ILHAM: A New Game Studio Blending Middle Eastern and South Asian Cultures in Gaming

Sajid Farooq and James Rackliffe, both with impressive backgrounds in the tech and gaming industries, have come together to launch a new game studio in Richmond, Virginia. Their venture, named ILHAM, aims to produce games deeply rooted in Middle Eastern and Indian subcontinental cultures. With over two decades of expertise accumulated at major technology and gaming companies, Farooq and Rackliffe are leveraging their skills to develop their first game.

This title is envisioned as an open-world survival experience that offers players a unique environment influenced by Middle Eastern and South Asian traditions. The aim behind their project is ambitious. Farooq expressed a desire to go beyond merely entertaining players. Instead, he envisions creating an experience that resonates with them long after gameplay concludes. The team aspires to strike a balance between enjoyment and offering deeper layers of spiritual insight through the narrative.

Rackliffe shared his excitement about exploring Middle Eastern lore, which he feels has been underrepresented in the Western gaming scene, emphasizing the rich history, mysticism, and spirituality to be found. While specifics about the game's title and release date remain undisclosed, the team assures fans that it will be available on consoles and PC once it launches. Below is a glimpse of concept art from this exciting new project: