"Last Wish": interviews with screenwriters
The second episode will be released in a couple of months. On the eve of the New Year, we decided to talk with the writers of “Last Wish” to find out from them insider information about the second episode. Interview questions were collected from subscribers of our official VK group. Here's what came out of it.
Who's writing the script?
Stas: The screenwriters on the project are Dasha Krysova and Stas Bulgakov. Dasha writes the main part, and I help her with the structure with some plot twists and so on.
Moreover, specially trained people help us. For example, we worked on the script together with Sergey Chekmaev, a professional writer and screenwriter.
Stas: The screenwriters on the project are Dasha Krysova and Stas Bulgakov. Dasha writes the main part, and I help her with the structure with some plot twists and so on.
Moreover, specially trained people help us. For example, we worked on the script together with Sergey Chekmaev, a professional writer and screenwriter.
How did you get to know Dasha and the other team members?
Dasha: We all met at our company YePlay, which deals with computer games.
Dasha: We all met at our company YePlay, which deals with computer games.
Who came up with the idea to make such a game?
Stas: The idea that formed the basis of the plot belongs to the director of our company Mikhail Agafonov. But we have already developed it together: we brainstormed collectively to determine what kind of story we will succeed in.
Stas: The idea that formed the basis of the plot belongs to the director of our company Mikhail Agafonov. But we have already developed it together: we brainstormed collectively to determine what kind of story we will succeed in.
How much does what happened differ from what was planned at the start, almost a year ago, in February 2023?
Stas: It's different and quite strong. The writer Sergey Chekmaev, whom I mentioned earlier, helped us refine the plot, find some plot “failures" and suggested how these failures could be closed. New branches began to appear, which naturally led to changes from the very beginning.
Stas: It's different and quite strong. The writer Sergey Chekmaev, whom I mentioned earlier, helped us refine the plot, find some plot “failures" and suggested how these failures could be closed. New branches began to appear, which naturally led to changes from the very beginning.
What about the characters? Were there any characters that were originally intended, but you eventually removed them?
Stas: After the release of the first episode, we made a sharp turn from realism towards a mystical story. Chekmaev helped a lot with this, because magical realism is his profile.
Dasha: New characters have appeared in the process of working on the script. We did not abandon the originally invented characters, they just changed very much, and began to play other roles. And new characters have appeared. By nature and content, the main characters survived almost unchanged until the second episode.
By the way, initially Maya was not in the sequel. Maya would no longer appear after death.
Stas: After the release of the first episode, we made a sharp turn from realism towards a mystical story. Chekmaev helped a lot with this, because magical realism is his profile.
Dasha: New characters have appeared in the process of working on the script. We did not abandon the originally invented characters, they just changed very much, and began to play other roles. And new characters have appeared. By nature and content, the main characters survived almost unchanged until the second episode.
By the way, initially Maya was not in the sequel. Maya would no longer appear after death.
Did Sergey Chekmaev offer you to return Maya?
Dasha: No, it's our idea. Chekmarev did not plan to return it.
Stas: But for the development of the plot, for greater involvement of the players, we could show other things that we wanted to show initially, but did not know how to do it. In this regard, Maya was very useful.
Dasha: No, it's our idea. Chekmarev did not plan to return it.
Stas: But for the development of the plot, for greater involvement of the players, we could show other things that we wanted to show initially, but did not know how to do it. In this regard, Maya was very useful.
Did the requests of subscribers influence your decision?
Stas: Yes, definitely!
Stas: Yes, definitely!
How long did it take or is it taking to approve the script?
Stas: It's hard to say, because we analyze each scene: we sit down and work on each scene separately. Depending on the scene, this process can last from five minutes (when everything is clear and there are only small changes), to two days when we need to show some key things. Then we rewrite the scene over and over again to achieve some necessary effect. There can't be a scene that just exists in a vacuum to prolong time. Each scene should move the plot and it has its own tasks. There are questions that she answers. And there are questions she should be asking. Thus, the whole plot is connected to each other with prices. But at the same time, they lead us to some kind of result.
