In the heart of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a small but ambitious game development studio is making waves in the global gaming industry. Kevir Entertainment, founded by a team of passionate creators, is not just about making games—it’s about preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of their homeland through the power of interactive storytelling.
The journey of Kevir began with a group of like-minded individuals who shared a deep love for storytelling and a desire to create something uniquely their own. One of the studio’s co-founders is Haron Younis, a seasoned concept artist with over seven years of experience in the video game and film industries. Haron had previously worked in Belgium before returning to work as a freelancer. Despite the success, there was a lingering feeling that they were merely contributing to someone else’s vision. This realisation sparked the idea of starting their own studio, one where they could control the narrative and tell stories that were close to their hearts.
In June of last year, Kevir officially announced its establishment, showcasing a playable demo of their first flagship project, Operation Stutter, a psychological horror video game. The studio quickly gained recognition, winning an award in the Invest My Idea programme by Rwanga Foundation and Ideas Beyond Borders, which propelled them to establish their own office and expand their operations.
Kevir’s vision was further validated when they were invited to Gamescom in Germany, the world’s largest gaming event, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees. Over the course of five days, the team engaged with industry leaders, participated in workshops, and explored opportunities for collaboration as part of both Gamescom, and its developer conference, devcom. This exposure not only broadened their network but also solidified their approach in penetrating the global gaming industry.
Our vision is simple yet ambitious: to create narrative-driven games that resonate with players globally while preserving our rich cultural heritage. We’re currently working on a psychological horror game, and we’re excited about what the future holds.
Haron Younis, co-founder Kevir Entertainment
Kevir’s dedication to their craft extends beyond game development. The co-founder is also working on a book about the Mythical Beings of Mesopotamia, funded by Goethe Institut Irak, further highlighting the entrepreneur’s commitment to preserving and sharing their cultural heritage.
As the only game development studio in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Kevir is blazing a trail for others to follow. Their mission is not just to create games but to build an industry in a region where none existed on this level before. By hiring local talent and fostering a creative community, they are laying the foundation for a sustainable and vibrant gaming ecosystem in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Kevir Entertainment participated in Orange Corners Erbil’s first Accelerator programme in the region, implemented by Five One Labs, an international startup incubator. This participation marked a pivotal moment in their growth. The programme provided them with crucial business and entrepreneurial education, helping to solidify their studio’s foundation. Through workshops on marketing, legal strategy, and project management, the team gained the tools needed to operate at an international standard. This experience not only expanded their network of industry professionals but also equipped them with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the complexities of the global gaming market. Since completing the programme, Kevir has seen significant growth, including the expansion of their team and the development of their flagship project, positioning them as a leading force in the gaming industry in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and beyond.
Looking ahead, Kevir has ambitious plans. They are working on finalising the demo of their first game, Operation Stutter, which they hope to publish by the end of the year. This will open doors for conversations with publishers and other companies, potentially leading to larger projects and collaborations. The studio is also looking to expand its team, bringing in new talent to help realise their vision.
Kevir Entertainment stands as a testament to what can be achieved with passion, dedication, and a deep connection to one’s cultural roots. As they continue to grow and evolve, they remain committed to their core mission: telling stories that matter and preserving the heritage of their homeland through the art of video games.
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