The first video games created in Czechoslovakia were during the 1970s. Its original creation was intended to be part of an experiment with computers and was not meant to be distributed, but it would soon reach the public. Many of these early games would be developed at universities where programming was offered. During this time, card games were very popular, as were games that were based on chance. An example of this would be virtual rock-paper scissors.
Since then, technology has drastically changed, and so has the market, allowing programmers and gamers an infinite number of opportunities. This can be seen throughout the years, especially in the early and later years of the 2000s. During the early 2000s, Bohemia Interactive became the most successful Czech developer with its releases of Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis and the series of ARMA games. Operation Flash Point was described as a tactical shooter game that gave its gamers very real tactical elements. This can be seen in the range of weaponry offered in the game, which mirrors its real-world counterpart. Its combat in the game is described as highly realistic as well. The success of this developer was so great that it overshadowed smaller game developers.
Another notable title that is well-known among horror enthusiasts is Silent Hill: Downpour, released in 2012. Silent Hill is a survival horror game that was developed by a Czech developer, Vatra Games. It is the eighth installment in the series and follows Murphy Pendleton, a convicted prisoner with the ultimate goal of avenging his son's murder. Just like its previous installments, the game offers multiple endings, allowing the player to receive a different story each time.
In more recent years, Kingdom Come: Deliverance was released in 2018 by game developers Warhorse Studios. This game is highly rated, for example, on platforms like Steam, almost reaching a 10/10 score. Deliverance is a realistic RPG set in the 1400s in the medical kingdom of Bohemia. It was praised for its historical accuracy. This can be seen in many aspects of the game; even the combat system offers accurate medical swordplay. The story follows a young man named Henry, and fans of the game can explore real-world landmarks, historical knightly clothing, and battles. Many fans come to Czechia to explore landmarks that appear in the game. With over 5 million copies sold, it is apparent why their ratings are so high. Fans are anticipating a second installment of Deliverance and hope for a new release in the upcoming future.
Written by Pressley Reeve
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"Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis." Game Fabrique, gamefabrique.ru/games/operation-flashpoint-cold-war-crisis/. Accessed 3 Feb. 2024.
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"Silent Hill: Downpour." Wikipedia, silenthill.fandom.com/wiki/Silent_Hill:_Downpour. Accessed 3 Feb. 2024.
"Video Games in the Czech Republic." Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_games_in_the_Czech_Republic. Accessed 3 Feb. 2024.