Stas: It's hard to say, because we analyze each scene: we sit down and work on each scene separately. Depending on the scene, this process can last from five minutes (when everything is clear and there are only small changes), to two days when we need to show some key things. Then we rewrite the scene over and over again to achieve some necessary effect. There can't be a scene that just exists in a vacuum to prolong time. Each scene should move the plot and it has its own tasks. There are questions that she answers. And there are questions she should be asking. Thus, the whole plot is connected to each other with prices. But at the same time, they lead us to some kind of result.
How big do you think is the role of the emotional component of the character's image? And what influences it?
Stas: Before we start writing the script, we first think through the entire structure from beginning to end. In each scene, we describe what questions it asks and what questions it answers. We also prescribe an emotional component, because we need to understand how the heroine will move along this plot. These are real people, they can't go into one scene and enter the next with a different emotional background. Everything should be consistent: the scene “catches” the emotional state of the previous one, and a transition occurs. Therefore, of course, in each scene we come up with the emotional state of our characters from the beginning to the end.
Dasha: We connect players and characters with each other. We try to make the player empathize with the main character, identify with her. And so when we describe some emotions for a character, we think about what emotions the player should experience.
Stas: Before we start writing the script, we first think through the entire structure from beginning to end. In each scene, we describe what questions it asks and what questions it answers. We also prescribe an emotional component, because we need to understand how the heroine will move along this plot. These are real people, they can't go into one scene and enter the next with a different emotional background. Everything should be consistent: the scene “catches” the emotional state of the previous one, and a transition occurs. Therefore, of course, in each scene we come up with the emotional state of our characters from the beginning to the end.
Dasha: We connect players and characters with each other. We try to make the player empathize with the main character, identify with her. And so when we describe some emotions for a character, we think about what emotions the player should experience.
Does it happen that the emotion should be one, but the reaction turned out to be completely different? Or are all expectations the same?
Stas: In general, they coincide, but we are surprised by the conclusions that the players make. For example, one of the streamers at the end of his stream began to talk about the relationship between parents and children, parenting, and so on. Although we did not disclose this topic very much and did not lay down the key messages in this direction. But this case showed that since this topic aroused such emotions, it means that we managed to create “living” characters with some kind of story behind them, and people read this story. And it's cool!
Stas: In general, they coincide, but we are surprised by the conclusions that the players make. For example, one of the streamers at the end of his stream began to talk about the relationship between parents and children, parenting, and so on. Although we did not disclose this topic very much and did not lay down the key messages in this direction. But this case showed that since this topic aroused such emotions, it means that we managed to create “living” characters with some kind of story behind them, and people read this story. And it's cool!
Which character do you associate yourself with? Who is closer to you in spirit?
Stas: (laughs) There aren't many male characters out there yet.
Dasha: Well, to be honest, I don't know. Rather, I was trying to embody some kind of collective image. For example, I observed some kind of reaction or behavior of a real person in specific situations and remembered it. That is, our characters are collective images of different people with whom I somehow crossed paths.
Stas: We don't associate ourselves with characters, but rather our friends and acquaintances, just people we've met. Some look like our parents, some, for example, like school acquaintances.
Stas: (laughs) There aren't many male characters out there yet.
Dasha: Well, to be honest, I don't know. Rather, I was trying to embody some kind of collective image. For example, I observed some kind of reaction or behavior of a real person in specific situations and remembered it. That is, our characters are collective images of different people with whom I somehow crossed paths.
Stas: We don't associate ourselves with characters, but rather our friends and acquaintances, just people we've met. Some look like our parents, some, for example, like school acquaintances.
Let's talk about the second episode. Is it possible for 18+ content to appear? The topics that you bring up in the game are quite sharp, on the verge of a foul. How will this topic develop further?
Stas: We were “slapped on the hands” at the very beginning, so we don't put 18+ content there. And, in fact, we didn't plan it at first. Especially now, when it is not known how this will turn out in terms of, not even sales, but the relationship of some supervisory authorities. We are a little afraid to put topics there and visualize these topics. We pawn them, because the characters do not live in a vacuum, but in a world similar to reality. And everything that is not the most pleasant in this world is somehow present in the game. But we can't visualize absolutely everything, and even more so we can't focus on it. We are a little afraid of what this might mean for the project. Therefore, most likely, there will be no openly provocative 18+ content. The supervisory authorities are now taking ideology and cultural codes very seriously.
