In this episode of The Ajyal Show, we level up with Fadi Soufi, a Qatari game developer whose path from software engineering to designing interactive worlds shows how curiosity, determination and resilience are the ultimate cheat codes for success.

Fadi’s passion for gaming began in his childhood, where the magic of shaping stories through pixels and play first took hold. Studying software engineering gave him a strong foundation, but Fadi stresses that dedication, more than formal training, is what truly opens doors in game design.

Now a seasoned developer, his greatest reward comes not from trophies but from witnessing players emotionally connect with his creations. For him, interactivity is the ultimate storytelling tool. One where environments, dialogue, and sound design work together to bring narrative depth to every scene.

Fadi discusses the unseen mechanics that make a game truly immersive, from haptic feedback to carefully tuned gameplay loops. He shares how Game Design Documents act as a guidebook for teams, ensuring everyone is playing together toward a shared vision. With Qatar’s gaming sector levelling up through local studios, rising e-sports, and community-driven initiatives, Fadi sees a bright future for the industry here.

His advice to beginners is simple: start small, practice mechanics, stay updated, and above all, keep pressing forward. Game development, he says, is a long campaign that demands patience and passion, but every step can bring its own unique rewards.

To learn more about Doha Film Institute's initiatives, workshops and funding that help support Qatar’s creative community, visit our website here.