The Good Soldier Švejk is now a naval commander in World of Warships

Jaroslav Hašek's iconic literary character has received quite the promotion thanks to game studio Wargaming, which operates one of its largest offices worldwide in Prague. In the latest update for their popular game World of Warships, the Good Soldier Švejk has been elevated to the role of naval commander aboard a WWI Austro-Hungarian destroyer.

World of Warships is a popular multiplayer online game that immerses players in epic naval battles set against the backdrop of historic ships from the first half of the 20th century. Whether commanding a lone battleship or coordinating with teammates in cooperative battles, players engage in thrilling naval warfare based on real-life battles and warships.

This integration of Švejk into the game marks a significant milestone for Wargaming, as it represents the first instance of a Czech character being featured in the studio's popular game.

The decision to introduce Švejk was prompted by the enthusiastic engagement of Czech players within the gaming community, with developers recognizing the character's enduring popularity and cultural resonance.

"The Czech community is one of the more active in this game about naval battles, so we have been toying with the idea of ​​introducing a Czech captain for a long time," Wargaming's Marek Tučan explains in a press release. "The name that came up as one of the first was, of course, Švejk, a well-known soldier and literary figure who became popular a long time ago and is known by everyone today."

To seamlessly incorporate Švejk into the game's narrative, developers drew inspiration from Hašek's second novel that recounted the character's journey on foot from Tábor to České Budějovice to join his regimen.

From there, the game's writers created an alternate storyline where Švejk finds himself at the main base of the Austro-Hungarian Navy in Pula. This imaginative twist sees the character transition from a bumbling soldier to an accomplished sailor, ready to lead troops into battle through the tumultuous waters of naval warfare.

Under Švejk's command, players can expect an infusion of humor and wit. In the Czech version of the game, actor Michal Holán lends his voice to bring the character to life with over 200 witty remarks and quips. From navigating treacherous seas to engaging enemy vessels, Švejk's presence adds a unique charm to the gameplay experience.

“It was this area in particular that allowed us to be really creative," says Tučan, referring to the character's previous unfamiliarity with the seas. "At the same time, however, we tried to stick to Švejk's character. When creating the battles, we constantly asked ourselves how Švejk might react if he were in this situation."

The introduction of Švejk to World of Warships reflects the game's commitment to innovation and player engagement, but also serves as a special nod to its producer's Prague office. As players now embark on thrilling naval battles under Švejk's command, they are not only immersed in an exhilarating gaming experience but also treated to a celebration of Czech culture and heritage.