Abubakar Salim Exposes Challenges Faced by Surgent Studios
- Abubakar Salim released the game 'Tales of Kenzera: Zau' in April 2024.
- Surgent Studios, co-founded by Salim, faces significant funding challenges and online harassment.
- Despite obstacles, Salim is committed to developing new projects and addressing representation in gaming.
In April 2024, Abubakar Salim, known for his role in 'House of the Dragon', released the game 'Tales of Kenzera: Zau.' Salim transitioned into game development with Surgent Studios, where they have struggled with funding and faced significant online harassment. The studio sought assistance from EA Originals, aimed at supporting small projects, yet encountered criticisms related to their connection with consultancy Sweet Baby Inc. Salim has openly addressed the relentless backlash directed towards his studio, linking it to broader societal issues and minority representation in games. Despite these hardships, Salim remains committed to his projects, including the follow-up game 'Project Uso,' which aims to enrich the narrative universe established in 'Zau.' He expressed a desire to explore more diverse experiences within their game worlds. The struggles of Surgent Studios echo a larger trend within the gaming industry, where smaller developers often encounter funding crises and disproportionate criticism, particularly when attempting to address representation. As the gaming landscape continues to shift, the financial viability for indie developers like Salim's studios remains uncertain, marked by competitive pressures and the need for sustainable support. Moving forward, Salim insists that perseverance is crucial in the face of adversity, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in game development.