Sardar: Mythology Meets Technology
Kazakh Student's Game Sardar Blends Culture with Cutting-Edge AI for 2026 Steam Debut
A student from Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Aktau, Yesbol Azan, has unveiled Sardar, a 3D adventure game, at Kazakhstan's national AI projects competition. Nearly 830 students from across the country took part, with Azan's project making the top 20 and already drawing expert attention.
Sardar is a narrative-driven adventure that blends Kazakh culture with cutting-edge technology.
"Right now, the game is in its demo phase," Azan explained. "I'm sharing it selectively to gather feedback and refine the core mechanics. Once released, I plan to make it free or open-access to reach a wider audience."
The project's central idea is to present Kazakh culture not as mere backdrop, but as the foundation of the game world. According to the developer, the lack of such games was his primary motivation.
"I've played many games, but none that truly reflect Kazakh language and culture," he said. "So I decided to create one myself. In Sardar, culture isn't just decoration—it's the bedrock. The story draws inspiration from history and the nomadic way of life."
The game's world is rich with familiar motifs: vast steppe landscapes, traditional ornaments, and the atmosphere of nomadic culture. It also incorporates elements of Kazakh mythology—characters and archetypes that shape not only the visual style but also the behavior of in-game figures.
A major focus is on technology. The game features AI-driven characters that interact with players dynamically, rather than following pre-set scripts.
"In most games, NPCs act according to fixed scenarios," Azan noted. "Mine adapt to the player's actions—they react differently to situations, adjust their behavior, and even remember choices. This makes the experience more immersive and unpredictable."
Developing the project solo has been one of his biggest challenges.
"Balancing everything—programming, design, storytelling, game logic—is tough," he admitted. "I've had to learn many things from scratch, and time is limited between school and other projects. It's difficult, but it's also given me invaluable experience."
Azan's creation has already won first place at a national science project competition, earned prizes in startup contests, and received a one-million-tenge grant from Tauelsizdik Urpaktary (Independence Generation).
His future plans include refining the AI system, adding new content, and expanding the storyline. Long-term, he hopes to assemble a team, potentially introduce multiplayer, and break into international markets. He is also considering investment opportunities.
The full version of Sardar is expected to launch on Steam in December 2026, with a mobile release planned for 2027.
