Abubakar Salim Channels Grief into Creation of New Video Game
Actor Abubakar Salim, known for his roles in various films, TV series, and video games, has channelled his experience of losing his father into creating his first video game. Salim, 30, shared a deep connection with his father, Ali Salim, over their love for games during his upbringing in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.
Recently, Salim took the stage at the Video Game Awards in Los Angeles to unveil “Tales of Kenzera: ZAU.” Describing his experience, he said, “I felt like I was being naked on stage.” The loss of his father to cancer in 2013 was a turning point for him, challenging cultural expectations around expressing grief and emotions.
In 2019, Salim founded Surgent Studios and embarked on developing a game that would allow him to navigate and express his feelings of loss. He described the game as a conversation with his father, incorporating memories and unspoken words.
Despite having no previous background in game development, Salim’s diverse acting portfolio includes TV shows like “Black Mirror,” “Jamestown,” and “Raised By Wolves,” as well as a voice and motion capture role in the 2017 video game “Assassins Creed Origins.” He is also set to appear in the upcoming “House of Dragon” season, a prequel to “Game of Thrones.”
Salim highlighted the unique storytelling power of video games, where players actively engage with the characters’ journeys. His studio’s game, “Zau,” falls into the Metroidvania genre, characterized by exploration, item discovery, and revisiting areas to unlock new paths. Salim believes this gameplay style parallels the experience of grief, where players navigate a confusing world, find tools, and often retrace their steps, mirroring the process of dealing with loss.
Despite its roots in personal tragedy, Salim emphasizes that “Tales of Kenzera: ZAU” is as much a celebration of life as a therapeutic exploration of grief. The game, he says, celebrates the relationships we cherish.
“Tales of Kenzera: ZAU” will be released on 23 April.
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