Interview: Samorost Developer Jakub Dvorsky
An interview with Jakub Dvorský of Amanita Design, the development team responsible for Samorost 1 and 2.
Hi Jakub, can you tell us a bit about yourself and also introduce the development team working on Amanita Design's upcoming 2D point-and-click adventure epic, Machinarium?
My name is Jakub Dvorský, I'm from Czech Republic (that small country in the middle of Europe well-known for its beer), 29 years old and I'm a game designer and visual artist. I started doing games in 1993 and in 2003 I established Amanita Design and started to work on Flash games with my former schoolmate Vaclav Blin who is mostly an animator. At the moment we are also collaborating with programmer David Oliva, musician Tomas "Floex" Dvorak, sound maker Tomas "Pif" Dvorak and painters Jakub Pozar and Adolf Lachman.
Can you tell us what Machinarium is all about?
Machinarium is a strange rusty metallic place populated only by robots. The story is about a little robot who has been unjustly thrown out to the scrap yard behind the city. In the game he returns to the town where he meets the bad guys from Black Cap Brotherhood - they are just preparing a bomb attack on the central tower where the town ruler has residence in. Of course our hero must stop them and also rescue his friend robot-girl.
Machinarium
Does the main protagonist of the game have a name, or will he remain nameless?
At the moment he has just a working name which is Josef (after Josef Capek - Czech artist, initial inventor of the word ROBOT).
How similar will it be to the Samorost series? How different is it compared to the games you've created in the past?
It will be a point and click adventure just as Samorost was, but much more complex, bigger etc. The plot line is more complicated, the graphics are hand drawn this time as well as characters who are animated very carefully by cut-out animation technique. There will be many control improvements and also inventory.
What is the current progress of the project? Is Machinarium still set to arrive in the second half of 2008?
We are now approximately halfway done. Unfortunately there is a delay to the initial schedule - we have worked on one commissioned Flash game for a few months, because we needed additional money for the development of Machinarium. Now it seems the game could be ready by the end of this year. We plan on creating an online demo playable in web browser as it is in Samorost 2.
Is Machinarium part of a series? Will it have sequels? (perhaps an open-ended ending, to allow for more episodes perhaps)
No, it's not episodic - it will be only one part, but of course we can and we'd love to create a sequel in the future - the Machinarium world is a very good place for a lot of stories.
Inspirations for Machinarium?
Old industrial buildings, old rusty machines, SF books, some old-school games etc.
Technical
Is the object interaction interface for Machinarium similar to the Samorost series?
No, it will be a little different. This time it will be possible to click only on the objects which are within reach of the main character - then he will grab the object or carry out an action (therefore we need to create a huge amount of special animations for each action and each object).
How many "rooms" are planned for Machinarium?
There will be about 25-26 screens. Some screens will contain more "rooms" and almost every screen contains additional "windows" with puzzles, control panels, details etc.
How long is the game?
I'm not sure and it's difficult to estimate, but we'll be happy if it takes the average player six or seven hours to complete the game. It's not long, but it should be quite an intensive and enjoyable six to seven hours' worth of gameplay experience. We don't want to put there any boring filler sequences or insane puzzles to prolong the playing time.
I'm to understand that Machinarium will not have spoken words (like Samorost). Will it have subtitles?
Yes, there won't be any words, although there will be some communication, but only with symbols, pictures and animations.
Who is working on the soundtrack for Machinarium? Will it be just Floex? (music composer for Samorost 2)
Yes, we are happy with Floex and he is happy to write music for our projects so there's no need to change it.
Are the screenshots shown on the Machinarium front page the final art for the game? Is the game to run at a resolution of 1027 x 768, or higher?
Yes, these pictures are screenshots taken from the game. But the final resolution will be higher, 1280x1024.
Will you be posting more screenshots for Machinarium on the web site soon?
Yes, I will update it very soon. :)
Distribution
How much will Machinarium retail for?
We are not sure yet.
Are you planning to use some of the new distribution channels for the retail release of Machinarium? (e.g. Steam, GameTap, casual games portals like the collaboration between Playfirst and Wadjet Eye Games)
Yes, but nothing is decided yet.
Possibilities
Am I correct to assume that Machinarium isn't related to Samorost universe?
That's right.
Will there be crossovers, or subtle references to the Samorost series?
No, Machinarium is an absolutely different world with different physical laws.
The Future
What's next for Amanita Design? Will there be a Samorost 3?
