In a recent conversation, Minhaz Fahme, author and CEO of Battery Low Interactive Ltd., shared his journey and opinions on the evolution of game development and the innovative influence on the industry. His narrative offers an interesting view on how people’s experiences influence their career choices, how it is important to change according to the audience and the future of technology in gaming.
First, Minhaz recounted how he started playing video games at an early age and how this led him to want to become a game developer. He spent his childhood in Bangladesh where he could not always afford to buy gaming consoles and at times had to borrow them from friends to escape into the various worlds. His passion for games increased as he played games like “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and he wanted to build something that would make players happy. Despite the fact that there were no game design universities in Bangladesh at the time, Minhaz taught himself the C programming language and even created a game during his university days. This foundation provided the basis for his eventual entry into the gaming industry.
When Minhaz moved on from being a casual gamer to a professional game developer, he observed many changes in the gaming industry that opposed a new developing game studio. One of the most important changes that he noticed has been the changing of audience. He pointed out that the gamers’ population is getting younger and therefore the games must be developed to meet this new audience. This has resulted in more focus being made on integrating new ideas from the younger members of the development teams. Minhaz admitted that he enjoys working with young people, but this shift has become necessary for success in the commercial gaming world as well as giving him a hurdle to overcome in the effort of appealing to those audiences.
In discussing the impact of technology, Minhaz highlighted the rise of mobile gaming. He pointed out that although mobile gaming is easily accessible, it is not always as engaging as it is on the bigger platforms. This is in line with a larger debate within the industry about how to maintain innovation while also preserving the fundamentals of gaming experiences. In response to that question posed, Minhaz delved into the innovative technologies of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to implement in his own games. He explained how his company has gone out into the community to take AR and VR technologies to schools and colleges, and have students experience these new, accessible forms of gaming first hand. He believed that AR is an effective learning tool which can deliver information in a more engaging and long lasting manner than conventional approaches. Using the success of games like Pokémon Go to show just how much AR can not only change gaming but also education.
In the future, Minhaz is envisioning a world in which the gaming experiences will be improved by technological developments especially with respect to lighter and more energy efficient devices like mixed reality glasses. He predicted that these devices would in due course outcompete smartphones as new means of producing highly engaging games. His optimism towards the future is dampened by the understanding of the risks that come with innovation. He noted that any form of disruption in any sector comes with its consequences and complications and compared them to principles of physics, entropy and Newton’s laws of motion. Minhaz argues that while the path of entrepreneurship and innovation is fraught with difficulties, it is also ripe with opportunities for growth and success.
In terms of advice for aspiring game developers and entrepreneurs, Minhaz emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability. He encourages young innovators to envision potential challenges and prepare accordingly. By setting milestones and regularly evaluating progress, they can navigate the often tumultuous journey of entrepreneurship. He believes that every effort, whether successful or not, contributes to valuable learning experiences that can inform future endeavors.
In conclusion, I believe Fahme’s insights underscore the pivotal role of innovation in the gaming industry. His journey from a passionate gamer to a developer reflects a broader narrative of growth, adaptation, and the continuous evolution of technology. As the industry moves forward, embracing new technologies and audiences while fostering creative and business acumen will be crucial for success. His experiences and philosophy serve as an inspiration for the next generation of game developers and entrepreneurs, reinforcing the notion that with creativity and perseverance, the possibilities in the gaming industry are limitless.
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