New Czech video game transports players to 1989 Velvet Revolution

In a unique blend of history and gaming, Prague-based studio Charles Games has launched a new video game that takes players through the pivotal events of the 1989 Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia.

Available for free on PC and mobile platforms, Velvet 89 commemorates the 35th anniversary of the revolution and aims to provide an interactive way to learn about one of the most significant moments in Czech history.

The Velvet Revolution marked the end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia, but the new game goes beyond the famous demonstrations in Prague. Rather than focusing solely on the well-known events in Prague, Velvet 89 explores the experiences of ordinary citizens—students, workers, doctors, and others—in various regions across the country.

A collaboration for authenticity

The development of Velvet 89 was not just a creative project but a collaborative effort with historians and experts from the project Příběhy bezpráví (Stories of Injustice), an educational initiative focusing on Czech history.

The game incorporates real testimonies and historical research to ensure an authentic portrayal of the time. While the characters in the game are fictional, they are inspired by actual accounts from people who lived through the revolution.

"We wanted to show both the enthusiastic reformers and those who were more cautious or even opposed to the changes," Ondřej Trhoň from Charles Games recently told CzechCrunch.

The result is a complex representation of the revolution that goes beyond traditional black-and-white narratives. The game's attention to detail extends to the banners seen in protests, the age of the characters, and the color palettes used, all designed to reflect the period accurately.

Exploring regional stories

One of the game’s unique features is its focus on regions outside Prague. The story begins in Teplice, a city in northern Bohemia, where protests initially centered around environmental issues before shifting to political demands. The game then moves to other cities, including České Budějovice, before culminating in Ostrava, a city known for its coal mining and heavy industry.

In Ostrava, the game sheds light on the role of miners and workers in the general strike, a critical component of the revolution. The developers found these regional stories particularly compelling, as they illustrate how different parts of the country experienced the revolution in diverse ways.

Educational potential

Like other titles developed by Charles Games, Velvet 89 is designed not only for entertainment but also for educational purposes. The game has already been tested in schools as a resource for teachers looking to engage students with Czech history in an interactive way.

Charles Games has built a reputation for combining serious topics with engaging gameplay. Previous projects include Svoboda 1945: Liberation, which explored the post-war history of Czechoslovakia, and Playing Kafka, which offered an interactive experience of the life and works of Franz Kafka.

Velvet 89 can now be downloaded for Steam, Android, and iOS platforms, and is available in both Czech and English-language versions.