Yakuza game event now incorporates digital gaming offerings.
In the heart of the Far East, Yakutia, also known as the Sakha Republic, is making a name for itself in the gaming world. The region is home to a vibrant and growing game development scene, with a focus on projects that reflect local culture and address regional issues.
One such game is "Irbet Tong," an online adventure game developed by a team of Indigenous creators. This game explores the impact of global warming and permafrost thawing on Arctic communities, and is available in English, Russian, and Yakut (Sakha) languages.
The Foundation for Regional Innovation, established in 2018 by the Republic of Yakutia, plays a significant role in supporting these creative projects. The Foundation collects funds to support startups and organises various accelerators and hackathons, with the aim of making Yakutsk the gaming development capital not just of the Far East, but of the whole country.
One of the projects presented by the Foundation is "Shaman's Dreams," which was based on the foundation laid at the spring "New Game" hackathon. However, specific details or public records on game projects directly funded by this Foundation are currently not detailed in the accessible search results or news coverage as of August 2025.
Other studios, such as "Ilia Games," are also contributing to the gaming landscape in Yakutia. Despite being a small studio without its own website, "Ilia Games" has been active in the region. However, there have been reports suggesting that the Foundation for Regional Innovation isn't adequately funding these developers.
Education and technological development are also key components in the region's game development scene. The Higher School of Economics (HSE) is launching advanced programs in digital engineering and game development, and maintaining collaboration with institutions from Yakutia such as the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Sakha.
However, the gaming ecosystem in Yakutia is not without its challenges. A recent court case involving a Yakutia-based news outlet and a Russian developer highlights the developing but occasionally contentious nature of the industry.
Despite these challenges, the game development scene in Yakutia remains vibrant. Grassroots efforts, alongside culturally rooted game projects like "Irbet Tong," indicate a growing and thriving industry. For those seeking more precise or up-to-date funding information directly from the Foundation for Regional Innovation in Yakutia, consulting their official communications or grant project databases may be necessary.
The Foundation for Regional Innovation, with its focus on supporting startups and organising accelerators and hackathons, is not only a driving force in the gaming development landscape of Yakutia, but also in the broader business and technology sectors.
The Far East's gaming scene, encompassing projects like "Shaman's Dreams" and grassroots initiatives, is a testament to the region's growing potential in the fields of finance, lifestyle, and culture, further bolstered by educational advancements in digital engineering and game development.
