Expeditions: Rome, interview with the Expeditions: Rome developer, Expeditions: Rome 2022 review, how to make a historical game

Contents:

• Jonas Wever

The game Expeditions: Rome, the third part of the role-playing tactical series that takes players to various historical eras, has been released on Steam, EGS and GOG. Previous games in the series featured conquistadors and Vikings, but now the focus shifts to Roman legates during the late Republic. In Expeditions: Rome, players will be immersed in the unique atmosphere of Ancient Rome, making strategic decisions and developing their skills in tactical battles. The combination of role-playing elements and historical accuracy makes this game appealing to fans of history and tactical strategy.

The game has been warmly received by both critics and players, who note that the new installment in the series significantly surpasses its predecessors in quality and variety. We discussed with the studio's creative director, Jonas Wæver, the changes in Logic Artists' approach to creating settings based on real historical eras. We also touched upon the issue of how players perceive historical games and which plot from ancient Rome is of greatest interest to developers.

Jonas Wever

Creative Director of Logic Studio Artists are responsible for developing and implementing creative ideas in games. Their job involves managing the team, formulating concepts, and ensuring high-quality content. A key aspect of this role is coordination between various departments, which enables the creation of unique and engaging game projects. The creative director's experience and professionalism contribute to the successful completion of assigned tasks and the achievement of the studio's goals.

Hello, Jonas! Expeditions: Rome is the third game in your series. How has your understanding of working with historical facts changed? What lessons have you learned during development?

Looking back, I'm amazed at how we've created increasingly historically accurate games with each new installment. Expeditions: Conquistador featured many fantasy elements, Expeditions: Viking became more realistic, and Expeditions: Rome is completely free of magic. This transition was made possible by our confidence in our ability to create engaging stories and gameplay without the use of "magic assistants." We strive to offer players a deep and authentic experience based on real historical events, which underscores our commitment to quality and originality in gameplay.

Visual representations of historical eras can often appear dull and bleak. In one of your developer diaries, you demonstrated how this could be addressed by using bright and attractive colors in the design of a Bedouin camp, despite its historical inaccuracy. However, what about the customs and mentality of people who lived centuries or even millennia ago? In modern society, some of these aspects can be puzzling or even repulsive. In your games, do you strive to maintain historical accuracy, find ways to make such elements more understandable to players, or choose to ignore them?

Developing game characters is one of the most exciting challenges. We strive to give the player a choice. They can assume the role of a character whose views are entirely consistent with a particular historical period, or play as a hero with modern beliefs about society and human relations. This creates a unique feeling, as if the player is traveling through time and experiencing different eras.

NPCs encountered by the player act in accordance with the historical realities of their world. This creates interesting situations, especially when the player chooses a character with modern, humanistic ideals. NPCs often make it clear that the protagonist appears to them as an alien from another time. However, the player has the opportunity to defend their views among those around them, allowing them to sense how the world is gradually changing in a more positive direction. This interaction between the player and the NPC enriches the gameplay, adding depth and realism to interactions.

The Expeditions series masterfully blends historical fact with elements of fantasy, immersing players in various eras. The question of the optimal balance between historical accuracy and fiction remains a pressing one. To create a truly engaging experience, it is necessary to find a balance between truth and fiction that will engage players and allow them to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context. This approach not only enriches the gameplay but also helps expand players' horizons, making each game not just entertaining, but also an educational experience.

For us, the balance of elements in the game is always dynamic and depends on the player's actions. Our core principle is to create role-playing games where the player has the opportunity to influence the narrative and the consequences of their decisions. We draw inspiration from historical eras and personalities, relying on real events, but always asking the question: "How can the player actively participate in this process? How can real events change depending on his choices?

Series Expeditions is a captivating interplay between reality and fantasy. If the player were absent, events would unfold according to historical fact, maintaining the established order. However, the player acts as an element of chaos, disrupting this order and introducing unique ideas and unexpected twists into the story. Through this interaction, the world of Expeditions becomes more vibrant and rich, opening new horizons for exploration and adventure.

