Mundfish Studio CEO Talks Forming the Atomic Universe with Atomic Heart 2 and The Cube

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Approximately two years have passed since Mundfish Studio introduced Atomic Heart to the gaming world. Although it was initially compared to games like BioShock and Half Life, it quickly carved out its own niche with its distinctive Soviet-themed universe. Now, the developer is broadening the “Atomic Universe” with Atomic Heart 2 and a new project named The Cube, which takes inspiration from MMO shooters such as Destiny and Warframe.

In a recent chat with Game Rant, Rob Bagratuni (founder and CEO of Mundfish Studio) discussed the upcoming titles Atomic Heart 2 and The Cube, both belonging to the Atomic Universe. The interview delved into the development stages and features of each game, focusing on their world-building, narrative, and gameplay aspects. For your convenience, the transcript has been streamlined for clarity and conciseness.

From Atomic Heart to Atomic Heart 2

Question: Why did Atomic Heart 2 broaden its storyline on a global scale? Can you explain what sparked this change in perspective and how it influences the story’s mood and the level of risk involved?

In the final DLC, the tale of Atomic Heart featuring characters P-3 and Charles will find its conclusion. This groundbreaking technology and all associated events in Atomic Heart have significantly altered the world, which is why we’re expanding the narrative to encompass the global impact. As the story becomes more intricate due to advanced technology, it also broadens its scope, allowing us to delve deeper into how this technology influences the world as a whole. This development feels like a natural progression, one might say.

A: What was the main issue encountered when constructing a sequel that broadens in multiple aspects such as battle systems, storyline, role-playing elements, and the overall size of the game world?

Currently, we’re in the midst of developing Atomic Heart 2, which means we’ll be conducting numerous internal playtests. From our experience with Atomic Heart, we’ve discovered the importance of starting playtesting earlier. Therefore, we’ll soon begin evaluating how everything will function. If you recall, Atomic Heart featured several mechanics that deviated from typical action shooter games, and this unconventional approach will continue with Atomic Heart 2.

We’re planning to incorporate unique gameplay aspects that deviate from typical genre standards. Our focus is heavily leaning towards adventure and strengthening the RPG elements in our game. Therefore, we aim to begin testing these mechanics early and observe how they harmonize, ultimately shaping the gaming experience they provide. Regarding challenges, we anticipate they will be demanding, as we believe they lie ahead of us.

Question: In what ways have previous characters changed since the incidents in Atomic Heart, and what part do they now take in addressing this fresh predicament?

In this discussion, let’s aim to keep things vague about plot twists. That said, fans of Atomic Heart can anticipate the reappearance of several familiar faces, with the notable exception of those who didn’t make it through alive. The intriguing character P-3, who played a pivotal role in saving the universe, is no exception to this trend. We hint that his journey may lead to some advancement in rank, suggesting an evolution for key characters from Atomic Heart. Yet, we won’t reveal too much to avoid spoilers. Rest assured, the narrative will carry on in a captivating fashion.>

Q: How is the world design of Atomic Heart 2 going to impact the game’s narrative?

In our game Atomic Heart 2, we’ve devoted considerable effort to creating a convincing retro-futuristic world. Our aim is to fully engulf the player in this environment, where robots serve as your helpers. This setting offers a blend of retro-futurism and dystopia. If you recall Atomic Heart, it featured a floating city – the Chelomey flying city. Upon arrival, the action begins, and you experience it firsthand. We aim to make this city easily navigable for players, allowing them to return, explore, and further immerse themselves in it.

A: Is it coming back that concept of gloves and weapons being paired together, but with improvements this time around? Could you tell us how you’ve adjusted the gameplay mechanics to make combat feel smoother or more impactful?

As an enthusiast, I’m excited to share that we’ve been meticulously exploring ways to seamlessly integrate the three distinct playstyles: glove, melee, and ranged combat. Our aim is to create a fluid, instinctive experience as these fighting styles naturally transition from one to another. In fact, this is currently a focus for our dedicated team, striving to deliver an immersive gaming experience that caters to all playstyles.>

Q: How much player agency is there in combat style? Can players build around different playstyles?

As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled to share that we’re diving deeper into the role-playing game (RPG) aspects and progression in our upcoming project. Our aim is to empower players by offering a wide range of character customization options through skill branching and advancement. But that’s not all! We’re also striving to infuse more depth and freedom across all aspects, including core gameplay mechanics, to create an even richer gaming experience overall.

One key area we’re focusing on is boss fights, taking inspiration from the positive response to the last boss battle in Atomic Heart’s third DLC. We want to elevate the challenge level in Atomic Heart 2’s boss battles, making them a truly memorable part of the gameplay experience for players.

We immersed ourselves in the challenging final battles of certain game streamers, as they battled on the highest difficulty level. Their repeated deaths sparked intense reactions from viewers. It was a tough but thrilling spectacle to behold. The experience left a lasting impression on them, prompting them to discuss it extensively during their live streams. Our goal is to enhance and refine the boss fights in the upcoming sequel, making them more impactful and even more challenging.

Question: What kind of tasks and activities are scattered throughout the world of Atomic Heart 2 for players to engage in? Could you provide some details about these interactions?

