Dev Blog 6: Cinema Playtest

On May 14th, we showcased and playtested Dark Queen of Samobor in Karlovac, Croatia, as part of "Kino, igra, film" (“Cinema, Game, Film”), a national educational initiative organized by the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC). The event was hosted at the beautiful Kino Edison in Karlovac, Croatia.

The goal? To promote locally made games and films while helping younger generations build media literacy through critical thinking and hands-on experience.

"Dark Queen of Samobor" at cinema Edison, Karlovac, Croatia We presented Dark Queen of Samobor to two groups of high school students from Karlovac and the response was Incredibly heartwarming. They enjoyed playing the game and they were intrigued by the fact that it draws from Croatian culture, literature, and mythology. Several students told us they were already fans, excited to see August Šenoa and Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić’s stories come to life in this unique, interactive format.

It was amazing to see teens connecting with the game, not just for the gameplay but also for the themes, mood, and cultural roots behind it. This is exactly what we hope to achieve with Dark Queen of Samobor, provide a fun and cinematic gameplay experience and spread the word of our own culture and mythology.

Playtessting "Dark Queen of Samobor" with a group of high school students

Games Meet Film

Alongside our game, students watched and discussed the sci-fi short Slice of Life, a Croatian homage to classics like Blade Runner and Terminator. The screening was led by film educator Silvestar Mileta, who sparked a deep discussion on genre and storytelling. Together, the film and game offered a complete educational experience, showing how powerful and interconnected storytelling across mediums can be.

Watching "Slice of Life" on a big screen 1

Watching "Slice of Life" on a big screen 2

Why It Mattered

This was no ordinary playtest. It was part of a national effort to support Croatian creatives and get young people thinking critically about the content they consume. And maybe even make some of their own one day.

We're incredibly proud that Dark Queen of Samobor is part of this initiative, and we want to thank everyone involved: Kino Edison, HAVC, the schools, and of course every student who sat down to play. You’re our future audience, and your feedback is gold.

Part of Downtown Game Studio team at the playtest - our Sound Designer Matija and Art Director Mato

Group of high school students playing "Dark Queen of Samobor"

Back to the Shadows

After an inspiring day at the cinema, we’re back into full development mode. Seeing Dark Queen of Samobor in the hands of new players was a powerful reminder of why we’re making this game. But now it’s time to return to the darkness, polish our blades, and sharpen the game further.

We’re already working on something special that we’ll reveal in early June.

Until then, thank you for your support. And keep your lanterns lit. - The Dark Queen Team