Nowadays shows a growing interest in information technology, especially in developing Websites and Games on the Unity platform. The popularity of such professions as website developer and game developer attracts more and more career seekers. One of the outstanding representatives of this field is Maksym Tytarenko from Zaporizhzhya, Ukraine, a talented developer with more than 13 years of experience. Together with his partner he founded a successful company “Lumighost”(https://lumighost.com/) specializing in 3D-games and software development. Though diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Maksym has become a great example of perseverance and growth in IT. In his interview, he shared his experience of self-study, the creation of the Reskiner service to simplify game development, and his plans for the future.
Youth and inspiration
Maksym Tytarenko discovered the world of computer games at the age of eight, deep into their technical side. “My fascination with computer games led me to programming. It was not just a hobby, but the beginning of my path in IT,” – says Maksym. During his school years, he started studying programming and English, which helped him not only in his studies but also in his personal development. Maksym admits that his passion for the game Lineage 2 particularly influenced his interest in teamwork and process organization, which proved to be extremely useful in his future career.
Choice of education and self-development
Maksym initially did not plan to go to university, but later came to the conclusion that formal education was necessary. “I understood that self-education, even though it gave me a lot, cannot completely replace systematic learning,” – he says. By entering a part-time program engineering program, Maksym acquired important skills of self-discipline, but he got most of his knowledge and experience on his own, actively engaging in Web development and learning new technologies online.
Support and first successes
Titarenko is very grateful to his parents for their support, “Without their help, I would not have been able to immerse myself so deeply in learning and working.” While creating his first monetized app for the World Cup in 2014, Maksym realized the full potential of mobile development on the Android platform. Working together with Mykola, his future business partner, gave him the opportunity to get experience in the gaming industry.
Founding Lumighost and professional growth
In 2020, Maksym and his business partner, Mykola, founded Lumighost. Maksym took the position of Chief Operation Officer, which allowed him to apply his accumulated knowledge in process management and development quality control. “We strive to meet international quality standards, and obtaining ISO 9001:2015 certification was a confirmation of our efforts,” – Maksym notes. Now he is actively engaged in developing the professional skills of his employees and is a key specialist in various areas of the company’s activities.
Innovations in Metaspace: Hackathon “Epoint Ecommerce Solution for Metaverse and 3D Games”
In March 2023, the Lumighost team took an active part in the “Epoint Ecommerce Solution for Metaverse and 3D-Games” hackathon. Directly our hero and developed a native plugin for making payments in metaverse. This event focuses on creating cutting edge solutions for integrating ecommerce into the world of metaverse and 3D-games. The Lumighost team led by Maksym distinguished itself by winning first place with the Epoint Ecommerce Metaverse project, which facilitates payments for in-game shopping in virtual reality – making an undeniable contribution to the gaming industry, including projects with virtual reality.
“We aimed to transform the way users interact with e-commerce in metaspace by offering a convenient and integrated approach to shopping in 3D-games,” – comments Maksym. This solution allows users to shop continuously in different virtual worlds. Its implementation was scored highly by the jury and awarded the win. Maxim, working on the project as a native mobile developer, ensured its compatibility with iOS and Android mobile platforms, making the innovation available to a wide range of users.
The Epoint Ecommerce Metaverse solution opens up new perspectives for brands and retailers, allowing them to expand their influence in virtual and 3D-gaming environments. “Creating virtual storefronts and offering unique shopping experiences in these spaces gives companies the opportunity to not only grow their markets, but also strengthen customer relationships on a new level,” – adds Maksym.
Lumighost Arena hackathon: Winning in multiplayer game design
In parallel with the meta-universe hackathon, another significant event was held in March 2023 – the Lumighost Arena hackathon. The goal of this event was to create a mini-game on the Unity3D platform with multiplayer support. Participants focused on solving the problem of low quality game design in multiplayer games by offering innovative game solutions. The game “Ghost Tanks” developed at the hackathon earned a high score from the jury and became the winner. “This project demonstrates how creativity and technical prowess can work together to create immersive and high-quality gaming experiences,” – explains Maksym.
Hackathons such as “Epoint Ecommerce Solution for Metaverse and 3D Games” and “Lumighost Arena” are internationally recognized for their role in driving innovation in the IT and gaming industry, providing a platform for talent to create cutting-edge metaverse and multiplayer gaming solutions. The challenges solved in both hackathons emphasize the importance of creating innovative products that can transform the way users interact with e-commerce and gaming spaces.