In preparation for reproducing each historical era in a new Expeditions game, we draw on a variety of sources. We study historical documents, archaeological finds, and cultural artifacts to create the most accurate and plausible representation of the time and place possible. We also collaborate closely with scientific advisors, including historians, anthropologists, and cultural scholars, who help us gain a deeper understanding of the context and nuances of the era being explored. Their expertise allows us to integrate details into the game that make the gameplay more engaging and educational for players.

We actively collaborate with historians, linguists, and martial arts experts, but we conduct the bulk of our research ourselves. Books are a great resource in this process. The development of each Expeditions game begins with setting up a "camp" in the library, where we spend several months immersed in reading. Our writers and artists are particularly active during this preparatory phase, while our designers and programmers relax, reflecting on how to translate all their accumulated knowledge into an engaging gaming experience for users.

When choosing historical periods and settings for Expeditions games, we are guided by several key criteria. First, historical accuracy and the ability to compellingly represent the events of that time are important. We strive to create an immersive experience that immerses players in the atmosphere of the chosen era.

Secondly, we consider cultural and social aspects to reflect the diversity of the human experience. This helps create deeper, more layered stories that will appeal to a wide audience.

Furthermore, we pay attention to unique geographical and historical features that can serve as the basis for interesting game mechanics and stories. This way, each game not only entertains but also educates, giving players the opportunity to learn more about significant events and cultures of the past.

We are always open to new stories and gameplay elements for our series, but the core concept remains unchanged. In the Expeditions games, a group of explorers finds themselves in an unfamiliar landscape, where they encounter different cultures and become involved in local conflicts. Players enter this world seemingly out of nowhere, creating a sense of surprise and unpredictability. This gives you the opportunity to choose your side and provides a wealth of decision-making opportunities. We strive to create a unique gaming experience that combines elements of exploration, strategy, and interaction with the surrounding world.

Developing a game in a historical setting offers many advantages. Firstly, historical events and figures already have a rich foundation, allowing developers to create deep and engaging stories. This helps attract players interested in a particular era or culture. Secondly, the use of historical facts and elements helps increase the level of authenticity in the game, which can enhance immersion and interest in gameplay. Furthermore, games set in a historical context often promote learning, allowing players to learn more about various eras and events, making them not only entertaining but also educational. Finally, such games can appeal to a wide audience, including both history buffs and casual gamers, increasing their potential for success in the market.

Every game we create is based on real historical events. Even the most unusual fantasy worlds draw inspiration from the mythology and folklore of various cultures and eras. Games fully immersed in historical themes require special creative focus. Each new Expeditions installment transports players to a unique time and place, which for us is an opportunity to explore new ideas and concepts, like opening a chest of valuable resources.

One of the significant advantages of a historical setting is its ability to evoke an emotional response in players. This makes gameplay more realistic and meaningful, especially if developers effectively convey the atmosphere of the time. Using real historical characters, cultures, and events allows the story to develop on deeper levels, adding value and context to the game. This approach not only helps players immerse themselves in the game universe but also better understand historical realities, which increases their interest and engagement.

When creating a game in a historical setting, developers must consider several key aspects. First, they must conduct thorough research into the chosen historical period. This will help avoid inaccuracies and stereotypes that may alienate players. Using reliable facts and details will make the game more engaging and believable.

Second, it is important to keep in mind the balance between historical accuracy and gameplay. Sometimes, changing factual events or characters may be necessary to improve the gaming experience. However, such changes must be justified and not distort the essence of the historical context.

It is also important to consider cultural aspects and the sensitivity of the topic. History can contain complex and painful moments, so developers should be careful in their interpretation. Respect for the culture and its representatives will help avoid a negative reaction from the audience.

Finally, it is worth paying attention to the visual and audio elements of the game. The atmosphere of the era in which the action takes place should be conveyed through design, music, and sound design. This will significantly improve the player's immersion in the game and make their experience more fulfilling.

Therefore, developing a game in a historical setting requires careful preparation, a respectful approach to the material, and careful attention to gameplay.

The game genre significantly influences the content creation process. It is recommended to find a balance between conveying the original story and introducing personal fantasy. It is important that reality does not limit the player's capabilities and does not interfere with the creation of an engaging gameplay. This will make the game more engaging and memorable for users.

I recommend going beyond conventional wisdom and standard historical knowledge and delving into the latest archaeological and historical research. Don't be afraid to challenge the prevailing opinions about the past. If you can surprise players with non-obvious historical facts, they will leave your game with new knowledge, making their experience more valuable.

