of development processes, and strategic planning. This specialist ensures deadlines and budgets are met, and manages project-related risks. The manager's experience and professionalism contribute to the creation of a unique gaming experience that meets player expectations. GFA Games is committed to developing high-quality games, and leadership within the PIONER team plays a key role in achieving these goals.

2021 has been a landmark year for Russian game development. We are seeing a clear trend toward high-quality and successful projects that have gained popularity among a wide audience. This year, more major domestic titles have been released than in the past 5-6 years. Furthermore, I look forward to even more releases in the near future. Currently, Russian game development demonstrates high productivity and competitiveness compared to Western developers.

One of the most significant positive changes is the willingness of investors to finance unique projects. While my experience may not be exhaustive, I can say that my games have been funded twice—in 2017 and this year. This allows me to compare investment amounts and timeframes. In recent years, the amount of funding has increased, and the process for obtaining it has become more accessible. The scope of projects and genres has expanded, and people's inclination to experiment has also increased, which is supported by the market.

Interview with Alexander Petrov: full version

In this interview, Alexander Petrov shares his thoughts and experiences in various fields. He discusses important aspects of his career, professional achievements, and personal views on the development of the industry. Readers will learn about his approaches to work, inspiration and motivation, as well as the challenges he overcame on the path to success. This interview will be an excellent resource for anyone interested in career growth and personal development. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about the life and career of Alexander Petrov, his secrets to success and plans for the future.

Translator of the game Disco Elysium and narrative designer at the Unfrozen studio. In her work, she is responsible for creating unique gaming experiences, combining deep storytelling with high-quality translation. Thanks to her experience and professionalism, she makes a significant contribution to the development of indie games, improving players' perception and understanding of the game world. Her work at Unfrozen allows her to realize creative ideas and experiment with new approaches to narrative design, making each game unique and memorable.

This year, Russian PC games have attracted widespread attention, not only in our country but also beyond the former Soviet Union. Projects such as Loop Hero, Pathfinder, Black Book, The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante, and Encased demonstrate a high level of development and are finding their audience. These games are not only original and engaging, but also commercially successful and distinguished by excellent technical quality. Russia continues to affirm its position in the global gaming market, creating titles that become true industry events.

Successful PC game development in Russia has a long history, as evidenced by projects like Graveyard Keeper from the St. Petersburg studio Lazy Bear, as well as the popular Pathfinder series. However, it's important to note a difference in perception: the idea of ​​"we occasionally release games here" differs from the feeling of having a fully-fledged gaming industry. This perception is important both for players, who no longer feel isolated, and for industry professionals, who can now develop their skills not only in mobile development but also in creating high-quality PC games. The presence of strong projects and positive reviews on platforms such as Steam confirms the growth and development of the Russian gaming industry.

Russian PC game development is seeing an increase in funding. Specialized investors focused on the gaming industry, including PC and console projects, have emerged and gained a foothold. The video game market is growing, and with the growing number of players, investors are showing active interest in funding development. While it may seem unromantic, the connection between investment and game quality is clear: consistent and focused investment leads to quality products. Otherwise, only isolated projects without serious support remain.

Reading is an important part of our lives, and each of us can find something interesting in books, articles or blogs. Regardless of age or interests, literature allows us to broaden our horizons, delve deeper into various topics, and gain new knowledge. To get the most out of reading, it's important to choose a variety of genres and styles. This will help develop critical thinking and shape your own opinions. Reading also helps improve writing skills and expand your vocabulary. In today's world, access to information has become easier, and everyone can find materials on topics that interest them. So, take the time to read and discover new horizons.

Interview with Alexandra Golubeva: Full Version

In this interview, Alexandra Golubeva shares her thoughts and experiences, discussing key moments in her career and personal life. She discusses the influence of various factors on her professional path and shares advice for those just starting out. Alexandra emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to changes in the industry.

Through her experience, she inspires readers to strive for self-improvement and not be afraid to follow their dreams. This interview provides a unique insight into the world of a successful woman who has overcome many challenges and achieved significant results in her field.

Head of Age of Silence game development at Game Gods studio.

