Anton Tokarev, Lead Technical Designer at Apella Games, sums up the year for the gaming industry, and the best games of 2021 according to Anton Tokarev

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2021 saw many significant events and trends in the global gaming industry. One key factor was the rapid development of technologies such as cloud gaming and virtual reality, which changed the way users approach gaming. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a significant impact on the industry, contributing to the growth of players and the popularity of online gaming.

Furthermore, there was a rise in interest in esports, which has become an integral part of gaming culture. Numerous tournaments were held online, expanding the audience and attracting new fans. It is also worth noting the influence of social media and streaming platforms, which contributed to the popularization of games and the development of the player community.

In 2021, attention to indie games increased, with many developers creating unique projects that attracted audiences thanks to original content and innovative mechanics. All of these events and trends have become important milestones in the development of the gaming industry, shaping its future.

Recently, there has been a trend toward unsuccessful remasters, as vividly illustrated by the developers' attempt to cut costs on the remasters of the three Grand Theft Auto games. The use of neural networks to improve textures and models did not produce the expected results, prompting criticism from players. However, I am confident that neural network technologies will continue to be implemented in the gaming industry, and developers will strive to use them more efficiently in the future.

Diablo 2: Resurrected is a shining example of a successful remaster of a classic game. Despite network and technical issues, as well as old bugs that caused player dissatisfaction, the overall impression of the project remains positive. The developers managed to preserve the original's atmosphere while improving the graphics and gameplay mechanics. This makes Diablo 2: Resurrected appealing to both long-time fans of the series and new players.

The second important trend this year is NFTs and metaverses. Although these are two separate but interconnected topics, I'm combining them because they significantly impact the development of digital content. By the end of the year, many studios began actively integrating NFTs into their projects. For example, major gaming company Ubisoft announced its use of NFTs, highlighting the growing interest in this technology. NFTs and metaverses open up new opportunities for content creators and users, allowing them to interact in unique digital spaces.

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The metaverse is a unification of virtual spaces where users can interact with each other and with digital objects. This concept includes elements of augmented and virtual reality, as well as online games and social platforms. Important players in this market, such as Meta, Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite, are actively developing their ecosystems, creating unique experiences for users.

The future of the metaverse promises to be promising. Meta, for example, is focused on creating an integrated environment where communication, work, and entertainment are concentrated in a single space. Minecraft and Roblox offer users the ability to create their own worlds and content, which fosters creativity and interaction. Fortnite, meanwhile, is actively introducing elements of social events and concerts, making it not only a game but also a platform for communication.

Thus, the metaverse is becoming an important part of the digital future, and its development can change the way users interact and entertain themselves online.

One of the significant events in the gaming industry in Russia and the CIS countries has been the development of eSports. Every year, interest in eSports tournaments is growing, with the number of players and spectators increasing. Russian teams are achieving success on the international stage, which is contributing to the popularization of eSports in the region. It is also worth noting the active development of independent game development studios, which are creating unique projects that reflect the cultural characteristics and traditions of the CIS countries. This trend demonstrates not only the growing interest in gaming but also the potential for creating high-quality content that can compete in the global market.

I'm seeing growing interest in finding specialists such as programmers and game designers to work on NFT projects. I've also received offers to collaborate on game development using NFT technology. This is a clear example of Russian trends in the gaming industry and digital art. NFTs are becoming increasingly popular, and the demand for professionals capable of creating unique game elements and content continues to grow.

One significant event in the gaming industry was the release of Loop Hero, which came out in early 2021. This game was developed by a small independent studio that worked on the project purely for fun. The development process did not involve complex documentation, game design, or balancing processes. The team simply focused on the creative process, creating a unique pixel art style and an original gaming experience. Loop Hero quickly gained popularity and captured the attention of players thanks to its innovative mechanics and engaging gameplay.

Loop Hero has achieved impressive results, attracting hundreds of thousands of players online and generating significant revenue. This achievement highlights the importance of developing indie games in the industry. The creators of Loop Hero, a team from Russia, have demonstrated that indie games can not only attract attention but also become successful projects in the global market. The success of Loop Hero is a shining example of how high-quality gaming content can gain popularity and recognition among a wide audience.

Despite the high competition in this niche, the title can succeed if you avoid creating an indie game based on current trends and marketing metrics. Players appreciate indie games for their experimentalism and heart. It's great to see such projects resonate with the audience.

What changes are expected in 2022? Many experts predict significant changes in various areas of life. In the economy, we can expect the growth of technology and the transition to more sustainable energy sources. In the social sphere, the emphasis will be on health and well-being, as well as improving the quality of life. In the political context, changes in international relations and cooperation between states are possible. These and other changes can have a significant impact on the future, and it is important to be prepared for them.

In 2021, I was actively involved in prototyping various game mechanics in my role as Lead Technical Designer at Apella Games. However, as the team grew and the volume of production tasks increased, the need for project management arose. Currently, I'm more focused on management aspects than prototyping and programming.

I don't consider this a classic career move. Rather, it's a change in professional direction. I have strong technical skills, but I don't aspire to delve into engineering. Instead, I see myself in management, as my soft skills and personality are well-suited to this role. This transformation allows me to leverage my strengths and develop in a new area that suits me.

