Tomislav Uzelac, the founder of 2×2 Games in Croatia, is known as the creator of the MP3 compression format that revolutionized digital music. Before entering the gaming industry, Uzelac gained fame for developing an MP3 decoder called “amp” in 1996 and 1997, based on the ISO standard specification. Despite not having access to the Fraunhofer source code that was emerging at the same time, Uzelac’s software became the basis for the popular Winamp music player released in 1997. Uzelac eventually received a settlement for his work on the MP3 format and used the funds to start making digital war games.
**Transition to Strategy War Games**
After his success with MP3, Uzelac shifted his focus to creating strategy war games. In 2011, he developed Unity of Command, followed by Unity of Command II in 2019. His team of four has since been producing downloadable content for the game. Unity of Command II currently has over 250 scenarios covering battles from World War II, with only the Soviet drive on Berlin remaining to be captured. Uzelac’s passion for historical war games resonates with players like myself, who have enjoyed playing classics like Panzer General, Allied General, Combat Mission, Close Combat, Company of Heroes, and Steel Division 2.
**Interview and Insights**
During an interview, Uzelac shared insights into his journey and game development process. He highlighted the challenges of being a small team of professionals based in Zagreb, Croatia, and how they rely on their niche audience to sustain their business. Uzelac also delved into the mechanics and features of Unity of Command II, including its divisional-level gameplay and attention to historical accuracy. He explained how the game offers a variety of experiences depending on the terrain and battle conditions, making it both challenging and enjoyable for players.
**Competition and Future Projects**
When asked about competition in the strategy war game genre, Uzelac mentioned that Unity of Command II occupies a unique niche. While there are other titles like Panzer Corps and Steel Division 2, Uzelac emphasized the differences in complexity and mechanics between these games. He also hinted at a new project in the works, mentioning the development of a better AI system that can play as the player to root out dominant strategies and provide a more challenging experience.
**The Legacy of Historical War Games**
Uzelac reflected on the enduring popularity of historical war games and their dedicated fan base. Although the genre may not be as mainstream as other types of games, there is a lively selection available on platforms like Steam, catering to players who appreciate the intellectual and strategic aspects of these games. Uzelac acknowledged that while technology has made war game experiences more immersive and visually appealing, the core gameplay mechanics and historical re-creation remain crucial for the genre’s success.
**Conclusion**
Tomislav Uzelac’s journey from inventing the MP3 format to developing strategy war games showcases his passion for innovation and historical accuracy. With Unity of Command II, Uzelac and his team have created a compelling and challenging gaming experience that appeals to fans of the genre. The game’s success, along with Uzelac’s insights into game development and the market for historical war games, demonstrate the enduring appeal of this niche genre and its dedicated fan base. As Uzelac continues to work on new projects, it will be exciting to see how he pushes the boundaries of strategy war games while staying true to their historical roots.
