For women aspiring to enter the game development industry in Pakistan, Wajeeha’s story is particularly inspirational. She shines a light on the cultural battles they must fight, from overcoming entrenched stereotypes to challenging societal norms that often underestimate their capabilities

 

From Karachi to Code: A Woman's Journey in Game Development
By Urooj Iqbal
Karachi

In a world where video games are often seen as mere entertainment, breaking into the game development industry requires more than technical skills, especially as a woman. It demands passion, resilience, and the courage to defy societal norms. I interviewed Wajeeha Iftikhar, a solo game developer based in Karachi. She shares her story of navigating the Pakistani gaming industry, overcoming stereotypes, and creating games that resonate with cultural heritage and personal passion. Let’s explore her story and discover the resilience and creativity that drive her to make a mark in the gaming industry, and be inspired by her dedication to bringing cultural heritage to life through her craft.

A Background of Passion and Perseverance

Growing up in Karachi as an only child, she often turned to video games to fill the gap by not having siblings to share activities with. Her father, an IT professional who retired from the Air Force, is her initial and long-term inspiration. His long career in IT naturally influenced her own career path. However, it wasn’t until 2019, a decade after graduating with a Bachelor's in Computer Science, that she fully embraced game development—a field she regrets not discovering sooner. The hint was always there, as evidenced by her Final Year Project: a simplified form of Brick Breaker.

Influences and Inspirations

While no specific developers influenced her initially, her father’s IT background was her primary inspiration, as was her mother's emphasis on working hard and good education. Early in her career, she discovered Brackey’s tutorials, which were pivotal. Over time, other influencers like Thomas Brush and Lost Relic Games also made an impact. As an action game enthusiast, classics like Mortal Kombat and Prince of Persia 2008 were significant influences. However, watching Chinese dramas and discovering "A Chinese Ghost Story" reshaped her perspective, inspiring her to create games that reflect our culture and heritage.

Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in the Gaming Industry

The stereotypes surrounding video games and development work were her biggest hurdles. The notion that women can’t excel in development work is prevalent in Pakistan. Overcoming the skepticism from family and friends about leaving a well-established job for a “useless” pursuit was a never-ending struggle. Expanding her horizon by joining international game development groups on social media and IGDA Pakistan helped her find a supportive community that valued her work regardless of her gender.

Working as a woman developer in Pakistan presents unique challenges. The stereotype that women’s brains aren’t built for logic still lingers, and most women in computer-related fields tend to gravitate towards teaching or non-technical paths. The lack of proper resources and educational programs in game development further complicates the industry. Currently working alone, she faces the dual-edged sword of independence—while she enjoys full control over her work, she misses the collaborative aspects of brainstorming and professional feedback.

Crucial Skills and Experiences

Joining the Unity Developers group on Facebook and creating a Discord ID were pivotal for her growth. These platforms provided encouragement, support, and valuable feedback. Pursuing a PGD in Media & Arts also broadened her understanding of the Computer Arts industry, indirectly enhancing her game development skills. Applying to a startup incubator and facing unrealistic expectations taught her valuable lessons about the industry’s realities. Overcoming early career challenges, such as debugging issues and releasing her first game, reinforced her resilience and determination.

Inspired by games like Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, she set out to create a colorful and dynamic game reminiscent of classics like Mario. Despite numerous challenges and the solo nature of her work, she managed to release an Early Access version of her game within six months. While it had its shortcomings, the achievement of launching it as a solo developer was immensely gratifying. You can check out her game here. ( https://store.steampowered.com/app/2214570/Adventures_of_Red_and_Carmine/ )

While no specific developers influenced her initially, her father’s IT background was her primary inspiration, as was her mother's emphasis on working hard and good education

Currently, she's working on her second game, a metroidvania RPG adventure, where a female protagonist sets out on a dangerous journey to rescue her sister from the clutches of the evil vampire queen. She's also working on a short 3D Halloween-themed game with a friend (this writer).

Advice for Aspiring Game Developers

Start with the basics and see projects through to completion. Planning, note-taking, and perseverance are key.

Embrace the motto: “Dream big, start small, but most importantly, START.”

Keeping up with industry trends is crucial. Regularly visiting platforms like Steam and Epic stores, watching game release videos, and staying connected with the gaming community are effective ways to stay updated. While times have been tough since COVID-19, the motivation from friends and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges keep her going.

Game development requires time, hard work, and the ability to face unexpected situations head-on. Balancing practicality with passion, maintaining determination, and honing planning skills are essential. Face challenges, but don’t be too stubborn, and make decisions that consider both personal and professional well-being.

As Wajeeha continues to break barriers and redefine the role of a game developer in Pakistan, her story serves as a powerful testament to the impact of passion, resilience, and cultural storytelling. For women aspiring to enter the game development industry in Pakistan, Wajeeha’s story is particularly inspirational. She shines a light on the cultural battles they must fight, from overcoming entrenched stereotypes to challenging societal norms that often underestimate their capabilities. These women are not just creating games; they are carving out spaces in a male-dominated industry and proving that creativity and technical prowess know no gender.

(Urooj Iqbal manages marketing and PR for game studios and is an active member of the IGDA Pakistan board and serves as an ambassador for Women in Games)