Game developers’ "SU Game Jam 2021" hackathon has started at Satbayev University

The festival is organized within the framework of implementation of "Digital Kazakhstan" State Program and Celebration of 30^th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan due to Automation and Information Technologies Institute at Satbayev University together with Independent Youth Community (theHub).

The gaming industry in the world is coming to the fore. Games ceased to be perceived as frivolous entertainment and began to influence the world economy and culture as a conductor of creativity and innovation. And the annual game developers’ festival "SU Game Jam 2021" has become one of the first signs of the given trend in Kazakhstan.

"SU Game Jam 2021" is an exciting, 4-day team competition of programmers, 3D and 2D artists, designers, game designers, screenwriters, musicians and many other young professionals from different fields gathered to develop innovative, promising and interesting video games developing the country’s digital market.

Participants get the opportunity to fulfil Retro-style project in a powerful creative environment in a short time, realize their potential, present their prototypes to business, take part in master classes and trainings from industry experts.

The author of the most promising development will receive the main prize of the festival - a grant from Satbayev University Rector. In addition to the three prizes, the winners will also be determined in the following categories:

•  "Innovation" -- uniqueness of the idea;
•  "Design" - visual style and effect;
•  "Script" - for the best story;
•  "Best Junior team - for the best school project.

The festival was attended by more than 100 participants, united in 30 teams, and the best game developers of our country performed: the founders of "Katata Games" Mark and Elena Tityuk, CEO of "iDOS Games" Aidos Ryskeldinov, "Stratus Lab" game development department head Sergei Lopatin and other experts.

The participants were welcomed by Satbayev University Rector Meiram Begentayev, who expressed the hope that hackathon will be the first step towards the gaming industry growth in the Republic.

— I am sure that tomorrow the gaming industry of Kazakhstan will be able to compete with other countries in the world market. I know that in each of you there lives a great player ready for great victories! After all, every developer is the same player who aspires to their dream game" — Rector said.