The dev behind my top upcoming RPG is a Hungarian chef who thought 'if not now, then when?' and learned coding from scratch to make his dream 'eurojank' masterpiece
PC Gamer
by Ted Litchfield February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Csaba "ForestWare" Székely, a Hungarian chef turned game developer, has created *Sword Hero*, an ambitious RPG that blends complex systems, open-world exploration, and chaotic eurojank charm. ForestWare, who moonlighted as a chef before the COVID-19 lockdowns, decided to pursue his lifelong passion for gaming by teaching himself coding from scratch. Inspired by classic European RPGs like *Gothic* and *The Witcher 1*, he aimed to create a game that captured the messy yet endearing spirit of early 2000s PC gaming. Despite being a solo developer with limited resources, ForestWare managed to craft a demo that showcased hyper-detailed combat mechanics, intricate physics interactions, and unique character-building systems.
What sets *Sword Hero* apart is its procedural storytelling and ambitious features. Players can experience emergent narratives, such as losing limbs in combat and replacing them with prosthetics or mechanical enhancements. The game also includes a faction system where enemies might seek revenge for minor actions, adding depth to the world's reactive AI. ForestWare’s approach to development highlights the trade-offs of solo creation—he emphasizes efficiency over speed, noting that smaller teams can avoid creative conflicts and logistical delays. While he plans to bring on additional help through a successful Kickstarter campaign, his journey underscores the unique challenges and rewards of independent game development.
For gamers interested in niche RPGs, *Sword Hero* offers a fresh take on the genre, blending retro influences with modern design sensibilities. ForestWare’s story is also inspiring for aspiring developers—proving that determination and passion can turn even an unconventional path into a successful project. With its quirky charm and ambitious vision, *Sword Hero* stands out as a testament to the creativity of indie game development.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/14/2026