It's too soon to tell. Perhaps a sequel to Machinarium, Samorost 3 would be nice too or something completely different.
Samorost 2 was submitted to the IGF previously (and won the Best Web Game category). Are you planning to do the same for Machinarium?
Yes, we'd like to enter the IGF again.
Afterthoughts
Any Flash games which impressed you lately?
Nifflas' Games and especially Knytt Stories (http://nifflas.ni2.se/index.php?main=02Knytt_Stories). And also this Limbo video teaser (http://www.limbogame.org/).
What do you think is the current state of 2D adventure games? Is there a revival?
I hope so. :) I'm tired of all those 3D realistic games.
You've mentioned that you're interested in creating games in other genres (besides adventure games) in a past interview. Is that still the case?
Not at the moment and I'm not sure if I can do that.
Ever considered developing a 3D adventure game?
No.
Public Response
How successful has the Samorost series been? Are you working in your own office space now? Is developing Machinarium a full-time job, or are you supplementing the production with other projects?
Samorost is helping a lot, but as I said above we've done one commission game recently to get some more money (it's game for children commissioned by BBC - it should be online very soon - check out our web www.amanitadesign.com for the news). It's a full-time job for me and for Vaclav Blin, for others it's paid part time job.
What's the best accolade you've received for your works?
Probably all that very nice emails from fans of all ages (from 4 to 80).
Final Words
In closing, anything you'd like to say to fans of your works?
I'd like to gratefully thank all people who bought Samorost 2 and therefore helped us to stay independent and work on our own projects as a full-time job.
Comments
Nice interview! Machinarium looks awesome :)
Posted by: Zaphos | March 3, 2008 9:09 AM
finally a gamedesigner who gets it.
2d artistic worlds, doesn't try to convince us how intelligent or how much he knows about game design (mr blow, looking at u), neither does he try to tell us how wonderful his game is (most other indie developers, as well as mr blow of course). he just keeps to the facts, and let his games do the talking for him. this was one of the better interviews i've read. i also respect it when a game designer isn't just a game designer who needs people to make his game for him.
about this game: looks awesome. thanks for not making it episodic.
Posted by: impressed | March 3, 2008 11:13 AM
Not really a talkative type is he?
Posted by: Julius | March 3, 2008 12:04 PM
I have a new developer to look up to. "Impressed" hits the nail on the head. He's so calm and got enough self-respect to release games without mounds of hype or stupid comments (Mr. Blow).
Samorost was beautiful. I can't wait to see where he goes.
For atmosphere and style this guy walks over Nifflas and the likes.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 3, 2008 1:01 PM
OMG! I'm just so hyped! Those graphics look insanely awesome!
Robots in a rusty godforsaken place with an eerie atmosphere. What more could you ask for?
The setting reminds me a little bit of the Oddworld realm which is not a bad thing if this comes even close to Oddworld's awesomeness.
I got a new game to wait forward to.
Posted by: Robotnik | March 3, 2008 2:00 PM
i just can't wait for machinarium!!
Posted by: dcat | March 3, 2008 3:35 PM
Never played these games before...pretty awesome!
Posted by: Nu | March 3, 2008 8:50 PM
Samorost was such a perfect little game, I have high hopes for this new one. The art is fantastic.
Posted by: rey-o | March 4, 2008 12:31 PM
I am perplexed as to how comments for an unrelated game suddenly turn into random hating on me.
Thanks guys!
Posted by: Jonathan Blow | March 4, 2008 3:06 PM
ill keep my fingers crossed! i hope this game will be as good as samorost...
and im happy that my fellow-countryman is popular and wellknown for his work...
keep the good work up!
Posted by: Hamt-Ath | March 6, 2008 4:49 PM
samorost was grate and I think that this new game even more will be better:):)
Posted by: Anonymous | March 8, 2008 6:10 PM
fantastic game I cant wait for machinarium
Posted by: E Snitslaar | March 12, 2008 7:04 PM
Fantastic game!!
Posted by: E Snitslaar | March 12, 2008 7:05 PM
Great games and works!
Samorost rulez ;)
Greetings from Poland :)
Posted by: Badjuk | March 17, 2008 1:43 PM
Amanita Design games are gorgeous, and the games are well thought out and clever. Excellent work. I'm eager to see what comes next.
Posted by: Keith | March 18, 2008 10:49 PM
Świetna Robota!To tak jak interaktywny film animowany!I'm very impressed & inspired.Wish You Jakub Good Luck ,develope & only good winds!I think so childrens will be likes Your Job,and also some of the adults too!
