As game developer Double Eleven’s associate producer for Rust Console Edition (a multiplayer survival video game), Zarifah Ismail believes that having a various skillset in any organisation is a bonus, and units you other than the gang.
“Having talents from a diverse skill set is great, especially in decision-making. Each individual brings a unique approach and ideas based on their own experiences, and this leads to more informed decisions as a team,” says the 28-year-old who works on the firm’s Kuala Lumpur workplace.
“This also helps in problem solving as we approach issues or challenges from various angles or perspectives, to come up with solutions that are more well-rounded,” she says.
“I believe this will help the team grow, as we all learn from each other’s strengths and approach,” she provides.
Her firm – which is headquartered in England – has achieved recognition throughout the trade by partnering with a few of the greatest builders and publishers, working on notable video games equivalent to Minecraft Dungeons, LittleBigPlanet and Fallout76.
For the longest time, it has been assumed that the game growth trade solely employs skills with particular skillsets and backgrounds, significantly these with related data and expertise in game growth, coding, and design. But as Zarifah has confirmed, a brand new technology of employees has introduced extra numerous skillsets and shifted mindsets when it comes to what a person can provide an organisation, and expanded the position of game growth studios to extra than simply making video games but in addition publishing and advertising and marketing them.
Zarifah is an associate producer for Rust Console Edition, a multiplayer survival video game. Photo: Double Eleven Ltd & Facepunch Studios Ltd
Zarifah, who was born in Kuantan, Pahang, and has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland, New Zealand and ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) with UOW KDU College, speaks from expertise as she jumped from a special trade to the game growth world.
“Although I naturally gravitated towards a role in accounting and worked in corporate planning after graduating, as an avid gamer for the last 20 years, I’ve always been drawn to the gaming industry,” she shares.
“The more games I play, the more curious I’ve become. I’ve always wondered how games are made, what are the qualities that make a game great, and more,” she says, admitting that it has been her dream since childhood to work within the game trade in the future.
But though she has recognized about Double Eleven, since she began her job search in 2020 by way of the video games that she performs, it wasn’t until a lot later that she made the transfer.
When her first try making use of to the corporate for a job wasn’t profitable, she took it as a chance to achieve extra work publicity earlier than making an attempt once more in 2023 and this time, she made it.
“Making the change wasn’t easy but my colleagues have been a great help. I was given the space to learn and grow into my role. My peers have also always been ready to lend a helping hand and teach me the ropes,” she shares.
Diversity objectives
Zarifah believes that to achieve success in life, it is essential for ladies to know and embrace their circumstances, and take calculated dangers.Being in a position to work with and be taught from a various group of people that every have completely different skillsets and experience has helped me to excel in what I do, she says.
Zarifah comes from a household of 5, and has two older sisters. Growing up in a female-strong family has taught her that no matter gender, something and every part is achievable so long as one works for it.
She says that there’s extra variety and inclusivity in game growth as we speak in comparison with beforehand, with extra ladies taking over profession alternatives within the trade. She says that she hasn’t felt a lot discrimination in her office.
“As a people-first company with a diverse workforce, everyone here is given equal opportunity and treatment, regardless of gender or nationality/ethnicity.”
However, Zarifah admits that in her personal {and professional} life, like many different ladies, she has confronted the social stigma and been advised that constructing her profession is only a “gig” and that ultimately, she’ll go away the workforce, or work much less, when she will get married and has kids.
She has additionally discovered that as a feminine, her opinions are typically thought to be much less essential than these of her male counterparts.
“Fortunately, I’m blessed with a good support system from other women and male allies who have supported and advocated for me in my career,” she says.
“I believe the best way to deal with this is to educate people in order to dismantle such unconscious biases and to continuously advocate for the opinions of my fellow women peers, just as they’ve done for me,” she provides.
Zarifah says that though there’s a preconception that working in game growth means sacrificing work-life stability, that’s not the case for her.
“We have a flexible work schedule and this is helpful for me as I’m not a morning person. We also strive to avoid crunch time whenever possible, which means once our work hours are done, we can go off, without bringing our work home. This has given me ample time to pursue my hobbies, such as playing games!” she reveals.
Don’t be afraid to fail, as there are worthwhile classes to be learnt after every failure. Try and check out once more till you degree up, says Zarifah.
Zarifah believes that to achieve success, it’s essential for ladies to know and embrace their circumstances, and take calculated dangers.
“Grab the opportunities that come your way. It’s alright to be afraid but you need to face your fears, know your strengths and have confidence in yourself.”
She provides that it’s essential to be adaptable and embrace lifelong studying.
“Stay curious and have an open mind. Don’t be afraid to fail, as there are valuable lessons to be learnt after each failure. Try and try again until you level up.”
She concludes {that a} robust assist system is important.
“This can be your family, friends and/or colleagues. I’m especially grateful for great colleagues who have taught, supported, and advocated for me. I’ve learnt a lot from them, and I hope to continue to learn and grow with them.”
