The game developed by the twin siblings is attracting interest in the global market.

Bertan and İlkan Gökalp, brothers who stepped into the gaming world after receiving training in cybersecurity through the “Cyber Homeland” project launched by the Western Black Sea Development Agency, have signed on to one of the successful projects emerging from Turkey. This journey, which began with their participation in the “Cyber Homeland” program in 2019, has transformed the twins into internationally recognized game developers.

In the project implemented by BAKKA, the twin brothers increased their knowledge and skills in the field of cybersecurity through the training they received, and they brought this experience into game development, creating a noteworthy project. “Cyber Homeland” not only equipped young people with cybersecurity skills but also supported them in the game development processes, helping them to determine the direction of their careers.

The game developed by the brothers reached a wide audience globally and became a global success as it was launched for sale on various platforms. The project, which attracted the attention of players from different continents, stands out with its unique story and dark atmosphere. The training and mentorship support provided by Cyber Homeland expanded the brothers’ vision and allowed them to advance further. The brothers reflect the experiences gained from this process in their projects, offering gamers a unique experience. Aiming to undertake larger projects in the coming years, the twins continue to leave their mark on the game development sector in Turkey.

Bertan and İlkan Gökalp, along with other team members, developed three mobile games and two computer games during this process. The team’s latest game was launched on digital platforms on November 7.

“Our vision and mission have increased with Cyber Homeland”

Bertan Gökalp, who received cybersecurity training within the Cyber Homeland project, explained that he talked about the game development process to his brother during his university studies and that his brother showed interest. Stating that their vision and mission increased with Cyber Homeland, Bertan Gökalp (22) said:
“We established it as three friends in high school. During university, I entered the game development sector. I provided game development training to my brother and our other friend. As a result of this training, Görkem found his own area of expertise, entering the 3D modeling part. İlkan also found his own area of expertise and started developing levels in the game development sector. We joined Cyber Homeland together. During our Cyber Homeland process, we began providing training at Karabük, Bartın, Zonguldak, and Düzce Universities. As a result of these trainings, we formed teams. The teams started to develop their projects. The number of games coming out from this region has significantly increased. We are trying to increase the number of companies in the Technopark. Cyber Homeland first started providing us with cybersecurity training in 2019. We started to adapt to game development. When we entered game development, Cyber Homeland provided us with support again. We received training on the necessary engines. We gradually started to progress in the game development sector. Cyber Homeland never ceased to provide us with training and mentorship support. Our vision and mission increased. This process also affected our games. We reflected the experience we gained onto our games. We continued to develop such projects. I started game development in university and then told İlkan. I said we could develop games together. I provided him with game development training. İlkan approached my level in about three months. We started to develop games as a team.”

“We provide free mentoring services to university students”

İlkan Gökalp (22) stated that they aim to grow the game studio they established in Zonguldak and to create a large game development company, saying:
“During university years, my brother had started in the game development sector. He was producing games, and it caught my attention a lot. I wanted him to teach me how games are made. My brother started giving game development training at the house where we lived during university years. He provided game development training on the game engine for about three months. Later, we jumped into the mobile game sector with our first game. I started creating virtual reality games and making 3D games. Together, we developed our game over the course of a year. Our game went through many revisions. We deleted and remade the game about ten times. It was a challenging process for us. But the work we did turned out quite well. Under the scope of Cyber Homeland, we provide game development training to students at Karabük, Bartın, Zonguldak, and Düzce Universities. At the same time, we offer free mentoring services to any interested students. When they have problems, we respond when they call or message us. Our future goals are to establish a large game company in Zonguldak and to incorporate the students we have trained or help them if they want to establish their own company, aiming to create a large game development company.”

In addition to the founders of the company, Bertan and İlkan Gökalp, Görkem Güngör, Ahmet Emin Yazıcı, and Meryem Demir stand out as talented members of the team. The team, which has different areas of expertise such as modeling, programming, and virtual reality technology, offers innovative gaming experiences in their projects by utilizing VR technology.