Posted by: Tomasz | April 11, 2008 1:47 AM
Truly a fantastic game in the making. So refreshing to seem something done so well. Huge fan and will continue to support you. Greetings from Canada.
Posted by: Jimmy | May 3, 2008 9:35 PM
Really fantastic!! I love your work. Simply, it's amazing. Someday I wish to be like you! Now i'm working in a similar flash project, but... Samorost and Machinarium always will be the best, and I`m your fan number one!
Congratulations from Spain.
.
Posted by: Nenacuka | May 4, 2008 1:22 PM
Have Samorost 1 and 2. Will wait for Machinarium ...
Your games are perfect!
Posted by: surveyor | May 29, 2008 12:54 PM
OMG! WTH? OMGOMGOMGOMG!
i may not have any money to buy anything now but combining art and games, well... i just dont know what to say.
in a word: AWESOME!
Posted by: rob s | June 7, 2008 10:18 PM
I just love his games. I can't wait until I can play this!
Posted by: Yasmine | June 20, 2008 12:06 PM
I'm very happy to see there will be more wonderful games coming from the amazing mind behind samorost. I played the first samorost and loved it but forgot about it for a year or so and had a devil of a time finding it again (forgot the name) but was so glad when I did and saw there was a sequel. I'm working on learning flash and other game making software and can only hope to produce a piece that is simply beautiful as samorost.
Hugs and Kisses!
Posted by: Kristalia Astari | June 28, 2008 1:17 AM
To be frankly, I hate these games. The design is awesome, original and funny but everytime I get stuck in the game. I point and click over and over again but fail to get any further. After a while I give up, get myself a beer and flush the frustration away.....
Posted by: Bum | July 14, 2008 3:57 PM
I have to say that I loved to play Samorost and Samorost 2. Like in other coments ¡I can´t wait to play Machinarium!. I like Amanita´s work, I put some of my little nephews to play it and they love it too... ¡They don´t stop until finish it!. I must say Thanks to Amanita design for develop such a good games for all ages.
Posted by: Violeta | August 18, 2008 5:47 AM
I can't wait to play this new game
What beautiful a style I have never seen
Posted by: penguin | August 23, 2008 1:39 PM
I really glad to hear that Amanita wouldn't develop 3D games!
2D FOREVER!
Posted by: Werasdas | August 24, 2008 10:27 PM
Great interview!
I am not much into games, but I found this amazing title, wow, is just what a game is supposed to be, nothing much real, 2D to make it a "game". Not like today's 3D brain machines, that try so hard to copy reality, is not even fun anymore.
Right on!
Posted by: Josue Davis | September 26, 2008 11:44 PM
bring to ps3 !
Posted by: l | October 21, 2008 12:34 AM
Dobrá práce...
Posted by: CZ | November 1, 2008 5:26 PM
I am delighted to tell you that Machinarium features in our German online news magazine at Hitmeister News. A link to this fantastic interview is also included.
Please keep up the great work!
Posted by: Hitmeister News | November 7, 2008 1:44 PM
hopefully the game is indeed a better communicator than he is... :DD
Posted by: Jan | November 18, 2008 8:07 AM
I like Knytt, Braid, and now Machinarium. I also like 3D realistic games such as Farcry! But I am aware that I wouldn't like Braid if it didn't have its art style. It would look to boring. 3D games generally last longer, while these indie 2D games are far more enjoyable, they only last a few hours.
Posted by: Coward Face | January 3, 2009 5:00 AM
This is another fan of Samorost (and the other work of Amanita), this time from Sweden. My five-year-old daughter loves it as much as me and my husband. I hope you this time charge for the new game what's it worth! I'll be glad to pay!
Posted by: Iris | January 7, 2009 6:03 PM
Hopefully this game can convert to the handheld game systems, Awesome project.
Posted by: James | January 16, 2009 10:29 PM
Hmm.. maybe a WiiWare version would be fine :)
Posted by: 6205 | January 17, 2009 10:19 PM
Fantastic art. I never appreciated 3D in gaming anyway. Seems like I'm not alone.
Posted by: Hawkeye | January 18, 2009 9:39 AM
The work is amazing, thank you for doing it
Posted by: anon | January 28, 2009 5:56 PM
but there is one small link to the Samorost game in machinarium, I won't tell and spoil it for you but it's in "The Castle"-screen.
Posted by: Stockfield | October 25, 2009 4:07 PM