Software Engineer

I had the privilege of being a guest on Tunisia's National Radio show "Digital Studio," hosted by the esteemed Mr. Zeher Ben Hmida. Renowned for his expertise, Mr. Ben Hmida led a compelling dialogue where I discussed the inception and mission of my project, OKTun, aiming to enrich technological learning and proficiency.

I shared OKTun's journey, detailing the creation of 13 educational videos, and compared its potential impact to big game successes like GTA 5, highlighting their remarkable first-day sales and what this signifies for the industry.

In "Digital Studio," we delved into the significant potential of the video game industry to transform Tunisia's economy. Discussing the journey of OKTun, I emphasized how such educational platforms can catalyze the development of high-caliber talent within the country. We examined the global success of major titles, using the phenomenal sales of games like GTA 5 as benchmarks for what the Tunisian game industry could aspire to. By nurturing a robust gaming sector, we discussed how Tunisia could harness this creative industry's economic benefits, potentially opening new avenues for growth and international recognition. The conversation also touched upon the aspirations for Tunisian developers to make a profound impact on the economy through innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship. This is about more than just games; it's about cultivating an industry that can contribute substantially to the national economy and put Tunisia on the global map of game development.

On "Talk Economy," hosted by Professor Afef Khenissi, we delved into Tunisia's video game development landscape of 2022. I brought perspectives as a game developer and the founder of OKTun project, aiming to revolutionize tech education since January 2022, aspiring to be the top choice for learning advanced tech skills.

Highlighting the contrast between Tunisia's budding game industry and global benchmarks, I acknowledged our growth and the urgent need to elevate our educational system to cultivate top-tier future developers.

My engagement with the growing community of Arab YouTubers and gamers has been a driving force in the evolution of video game development in Tunisia. The impact of these communities is palpable, providing sustained growth and increased visibility for our local developers. Through dynamic exchanges and collaborations, a supportive and inspiring gaming culture is emerging, nurturing emerging talent. The quality of education, a crucial pillar for skill development, was also a key topic. I discussed the need for educational reform that would align curricula with contemporary technical demands and strengthen the profiles of Tunisian students and developers. By investing in education and harnessing the positive influence of Arab content creators, we're laying the foundation for a future where Tunisia stands out as a competitive force in international video game development. We're in a period of transformation, marked by a growing recognition of our potential and initiatives aimed at building an innovative, sustainable technological ecosystem.

Being invited to Droiday9, hosted by the Android Club of INSAT, was a significant honor. This event, set in one of Tunisia's finest engineering universities, offered a platform for intergenerational dialogue and technological showcase, marking a highlight in my professional journey as a game developer.

As a speaker, I recounted my professional journey, offering insights into game development for mobile and PC platforms, and shared valuable tips on acing job interviews and seizing better career opportunities.

Serving on the jury alongside two esteemed professors was an enriching experience, engaging in thoughtful deliberation to select the hackathon winners. The decision was challenging, given the exceptional quality of the projects presented by the participants. The interaction with young developers and educators alike was a testament to the vibrant potential of our technological community. This event was not just about competition; it was a celebration of innovation, a confluence of experience and new perspectives, and an opportunity to foster a collaborative spirit in the tech arena. My gratitude extends to all the teams and organizers for the chance to contribute and witness the ingenuity of our nation's aspiring engineers. It was a day of affirmation that the future of tech in Tunisia is in capable hands, and events like these are pivotal in building a strong, interconnected community committed to progress and excellence.

Representing Tunisia at the #ICCIA webinar was a moment of immense pride. I engaged in a lively discussion about Tunisia's game development scene, sharing our strides and exploring future enhancements, with the aim to shine on an international stage.

I'm grateful for the exchange with distinguished peers like Mr. Saeed Sharaf and Mr. Shahzar Roslan, and for ICCIA's dedication to industry growth, which made this event a hub of shared expertise and visionary ideas.

