Justin Carter, Contributing EditorDecember 10, 20242 Min ReadImage via Xsolla.At a GlanceThis marks Xsolla's fourth development academy after previously established ones in Busan, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan.2024 is almost over, and Xsolla is still establishing game development academies across the world.The game commerce firm recently teamed with telecommunications firm StarNest and the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) to create an academy and incubator program situated in Azerbijan. Beginning next year, developers, game designers, and studios based in the country will receive "specialized training, mentorship from international gaming leaders, and access to financial and technological resources."Yevgeniya Bikmurzina, the innovation ecosystem head for the IDDA, indicated teaming with Xsolla and StarNest would lead to "extensive opportunities for implementing joint projects that will drive the development of Azerbaijan's gaming sector."In its announcement, Xsolla also outlined plans to further build a regional headquarters in the country's capital city Baku, further serving as a "hub for innovation and technology" that provides extra support to developers in Central Asia. IDDA will also be on hand to provide "strategic oversight" and ensure Xsolla and StarNest's aims align with Azerbijan's national goals for digital transformation.Xsolla academies are in sessionThroughout the year, Xsolla has worked with governments and tech companies in areas like Uzbekistan, Busan, and Saudi Arabia to build academies for their local developers. As with those regions, the StarNest Academy will turn Azerbijan into a "global hub for game development" and "create pathways for Azerbaijani talent to showcase their work on the global stage."According to the company's global partnerships SVP, Rytis Joseph Jan, the partnership "represents a significant milestone for Xsolla as we collaborate with Azerbaijani leaders to unlock the regions potential. By combining our global expertize with the visionary leadership of our partners, we aim to empower the next generation of talent in Azerbaijan and drive meaningful innovation with global impact."More information on the Xsolla StarNest Academy can be read here.About the AuthorJustin CarterContributing Editor, GameDeveloper.comA Kansas City, MO native, Justin Carter has written for numerous sites including IGN, Polygon, and SyFy Wire. In addition to Game Developer, his writing can be found at io9 over on Gizmodo. Don't ask him about how much gum he's had, because the answer will be more than he's willing to admit.See more from Justin CarterDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like