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GameDev in Kyzylorda: the first steps towards a big industry

For some, game development is just programming, while for others it is the intersection of art and technology. After all, behind the finished game, which gets to the user, there is the work of dozens of specialists, a fascinating plot and vivid graphics. We can say that GameDev is a platform for those who know how to combine creativity and technical knowledge.

And what do we know about the Kazakh gaming industry? Yes, this area is just beginning to gain momentum in the country. However, there are young enthusiasts in Kyzylorda who are already creating their own games. Among them are Nurdaulet Dusenov and Bek Kazi. We managed to communicate with the developers and ask them a few questions. But first, let's get to know their projects.

With educational technologies developing rapidly, virtual learning tools are becoming increasingly important. One of these innovative projects is AetherShift— a 3D learning simulator developed by Nurdaulet Dusenov. This project is based on the Unreal Engine and supports virtual reality technologies. It immerses users in the world of scientific experiments, allowing them to study physical and chemical processes in real time. Artificial intelligence answers users' questions, explains training materials, and the entire learning process takes place in a voice-controlled VR environment.

Nurdaulet Dusenov is the developer of the VR simulator AetherShift.

In addition, traditional Kazakh horse racing can now be experienced in a mobile game. Bek Kazi has developed Baige, a pixel—based equestrian competition game where players can train their horses, race and improve their skills. In the game, you can increase the horse's speed and endurance, choose the distance and difficulty of the races. There is also an economic system built into Baige.: By collecting gold, you can double the horse's strength. This approach to popularizing national sports is sure to interest young people.

Bek Kazi is the creator of the Baige mobile game about Kazakh horse racing.

Bek Kazi: — I've always been interested in trying something new and testing myself. That's how I got into GameDev. At first, I wanted to develop Android applications, but I realized that creating games is much more difficult and interesting. When the IT Park opened in our city, I saw the potential of computers and wondered, "What can we do about it?" That's how the idea came to develop games.

Nurdaulet Dusenov: — This area attracts the opportunity to realize any idea. I really like the process of work, which means that additional inspiration is not required.

Nurdaulet Dusenov: — There are courses on game development in Kyzylorda, but the industry is just being formed. The first steps have already been taken, and hopefully the development will continue. For example, we had a cool VR lab project with AI, but it never got any further development. Personally, I have not encountered any serious difficulties, but I can say that assembling a team is not an easy task.

Bek Kazi: — There are no recognized GameDev professionals in Kyzylorda yet, but the field is gradually growing. Every year, the interest of young people in game development increases. There are already good projects in the IT field, but GameDev is only gathering its audience so far. Indie developers tend to work without support or investment, and you need to be prepared for this. The main thing is that there is Internet, light, water and food, which means you can make games!

Bek Kazi: — It's hard to say. Many people consider themselves specialists, but there are few truly strong professionals.

Nurdaulet Dusenov: — I think there are qualified specialists, but their number needs to be increased.

Bek Kazi: — It's not easy in Kyzylorda. Investors are quite conservative, although there are those who want to invest money. The question is how to implement it. Government and business could support developers through:

• investments,

• Free publishing services,

• Marketing support and other tools.

Nurdaulet Dusenov: — There are contests where you can submit a project and receive funding. But I would like to see more such opportunities specifically for GameDev. I think it would be useful to hold more game development competitions on various topics.

Bek Kazi: — If you want to do GameDev, just start. YouTube has excellent training channels, and if you need a mentor, you can enroll in specialized schools. To make games, you don't need to open a company or collect documents right away. Take on difficult tasks — the simple ones will get the hang of themselves.

Nurdaulet Dusenov: — Master classes can help young professionals decide on a direction. They will see the work process and understand how interesting it is to them. And if you want to create your own game, first:

  1. Assemble a team
  2. Make a detailed plan.
  3. Decide on a genre
  4. Write a script
  5. Choose a 3D or 2D style
  6. Choose programs for modeling and drawing
  7. Choose a game engine
  8. Assign tasks
  9. Set deadlines

Yes, it can cause stress, but deadlines help you not to delay work and correctly calculate the volume of tasks. If the project is large—scale, first make a prototype, and then apply for funding.

Gamedev in Kyzylorda is on the verge of growth.

The first steps have already been taken:

• Educational programs are emerging,

• People are interested in game development,

• hackathons and workshops are held.

If the initiatives continue, the city may become an important point on the map of the gaming industry in Kazakhstan in the future.

Nurdaulet Dusenov:

"The main thing is not to stop. Even if it now seems that the industry is just beginning to develop, we will see real results soon. Everything starts small, and who knows, maybe Kazakhstan's first global hit game will be created in Kyzylorda!"
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Антон Якушин

April 9, 2025 17:32

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Maxim Leman · April 13, 2025 18:48

Мировая гейм индустрия - это не только трендовая, но и довольно прибыльная и перспективная отрасль. Думаю, что нам не хватает подготовки кадров на всех уровнях образования в данной сфере.

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