The king is not worth it: False Dmitry III will become the hero of a new game from the authors of "Troubles"

The Russian game "Zemsky Sobor" from the developers of "Distemper", the hit of 2024, will receive a demo version on September 20, Izvestia found out. Some historical figures will be available in it, but gamers will only meet a particularly important character in the full version of the game. He became the False Dmitry III, known in Russian historiography as the "Pskov thief". The editors carefully studied all the news about the scandalous impostor and even gave the developers recommendations for improving the project, which were accepted.

What is the Zemsky Sobor game about?

The novelty is presented in the genre of action-Adventure about the events that unfolded after the Time of Troubles. The game immerses you in the behind-the-scenes intrigues of the Zemsky Sobor of 1613. Everyone who purchased "Distemper" before the release of "Zemsky Sobor" will receive a new game for free, and pre-order owners of "Distemper" will additionally receive a unique in-game item as a special thank you. Recently it became known that the project is suitable for users over the age of 12.

— Let's talk a little about the new characters that will appear in the game. In the previous project, we did not introduce any of the False Dmitrii, which did not go unnoticed by the players. We took this remark into account and decided to add False Dmitry the Third. Also, the buffoon Nightingale deserves special attention — the indefatigable companion of the main character throughout the adventure. Kirsha saves him from an imminent beating. Solovey is a bright personality: mischievous, but at the same time surprisingly observant, which will repeatedly help in solving intricate puzzles," said Sergey Russian, creative director of Cyberia Nova Studio.

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According to him, the developers purposefully used the technique of an "unreliable narrator" to bring the author's idea to the Zemsky Sobor. So, the players go through the storyline on behalf of the main character, Kirsha the Cossack, who tells his comrades stories about the events in which he participated, and can add his own vision.

— It is important for us to maintain a balance between historical truth and entertainment. In the new game, we primarily strive to tell an interesting story with detective overtones and give an idea of that time and era," added Sergey Russian.

There are many interesting historical chronicles associated with the character. For example, in 1611, the position of False Dmitry III gradually strengthened, he was recognized by many northwestern cities, and Pskov turned out to be an impregnable fortress for the Swedes. It is known that all attempts to storm it in September-October 1611 were repulsed. This prompted General Evert Horn to lure False Dmitry to the Swedish side, offering him to become governor of Pskov, but to abandon his claims to the Russian throne in favor of the Swedish Prince Carl Philip. Playing the "legitimate tsar", False Dmitry III rejected this offer and accepted the fight. Under his leadership, the Cossacks made a successful sortie and broke through the Swedish encirclement, trying to retreat to Ivangorod. The Swedes organized a chase and caught up with the "thief". The impostor was wounded in battle, but still managed to break through to Ivangorod with losses and drive off the Swedes. Which of these biographical facts will be in play is still a mystery.

How the game was influenced by Izvestia

At the end of August, Cyberia Nova Studio conducted a closed beta testing of the Zemsky Sobor for experts, bloggers and journalists. More than 100 people took part in it, the project team talked about the key mechanics and elements of the game, and the participants shared feedback with the developers, which was used to improve the demo. Izvestia was among the participants.

Now, thanks to expert comments, the team has improved the demo version, which will be available from September 20 to everyone. Players will have the opportunity to evaluate key game elements: an updated movement system for the main character, a Cossack named Kirsha; interaction with computer characters; new interactive event mechanics (the so-called QTE); a targeted shooting system and knife throwing mechanics. And most importantly, an updated combat system with the ability to parry, dodge and retaliate against multiple opponents. The demo also features a redesigned stealth mechanic: stealthy movement, distracting enemies, and spotting targets.

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— Strictly speaking, we improved the training system, carried out general improvements to the game elements, and improved animations — we accelerated or slowed them down where necessary. The balance of the combat system has also been adjusted based on player feedback, and the combat experience has become brighter. In addition, visual bugs have been fixed and the soundtrack has been improved. In general, all these changes are an important polishing (final "polishing". — Ed.), which makes the game more enjoyable and comfortable, — Sergey Russian summed up.

The authors tried to show detailed locations of 17th century Moscow with atmospheric scenes. They relied on an exciting plot, historical authenticity and exciting adventures. In 2025, the Cyberia Nova studio turned 10 years old, it was founded in Novosibirsk in 2015. The team currently employs over 60 specialists. The authors believe that they have no right to disappoint the audience, and promise that the "Zemsky Sobor" will be better than the debut "Troubles" in all possible respects.