The main The Game Awards 2021 was a major event in the global gaming industry for me. Although the nominees didn't hold much interest, I eagerly followed the progress of the Russian project Loop Hero. My attention was focused on the anticipated announcements, and rumors of a new Saber project based on the popular franchise only fueled my interest. The announcement of Space Marine 2 was the icing on the cake for this past year, and I'm looking forward to the release of this long-awaited sequel.

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Reading is an important aspect of personal and professional development. It helps broaden your horizons, deepen your knowledge, and improve your communication skills. Regularly reading books, articles, and other materials promotes critical thinking and increases your level of education. Furthermore, reading helps relieve stress and improves concentration. It's important to choose a variety of genres and topics to maintain interest and motivation. Don't overlook the value of quality content, which can inspire and generate new ideas.

Maintain a reading habit, and you'll notice the positive impact it will have on your life and career.

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Interview with Levon Tsaturov: Full Version

In this interview, Levon Tsaturov shares his thoughts and experiences in various fields. He discusses key moments in his career and shares his personal views on current industry trends. Levon also discusses his projects and plans for the future, revealing the philosophy behind his approach to work. This interview is of interest to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Levon Tsaturov's professional journey and his impact on the industry. Read the full version to learn more about his views and life lessons.

The game designer and head of the Masterskaya 15 studio actively develops unique gaming projects, combining creative ideas with modern technologies. His focus is on creating engaging gaming experiences that engage players and advance the industry. Under his leadership, the studio implements innovative approaches to game design, resulting in the creation of original and memorable games.

In 2021, a key trend has emerged: metaverses, which enhance the interaction between the physical and digital worlds. This process has been underway for some time, but Mark Zuckerberg's recent statements and the renaming of his company have brought it into the spotlight. The blurring of the boundaries between reality and virtuality opens up new opportunities for users, businesses, and developers. Virtual and augmented reality technologies, as well as social platforms that integrate these elements, are becoming important tools for creating unique experiences. Metaverses promise to change the way we communicate, work, and play, making them one of the most discussed topics in modern society.

In recent years, the trend for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has been actively developing. While the concept of unique tokens tradable on the blockchain has long existed, this technology is now gaining more visibility through specific public transactions, such as the acquisition of NFT paintings at auction. This has led to a surge in popularity and its adoption by various virtual project economies. NFTs open new horizons for digital art and collectibles, allowing creators and collectors to establish unique connections and values ​​in the digital space. Currently, we are witnessing the initial stages of the NFT trend in the gaming industry. This phase is fraught with chaos and controversial projects. Many games using NFT items fail to offer players the core value of engaging gameplay. However, this is beginning to change. A prime example of this is the recent introduction of NFTs into Ubisoft's games, demonstrating their commitment to integrating new technologies into projects that already have dedicated fans. Every day, more and more developers realize the importance of quality content along with innovation, which can lead to more interesting and engaging gaming experiences in the future.

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Interview With Yaroslav Kravtsov: Full Version

In this interview, Yaroslav Kravtsov shares his thoughts and experiences. He discusses his professional journey, achievements, and the challenges he's faced. Yaroslav discusses key aspects of his work, shares insights on current industry trends, and offers advice for aspiring professionals. This interview will be useful for those interested in career growth and personal development in their field.

We invite you to dive into the world of ideas and experience of Yaroslav Kravtsov to learn more about his vision of the future and current trends.

Head of Moon Moose Studio and co-author of the economic strategy Cartel Tycoon.

In 2021, we've seen a worrying trend of major game project failures. Many studios appear to have lowered their quality standards in an effort to meet release schedules. There are many reasons for this. One key factor is the pandemic, which has undoubtedly disrupted workflows and pipelines at major companies. This has negatively impacted the final quality of finished products, leading to player disappointment and critical reviews within the gaming industry.

The gaming market remains challenging. Players are becoming less inclined to purchase games on platforms that lack convenient refund mechanisms. This could negatively impact sales volumes and the overall appeal of such platforms. It's important to consider that the availability of refunds impacts user trust and their willingness to purchase. Simplifying the refund process can be a key factor in attracting and retaining customers, which in turn will have a positive impact on the financial performance of the platforms.

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Interview with Leonid Gorbachev: Full Contents

In this interview, Leonid Gorbachev shares his thoughts and experiences, covering key aspects of his professional and personal life. He discusses key moments in his career, achievements, and the challenges he's faced over the years. Gorbachev also shares his views on current industry trends and offers valuable advice for young professionals. This interview provides a unique insight into the thoughts and approaches of one of the leading experts.

