Exclusive Interview: Unveiling The Invincible with Starward Industries

Exploring "The Invincible": An Interview with Maciej Dobrowolski, CMO at Starward Industries

From the outset, it was evident that Starward Industries had something special with The Invincible, and its launch on Xbox in late 2023 garnered critical acclaim. Maciej Dobrowolski, CMO at Starward Industries, sheds light on the creation of The Invincible, its inspiration from Stanislaw Lem's work, and the challenges faced during development.

Introduction to The Invincible:

I'm Maciej Dobrowolski, the CMO of Starward Industries, tasked with introducing The Invincible to the vast universe. Thank you for having me in this interview.

Why Play The Invincible:

The Invincible offers a retrofuturistic hard sci-fi adventure where you embody Yasna, a witty astrobiologist on a scientific mission to the mysterious planet Regis III. As your crew vanishes, you navigate using atompunk devices, facing moral decisions, philosophical dilemmas, and unraveling the mystery of Regis III. With 11 different endings, it's perfect for fans of immersive narratives in captivating worlds with a hard sci-fi vision.

Choosing "The Invincible" from Stanislaw Lem's Works:

Selecting The Invincible from Lem's works was challenging, given his iconic hard sci-fi contributions. We opted for it as a rich story with philosophical depth, suitable for those unfamiliar with Lem's works. The exceptional worldbuilding provided ample material for creating Regis III and atompunk elements.

Design Influences for the 1960s Feel:

Inspired by 1960s retrofuturistic designs, especially Chris Foss' illustrations and engineering blueprints like Galina Balashova's. NASA documents guided the creation of realistic, atom-powered technology. The goal for Regis III was to make it enticing yet eerie, presenting challenges in achieving a thriller-like experience through worldbuilding.

Favorite Gameplay Mechanics:

The gradual revelation of the mystery stands out as a favorite. Mechanics like exploration, investigation, and dialogue options contribute to immersive gameplay, allowing players to engage with the character and storyline. Lem's book served as inspiration, but games like Firewatch and Alien Isolation influenced our approach, focusing on cultural, artistic, and cinematic inspirations.

Working with Composer and Sound Designer:

Composer Brunon crafted exceptional musical soundscapes, complementing the game's world with analog synths reflecting atompunk technology. The music captures familiarity and unease, mirroring the protagonist's feelings. Working with actors was a positive experience, with professionals delivering perfect performances, bringing the script to life in a magical way.

Adapting Another Book for a Game:

Adapting a novel by Polish science fiction pioneer Stefan Grabiński would be intriguing. Starward Industries has an array of literary inspirations, both Polish and foreign, with several titles close to their hearts. While also fans of comic books, that's a story for another time.

In conclusion, Maciej expresses gratitude for the post-launch interview, inviting gamers to experience The Invincible, available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

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