PC gangster's paradise

Success begets success. Or at least that's the rule in the computer games industry, where branding is paramount and one successful game can turn into a lucrative franchise. And that's the hope of Czech computer game maker 2K Czech, which is getting ready for its Aug. 27 release of Mafia II, the sequel to the popular Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven.

"We are confident that Mafia II will be a success, because we kept the same approach, focusing on the narrative while bringing in even more life-like characters," said Martin Zavřel, development manager at 2K Czech.

A greater focus on the narrative and plot has been a pivotal part of all 2K games since 1997, when the company - then known as Illusion Softworks - began producing games  designed by Petr Vocházka, a pioneer of the gaming industry in the Czech Republic.

It certainly paid out for its predecessor, Mafia, a third-person shoot 'em up game released in 2002 that sold 2 million copies according to Take-Two Interactive Software, 2K Czech's parent company.

Set in the prohibition-era United States, the first Mafia created a strong connection between the game's protagonist, the surrounding city and game players. It followed the story of a taxi driver trying to make a living for himself who unwillingly gets involved in organized crime. Mafia II will be set in a post-World War II United States but will follow the same format. Both games contain two hours of in-game cut scenes, adding to the plot.

"Instead of just a simple action story, the game contained an unusual amount of high-quality cinematic sequences that combine with a city full of detail to create a very immersive experience," Zavřel said.

"Mafia II is one of the biggest game releases of this summer worldwide, and I think it's going to be a very successful title," said Martin Bach, vice president of the Czech and Slovak Gaming Industry Association. "The first reviews are rather positive, and if the game can manage to satisfy the fans of the first Mafia and add to its audience, I believe that game sales can beat 1.5 million to 2 million copies."

Like all industries, the game industry has felt the impact of the financial crisis, and Zavřel said he's had to "find the optimal way to become the most efficient."

Domestically, however, the crisis has not had a major impact on game sales. The 1.87 billion Kč industry posted a growth of 15.5 percent on the year in 2009, up from 1.62 billion Kč in 2008, according to the Czech and Slovak Gaming Industry Association.

"PCs are still very popular in the Czech Republic, and the console systems market is not as filled as in Western countries. As a result, console sales are still in a growth trend in the Czech Republic," Bach said.

These figures contrast with Western Europe, Japan and the United States, where, according to Bach, "there was a huge decline" last year.

2K Czech isn't the only standout in the domestic computer games industry. Success has come to other studios, as well, including Altar, Amanita Design, Bohemia Interactive, SCS Software and Vatra games. According to Pavel Mondeschein, director of Publishing for Computer Games Distribution, the Czech Republic stands apart in the global industry.

"The Czech Republic can be considered very successful. I wouldn't say it is some kind of Mecca for developers, but there are really many successful talented studios and individuals that are taking part in creating the worldwide gaming industry here."

Mondschein is also optimistic about the future of Czech gaming.

"The Czech Republic is quite a big player in the developing segment. There's still some growth potential, but nothing too dramatic," he said. "I expect our studios will strengthen their positions, but only a few new companies will really reach the top."

Bach is similarly confident about the forecast for the Czech gaming industry but hopes the industry will see some form of future government support similar to the film industry.

With or without government support, Zavřel is confident Czech companies will continue to flourish "given the rich artistic history of the Czech people and their desire to succeed on a worldwide level."

He believes 2K will continue in its niche of realistic, interactive games in the near future but doesn't rule out switching categories away from first- and third-person shooting games.

"We have always wanted to create an immersive, story-based experience for mature audiences, and we intend to continue focusing on this, but it is possible that you will see some other genres from us in the future, as well," Zavřel said.

Refusing to disclose any concrete plans, Zavřel said the company's aims are to simply "release more great games and become the best game studio in Europe."

Cillian O'Donoghue can be reached at
codonoghue@praguepost.com