Executive Producer of Owlcat Games is responsible for organizing and coordinating production processes in video game development. This specialist facilitates communication between various teams, monitors deadlines and budgets, and ensures the quality of the final product. An experienced executive producer is skilled at effectively managing resources, resolving problems, and making strategic decisions that contribute to the successful completion of projects. Owlcat Games is known for its high-quality games, and the role of executive producer plays a key role in achieving the studio's overall goals.

The main event of 2021 has been the frenzy around NFTs and the metaverse. Every day, we hear about millions of dollars being invested in projects whose demand is untested and unproven. This phenomenon is generating great interest, especially against the backdrop of the hype around virtual reality in 2014 and cryptocurrency in 2017. Monitoring the development of these technologies and their impact on the market is becoming increasingly important. NFTs and the metaverse are opening up new horizons for investors and content creators, creating unique opportunities for engagement and monetization. Russian-language game development has seen a significant renaissance in PC and console game development, which began approximately five years ago. We are now at a point where this segment is being pursued not only by small indie teams and independent developers, but also by large companies like Vizor, VK, and MyTona. This is an important milestone, as for the past ten years, since the 2008 crisis, we haven't seen games that truly reflect the essence of game development. Today, we are once again on the path to creating high-quality content and innovative gaming solutions that inspire both developers and players.

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Interview with Maxim Fomichev: Full Contents

In this interview, Maxim Fomichev shares his views and experiences in his professional field. He discusses key moments in his career, shares advice for aspiring professionals, and reveals the secrets to success. Maxim also touches on current issues in the industry he works in and shares his predictions for the future.

The interview provides a deeper understanding of Maxim's personality, his approach to work, and his philosophy of life. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to changes in the professional environment. The conversation also touches on topics of leadership, teamwork, and the importance of networking.

Readers will be interested to learn what challenges Maxim overcame along the way and what lessons he learned from his experiences. This interview will be a useful resource for anyone striving for development and success in their field.

The PR manager at the Kool Things agency is responsible for creating and maintaining a positive image of the company. His main task is to develop and implement strategies aimed at improving public opinion of the brand. A PR manager interacts with various media outlets, organizes events, and holds press conferences to attract attention to the agency's projects. A successful PR manager must possess excellent communication skills, creative thinking, and the ability to work in a team. It is also important to keep up with current PR trends and utilize modern tools to achieve high results in brand promotion.

In the global gaming industry, NFTs and metaverses are attracting the most attention. Watching the development of these technologies is arousing great interest, and one becomes curious about where it will all lead. However, there is reason to believe that the expected results may not materialize. Perhaps some developers will continue to work with NFTs, as is happening with VR and AR, but the level of hype that was experienced in the initial stages is unlikely to be repeated. Advances in technology and changing consumer preferences may lead to a rethinking of the role of NFTs and metaverses in the gaming industry.

I never make plans for the future. Nobody believed in Elon Musk at first either.

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The full interview with Svetlana Voronina is available for review. In this interview, she shares her experience, views, and professional achievements. Learn more about her career, approach to work, and personal passions. This is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of her personality and professional path. Don't miss the chance to read the full interview to learn how Svetlana Voronina achieved success in her field and what advice she can offer to aspiring professionals.

Founder of the Game Gods studio, and Team Lead and Game Designer on the Age of Silence project. A leading game development specialist with extensive experience in creating engaging game content and managing teams. In his work, he strives for innovation and high quality standards, which allows him to create unique game projects.

In the last two years, we have seen a significant trend, driven by the coronavirus pandemic and social isolation: talented people from various industries and creative fields have turned to the world of video games. Under other circumstances, they probably would not have chosen this path. This has led to a change in the perception that games are intended only for mass consumption in the AAA format. As a result, we have witnessed a boom in high-quality games where the emphasis is shifted from graphics or cutscenes to unique ideas and an innovative approach to gameplay. This new approach has contributed to the creation of more diverse content and a wider audience of players.

