The Sinking City and the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes creator Frogwares from Ukraine has given its fans a glimpse into what it was like to live through the Russian invasion. The Kyiv-based company claims the recent months have been very taxing for the staff because of blackouts, subfreezing conditions, and frequent explosions. At times, the attacks seem as though they will “never cease.”
Along with these remarks, the Frogwares Twitter account posts pictures of everyday life in Ukraine to highlight how the team manages when forced into hiding during attacks, sometimes without a way to check on their family and friends. They brand the Russian authorities as “useless cowards” for intensifying their attacks on regular citizens like themselves and turning to starvation and freezing whenever they triumph against Russia.
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“The last couple of months have been quite difficult on our team here in Ukraine,” the Twitter thread opens, sharing an image of a destroyed apartment building, with rubble all over the streets. “After a summer of relative ‘calm’…the wave of missile and suicide drone strikes that started in October have taken quite a toll on us mentally.”
After a summer of relative “calm” and the ability to create some sort of routine, the wave of missile and suicide drone strikes that started in October have taken quite a toll on us mentally. pic.twitter.com/qbvQp3vnQ8
— Frogwares (@Frogwares) December 22, 2022
The crew has been spending more time camped out to avoid the destruction in the streets as civilian attacks have risen in recent weeks. “You gather your loved ones and pets and retreat to basements, shelters, or restrooms to congregate. All you can do is sit there, wondering whether this is your turn, while you are surrounded by a sea of air raid sirens, anti-aircraft fire, and missile bursts.”
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The developers are unable to resume work even when the attacks are over. You go about checking the news, your messaging apps, and the team’s Discord channels to see where was hit and if anyone you might know might have been a victim that day.
When it happens, you gather your family and pets and go huddle in basements, shelters or bathrooms. Surrounded by a sea of air raid sirens, anti-aircraft fire, and missile blasts, all you can do is sit there, wondering if this is your time. pic.twitter.com/UuhIgYIuh4
— Frogwares (@Frogwares) December 22, 2022
Additionally, they have faced internet and power disruptions as well as a reduction in water supply. They are however resolved to be upbeat, celebrating Ukrainian triumphs and carrying on with the production of Sherlock Holmes The Awakened.
The release of Sherlock Holmes The Awakened is still scheduled for some time in February 2023, notwithstanding the ongoing controversy. After the Russian invasion, the game’s funding endeavours switched to Kickstarter, where they were incredibly successful and brought in an additional €250,000.
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Outside your window are smoke plumes, ambulance lights and car alarms blaring and all you can really do is try to get back to your day. pic.twitter.com/ecYRjPI4wu
— Frogwares (@Frogwares) December 22, 2022
However, these fundraising initiatives have occasionally caused rifts. Three winners of a September contest hosted by Frogwares on its Twitter page were given the opportunity to personalise a 152mm howitzer shell with their own inscriptions. Others thought the sweepstake morbid and criticised the studio for utilising the disagreement in a marketing effort, while some leaped at the chance.
In any event, there hasn’t been any word yet about a postponement for the game. Though it’s possible that we won’t know a precise release date until we get closer to the February launch window given all the disruptions to daily life.