Stas: We were “slapped on the hands” at the very beginning, so we don't put 18+ content there. And, in fact, we didn't plan it at first. Especially now, when it is not known how this will turn out in terms of, not even sales, but the relationship of some supervisory authorities. We are a little afraid to put topics there and visualize these topics. We pawn them, because the characters do not live in a vacuum, but in a world similar to reality. And everything that is not the most pleasant in this world is somehow present in the game. But we can't visualize absolutely everything, and even more so we can't focus on it. We are a little afraid of what this might mean for the project. Therefore, most likely, there will be no openly provocative 18+ content. The supervisory authorities are now taking ideology and cultural codes very seriously.
Are there any other additions to the game planned, such as an artbook or other DLC?
Stas: Of course, I would like to, but we don't know exactly when yet. Right now we are focused on the main plot. And when we finish the second episode, we'll have some time to think about additional content.
Stas: Of course, I would like to, but we don't know exactly when yet. Right now we are focused on the main plot. And when we finish the second episode, we'll have some time to think about additional content.
Dasha: There is an idea to make a DLC where Kris can be changed. Maybe we'll add dots by analogy with existing games. For example, a closet or wardrobe where you can change clothes.
Many players are concerned about the question of variability. Players want to see the results of their decisions and actions. Will the decisions from the first episode affect the development of the plot and the relationships of the characters in the second and subsequent episodes?
Dasha: Oh, we've been working on that now. They do, but I'm afraid not everyone will like it – how their decisions affect events now.
Dasha: Oh, we've been working on that now. They do, but I'm afraid not everyone will like it – how their decisions affect events now.
It seems intriguing!
Dasha: Well, yes. It will be possible to immediately run into such a tin as a result of a not entirely obvious choice. But the variability has become much greater.
Dasha: Well, yes. It will be possible to immediately run into such a tin as a result of a not entirely obvious choice. But the variability has become much greater.
So there will be a non-linear plot in the second episode?
Stas: Yes. But you also need to remember that the game is in early access. Even the first part is not fully ready yet – this game is still being finalized and will be finalized. The first episode will also change.
Why is this early access? We realized that we would have to make many more changes to the prologue. We will definitely work on the variation in the first episode. I can't say exactly when it will be, because we are still working on the second episode, and then on the third. Now, when working on the second episode, we already understand what needs to be changed in the first one. To add some possibilities, a variation that will affect the second episode, and in general the finale of the entire game.
Stas: Yes. But you also need to remember that the game is in early access. Even the first part is not fully ready yet – this game is still being finalized and will be finalized. The first episode will also change.
Why is this early access? We realized that we would have to make many more changes to the prologue. We will definitely work on the variation in the first episode. I can't say exactly when it will be, because we are still working on the second episode, and then on the third. Now, when working on the second episode, we already understand what needs to be changed in the first one. To add some possibilities, a variation that will affect the second episode, and in general the finale of the entire game.
Dasha: Therefore, the first episode will definitely change, variability will be added. Plus, we have a lot of new mechanics. And even the mechanics that were in the first episode already work differently: interacting with objects has become more like point'n'click - now you have to try to find some object on the screen. And many other cool things that we hope will make the game more interesting. In addition to calling out dialogues, there will be something to do. This is only in the second episode so far. We will also add to the first episode, but not immediately.
Are there any other updates planned before the release?
Stas: I think not. So far, all work is aimed at the release of the second episode.
Stas: I think not. So far, all work is aimed at the release of the second episode.
Many people really liked Maya, they would like to get to know her better. Will she still appear in episodes?
Stas: Let's just say there will be a lot of Maya! Maya will appear and quite quickly. People will see her again and be able to interact with her.
Stas: Let's just say there will be a lot of Maya! Maya will appear and quite quickly. People will see her again and be able to interact with her.
Do you read reviews, comments, and how do you react to them? Are you offended when the reviews are not very good?
