The event was organized by Astana Hub in collaboration with UNICEF and KBTU GameLab as part of the "Level Up" educational program, which aims to promote the GameDev industry among IT communities in the regions.

"By equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge, we are not only expanding their career prospects but also contributing to the growth of Kazakhstan’s regional STEM community and the broader tech industry. The games they create have the potential to educate and inspire people not just in Kazakhstan, but globally," said Laetitia Bazzi-Veil, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Kazakhstan.

"This June, GameDev centers were opened in three regions of the country, and the Level Up educational programs were launched in 11 regions. Given the success of this initiative, we decided to provide additional training for regional managers on the basics of GameDev in partnership with UNICEF. Participants learned how to plan, organize, and coordinate game development from concept to final product, gaining valuable experience working in multidisciplinary teams, which is essential for the program's success," said Daniya Akhmetova, Managing Director of Astana Hub.

The development of startup culture in Kazakhstan’s regions is a key focus for Astana Hub. Over the past 18 months, with support from the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry (MDDIAI) of Kazakhstan, local governments, and private partners, 15 regional IT hubs have been established. By the end of the year, three more hubs are set to open in Atyrau, Petropavlovsk, and Zhanaozen, further expanding resources and support for startups and IT initiatives and fostering the growth of an innovative ecosystem across the country.