Abubakar Salim
Surgent Studios
Abubakar Salim is the CEO and Creative Director at Surgent Studios.
A BAFTA nominated actor, Salim has recently starred in the coveted role of ‘Father’ in Ridley Scott’s 10 part sci-fi drama series RAISED BY WOLVES, which premiered on HBO Max. Within the games industry, his work spans from Blizzard’s World of Warcraft, Diablo IV, and most notably playing Bayek in Assassin’s Creed: Origins.
In 2020 Salim was chosen as one of BAFTAs Breakthrough Brits and was revealed at the London Games Festival as one of eight industry faces of Games London Ensemble. He was recently announced as a new cast member on HBO’s House of the Dragon, in which he will portray Alyn of Hull.
Abubakar Salim is speaking at the following session/s
The Realities of Starting a Game Studio - From Knowing Nothing to Too Much
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with Abu, the visionary founder of Surgent Studios, where a simple idea blossomed into an immersive game. Abu will recount the journey from concept to shipping, exploring the challenges and triumphs of scaling a studio from a team of four to forty. Delve into the intricacies of running a studio, from securing funding to fostering a culture of innovation.
Explore The Legacy of Kenzera: Zau, a game that delves deep into themes of grief and loss within African culture and mythology. Discover how personal experiences influenced its mechanics and art style, infusing raw emotion into interactive gameplay while drawing inspiration from diverse traditions and folklore.
Whether you're an aspiring developer or a seasoned professional, this chat promises to reignite your passion for game development and inspire your own journey. Join Abu as he reveals the realities, challenges, and joys of bringing dreams to life in the dynamic world of gaming.
Session Takeaway
- Understand Game Development: Learn how games are made, from idea to launch, handling challenges, growing a team, and fostering creativity.
- Personal Stories Influence: See how personal experiences and culture shape games, affecting themes, mechanics, art, and storytelling.
- Get Inspired: Feel encouraged to start making games with practical tips, real stories, and a focus on storytelling's power in gaming.
Session speakers
