⭐ SKAZ: SHADOW OF THE TSAR — ROADMAP (ENGLISH VERSION)
Isometric action-RPG where memory is weapon, fate, and currency.
Every recovered memory reshapes the world, your abilities, and your identity.
Awaken without a name in the darkness of four intertwined realms — and survive.
As long as you’re remembered — you live.
This roadmap outlines the key milestones from foundation to the release of Chapter One.
🜁 PHASE 1 — FOUNDATION
Status: Completed (October 2025)
Core Tasks:
• Develop the main game design document
• Establish the visual and artistic direction
• Build the first gameplay prototype
• Launch and structure project social channels
• Set up internal documentation and the production pipeline
Goal: A stable beginning — the project exists, the team is aligned.
Result: Concept, narrative pillars, team structure, documentation, first assets.
🜂 PHASE 2 — CONSTRUCTION
Status: In Progress. Completion: December 2025
Core Tasks:
• Grow the community (VK, Telegram and others)
• Add rough voiceover for key scenes
• Implement skills, crafting, inventory, and core controls
• Build the base combat system and enemy AI
• Create the starting location and UI visual elements
• Begin promotion through VK / TG / DTF and first publications
Goal: Present a living build and gather the first wave of support and feedback.
Result:
• 10–15 minutes of live gameplay
• Combat, HUD, and camera implemented
• Working assets and animations
• Format: technical demo-build for internal showcases and early reveals
🜃 PHASE 3 — MEMORY MECHANICS
Q1 2026
Core Tasks:
• Implement “Memory as a Resource” — the key mechanic of SKAZ
• Add save and progression systems
• Expand narrative: new NPCs, scenes, and dialogue branches
• Optimize combat and UI
• Prepare the final internal testing build
Goal: A fully functional vertical slice featuring the signature Memory mechanic.
Result:
• Playable internal alpha build
• Completed Chapter One script
• Memory systems, dialogue choices, and world reactions fully implemented
🜄 PHASE 4 — PROMOTION
Q2 2026
Core Tasks:
• Expand story content and Chapter One gameplay
• Add voice acting, new art, and original soundtrack
• Prepare the second trailer / teaser
• Launch PR campaign: press, bloggers, gaming media
• Prepare applications for showcases (VK Play Showcase, Indie Cup)
• Submit to industry funds and grant programs
Goal: Attract industry attention and prepare the demo for public release.
Result:
• Trailer and teasers completed
• Early player test sessions held
• First media coverage and partner publications received
🜅 PHASE 5 — PUBLIC DEMO
Q3 2026
Core Tasks:
• Participate in VK Play, Indie Cup, DevGAMM, Steam Next Fest
• Gather feedback and refine UX/UI
• Pitch to publishers and investors
• Begin full production of Chapter One
• Set up analytics and telemetry systems
Goal: Present the game to a wide audience and collect high-quality feedback.
Result:
• Public 40–60 minute demo for festivals and Steam Next Fest
• Active PR campaign and early reviews
• Production pipeline prepared and analytics integrated
🜆 PHASE 6 — RELEASE: CHAPTER ONE
Q4 2026
Core Tasks:
• Complete the first story chapter (2–3 hours of content)
• Add a new location — Kitezh / Road of Oblivion
• Finalize voice acting, localization, and cutscenes
• Implement factions and reputation system
• Release the game on VK Play and Steam
Goal: Deliver the commercial build and open the SKAZ universe to players.
Result:
• Full Chapter One (3–4 hours of content)
• Release on Steam, VK Play, RuStore, Google Play
• Project ready to scale into Chapter Two
• Final build and documentation delivered to partners and publishers