Kazakh game developer Didar Koshanov releases game on Steam about British family during Churchill era
The Kazakh startup "Letters of War" released on the international platform Steam is a 2D adventure game that explores themes of loss and courage through a narrative inspired by real events. The game tells the story of Liam, a British carpenter who joins the fight in World War II to protect his family. The project pays special attention to human relationships, family values, and emotional experiences. In an interview to El.kz, game developer Didar Koshanov spoke about the game creation, his inspiration, and challenges he faced.
The idea for the game was born from stories told by his grandmother. She often spoke about her childhood and how her father took part in combat operations. This sparked his interest in family history and the events of World War II.
“I was always interested in listening to stories about that time — the difficult period of World War II. And the fact that her father, my great-grandfather, actively participated in the war always raised questions for me and deepened my interest. At some point, I decided to preserve my great-grandfather’s memory by this way, through a game, through a 2D adventure,” he noted.
Photo by Didar Koshanov
Didar is currently 29 years old. From a young age, he studied military history. Military affairs and games on this topic remained his hobby for a long time, and his family history became the main motivation for creating the project. He understands the video games development process well, so it is the most suitable way for him to tell this story. It is easier than shooting a film or writing a book, since he understands how to create an engaging interactive world.
“Gaming are my escape in my free time. That’s how I relax, how I recharge. It’s something I’m really interested in,” he explained.
Game immerses players in a rich narrative focusing on the strong the bond between a child and a parent. The father goes to the front, while his young daughter stays at home with her mother and tries to cope with hardships. The project is based on real events and reliable historical data about Britain during World War II. Didar emphasized that the combination of historical context and personal storytelling creates a unique experience
Photo by Didar Koshanov
One of the most difficult aspects of development was finding specialists. The game development industry in Kazakhstan is still weakly developed, and it was not easy to find experienced developers, artists, and animators. Financing was also a major challenge. Didar said the project cost around a quarter of a million dollars.
The game’s release on Steam became an important milestone for the developer. The international platform, with its multimillion-strong audience, gives the project access to players around the world and allows Kazakh indie game development to be showcased beyond the country.
In conclusion, Didar addresses young developers who are just considering entering the global market. He advises them not to be afraid, to carefully study their project and audience, and to maintain confidence in themselves. Even if the first experience turns out to be difficult, it becomes the foundation for future growth and new achievements.
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