A Turmush correspondent met with the author and learned the details.
“I saw a similar game on social media, where, as far as I know, Indonesians or other peoples were playing. It was a mathematical game. I am not a mathematician; I teach web design and IT technologies. I found it interesting and decided to create my own version of the game — from scratch,” he shared.
Zhanbolot, who is 27 years old, adapted the traditional game "Arkan Tartysh" into a visual format, using various programs for its refinement. This innovation not only sparked greater interest among students in the learning process but also attracted the attention of millions of users online.
“When I first visualized 'Arkan Tartysh,' it didn't have the design it has now. There was no animation — I just added hats on the players and organized a tug of war. Initially, the game did not receive widespread support. However, on December 4, I posted a video on my page on one of the social networks, filmed during a class to motivate students. On the first day, it gathered 1 million views,” noted the instructor.
Now the game is actively used by teachers at Osh State University, making lessons more engaging. Students highly appreciate this method, noting that classes have become more interesting.
“I especially like that the players in hats actually pull the rope. This also helps preserve Kyrgyz national games,” said one of the students.
Another student added that besides "Arkan Tartysh," other games are used in classes, such as those about road signs and pre-conscription military training, which further stimulates interest in lessons.
Kalbaev developed this game using graphic design programs like Photoshop and artificial intelligence, as well as video editing applications, rather than programming languages for websites.
“I used graphic design programs like Photoshop and artificial intelligence, and I also added animation and melodies of the komuz to make the game more engaging. I created lively images to make it stand out among online games. I think it was the animation, characters, and music that contributed to the video's popularity,” he added.
The game has also attracted interest from users in other countries. For example, many from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russian regions have approached him asking to create the game in their native languages. However, Zhanbolot was busy teaching, and as a result, Kazakhs and Uzbeks created their own versions independently.
“After the video was released on social media, many foreigners, mainly from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, wrote to me asking to make the game in their languages. I didn't have time, and as a result, they created their own versions, adapting the characters to their national costumes,” the programmer said.
Additionally, Kalbaev is working on a project that will simplify the work of OshSU teachers. If the project is successfully implemented, teachers will be able to use visual programs for conducting exams.
“This will not be a game, but a platform to assist teachers. I am currently working on this. In the future, teachers will be able to create questions that will be displayed on an interactive board in the format of electronic tickets. Students will be able to choose questions and answer them,” he added.
Zhanbolot Kalbaev has been working at Osh State University for 7 years. He has been interested in programming since his youth.
“I am an alumnus of this university. In 2018, I enrolled in the first year and immediately started working as a lab assistant in the computer center. As a result, I have been working here for 7 years now,” he said.
Zhanbolot was born in 1998 in the village of Boz-Adyr in the Batken district of the Batken region.
