KAU Students Tackled Mobile Game Localization Challenges at Decentrathon 6.0 Hackathon

Localizing a digital product involves more than translating text into another language. It also requires adapting content to the cultural characteristics and expectations of its target audience. Such tasks are becoming increasingly important for IT companies operating in international markets.

Students of the Kazakh-American University (KAU) took on a practical challenge in this field at the Decentrathon 6.0 IT hackathon, held on October 30–31, 2026, simultaneously in 19 cities across Kazakhstan. The large-scale event brought together 5,623 participants, with a total prize pool of USD 60,000.

KAU was represented by two teams formed with the support of the KAU Center for Student Innovation. The participants worked on a case provided by Grand Mobile, focused on localizing a mobile game into Kazakh and Uzbek.

Over the course of 48 hours, students developed solutions for translating and adapting game content while taking into account the linguistic and cultural characteristics of the target audience. Working on the case allowed them to apply their knowledge in practice, gain insight into real-world IT industry challenges, and develop teamwork skills under time constraints.

The hackathon brought together students from various KAU academic programs.

KAU participants:

Нұрбек Нұрай Нұрданқызы — МиАД-24-1р;

Байтлеева Кымбат — МО;

Шахметов Батырхан — МБиП-26-1к;

Амалбекова Динара — МБиП-26-1к;

Махсутхан Мирас — МБиП-26-1к;

Легай Антон Олегович — МиАД-26-1р;

Бейсенбай Нұрали Жанболатұлы — Тур-26-1к;

Нұрғазықызы Сабина — МО-26-2а.

The official results of Decentrathon 6.0 will be announced on November 13, 2026.

Participation in technology competitions of this kind is part of the KAU Center for Student Innovation’s efforts to promote project-based learning and strengthen students’ practical competencies. Hackathons provide an opportunity to work on challenges that reflect real industry needs, exchange experience, and test ideas in a professional environment.