Two high school friends used Unreal Engine 5.1 to create atmospheric retro shooter Kvark

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Retro shooters seem to be making a comeback as of late, but even amid the influx of pixelated graphics and over-the-top first-person action, Kvark stands out. Set in a fictionalized version of the Czech Republic, Kvark’s low-poly look is driven by Unreal Engine 5.1 and the game’s ‘80s vibe by a local’s understanding of the country. Two locals actually.

High school friends Radovan Šťastný and Petr Pavlík found in one another not just friendship born from a mutual love of video games, but talents that neatly supplemented one another. Šťastný was an artist in need of a programmer and Pavlík a programmer in need of an artist.

After some game jams and a bit of work on their idea for Kvark, the two pitched the title to publisher Perun Creative, which became the game’s publisher.

We chatted with the two—two-thirds of the game’s entire development team–about the run up to Kvark, how Unreal Engine served as the perfect tool for creating their retro-styled shooter, and why the world is ready for a game filled with shouty Czechs.

To read the rest of this story, which first ran on Aug. 30, 2023, visit UnrealEngine.com.