Mark Engelhardt

I’m a builder at heart, driven by the thrill of creating innovative products that push boundaries and resonate with people. Over the years, I’ve honed my ability to spot trends early and translate them into impactful projects, combining my passion for technology, gaming, and community-building. I’m also a semi-good UI/UX designer, which allows me to bridge the gap between functionality and user experience, ensuring that the products I create are not only powerful but also intuitive and engaging.

One of my proudest achievements is building the largest crypto gaming guild in the Central Eastern European region. Over five years, I grew and managed a thriving community, gaining deep expertise in crypto, blockchain-based products, and the art of fostering meaningful connections between users and technology. This experience taught me the importance of community-driven design and how to build products that truly serve their users.

I’ve also co-founded and exited a gaming AI companion startup called Fridai, which aimed to revolutionize how players interact with games. Fridai was an AI-powered assistant that helped gamers optimize their gameplay, and we even created a video showcasing its capabilities (you can watch it here: Fridai Video). This journey gave me invaluable insights into AI, gaming, and the challenges of building a startup from the ground up.

What drives me is the desire to create experiences that go beyond the ordinary—products that are not only fun and functional but also deeply integrated into users’ lives. With Animayhem, our vampire survivors-inspired game with an anime twist, I’m excited to explore how AI agents can transcend traditional gaming boundaries. By giving players AI companions that extend beyond the game itself, we’re creating a new paradigm for interactive entertainment, blending in-game action with out-of-game experiences that deepen player engagement.

I’m thrilled to bring my experience in community building, crypto, AI, and gaming to this hackathon, and I can’t wait to collaborate with like-minded innovators to bring Animayhem to life!