A group of Kyrgyz developers has appealed to the country's president, Almazbek Atambayev, asking for support in creating a game based on the national epic "Manas." The authors of the appeal note that currently 50% of Kyrgyz youth under 25 cannot name the heroes or the main events of the epic. They believe that a well-made video game will help fill this gap. Additionally, it can be used to tell about "Manas" to those living in other countries.
"Manas" is a Kyrgyz epic about a hero who united his people in the face of a terrible enemy. It is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest epic in the world.
Graphics
The development of the game in 3D format will allow for the transmission of a realistic experience. The level of detail and graphics is above average. Using computer graphics, all elements of daily life, clothing, and weapons of that time will be recreated.
The artistic style of the game will be determined after an open competition, and there are countless options. The game may appear in styles such as reality, fantasy, horror, etc.
Musical Design
The audio design of the game is just as significant as the visual aspect. The music in the game should convey all the nuances of atmosphere and feelings to the player. Modern arrangements will be used with the incorporation of national instruments. Computer processing of the sound of national instruments may also be applied.
By the time of the game's announcement, a soundtrack is planned to be released, which should become a kind of patriotic modern anthem for the youth, performed by the most popular artists.
Audience
The game will target a vast audience from 8 years old, possessing PC skills and access to the game. The languages will be Kyrgyz, Russian, and English, which will allow for attracting a much larger audience both in Kyrgyzstan and beyond. Servers are planned to be located in Kyrgyzstan, Russia, the USA, China, and Latvia. The main promotion of the game outside Kyrgyzstan is planned for the USA, the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, and China.
Game Development Process
Main Sections
The process of developing a computer game consists of two main parts: creative and technical. The creative part includes the development of the game's concept and main storyline, the creation of concept art, illustrations of all elements and scenes, as well as the writing of the musical score. The technical part involves creating virtual reality, design, and direct programming. All processes are closely intertwined, and the work scheme is built on a spiral principle.
Funding and Game Monetization
Developing a computer game is an expensive process, and the total cost of this project exceeds half a million US dollars. To finance the project, private investments and sponsorship funds are planned to be attracted. This informational section and calculations will be presented to interested parties.
For clients, the game based on the epic "Manas" will be free. Additional features and elements will be paid, thus monetization of the game will occur through microtransactions.
Main Stages of Work and Cooperation with Government Institutions
The work on this project is divided into three main stages: design, production, and promotion. To fully implement the project at each stage, we will need support and cooperation with government institutions.
Main Idea of the Project
The main goal of the project is to revive the epic and popularize it among the population of the Kyrgyz Republic. Unfortunately, over time, fewer young people are familiar with the epic, and today more than 50% of Kyrgyz citizens under 25 do not know all the heroes and plot lines. Therefore, there is a significant need for events that motivate reading and interest in the heritage of our country.
The development and education of new generations based on the values and traditions of our ancestors is another important goal of the project. At this time, there is uncertainty in understanding ideology, which leads to the mass introduction of other cultures and values. This project will not only present "Manas" to the public in a new way but will also serve as an effective tool for strengthening.
Kyrgyz culture and identity.
Creating a modern computer game that conveys cultural and historical values will enhance the prestige of the country on the international stage. Kyrgyzstan will present itself as a modern progressive state with a unique culture that utilizes new technologies in its development.
The overwhelming saturation of the market with Western games and films leads to our children growing up with Western ideals, choosing heroes that do not correspond to the notions of Kyrgyz mentality as models of behavior and imitation. This trend negatively affects not only society as a whole but also each child individually. Scenes of violence, which are too overtly and emphatically presented in Western games, are dangerous for the psychological health of players. Hence, another goal arises - the development of heroes as ideals for imitation, taking into account the 7 commandments of Manas and socially positive forms of behavior.
The development of computer games is a creative and interesting process that can engage a large number of young people interested in the arts, music, programming, promotion, etc. The gaming industry is a huge industry that is practically not represented in Kyrgyzstan. We believe that the development of this industry will create new jobs and teach new professions. On one hand, the goal here is to create a youth movement participating in the game development process; on the other hand, the goal is to launch a fashionable cultural trend through this youth movement. A trend based on national traditions, presented in a modern expression, will effectively instill mental ideas in the younger generation of Kyrgyz citizens.
Relevance
Computer games are an actively developing entertainment industry that has captured a vast audience. Every third person in the world regularly plays computer games. Today, the influence of this industry is comparable to that of television and social networks. About 20% of teenagers have already replaced all their leisure time with computer games. According to the analytical agency Newzoo, in the Russian Federation alone, more than players perceive all this in a relaxed and implicit manner. Developing a game based on the epic "Manas" in accordance with Kyrgyz culture will provide players with a choice and liberation from Western influence.
Game Description
The project will represent a network multiplayer game in the RPG (role-playing game) genre, where players will take on the role of Manas warriors. Players will be offered to jointly pass the storyline, utilizing extensive gameplay from collective battles against programmed enemies to battles against each other. Each location in the game will vividly tell players about the unique culture of the Kyrgyz people of that time. Here, Kyrgyz customs will be included, in which players will have to participate to advance further in the storyline, along with battles and much more.
Setting and Locations
The setting (the environment in which the actions take place) will be entirely based on the epic, recreated as realistically as possible using 3D elements.