One Gamepad for Two Players and a New BAM: How Russia Is Building Games With AI
A prototype game about building the Baikal-Amur Mainline was created in just eight hours as part of a competition. With further development, it could become a full-fledged game.
The BAM project was developed during Neurogames, a competition organized by the Russia – Land of Opportunity presidential platform. Participants from 65 Russian regions, as well as Kazakhstan, Spain, Mexico and South Africa, used artificial intelligence to help create graphics, sound and narrative elements. The entire process took just eight hours. The competition’s top prize went to Ambidextr, a game in which one player controls two mice at once. BAM took second place, followed by Load Off Your Mind in third.
Communication and Coordination
In just a few hours, participants created concepts, explored individual mechanics and tested basic ideas. One of the most intriguing mechanics came from BAM.
Unlike conventional multiplayer games, where each player has their own controller, BAM makes interaction between two people a core part of the gameplay. The developers set out to make communication, coordination and collaborative problem-solving central to the experience.
Players must work together to build the Baikal-Amur Mainline, sharing a single gamepad. Each player is responsible for a different part of the controls, so progress depends on coordinating their actions with a partner.
To turn the prototype into a full-fledged game, the developers will need to expand the gameplay mechanics and add educational content about the construction of the BAM railway.
A Prototype as a Space for Experimentation
Even in its current form, the prototype is an interesting experiment. Sergey Aleksashenko, co-founder of the REACTOR game developers’ community, sees the project as a valuable learning experience that can also help test how AI can support game development.
“The competition gives young developers a chance to practice their skills, work as a team and quickly test gameplay hypotheses. BAM is an example of an idea that lets newcomers gain hands-on experience and explore what AI can do in game development,” he said.
Using game mechanics for education is a promising direction. Experts believe interactive formats can make historical material easier to learn. For example, developer Cyberia Nova has announced plans to expand the educational content in its historical game Smuta, adding modules about 17th-century Nizhny Novgorod and Yaroslavl. The plans point to growing audience interest in this kind of content.
AI in Games
Russian developers have been using AI in game production for some time. It can generate storylines, dialogue and events that respond to player actions. Neural networks are speeding up development and changing the gaming experience. The key value of BAM lies in demonstrating how AI can make rapid prototyping possible. For early-stage teams, that means testing ideas with less time and effort.
With further development, BAM could become a valuable educational game. Its historical content could help players learn about the construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline, the development of Russia’s Far East and the role of transportation infrastructure. To deliver real educational value as well as entertainment, the developers would need to involve historians and educators.
The game’s unusual mechanics could also give it an edge. Sharing a single gamepad may appeal to players who enjoy local co-op games. Its success, however, will depend on the quality of the gameplay, technical execution, accessibility and promotion.
