Game Development in Central Asia
Illia Anufriiev
- Hall:
- Business Track
What the talk is about
Illia Anufriiev talks about the state of game development in Central Asia, mainly Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. He explains why working there is attractive: a High Technologies Park with tax benefits, cheap electricity, fast internet, visa-free entry for many countries and support for game development initiatives. The picture is still modest: about 20 studios, only a handful of games worth showing to the market, fewer than a thousand specialists and investment under half a million dollars a year. The main problems are a lack of competent investors, a shortage of talent and outdated education. His studio responds with an exhibition and conference, an incubator program that lets beginner teams build prototypes together, and its own games based on local folk tales. Useful for anyone considering new markets, partnerships or opening an office in the region.