Nomination to TOP 100 USA Entrepreneurs with Ukrainian Origins
In March 2023, Maksym Tytarenko and his co-founder Mykola were invited to participate in the selection process for the TOP 100 USA Entrepreneurs with Ukrainian origins. This recognition in itself became a reflection of Maksym’s significant achievements in the field of technology and their contribution to the industry. A month later it became known that they had successfully passed the selection process.
Making a special appearance at the ceremony
The award ceremony was supposed to take place in New York, but for technical reasons Maxim was unable to attend the event in person. Not wanting to miss the opportunity to express his gratitude and share his inspiration, he recorded a video message. “To maximize the clarity and effectiveness of conveying my message, we used AI to overlay the voice so everyone could clearly understand my words,” – Maksym says.
The video was warmly welcomed by the ceremony audience, which was confirmed by the ovation after it was shown. “To get such a reaction and to see my performance being shown in New York was incredible. It was a feeling of great victory,” – Maksym recalls. He notes that this moment allowed him to feel part of something important and unifying that connects him to his homeland and the global community.
Maxim emphasizes that support and recognition at such a level plays a huge role in his professional life and inspires him to make new achievements in the world of technology.
Revolutionary approach to game development: Reskiner service
Maksym Tytarenko has influenced the entertainment industry by creating the Reskiner service, which radically simplifies the process of game development based on the Unity platform. “Reskiner allows users to create games without the need for programming skills or additional specialists. This significantly reduces development costs and opens doors for innovation in creating unique game products,” – Maksym noted.
Reskiner application in education and marketing
The Reskiner initiative started with AvivLearning, Inc., which used gamification to boost interest in algebra among American schoolchildren. The project was so successful that many schools have expressed a desire to integrate similar gamification elements into their curricula.
In the marketing context, for example, if any product company releases a new kind of goods, Reskiner can be used to create a special game promoting this product. “We can integrate a QR code on the packaging that directs consumers to download the game. This not only strengthens sales, but also helps to collect feedback from customers,” – explains Maksym.
Reskiner’s successes and future
The first successful game template developed with the help of Reskiner is called Magic Swamp. Characteristic feature of this project is the absence of direct competitors, which makes it unique on the market. Besides, Reskiner provides its users with an opportunity to earn on their creativity through built-in advertising mechanisms and in-game purchases.
Maksym sees great potential in Reskiner to develop various sectors, from education to advertising, by providing tools for innovative interaction and meaningful content creation. “Our goal is to make the game creation process accessible to everyone who wants to bring their ideas to life,” – Maksym concludes.
Working in a face-to-face reality
Nowadays, Maksym continues to work remotely, using online connectivity to keep in touch and manage his projects. He has found ways to adapt his workspace to meet new demands: “Working from home has allowed me to optimize communication and achieve greater flexibility in my daily routine.” Maksym effectively uses a touchpad and a portable keyboard, which allows him to stay productive even in unusual environments.
Future plans: startup development and new beginnings
Maksym’s current activities include active development of his startup Reskiner and running a music YouTube channel where content is created with the help of artificial intelligence. These projects not only help him keep professionally active, but also stimulate his creative self-expression.
Besides his main employment in the IT company “Lumighost” and the development of Reskiner service, Maksym Tytarenko has ambitious plans in the field of Web and Unity Development talent, as well as game development.
Firstly, Maxim strives to further develop his Web and Unity Development skills through participation in professional courses, workshops and online communities. He emphasizes continuous learning and development, and notes how important it is in the process of building a successful career in this field.
Also, Maksym plans to actively pursue game development by creating his own games and participating in hackathons and competitions. He sees a huge potential for innovation in the game industry and wants to contribute to creating exciting and high-quality gaming experiences for the audience.
Besides, Maksymis interested in launching new startups in the field of game development and technology, using his experience and knowledge to create innovative products and services. He is eager to seek new creative and entrepreneurial opportunities that will allow him to realize his full potential.
Maxim plans to actively participate in the developer community, share his experience and knowledge, and inspire others to achieve success in the IT and gaming industry. He believes that collaborative efforts and shared experiences contribute to the development of the entire industry and help everyone individually grow and thrive.
Finally, Maksym also plans to create an organization aimed at helping people with disabilities learn and find their vocation. “I have several ideas on how to make this project viable, but I don’t have enough time to realize it yet,” – he shares. This initiative reflects his desire to utilize his skills and resources to support the community and make a difference in the lives of those who are most in need.
Despite life’s obstacles, our hero continues to adapt and evolve in the face of new challenges, demonstrating resilience and loyalty to his professional and social goals.
