Game of Drones: Kazakhstan Launches the World’s First Game for Controlling Real Vehicles

Kazakhstan's startup Game of Drones is introducing a groundbreaking esports online game that allows users to remotely control real drones over the internet from anywhere in the world. After a beta test involving 10,000 players from 23 countries, the project is now entering a new phase with its official launch on Android.


For the first time, players can experience a new format of online gaming, piloting real drones, tanks, robots, and radio-controlled vehicles via the internet. The game’s competitions take place on specially designed tracks, equipped with cameras that provide a first-person perspective, creating a fully immersive driving experience.

"The idea for Game of Drones was born in 2017 when I envisioned a game that would combine real-time vehicle control with the competitive spirit of esports. After an unsuccessful project related to internet filtering for minors, I was left with many single-board computers. I decided to use them to create a game where players could control drones over the internet. In 2018, our project was accepted into the incubation program at Astana Hub, marking the start of its rapid growth. A major breakthrough came in 2022 when we tested 5G technology, significantly reducing signal latency and making gameplay much more realistic. This is a project we have been working on for eight years, and now it’s ready to conquer the global gaming industry," said Abylaykhan Ilya, founder of Game of Drones.

"By the end of 2024, the gaming industry reaffirmed its position as one of the key drivers of the global economy, continuing its rapid expansion. The sector's total revenue reached $187.7 billion, with over 3.4 billion gamers worldwide. As the global market grows, it is crucial for Kazakhstan to develop its own game studios and support local startups to remain competitive. While leading gaming publishers are present at Astana Hub, their headquarters are located outside the country. This highlights the need for greater support of domestic teams that create innovative products with global potential," said Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub.

Beyond entertainment, Game of Drones is also being explored as a simulation tool for remotely controlling real military equipment. Military personnel from anywhere in the country can connect to drones via a phone or computer, train in piloting them, and conduct team-based battle simulations.

In 2023, the startup won the "Revolutionary Defense Solution" category at the Defense Tech Battle, a competition showcasing cutting-edge military technologies. Additionally, the project secured $100,000 in investment from Jas Ventures and received a $750,000 grant from the Science Fund.

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