Ras Al Khaimah resident Rashed Abdulla Almansoori noticed his three children, Omran, Edrees, and Haroon, engaging in late-night gaming competitions. He suggested they channel their gaming skills and enthusiasm into a collaborative venture rather than individual contests. This led to the inception of Kashkool Games, a studio dedicated to crafting games that authentically reflect the Middle East's rich narratives and heritage. Established in 2016 by the Almansoori siblings, Kashkool became the first Abu Dhabi-based game studio to gain international acclaim with its debut title, the Metroidvania Action-RPG Sheba: A New Dawn, launched in Spring 2024 for PCs and major gaming consoles.
Omran Almansoori, the 34-year-old CEO and founder of Kashkool Games, highlighted the support from Abu Dhabi Gaming, a government initiative aimed at transforming the emirate into a global gaming center. The initiative facilitated collaborations with Unity Technologies to enhance their projects. The brothers, with no prior industry experience, were encouraged by their father to venture into the private sector and pursue their dream of game development.
Growing up, the Almansoori brothers rarely encountered game characters or stories that truly represented UAE culture. Recognizing the Middle East's profound history and heritage, Kashkool aims to bridge this representation gap. Edrees Almansoori, a 32-year-old director and co-founder, expressed the studio's commitment to showcasing the region's talent and contributing to the global gaming market's growth.
Named after the Arabic term for 'scribble book', Kashkool Games draws inspiration from various video games to create immersive experiences. The founders, including 29-year-old Haroon Almansoori, faced challenges in a region lacking game development education and business frameworks. However, initiatives like the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, launched in November 2023, aim to elevate Dubai's status in the global gaming industry and support local talent.
Kashkool Games focuses on blending RPG styles with Middle Eastern themes, aiming to share the region's culture and history through engaging gameplay. The studio's debut was influenced by titles like Final Fantasy IX and Ragnarok Online. Omran Almansoori emphasized the region's potential to contribute to the global gaming landscape, highlighting the unique perspective of Middle Eastern gamers.
Sheba: A New Dawn has garnered international awards and recognition, underscoring Kashkool Games' success. For aspiring sibling teams, the advice is to start small, learn from errors, and gradually build expertise and projects.
