Posted by Robbie McLachlan, Developer Marketing.
In his latest film for #WeArePlay, celebrating the people behind groundbreaking apps and games, Jakub takes us on a journey into the world of Amanita Design. Born in Prague, Czech Republic, he began his journey into the world of gaming with a passion for animation and an eye for artistic detail. Driven by a vision to create games that combine captivating art with immersive storytelling, he founded his company Amanita Design in 2003.
Today, this thriving business is known for its unique approach to games, drawing inspiration from Czech landscapes, fairy tales, and the rich cultural heritage of its homeland. With a dedicated team of around 30 people, they create visually stunning and narratively rich games. Find out how he combines the charm of Czech culture with the magic of games.
Where did Amanita Design and the game Machinarium draw inspiration from?
I love nature, fairy tales and Czech culture. Growing up in Prague, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and old buildings, my imagination was stimulated. I studied classical animation and always wanted to create something with a magical feel and a deep connection to my roots. Our games often use Czech folklore and the natural world. When I developed Machinarium in 2009, I was fascinated by industrial decay and old machinery. The abandoned factories around Prague provided a gritty backdrop for the game. We combined this with a compelling story and handcrafted visuals. We even used natural sounds from the surroundings to add a more realistic feel.
Did you always imagine you would be an entrepreneur?
I didn’t initially think of myself as an entrepreneur. My journey began with a passion for games and animation, and I started Amanita Design as a natural extension of my interests. I started the studio right out of school, driven by a desire to create and share my artistic vision. Over time, as the studio grew organically, I embraced the role of an entrepreneur, but it was my love of game development that initially led me down this path.
What are the features of your game?
What makes our games stand out is the mix of old-world craftsmanship and modern technology. We really enjoy incorporating hand-drawn cardboard characters and using natural materials for sound effects, which adds a unique and tactile feel to our work. We draw a lot of inspiration from Czech culture, nature and fairy tales, which gives each game a unique and captivating touch. It’s all about creating something authentic and immersive, and we hope that passion resonates with players.
What does the future hold for Amanita Design?
We are developing several new games and exploring different distribution models, such as a free-to-play approach on mobile platforms. Our goal is to continue to create unique and artistically rich games that resonate with a global audience. As technology advances, we plan to adapt and innovate, embracing new opportunities in the gaming industry while focusing on storytelling and artistic craftsmanship.
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