Meet Nodari – A Game Developer and Designer You Should Keep Tabs On
It is estimated that there are more than 2.5 billion gamers across the planet. With that in mind, playing video games is probably one of the favorite pastimes for many. While some gamers enjoy spending an afternoon or two playing a new video game purely for entertainment purposes, some grow curious about the gaming world in general. They want to dig deeper. To find out more. Understand how game development functions. To become active participants and start creating their own games. To become a game developer.
And that was exactly what one of our MErs, Nodari Kobakhidze, did.
What is Nodari’s story?
Nodari is a video games aficionado and a passionate developer who specializes in game programming. As a true tech whizz, latest technologies fascinate Nodari. He uses AR, VR, and XR technology to create a unique gameplay experience that aims to redesign the gaming world as we know it.
Pretty much like all other kids, Nodari loved playing games when he was younger. However, gaming quickly moved past the point of being a kids’ pastime for him. He became curious about what it takes for a game to come to life. How one can make and develop a game; what stages it goes through before it is ready for launch; what kind of programs and applications are used for creating it; and at last, how the industry itself functions.
It didn’t take long for Nodari to realize that his true passion lies in making video games, not just playing them. And despite his young years, he was determined to pursue his dream. He invested a lot of time and effort into learning everything there is to know about the video games industry. His particular focus was on game development and programming. As soon as he developed necessary skills and understanding of how programming functions, he started making his own games.
Besides having vast knowledge and considerable skillset, being able to think out of the box and come up with innovative development solutions is probably one of the most prized personal traits any prominent game developer can have. And Nodari is all about creative thinking, innovation, and change.
For him, “changes are inevitable, and I’ve always tried to stay one step ahead, so instead of preparing for the change, I’m trying to be part of the change, and maybe even bring the change”.
Some of the most successful projects Nodari worked on
Nodari’s work experience is quite impressive if we dare say so. He worked with many industry experts, made many awesome games, and took part in various exciting projects.
He started his career as a gameplay programmer at Stormbringer Studios. There, he had the amazing opportunity to meet and work with some of the renowned industry veterans. Nodari worked on many titles, including Pixel Fury – a well-known shooter game with more than 5 million downloads. He became experienced in making games from scratch and perfected his knowledge of Unity3D, C#, and C++.
Nodari took part in several AR and VR projects. He got nominated for two prestigious awards. Those were Best Debut VR Experience and the Best VR Interactive Narrative Experience at the Raindance Film Festival in London.
Dream Come True – Wild Skull Games
The knowledge he gained while working as a developer both for companies and as a freelancer at Upwork enabled Nodari to achieve his lifelong dream and establish his own video games studio in 2018 – Wild Skull Games.
Now an experienced game programmer and a successful business owner, Nodari believes that dreaming big is important for making it in the video games industry. However, starting small is essential. “It’s awesome to dream big, but when you are just starting out, chances of making a 100 player multiplayer game, with thousands of weapons, would be close to none. Start with something you can handle and actually get it done and out to the public!”
What about Nodari’s digital presence?
Working in the gaming industry and trying to make a name as a developer usually involves a lot of freelancing, and when trying to acquire new clients you want to have a readily available portfolio designed to impress them and make them want to hire you. Since all of this is happening online, it makes perfect sense to invest some time in creating a personal website.
You can use a well-thought-out website as a killer online portfolio. It can help you enhance your credibility and showcase your skills and talents all in one place. What’s more, in a world where authenticity is what sets you apart, having a place that allows you to be you might prove to be a real game-changer when it comes to your career.
If we take a look at Nodari’s personal website, https://hagrid.me, it becomes clear that he is well aware of the importance of creating a strong online presence and taking control of your digital footprint. He found a way to tell his story and present his work in a professional, yet unique and individual way. And all of that while using the most personal domain in the world – .ME domain.
According to Nodari, showing your personality is what counts in the online world: “Anything from your writing manner to what kind of pictures/videos appear on your website can have bits of your personality in it, which makes a website feel more like someone’s home than just an online CV”.
Final thoughts
Nodari Kobakhidze is definitely one of the most skilled, talented, and creative game developers out there. His determination, inquisitive mind, innovative spirit, and, above all, passion for what he does, enabled him to carry out a multitude of successful projects and, ultimately, establish his own video games studio. Kudos to you, Nodari, you certainly have a bright future ahead of you!
And what about you? Are you ready to become a game developer yourself?