The #ICCIA webinar was a catalyst for showcasing Tunisian innovation in the virtual realm, alongside leading figures from the Islamic world and the Middle East game industry. Contributions from visionaries like Mr. Saeed Sharaf, CEO of Esports Middle East, Mr. Shahrizar Roslan, co-founder of Kaigan Games, and Mr. Jihed Jaouabi, founder and CEO at Lanterns Studios, enriched the dialogue. The insightful moderation by Mr. Amir Azlan Bin Sapuan, Head of Games Digital Content Development at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, steered the conversation towards the future of gaming. I extend heartfelt thanks to the ICCIA team and Ms. Nourane Mansour for the opportunity to be part of such a significant event. This collaborative venture not only highlighted the potential of Tunisian game development but also paved the way for continued innovation and progress within the international sphere. It's through these gatherings that we can collectively aspire to and achieve remarkable milestones in the gaming industry.

At GoMyCode's Summer Academy 2020, I embarked on a fulfilling journey as an instructor, introducing the wonders of game creation using Unity and C# to a young, eager audience. Guiding the next generation through the basics of programming, I witnessed the birth of potential and the spark of innovation.

The experience was immensely gratifying, culminating in each student developing their own project. As their mentor, I navigated them through challenges and celebrated their progress, marveling at their ingenuity and growth.

Teaching at the Game Development Summer Academy was a testament to the bright future of technology. These young minds, undeterred by the complexity of coding languages and development environments, embraced the learning process with enthusiasm. As their instructor, I not only taught them the mechanics of Unity but also the spirit of perseverance. The joy was palpable as each student shaped their ideas into digital realities, culminating in a project uniquely their own. Their final presentations were a showcase of creativity and dedication—a true reflection of their potential. When the course concluded, I had the honor of presenting certificates, a symbolic gesture marking their first milestone in what I hope will be a lifelong journey of innovation and discovery. This experience affirmed my belief that with the right guidance and support, our future generation will not just consume technology but will also contribute to its evolution.

Invited by Mr. Seif Islem Messaoudi, CEO of The VastLight, I spoke on uniting Tunisian Game Developers and Artists. Discussing our community's potential, I highlighted how The VastLight's launch could become a pivotal hub for job opportunities and industry growth.

I detailed the mutual benefits of our partnership with The VastLight and revisited the OKTun project's mission to advance tech education and professional development in game design and development.

The VastLight Platform Launch was a spotlight moment for discussing the Tunisian Game Developers and Game Artists-Community, an initiative I'm proud to have founded. I shared our vision of how this platform would foster unity within the community, helping members find jobs and propel the industry forward. Our conversation extended to the partnership with The VastLight, which promises to be a cornerstone for collaboration and advancement. Delving into the intricacies of my role in the OKTun project, I reflected on the multifaceted responsibilities I shouldered—from design and video editing to audio mixing. Each challenge faced was an opportunity to learn and grow, ultimately contributing to a wealth of experience. This journey was about more than just building a platform; it was about laying down a foundation for a thriving game development ecosystem in Tunisia, reinforcing the nation's presence on the global tech map.

The Tunisian Game Developers and Game Artists-Community hosted a live Facebook event, "Game Dev Talk 2022," featuring industry experts including AmenAllah Ben Achour, CEO of CGI Studio, known for PC, PS4, XBOXONE game creation, and 3D animation.

AmenAllah shared his journey from university struggles to founding CGI Studio, reflecting on the skepticism he overcame and the success he attained, inspiring many interns and graduates with his efforts and expertise.

The talk provided a deep dive into the personal and professional stories of our guests. AmenAllah Ben Achour recounted the early challenges of pioneering game development in Tunisia, a time when the industry was met with disbelief. His tenacity led to the establishment of CGI Studio, which has become a beacon for aspiring game developers, offering internships and invaluable experiences under his guidance. Oussama Khazri, founder of Dark Shader Studio, shared his passion that transcended from hobby to profession, crafting games like 'Haste', an innovative Android level-based runner played with two heroes. His narrative was a testament to the creativity and determination thriving within the Tunisian game development community. These stories not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also the collective progress of the industry, painting a promising picture of the future of game development in Tunisia.