---
title: "Stepan Grachev — Publisher Overview"
type: publisher
publisher: "Stepan Grachev"
publisher_slug: "stepan-grachev"
canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/publishers/stepan-grachev"
last_updated: 2026-04-28T10:12:13.136Z
source: Marlvel.ai
license: CC-BY-NC-4.0
citation: "Marlvel.ai — Stepan Grachev Publisher Overview"
---
# Stepan Grachev — Publisher Overview

> Providing high-fidelity digital implementations of traditional board games powered by competitive-grade AI engines.

- **Publisher:** Stepan Grachev
- **Website:** [https://aifactory.co.uk](https://aifactory.co.uk)
- **Headquarters:** United Kingdom
- **Overview generated:** 2026-04-28
- **License:** CC-BY-NC 4.0

## Executive summary

AI Factory differentiates itself through technical depth, utilizing award-winning AI engines like Aya rather than generic game logic. Their primary moat is the integration of championship-winning computer Go programs, providing a professional-grade difficulty range that is difficult for casual developers to replicate. While the portfolio is currently focused on a single flagship title, the publisher maintains a long-standing 'Top Developer' status and continues to update their engine to match professional standards.

## Publisher DNA

- **Primary focus:** Digital board games with advanced AI engines
- **Scale:** indie
- **Target audience:** Strategy game enthusiasts and Go players ranging from beginners to dan-level experts seeking high-strength AI opponents.
- **Origin:** AI Factory is a UK-based developer known for its 'Aya' Go engine, which won the KGS World Computer Go Championship in 2014.

## Portfolio momentum

- **Velocity:** steady
- **Active apps:** 1
- **Abandoned apps:** 0
- **Last major release:** 125 days ago

The publisher maintains a single flagship title with consistent updates to its AI engine and rule sets, with one major update in the last 6 months.

## Aggregated portfolio metrics

- **Total reviews (all apps):** 73,557
- **Weighted rating:** 4.35 / 5
- **Apps in portfolio:** 1

## Category breakdown

| Category | Apps | Share |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Games | 1 | 100% |

## Top apps

- **Go: Board Game** — Flagship title featuring the award-winning Aya Go engine with over 73k reviews.

## Signature patterns

- Integration of specialized, award-winning AI engines (e.g., Aya)
- Freemium monetization model with a focus on core gameplay utility
- Catering to a wide skill range from 8 kyu to 3 dan
- Focus on traditional board game mechanics with deep rule customization

## Bottom line

Stepan Grachev is a niche specialist leveraging proprietary, competition-winning AI to maintain a strong position in the digital Go category. Their focus on engine strength over visual flair creates a high-retention product for serious strategy enthusiasts.

---
© 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Publisher apps index](https://marlvel.ai/api/llm/publishers/stepan-grachev) | [Methodology](https://marlvel.ai/api/llm/methodology)
Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0.

---
© 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Full publisher profile](https://marlvel.ai/publishers/stepan-grachev) | [Publisher apps index](https://marlvel.ai/api/llm/publishers/stepan-grachev) | [Methodology](https://marlvel.ai/api/llm/methodology)
Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0.