Overcoming snobbery in the video game industry is becoming increasingly important. Over the past ten years, there has been a tendency for the video game market to be associated exclusively with large blockbusters. However, it's important to recognize that the gaming industry is much broader and more diverse. The industry is actively working to convey this understanding to players, expanding its horizons and offering new, unique projects. The diversity of games, including indie developments and experimental genres, opens up new opportunities for players, allowing everyone to find something to suit their taste.

Learning new and useful content is an important part of development. Discover a variety of articles and resources to help you expand your knowledge and skills. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and relevant information in your areas of interest. Regularly reading quality content promotes personal and professional growth. Delve deeper into topics that inspire you and find new ideas for your projects.

Interview with Oleg Kondrashov: Full Content. In this interview, Oleg shares his unique perspectives and experiences, discussing key moments in his career and achievements. He discusses his professional goals and how he overcame challenges on the path to success. Readers will learn about his approaches to work, personal philosophy, and inspiration. This interview will be interesting and informative for anyone interested in career growth and professional development.

Head of Black Book development and founder of Morteshka studio, with extensive experience in creating unique projects. He specializes in developing innovative solutions and high-quality content. He leads a team of professionals committed to excellence and the integration of modern technologies into the creative process. Under his leadership, Morteshka Studio has established itself as a reliable partner in development and design.

2021 saw a significant event in the tech world—the lawsuit between Epic Games and Apple. This dispute could lead to easier work for developers in online stores and improved monetization conditions for their products. While the results of this process will not be immediate, it is worth noting that similar legal proceedings, such as Tengen v. Nintendo, also did not lead to immediate changes, but ultimately contributed to better working conditions with the gaming industry.

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Interview with Vladimir Beletsky: A full discussion of his ideas and views. In this conversation, we delve deeper into his opinions and philosophy. Vladimir shares his experience and perspective on current topics, making this interview especially valuable for those interested in his work and philosophies. Learn more about his approaches, inspiration, and plans for the future. Read the full interview with Vladimir Beletsky and discover his unique perspective.

The Lead Technical Designer at Apella Games plays a key role in the development and implementation of game projects. This specialist is responsible for the creation and optimization of game systems, as well as the integration of technologies that ensure a high-quality gameplay experience. Their responsibilities include coordinating the team's work, solving complex technical problems, and implementing innovative solutions to improve the player experience. The Lead Technical Designer also collaborates with other departments, including game designers and artists, to ensure a harmonious blend of the technical and creative aspects of game development. Candidates for this position must have a deep knowledge of programming, as well as experience with game engines and development tools.

One of the key developments of 2021 was the remaster trend, which led to unsuccessful projects, such as the attempt to release updated versions of three Grand Theft Auto games with minimal costs. Using neural networks to improve textures and models didn't yield the expected results, but I'm confident this approach will continue to evolve and be actively used in future game development.

Diablo 2: Resurrected was a shining example of a high-quality remaster, demonstrating how a classic game can be successfully updated. Despite the high level of execution, the project still suffered from some network and technical issues, as well as old bugs that caused player frustration. Nevertheless, the overall impression of Diablo 2: Resurrected remains positive thanks to its improved graphics and updated gameplay, which attracted both long-time fans and new players.

The second important trend worth highlighting is NFTs and metaverses. Although these concepts represent two distinct topics, their combination is becoming relevant in the modern digital world. By the end of the year, many studios began actively integrating NFTs into their projects, indicating growing interest in this area. For example, the major gaming company Ubisoft announced the use of NFTs, highlighting the importance and potential of this technology in the entertainment industry. NFTs and metaverses open up new opportunities for user engagement and the creation of unique content.

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Interview with Anton Tokarev: full version. In this interview, Anton shares his views and experience, discussing the key moments of his career and professional growth. He reveals the secrets to success, shares helpful tips for beginners, and discusses his plans for the future. Find out how Anton overcame challenges and achieved his goals in a rapidly changing world. This interview will be a valuable resource for anyone seeking professional and personal growth.

CEO of Heart Core studio and creative director of Gripper. These positions entail a high degree of responsibility and leadership in creative solutions and project management. As CEO of Heart Core, I am responsible for the company's strategic development, team building, and the implementation of innovative approaches to design and development. As Creative Director at Gripper, I oversee the creative process, ensuring high-quality work and meeting client requirements. My goal is to create unique and effective projects that help our clients stand out in the market.