Stas: We are not a gold piece to please everyone. Therefore, we are well aware that people have different tastes, and everyone has different attitudes to what we do. We read reviews and take criticism very calmly. We accept criticism and try to fix some things in the plot, in the script, when we understand that the players are right. When players see some problem areas, we are happy to take it to work and make changes. As, for example, happened in the case of Maya.
Dasha: Moreover, we take some of the reviews as references to the in-game social network. But we won't spoil it too much.
Stas: We are not a gold piece to please everyone. Therefore, we are well aware that people have different tastes, and everyone has different attitudes to what we do. We read reviews and take criticism very calmly. We accept criticism and try to fix some things in the plot, in the script, when we understand that the players are right. When players see some problem areas, we are happy to take it to work and make changes. As, for example, happened in the case of Maya.
Dasha: Moreover, we take some of the reviews as references to the in-game social network. But we won't spoil it too much.
It turns out that the creativity of the players can get into the game?
Stas: Yes! It's already been hit. We did not take into account the comment “word for word”, but a specific turnover, which was taken from the Steam review. It was a succinct and cool definition. That's why they took him into the script. But, of course, we can't take absolutely everything. There is such a feature among the players: people want to do better and sometimes offer cool things, but you need to understand that they will not implement it later. They don't always remember this. They say: "Oh, I would like this and this!" But there are reasons why we can't take all the ideas. These may be production restrictions, plot restrictions.
Stas: Yes! It's already been hit. We did not take into account the comment “word for word”, but a specific turnover, which was taken from the Steam review. It was a succinct and cool definition. That's why they took him into the script. But, of course, we can't take absolutely everything. There is such a feature among the players: people want to do better and sometimes offer cool things, but you need to understand that they will not implement it later. They don't always remember this. They say: "Oh, I would like this and this!" But there are reasons why we can't take all the ideas. These may be production restrictions, plot restrictions.
Is there any intriguing spoiler to share?
Dasha: Are there any that we haven't shared yet?
Stas: We don't want to reveal everything before the release, but we'll tell you something. In the second episode, we will have a backstory. The situation Kris is living in now is, one might say, a consequence of that story. It dates back long before the events of the first episode, before Kris even appeared in this world, and Maya too. And we will begin to reveal it in the second episode, and it will be fully revealed in the fourth. Players will find out how it all started, from which chain of events this situation developed and why everything is exactly the way it is now. Another story is unfolding, which was not touched upon at all in the first episode.
There will also be characters that we mentioned in the first episode and who appeared sporadically. In the second episode, some of them will reveal a little more.
Dasha: Are there any that we haven't shared yet?
Stas: We don't want to reveal everything before the release, but we'll tell you something. In the second episode, we will have a backstory. The situation Kris is living in now is, one might say, a consequence of that story. It dates back long before the events of the first episode, before Kris even appeared in this world, and Maya too. And we will begin to reveal it in the second episode, and it will be fully revealed in the fourth. Players will find out how it all started, from which chain of events this situation developed and why everything is exactly the way it is now. Another story is unfolding, which was not touched upon at all in the first episode.
There will also be characters that we mentioned in the first episode and who appeared sporadically. In the second episode, some of them will reveal a little more.
Will the gameplay time increase?
Stas: It will increase at least twice as compared to the first episode. Or maybe a little more: about twenty hours. But if you overplay it, try to get different results, then it will be a little longer. Because with the new mechanics, players will have to think before making a choice, and not just click through. Exactly up to one and a half hours.
Stas: It will increase at least twice as compared to the first episode. Or maybe a little more: about twenty hours. But if you overplay it, try to get different results, then it will be a little longer. Because with the new mechanics, players will have to think before making a choice, and not just click through. Exactly up to one and a half hours.
Is there already a specific release date?
Stas: There is no exact date, we are focusing on the end of February - beginning of March.
Do we need to stock up on handkerchiefs for tears?
Dasha: Definitely! At least, we hope so.
Thanks for the answers and good luck working on the release!
Stas: There is no exact date, we are focusing on the end of February - beginning of March.
Do we need to stock up on handkerchiefs for tears?
Dasha: Definitely! At least, we hope so.
Thanks for the answers and good luck working on the release!
