The Unbreakable: How Starward Industries' CD Projekt Red, Techland Background Shaped the Game
In an exclusive interview, the CEO of Starward Industries reveals how their team's extensive experience at CD Projekt Red and Techland played a vital role in shaping the development of their highly anticipated game, The Invincible
Starward Industries' highly anticipated video game adaptation of Stanisław Lem's groundbreaking hard sci-fi novel, The Invincible, is set to be released on November 6. In this immersive gaming experience, players will assume the role of Yasna, an atompunk astronaut, engaging in a thought-provoking narrative that delves into themes of evolution, interstellar exploration, and humanity's existential position within the vast universe. Although The Invincible marks Starward Industries' inaugural project, the team consists of seasoned industry professionals who share a deep admiration for Lem's literary masterpiece.
We recently had the privilege of speaking with Starward Industries CEO, Marek Markuszewski, who discussed the challenges involved in translating a science fiction novel into an interactive gaming platform, the importance of prior development experience when embarking on ambitious endeavors, and the remarkable synergy that arose from a shared passion among the team members.
What Experience Brings to Development
Starward Industries' team comprises of industry veterans who previously worked at CD Projekt Red, known for their work on games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher, as well as Techland, renowned for the Dying Light franchise. Markuszewski himself served as a senior producer at CDPR for more than four years until 2017. He said that this experience of working on large-scale projects has equipped him and his team with a deep understanding of various aspects of game development and how they interact with each other.
"It's not just about the technical aspects, but also about working with the game's concept and its role in creating a coherent game world, particularly in terms of narrative. This experience has made us better developers and has provided us with invaluable insights and know-how."
Techland and CD Projekt Red are renowned for their ability to create fully immersive experiences, and this is largely due to the importance they place on cohesion. This is particularly crucial in games that prioritize narrative, as even in fantastical worlds like those featured in a zombie apocalypse or cyberpunk braindancing, maintaining thematic and conceptual consistency is essential to ensure a sense of realism. The Invincible, a work of hard science fiction, emphasizes this concept even more, as the concepts explored are rooted in real scientific principles.
Given that narrative is at the forefront of The Invincible, every aspect of the game, from the user interface to the Atompunk aesthetic of Yasna's technology and the alien environment of Regis III, must contribute to a cohesive whole. Simply knowing how to construct and assemble individual elements is not sufficient to create a truly impactful and captivating narrative experience. Markuszekski's team understands how each aspect of game design enhances the others, whether it's programming, design, or writing.
A Destined Debut
At Starward Industries, shared interest is the other secret to their success. Markuszewski and the entire team take Stanisław Lem's legacy very seriously, with CMO Maiciej Dobrowolski describing him as Poland's "national literary pride." Merely being loyal to the source material is not enough for them; they aim to create an exceptional game that offers a unique exploration of a classic work of fiction. This is why they have introduced Yasna as the player character, instead of using Rohan, the protagonist from Lem's novel. Markuszewski once expressed that securing the adaptation rights to Lem's novel felt like destiny, and as the game's release approaches, this feeling has only grown stronger.
Lem's work acted as a magnet, attracting numerous developers who shared a common interest in the source material. At Starward Industries, the team is not only focused on creating video games but on creating this particular video game. This level of personal dedication, the drive to transform something beloved and enhance its originality, guarantees that the expertise gained from Techland and CDPR will be coupled with true passion.
The Invincible, regardless of the reception it ultimately receives, serves as an inspiring example of experienced developers coming together with affection and expertise to adapt their beloved book into a medium that future generations can enjoy.
The Invincible is an immersive adventure game that delves into the captivating world of Stanislaw Lem's hard sci-fi works. Embarking on the journey as Yasna, players navigate the enigmatic terrain of Regis III, employing various tools to uncover the whereabouts of her lost crew members while confronting unexpected dangers.
Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, The Invincible was released on November 6, 2023 and developed by Starward Industries, with publishing support from 11 Bit Studios.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the upcoming release of The Invincible, Starward Industries' highly anticipated video game adaptation of Stanisław Lem's groundbreaking hard sci-fi novel. The game's immersive narrative, which delves into themes of evolution, interstellar exploration, and humanity's existential position within the vast universe, has me intrigued. I am also impressed by the team's commitment to staying true to the source material while also introducing new elements, such as the character of Yasna, to enhance the gaming experience.
The team's extensive experience at CD Projekt Red and Techland is also a major factor in my anticipation for The Invincible. These studios have a proven track record of creating fully immersive experiences, and I am confident that Starward Industries will continue this tradition. I am particularly interested in seeing how the team translates the complex themes and concepts of Lem's novel into an interactive gaming platform. Overall, I believe that The Invincible has the potential to be a groundbreaking game that pushes the boundaries of the genre and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
