Yan Basharin always knew he wanted to create something soft and sweet, something that would make people feel at home. So, when the 23-year-old Moscow-based game developer decided to switch from studying graphic design to game design, it was a rush decision but one that he knew deep down was the right one.
Now, as a solo game developer, artist, and teacher at a university in Moscow, Basharin is living his dream of creating cozy games and illustrations that bring a sense of hope and home to players. His recent project, League of Enthusiastic Losers, was his diploma project and took him about two years to complete. When asked about the game, Basharin says, "I think a lot about what people think of me, and I don't want to upset anyone. I made a lot of art just like 'I sat and I drew that. Most of the work I did on my notebook.' There was no time or resources to try different versions or sketch every detail, so I really tried to do my best."
But creating games isn't always easy, especially for someone like Basharin, who is also a queer person in the industry. "It is a constant anxiety," Basharin says. "And sometimes I don't know how to overcome things that touch that topic. I do what I think is right for the moment." Despite these challenges, this young developer perseveres and is now working on his second big-scale game, which he hopes will be longer than League of Enthusiastic Losers and focus on friendship and relationships.
Basharin cites Night in the Woods, Kentucky Route Zero, and Little Mouse Encyclopedia as some of his favorite games and sources of inspiration. When asked if there are any hidden easter eggs or secrets in League of Enthusiastic Losers, he mentions a book written by a character in the game as an easter egg to his first-ever game. Ultimately, Basharin just wants players to have a nice and relaxing time while playing his games, saying, "I want people to feel at home. And safe. And I don't even know what I want them to take away. It is a small silly game after all, just have a nice time."
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