Biography of Abhinav Chokhavatia: Founder and CEO of Zatun- Entrepreneur
Biography of Abhinav Chokhavatia:
Early Days of Abhinav
Abhinav Chokhavatia's journey in the world of gaming began
with a deep-rooted passion for creativity and technology. Growing up in India,
he pursued education that laid the foundation for his future career. He first
earned a Pre-Diploma in French studies before moving on to an Advanced Diploma
in Multimedia from Arena Multimedia in Ahmedabad. This unique combination of
skills in technology and the arts set him on a path to become a prominent
figure in the gaming industry.
Educational Pursuits
To further enhance his skills, Abhinav attended GLS IIT in
Ahmedabad, where he obtained a Diploma in Information Technology. Following
this, he continued his education at the Vancouver Film School, where he
specialized in 3D Animation and Effects. These formative years equipped him
with valuable insights into the realms of animation and interactive technology,
igniting his ambition to create captivating digital experiences.
Founding Zatun
In June 2007, Abhinav took a leap of faith and founded
Zatun, a game development studio that would quickly rise to prominence. Under
his leadership, Zatun became known for its innovative approach to game design
and development. With the motto "Where Fun Gets Down to Business,"
the studio has successfully produced a range of engaging titles across multiple
platforms, including VR, PC, console, and mobile games.
Growth and Recognition
Over the years, Zatun has developed numerous games, earning
accolades for their creativity and quality. Some of their most notable titles
include “The Legend of Vraz,” “Sniper Rust,” and “Down and Out.” These games
have garnered international attention, winning awards and rave reviews for
their immersive experiences. Abhinav's vision and strategic guidance have
played a pivotal role in establishing Zatun as a globally recognized brand in
the gaming industry.
Leadership at Zatun
As CEO, Abhinav wears many hats. He manages the overall
operations of Zatun, which includes overseeing game production, managing client
relationships, and strategizing for business development. His hands-on approach
allows him to actively engage in the creative process, directing game
narratives and supervising project management. This involvement ensures that
the quality and vision of the games align with his high standards.
Entering the Metaverse
In July 2022, Abhinav expanded his horizons by becoming the
Director of Hello Metaverse, a joint venture between Zatun and Japan’s Hello
Freedom. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the Metaverse gaming
experience by integrating advanced technologies like blockchain, NFTs, and AI.
Abhinav is excited about the potential of this venture to redefine digital
entertainment, combining expertise from both companies to deliver
groundbreaking experiences.
Biography of Abhinav Chokhavatia: Founder and CEO of Zatun- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/game development studio/startup/Zatun story
Community Engagement
Abhinav has also been an active member of the gaming
community, previously serving as Co-Lead for the Asia Pacific Gaming Committee
at the VR AR Association. In this role, he worked to increase awareness of the
gaming industry in virtual reality and set best practices for game development.
His contributions to the community reflect his commitment to fostering
innovation and collaboration within the industry.
Early Career at Ubisoft
Before founding Zatun, Abhinav honed his skills as a 3D
Modeler and Texture Artist at Ubisoft, where he worked on various projects for
nearly two years. This experience not only enriched his technical abilities but
also provided him with insights into the professional gaming landscape. The
knowledge gained during this time has been invaluable in shaping his approach
to game development at Zatun.
Marketing and Launch Strategies
Abhinav's strategic mindset extends beyond game development;
he is also deeply involved in marketing efforts. He meticulously plans launches
by breaking them into pre-launch, on-launch, and post-launch phases. Utilizing
social media, press releases, and targeted advertising, he ensures that Zatun’s
games reach a wide audience. By engaging with influencers and the gaming
community, he has effectively built a loyal fan base for Zatun’s titles.
Inspirations and Motivations
Abhinav draws inspiration from both personal and
professional sources. His father, a successful entrepreneur who has run his
company for over 40 years, motivates him with his unwavering passion and
dedication. Additionally, video games like "Modern Warfare 2" and
"God of War Ragnarök" inspire Abhinav to strive for excellence in his
own creations, pushing him to meet high industry standards.
Lessons Learned
Throughout his career, Abhinav has learned valuable lessons
that he shares with aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of
starting with a minimal viable product (MVP) and being adaptable to market changes.
Staying connected to the purpose of one’s business and managing finances wisely
are crucial, as is building strong networks and valuing customer feedback. His
journey is a testament to resilience and continuous innovation.
Looking Ahead
As he reflects on the future, Abhinav is excited about the
upcoming launch of “Down and Out” and other projects in development. He
anticipates the release of new technologies, such as the Quest 3 and Apple
Vision Pro, which promise to enhance the gaming experience further. With his
forward-thinking approach, Abhinav is well-positioned to lead Zatun and Hello
Metaverse into new realms of digital entertainment.
A Legacy in Gaming
Abhinav Chokhavatia's story is one of passion, creativity,
and entrepreneurship. From his early educational pursuits to founding Zatun and
exploring the Metaverse, he has consistently sought to innovate and inspire.
His achievements in the gaming industry are not just a testament to his hard
work but also a reflection of his commitment to creating engaging and immersive
experiences for players worldwide. As he continues to push boundaries,
Abhinav's legacy in gaming is only just beginning.
A timeline of Abhinav Chokhavatia's journey:
Early 2000s - Abhinav earns a Pre-Diploma in French and an
Advanced Diploma in Multimedia.
2005 - Completes a Diploma in Information Technology at GLS
IIT, Ahmedabad.
2006 - Attends Vancouver Film School, specializing in 3D
Animation and Effects.
June 2007 - Founds Zatun, a game development studio.
2009-2018 - Zatun releases notable games like “The Legend of
Vraz” and “Sniper Rust.”
July 2022 - Becomes Director of Hello Metaverse, a venture
with Hello Freedom.
2024 - Prepares for the launch of “Down and Out” and
anticipates new technologies in gaming.