In 2022, we at Apella Games plan to launch our project into production and successfully achieve all of our goals. We also intend to update our plans and expand our team, which will allow us to reach new heights. Personally, I hope to return to my pet project, which was somewhat put on hold in 2021. Now that I have freed up time and am focused on management, I hope to regain the motivation and energy to work on this project.

In 2021, there were several games that particularly stood out and attracted attention. Among them, we can note projects that combined innovative gameplay, a gripping storyline, and high-quality graphics. Games like "Resident Evil Village", "It Takes Two", and "Metroid Dread" became real hits, receiving acclaim from both critics and players. Their unique mechanics and engaging stories have made these games not only popular but also memorable. It's important to note that 2021 has been a time of diversity in the gaming industry, introducing a variety of genres and styles, allowing every player to find something interesting for themselves.

I want to highlight Inscryption, designed by Daniel Mullins. Although I haven't finished it yet, I already have seven hours of playtime. I previously played two other works by Mullins, Pony Island and The Hex, and both left a great impression on me. Each of these games features a break in the fourth wall, which adds uniqueness and originality to the gameplay. This approach and distinctive style make indie games especially appealing to players who appreciate creative work.

Webbed is an engaging indie game that attracts attention with its wonderful pixel art and heartfelt story about a spider. I highly recommend Webbed to all game lovers, even those who suffer from arachnophobia, as the developers have included a special mode for a comfortable playthrough. New Year's hats were recently added to the game, giving it additional charm. Webbed has a cute and cozy style, making it one of the best indie games of the year.

The gaming industry presented us with an outstanding work - Guardians of the Galaxy, which deservedly received the title of "Game of the Year" in the AAA sector. I completed this game and plan to play it again, as it left a strong impression on me. Despite the relatively average level of gameplay, which I mentioned in my note, the main value for me was the story and characters. The game is filled with wonderful dialogue and many witty jokes that made me laugh out loud. At the same time, using humor, the authors touch on the important topic of losing a loved one, doing so delicately and without overdramatization. I was extremely pleased with this game and recommend it to anyone who appreciates a quality story and well-developed characters.

I actively play Apex Legends with friends. I also recently returned to Dishonored 2, as I completed Deathloop from the same developers and was not entirely satisfied with this new game. In addition, I am enjoying the excellent Outer Wilds, which recently released an expansion. I cannot help but mention the strategy game Cartel Tycoon from St. Petersburg developers, which deserves attention.

I discovered the game Empire of Sin from Romero Games, which has received mixed reviews. This game has a unique meta-structure related to the sale of alcohol and territory management. Although the turn-based combat system does not seem very deep from a tactical point of view, the process of capturing districts turns out to be quite exciting. I spent about 20 hours playing the game, capturing several districts, but soon realized that the gameplay would become repetitive. Clearing the map lost its appeal, and I decided to stop playing.

HighFleet is an impressive game that offers a unique gaming experience. After three hours of play, you can see how visually appealing it is. The main gameplay mechanics are focused on flight. The game is designed in a side-scrolling format and pleases the eye with bright and vibrant graphics. Players control a heavy ship that is constantly trying to fall. To successfully control it, you need to maneuver the engines, overcoming inertia and keeping the ship in the air.

The game Intravenous, developed by Russian developer Roman Glebenkov, was a memorable one. It's a hardcore top-down stealth action game. At first glance, the game may resemble Hotline: Miami, but in reality, it offers a completely different experience, comparable to Metal Gear Solid. Intravenous combines tense gameplay, sophisticated stealth mechanics, and a unique style, making it appealing to fans of the genre.

'The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante' is a game that attracts players thanks to its positive reviews and deep narrative. Even though I haven't played it yet, I'm eager to explore its unique story and atmosphere. This game promises to immerse you in an interesting world, exploring the themes of life and suffering, and judging by the reviews, it leaves a strong impression on players.

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An interview with the developers of The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante provides a unique opportunity to look behind the scenes of the creation of this exciting project. During the conversation, the developers share their vision, work process, and sources of inspiration that formed the basis of the game. They discuss how complex storylines and developed characters help create an emotional connection with players.

The developers also talk about the mechanics that make the game unique, including elements of choice and consequences that determine the development of the plot. "The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante" combines RPG and visual novel elements, allowing players to delve deeper into a world filled with moral dilemmas and challenging decisions.

The interview covers key aspects of development, such as the graphics, sound, and overall atmosphere of the game. The developers share their hopes for how players will perceive their creation and the emotions they want to evoke. This interview not only sheds light on the process of creating "The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante" but also highlights the importance of interaction between developers and audiences in today's gaming world.

I haven't played Psychonauts 2 yet, although it's receiving a lot of positive reviews. I also wasn't able to try It Takes Two, which was named Game of the Year at The Game Awards. This surprises me, as it's essentially an indie game, and judging by what my colleagues have said, it's not the best in its genre.

Skillbox Media's 2021 Recap: Key Achievements and Results. In this review, we'll summarize the year, analyzing the successes and significant events that influenced the development of our platform. Skillbox Media is proud to have provided its users with high-quality educational materials and unique opportunities for growth. We continue to move forward, improving our courses and expanding our program offerings to meet the needs of the modern market. Stay tuned for updates and new initiatives at Skillbox Media to stay up-to-date on important events and future achievements.

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