Starward Industries' video game adaptation of Stanisław Lem's landmark hard sci-fi novel, The Invincible, is fast approaching its November 6 launch date. The game, which sees players stepping into the boots of an atompunk astronaut named Yasna, promises a thought-provoking, high concept narrative that wrestles with themes of evolution, interstellar exploration, and humanity's place in the universe. The Invincible is Starward Industries' maiden voyage, but the developer is staffed by industry veterans who are united in their love of Lem's work.
The Best War Games recently had the opportunity to speak with Starward Industries CEO, Marek Markuszewski, about the challenges associated with adapting a sci-fi book into a game format, the value of development experience in developing ambitious projects, and how common interest led to unparalleled synergy in development.
What Experience Brings to Development
Starward Industries' staff includes veterans from former employees of CD Projekt Red, of Cyberpunk 2077 and Witcher- fame, and Techland, perhaps most known for the Dying Light franchise. Markuszewski himself worked at CDPR for over four years, departing as a senior producer in 2017. He said that experience of working on large scale projects provided him and his staff with an intimate knowledge of the different elements of game development, as well as how they influence each other
"I'm not just talking about technical aspects but also about working with the concept and its role in building a coherent game world, especially in terms of narrative. It helped us become better developers and gave us an insight and know-how that proved to be invaluable."
Both Techland and CD Prokjekt Red are known for immersion, and nothing is more important for immersion than cohesion—especially in games where narrative is a priority. Even if a world is filled with elements of fantasy—like a zombie apocalypse or cyberpunk braindancing—thematic and conceptual consistency are essential for a world to feel real. This is even more vital in a work of hard sci-fi like The Invincible, where the concepts in play are supposed to be rooted in real scientific principles.
Since narrative is front and center in The Invincible, everything from the in-game UI to the Atompunk trappings of Yasna's technology and the alien world of Regis III needs to feel like facets of a cohesive whole. Knowing how to build something and put it together properly is not enough to create a truly impactful and captivating narrative experience. Markuszekski's team knows how each aspect of game design adds value to others, whether it is a matter of programming, design, or writing.
A Destined Debut
The other secret to Starward Industries is shared interest. Markuszewski, and everyone at Starward Industries, takes the legacy of Stanisław Lem very seriously. CMO Maiciej Dobrowolski described him as Poland's "national literary pride." Merely "being faithful" to the source material would be a tepid disservice. Starward Industries is hoping to create a stellar game that explores a classic work of fiction in a new way, hence the creation of the player character Yasna, as opposed to Rohan, the lead in Lem's novel.
Markuszewski once stated that securing Lem's novel for adaptation felt "like fate." Now, with release fast approaching, that feeling has only intensified.
"Now, in retrospect, I truly think it was destiny. Lem acted as a magnet for many developers who joined our studio."
Lem's work served as a beacon for like-minded developers with a vested interest in the source material. The people at Starward Industries are not only there to make video games, but this video game specifically. That kind of personal commitment, the desire to take something sacred and re-imagine it in a way that makes the original greater than it was before, ensures that the knowhow employees secured from Techland and CDPR will be paired with passion.
Regardless of what reception The Invincible ultimately receives, it is inspiring to see experienced developers united by affection and prowess, adapting their favorite book into their favorite medium for future generations to enjoy.
The Invincible
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 73 /100 Critics Rec: 60%
- Released
- November 6, 2023
- ESRB
- e
- Publisher(s)
- 11 Bit Studios
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
WHERE TO PLAY
You are a highly qualified, sharp-witted astrobiologist named Yasna. Being entangled in a space race, you and your crew end up on the unexplored planet Regis III. The scientific journey quickly turns into a search mission for lost crewmates. Follow its trail, but be fully aware that every decision you make can bring you closer to danger.
On her journey, Yasna will face decisions that will shape the outcome of the story. Help her make difficult choices and witness one of 11 possible endings to the deeply philosophical story.
Discover fragments of what’s lost and report to your Astrogator. Let his voice aid you during hard times when humanity’s greatest threat emerges. The latter will force you to rethink mankind’s ambitions and biases. Go on - make decisions, follow the mystery… but remember not to underestimate the brutal simplicity and brilliance of evolution.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Developer
- Starward Industries
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action-Adventure, Hack and Slash