IT companies have fully adapted to remote work, and the office format is becoming a thing of the past. Virtual worlds like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite are shaping a new generation, helping children interact and develop social skills. Instead of traditional games during recess, schoolchildren prefer modern entertainment, such as "Red Light - Green Light" from the popular TV series "Squid Games." Streaming platforms are also actively developing content for gamers, creating series like Arcane, demonstrating a growing interest in gaming universes and their adaptation into popular culture.

Working in the gaming industry is increasingly attractive, and developers are becoming true heroes, as in the films "Protagonist" and the new "Matrix," where the character Neo is a game designer. Delivery workers, meanwhile, have become symbols of everyday life, reminiscent of the world of Death Stranding. Celebrating events online has become the norm: last year, we celebrated birthdays on Zoom and hosted parties with DJs on SpatialChat. The video game industry continues to evolve, creating new opportunities for communication and interaction.

Messaging apps are actively penetrating the gaming industry: developers are creating communities on the Discord platform, and Opera GX acquired GameMaker to create its own gaming platform, which could one day compete with Kongregate. Epic Games unveiled the fifth version of its Unreal Engine, featuring innovative Nanite technology, and made it available for testing. This marks the first time that mainstream indie developers have access to next-generation technology. The NFT market aims to create a unique brand in the gaming segment, similar to Gucci, offering exclusive, expensive, and customized in-game content. However, the number of players willing to invest in such assets remains limited. This poses a challenge for developers, who must balance content quality with accessibility for a wide audience. In the future, with the increasing popularity of NFTs, we can expect an increase in interest in exclusive gaming offers, which can change the market dynamics and attract new users.

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Interview with Kirill Zolovkin: Full Content

In this interview, we discuss key moments in Kirill Zolovkin's career, his approach to work, and his outlook on the future. Kirill shares his thoughts on current industry trends, as well as personal achievements and the challenges he's faced.

We also touch on topics of professional growth, the importance of learning, and continuous self-improvement. Kirill emphasizes the importance of teamwork and sharing experiences in achieving successful results.

This interview will be a useful resource for those interested in career development and want to learn more about how to succeed in a competitive environment.

R&D expert and A game designer at Creative Mobile develops and optimizes innovative gaming solutions. This R&D specialist actively analyzes gaming industry trends, enabling the creation of unique game mechanics and improved user experience. Collaborating with development and art teams, a game designer at Creative Mobile makes a significant contribution to the creation of high-quality mobile games. With deep knowledge of game design and modern technologies, an R&D expert facilitates the successful launch and promotion of games on the market. When discussing key trends in 2021, it's impossible not to mention Facebook's Meta. The gaming industry underwent significant changes when this major company announced its vision for metaverses. The emergence of NFTs was also an important aspect, as Meta offered to legitimize this new format, making it transparent and accessible to users. This decision opened up new horizons for developers and players, creating unique opportunities for interaction and monetization in the digital space.

The global gaming industry is actively moving towards creating their own versions of the metaverse, and many major companies have already announced their plans. For me personally, one of the biggest disappointments was Atari's strategy, which played a significant role in my passion for game development. When I learned of their intention to create a casino metaverse, it left me deeply disappointed.

I expected this company to present something similar to the cartoon "Wreck-It Ralph" and dreamed of an Atari metaverse filled with the atmosphere of the golden age of arcade machines. However, instead, they released an unpleasant video with a story about a casino, which disappointed me.

Metaverses are becoming an integral part of the digital world and will only gain popularity. Every year, we see more and more companies announcing their projects in this area, presenting new videos and concepts. In the future, players will be able to enter these metaverses and enjoy a variety of games and activities to satisfy their interests and desires. Metaverses promise to become a universal platform for entertainment and communication, opening new horizons for users.

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Interview with Sergey Himmelreich: Full Content

In this interview, we discussed in detail Sergey Himmelreich's life, professional experience, and views on current issues. Sergey shared his thoughts on modern trends in business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He spoke about his successes and the challenges he has faced throughout his career.

Sergey also discussed the importance of adapting to a rapidly changing market and the need for continuous learning. He emphasized that to achieve success, it is necessary not only to possess knowledge but also to be able to apply it.

This interview is a valuable resource for those interested in entrepreneurship and want to learn more about how to succeed in their field.