Czech Games Deserve Recognition as Major Export,Warhorse Studios‘ Petr Kolář argues
BRNO,CZECH REPUBLIC – Despite achieving international acclaim,the Czech video game industry is frequently enough undervalued domestically,according to Petr Kolář,producer and head of the Brno branch of Warhorse studios. In a recent interview on the “Bosses Tamers” program,Kolář urged for greater state support and a shift in public perception,asserting that gaming is a significant Czech export and a vital part of the nation’s cultural landscape.
Kolář’s career began in game journalism before moving to bohemia Interactive, where he spent nearly a decade. He later co-founded Ashborne Games and ultimately joined Warhorse Studios, now leading the Brno team currently developing DLC for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. “It is easier that I no longer have to worry about the whole studio, but I can focus on the advancement itself,” Kolář stated.
He characterized Czech game development as distinct from Western studios, emphasizing a commitment to realistic simulation, systematic depth, and a “rawness” frequently enough absent in more polished international titles.This approach, sometimes labeled “Eurojunk” – referring to aspiring, system-rich games with occasional technical imperfections - is, according to Kolář, “actually positive because it shows that we have the courage to go deep.”
While welcoming the inclusion of games within the country’s audiovision law,Kolář cautioned that subsidies alone are insufficient. He stressed the need to dismantle outdated stereotypes, stating, “Games are no longer just the fun of nerds. What was once mockingly called the culture of rings is now a significant Czech export that deserves the support.” He further emphasized the importance of fostering a new generation of developers and recognizing games as a crucial component of Czech cultural heritage worthy of preservation and development.
The full interview with Petr Kolář is available here and as a podcast on platforms like Spotify here.