A: Fans of the game Atomic Heart eagerly anticipating Atomic Heart 2, can expect all the elements they cherish from the original. Additionally, we’re planning to incorporate a meta-gameplay experience with various elements and mechanics. We aim to combine these aspects seamlessly, similar to games like Palworld and Schedule 1. In these games, you build and expand your base, which in turn grows around you, creating an immersive environment that encourages repeated visits. Along the same lines, we’re considering a similar approach for our game. Furthermore, we’ll be exploring numerous mechanics to introduce something fresh and unconventional within the genre, while still staying true to its roots.

The Cube Is a Product of Mundfish’s ‘Craziness and Bravery’

A: In what context does the Cube function as a location and an enigma, and how was the idea of a floating, spinning shape conceived, and what are its thematic implications?

A: Our team is known for coming up with unconventional ideas, which we refer to as a blend of “craziness and courage.” These concepts can be difficult to understand at times. For instance, during an extremely lengthy and monotonous call about The Cube, I found myself doodling Tic-Tac-Toe grids in my notepad to keep my focus. It was quite a tedious conversation, and maintaining concentration was challenging.

All at once, a cube image popped into my mind. It was already fully formed and connected. After wrapping up our meeting, my co-founder, executive producer, and I felt compelled to step away, explaining to the rest that we had an immediate need to depart. Over the ensuing two hours, we engaged in a creative brainstorming session and developed the idea for The Cube. The entire concept seemed to coalesce effortlessly.

Question: What connections does this fresh tale have with the Atomic Universe, and are there any linking elements for players of Atomic Heart or its sequel, Atomic Heart 2, to look out for?

In the forthcoming DLC of the game “Atomic Heart,” the storyline concludes. Subsequently, a massive cube appears, sparking global intrigue among scientists, particularly those at the facility. This enigma becomes the focus of everyone’s efforts to unravel. Narratively, “The Cube” plays a significant role in the Atomic Universe and storytelling. While playing “Atomic Heart” is not necessary to grasp “The Cube,” it is set within the same universe. You can access the world of “Atomic Heart” from various perspectives. One such entry point is through “The Cube.

Absolutely, when characters enter the world via The Cube, they’re bound to have numerous queries. Questions like, “What on earth is happening here?” might cross their minds. They might even contemplate revisiting Atomic Heart for a better grasp of how everything began. It promises to be quite an intriguing spectacle.

Question: How challenging was it to establish a robust online environment given that the landscape and structure keep evolving dynamically?

This seems to be the first instance in our field where something similar is achievable. It represents a significant technological advancement as, previously, it was thought impossible to employ the engine for synchronous rotation of numerous objects while maintaining a stable online environment. A great deal of work has gone into it, and many initially thought it was impractical or unattainable. Yet, here we stand, proving them wrong. Here we are.

If you recall, when the game “Crysis” was launched, it significantly influenced our perspective on what can be achieved in gaming, particularly in graphics and technological aspects. Our aim is similar – pushing those technology limits to deliver a unique player experience. We draw inspiration from that era, but we also ponder, “Why should games always take place on flat terrains?” In an attempt to think beyond the ordinary, we’ve created this massive, rotating cube instead.

A: In what manner does the rotating world design influence gameplay on a moment-by-moment basis? Does the world undergo physical transitions, such as moving during combat or exploration?

The Cube has distinct stages, and as it spins, the unique landscapes and ecosystems within it begin blending and connecting, significantly impacting your gameplay strategy. This can lead to a variety of demands, such as encouraging more active play or necessitating stealthy moves, depending on the situation.

Adapting to this ongoing change in the surroundings may require you to rethink your strategies, perhaps viewing the game from multiple perspectives. Picture yourself on a beautiful Maldivian beach, surrounded by lavish bungalows and pristine sand. But suddenly, the scene transforms before your eyes, revealing a cityscape frozen in time with towering skyscrapers looming ahead. That’s what it feels like.

Question: What’s the mechanism for character development in The Cube? Does it follow conventional class structures, or is it more flexible and reliant on skills and abilities instead?

The game features a system for character growth linked to a skill tree. However, we’re not ready to discuss class specifics just now. But rest assured, it includes an RPG-style progression system.

A: What experiences do we aim for players to take with them after their time in The Cube? Is the purpose of this environment intended to offer a power-focused experience, test survival skills, or provoke deeper thoughts and reflections instead?

Initially, we view this as a chance to delve deeply into the universe crafted within The Cube. Our goal is to captivate players and immerse them in this world by encouraging exploration. As they journey through, they’ll come across various creatures and adversaries. By observing their habits and interactions, they might even learn to communicate with them.

In our design, we aimed to blend an exhilarating gameplay experience with a captivating narrative. There are always lingering questions and hidden mysteries that keep players intrigued. We envision the player as an insatiably curious explorer, constantly drawn back into this vast, fascinating universe that never stops unfolding.

A: Is there any additional information about Atomic Heart 2 or The Cube that we haven’t discussed so far today that you’d like to share?

As a gamer and part of this dedicated team, I can hardly contain my excitement about the upcoming announcements! We’ve poured our hearts and efforts into this project, so we can’t wait to unveil the trailers and gauge everyone’s reactions. Reading comments and seeing what sparks enthusiasm among players is a thrilling experience for us all. It’s more than just a professional milestone – it’s a deeply personal moment that we’re eagerly anticipating, as we can hardly wait to see where this journey takes us next!

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2025-06-07 13:05