Premise
Nelly and Joe, childhood friends with a shared love for storytelling and video games, decide to pursue their dream of creating immersive video games. They enroll in an Unreal Engine masterclass, where they develop the skills to bring their creative visions to life.
Games They Create
- “Kraken”
- Theme: A thrilling action-adventure game set in the Age of Exploration.
- Plot: Players take on the role of Portuguese sailors exploring uncharted waters, only to encounter mythical sea creatures, including the legendary Kraken. The game blends historical navigation challenges with fantastical battles and moral dilemmas, such as choosing between greed and survival.
- Gameplay: Open-world exploration, naval combat, and puzzle-solving elements.
- “Alkars”
- Theme: A historical RPG inspired by Croatian heritage.
- Plot: Players assume the role of an Alkar, a knight of Sinj, tasked with defending their homeland against invaders while participating in the Sinjska Alka tournament. The game explores themes of honor, sacrifice, and cultural preservation.
- Gameplay: A mix of melee combat, tournament challenges, and a narrative-driven quest system.
Nelly and Joe’s Journey
- Initial Struggles: They face challenges, from mastering the Unreal Engine to securing funding for their indie studio.
- Breakthrough: “Kraken” becomes a cult hit, praised for its innovative mechanics and gripping story. This success allows them to dive into “Alkars,” a more personal project reflecting Joe’s Croatian heritage.
- Cultural Impact: “Alkars” not only entertains but also educates players about Croatian history and traditions, earning them recognition as cultural ambassadors in the gaming world.
Potential Expansion
- Collaborations: They collaborate with historians, marine biologists, and cultural experts to ensure authenticity in their games.
- Community Engagement: A loyal fanbase forms around their games, with modders and fan-artists contributing to the worlds they’ve created.
- Future Projects: Inspired by the success of their first two games, Nelly and Joe expand their portfolio, exploring other historical and mythological themes.