Education through video games is becoming an increasingly popular teaching method. Players without a deep knowledge of Ancient Rome can significantly expand their understanding by immersing themselves in the gameplay. Video games based on historical events not only provide entertainment but also provide an introduction to the culture, architecture, and numerous facts associated with Rome.

Games promote deeper learning because, through interaction with the game world, players can explore historical events, characters, and aspects of life in Ancient Rome. Through visualization, dynamic interaction, and decision-making, players can better retain historical facts and context.

Video games can thus serve as an effective tool for studying history, allowing players not only to have fun but also to enrich their knowledge.

If you're interested, you can learn a lot about the late Republic by playing Expeditions: Rome. The game is filled with many small details that will hopefully inspire players to explore this historical period on their own.

The game certainly can't completely replace a history lesson or an in-depth study of serious literature on the topic, as we add elements of fantasy to factual material. However, it can act as an effective tool that will help start a dialogue with a history teacher and deepen understanding of the subject. Using games in the educational process creates an opportunity to discuss historical events and promotes students' greater engagement in the study of history.

One of the most interesting historical facts about Ancient Rome is the story of the fall of the Roman Empire. This key moment in history encompasses many factors, including political corruption, economic hardship, and external threats. Games set in Ancient Rome often present such events with an emphasis on strategy and resource management, allowing players to better understand the complexity and diversity of Roman culture and history. Delving into this period through game mechanics not only provides entertainment but also helps them learn more about the significant events and personalities of that era.

One of the most memorable stories of Ancient Rome involves Marcus Licinius Crassus, an ally of Caesar and Pompey and one of the wealthiest men of his time. Crassus envied the military achievements of his allies, as well as the respect and influence they had earned. This incident vividly illustrates the warlike spirit of Roman culture. Despite his colossal wealth and considerable influence, Crassus decided to form a legion and embark on a campaign of conquest. His desire for glory and military recognition led to his tragic fate.

Marcus Licinius Crassus, known for his unbridled Crassus, driven by greed, proved an unsuccessful commander, leading to the rapid defeat of his forces in Parthia. The Parthians punished Crassus by executing him by slowly pouring molten gold down his throat, symbolizing his greed. This historical episode inspired the name and description of the highest difficulty level in Expeditions: Rome, and Crassus is regularly mentioned in minor dialogue, emphasizing his tragic fate and influence on military history.

Games based on real historical events are rare compared to literature, film, and television series, which actively explore historical themes. This may be due to the significant resources and time required for game development, as well as complex interaction mechanics, which complicates the implementation of historical plots. However, the popularity of historical games is growing, and there is potential for their number to increase in the future. We can expect new projects that combine engaging gameplay with deep historical detail, attracting the attention of both game enthusiasts and history buffs.

Combining engaging gameplay and historical accuracy is a complex task. Even Expeditions: Rome, the most realistic game in the series, has some questionable elements. For example, some mechanics in boss battles seem illogical, but they were introduced to make these encounters more memorable and meaningful to the story. Video game development is always fraught with many challenges and difficulties, and adding historical context only adds to the complexity. Many developers prefer to avoid such restrictions, as this imposes additional demands on the creative process.

Historical realism often faces a stigma. Some players may dismiss such games solely because of their historical theme. This raises an important question: "What exactly does this game have to offer? Will it be engaging, or will it turn into a dry and boring history lesson?"

Historical settings are most often associated with the strategy genre. We spent significant effort conveying to players that Expeditions is, first and foremost, a role-playing game. We've been battling the stereotype that such games are boring for years.

Have you ever considered Russia as a possible setting for Expeditions? Conquering Siberia would be a fantastic setting for gameplay. This vast and little-explored territory offers tremendous opportunities for exploration and adventure. Siberia is full of unique natural landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and fascinating cultural features. Including this region in the game can attract the attention of players and provide them with a unique experience.

I appreciate it when people share their ideas and suggestions for our games. I admit, I don't have a deep knowledge of the conquest of Siberia, but I now intend to study this important historical period. Perhaps I will collect interesting facts and materials that can enrich our content and make it more engaging for players.