Asif G

We were lucky enough to chat with Asif G!

QRM: Can you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do in the games industry?

Asif: I'm a university student and hobbyist game developer who currently is working on a fantasy visual novel called One Thousand and One Days. 1001 Days is an accumulation of everything I love, (fantasy, Islamic and Persian mythology, and LGBT goodness). It is also a vehicle to encourage other creators of colour to develop and publish games - especially stories based from their own culture. Being able to connect with your culture is something I consider vital to having a positive social capital, and since it took a long time for me to accept and connect to mine I hope that 1001 Days will encourage people to seek out answers about themselves!

QRM: What about the games industry excites and inspires you?

Asif: The availability of resources and the helpfulness of the indie game community.

QRM: What about the games industry frustrates or disappoints you? What are the challenges you’re currently facing in the industry?

Asif: The racism in the industry is the most frustrating part, and one I'm severely effected by. Since 1001 Days has a cast where the majority are characters of colour, and I'm a person of colour myself, it's extremely hard to get the attention of the media. Being a POC and also of the LGBT community, and making games really creates such a difficult terrain to navigate. There's a lot of obstacles in your way of success, and it can become extremely demoralizing to continue when there's zero or little support.

QRM: If you could make one roadblock magically disappear from the games industry, what would you choose and why?

Asif: I would love for POC to be able to more successful in marketing and funding their games.

QRM: What message would you give to allies—both individuals and companies—who want to know how to support marginalised people better?

Asif: If you see a creator of colour or an LGBT creator trying to market their game, uplift them! Share with people you know, on your social media pages - just getting people interested and spreading the word can help immensely!

QRM: What message would you give to marginalised people who are working in games or would like to work in games?

Asif: It's a tough job to do, and sometimes you'll want to give up because it's so hard. You work tirelessly on your creation, pour your heart out into it, only for it to get brushed off - it's such a painful feeling. But don't give up, don't let your vision get clouded with what is. Remember what can be. Remember what you started and remember your strengths!

QRM: If people want to find and support you and your work, how can they do that?

Asif: On Twitter, Tumblr, itch.io or Patreon!